The ceremony occurred at 10 a.m. at the Salvation Army’s main facility, 83 S. Main St.

Funding for the Anew Center was compiled from various agencies, granting foundations, and other key stakeholders. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) provided $4.4 million towards the $5.7 million project, which will create a 7-unit, 19-bed temporary housing shelter. The new shelter will also offer counseling services, legal assistance, and educational programs to support survivors of domestic violence.

After the ceremonial groundbreaking event, several guest speakers alluded to the efforts made by support personnel regarding the more than $5 million project, which will significantly expand the current facility’s housing and support capabilities and operational tempo.

Guest speakers included Jamestown Salvation Army’s Maj. John Merchant; Mayor Kim Ecklund; Mike Washburn, state assistant director of of Housing and Support Services; Gina Marie Tasca Burket, Chautauqua County Office of Children and Family Services, Gina Marie Tasca-Burket; Carmelo Hernandez, county mental health services commissioner; county Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, representing state Sen. George Borrello; James Feldman, representing County Executive PJ Wendel; Major Kevin Stoops, Salvation Army Empire State Division commander; Linda Swanson, Sheldon Foundation executive director; Tory Irgang, executive director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Paul Somers, Salvation Army Jamestown board chairman; state Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, R-Westfield, and a representative from Congressman Nick Langworthy.

Maj. John Merchant of the Salvation Army of Jamestown speaks after a ceremonial groundbreaking event for the army’s new $5.7 million Anew Domestic Violence Shelter Friday.

According to Ecklund, this project is not only near and dear to her, but its timing is perfect.

“April is both sexual abuse awareness month and child abuse awareness month,” she said. “The Jamestown Police responded in 2024 to 1,817 reports of domestic violence with 1,133 served by the police department domestic violence unit.”

Ecklund reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to continue working with and supporting places like the Anew Domestic Shelter.

“Places like the Anew Center are vital and essential,” she said.

“This shelter is a matter of life and death,” said Molitor. “Domestic abusers are cowards.”

Molitor then explained how victims of domestic violence may feel alone, but they should not because they have an army behind them – like the Salvation Army.

Merchant explained that building a new Anew Shelter has been a project 25 years in the making, and after many ups and downs, he is finally proud to break ground on this project.

“This shelter is a beacon of hope for many,” he said. “The Anew Shelter represents a safe haven for survivors of domestic violence, a place where they can find support, healing, and a new beginning. It symbolizes the community’s commitment to ending domestic violence and supporting those affected by it.”

According to breakthecycle.org, In the United States, nearly every 1 in 2 women and more than 2 in 5 men reported experiencing intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime. Every minute, 32 people experience intimate partner violence. More than 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from intimate partner abuse per year.

These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of domestic violence and the urgent need for shelters like Anew.

Women, in particular, are affected statistically more than men regarding domestic violence: Around 75% of fatal victims of domestic violence are women; 85% of domestic violence victims are women; In 2007, 24% of female homicide victims were killed by a spouse or ex-spouse; By 2019, nearly four women were murdered daily by intimate partners; Over 47% of women have encountered contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.

Additionally, according to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS), Almost 40 million women reported being slapped, pushed, or shoved; Almost half of all women reported psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime; More than 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from intimate partner abuse per year; Every minute, 32 people experience intimate partner violence in the United States (based on annualized report results.)

“Domestic violence victims could be our friends, co-workers, or family members,” said Ecklund.