GREEN COVE SPRINGS— For 35 years, Quigley House has worked to help piece back together the lives of those who have suffered from domestic and sexual assault. 

And there’s much more to come. 

Many local events and initiatives are in the works for Clay’s only dual certified domestic violence and sexual assault center, and staff said they are excited for what it will bring. 

From Feb. 24 to Mar. 7, Greater Good Charities will be doing renovation on the shelter’s cat house and dog kennel. 

Grants Compliance Specialist Angelica Schriefer said the charity is known for traveling around the country to various domestic violence shelters and animal shelters to help them become more pet-friendly. 

“Approximately forty percent of our calls, when our survivors call in and they're looking for shelter, they are looking to be able to bring their pets with them,” said Director of Domestic Violence Services Tonya Freeland. “More often than not, they refuse to leave their situation because they don’t want to leave their pet behind.” 

She said that since the shelter offers those services, it sets them apart tremendously.

On Mar. 29 at the Trinity Community Church in Fleming Island, the nonprofit will be hosting their Rockin’ Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to noon. From clothing, art supplies and furniture to kitchen items, books and electronics, there will be much to sift through. Featuring a live DJ and a bake sale, all proceeds will go toward survivors in the county. 

Director of Development Jackie Krug said that with the closing of the Quigley House Thrift Store in Orange Park, the organization is limited on storage. Krug said the sale will assist with filtering through what they have on hand, while also raising money for a good cause. 

Following that, there will also be a “Serve for Survivors” pickleball tournament on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park.

Players will participate in the games while spreading awareness through community support. 

April also happens to be Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Sarah Halpert said that, throughout the month, the organization has some initiatives planned to spread awareness, including the In Their Shoes campaign. 

“We're asking survivors to give a testimonial anonymously of their story and decorate a pair of shoes,” Halpert said. “We’re going to have them on display at the courthouse, so people can read, and see, what our survivors have gone through.” 

For their "Colored Silence" initiative, Halpert said the organization plans to get youth involved in a rock-painting event. All of the decorated rocks placed around the community will have the shelter’s hotline number: (904) 284-0061. 

“Just trying to do everything we can to get out in the community [and] get the word out about our services,” Halpert said. “Let them know that we're here for them.” 

Tickets for the pickleball tournament are $50 per player. You can register by visiting www.quigleyhouse.org or scanning the QR code in the flyer (pictured). The non-profit is also looking for sponsors for the event. If you are interested, email development@quigleyhouse.org. 

CEO Julia Edwards said she’s hoping that the events will not only help further their mission but also reach out to the community and save the organization from a potential loss of federal funding.

“We need that private funding, so we can continue to do what we do,” Edwards said. “We don’t want to cut services, we don’t want to have to cut staffing. We want to continue to grow."