**Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline Receives $40,000 Mission Development Grant**

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline Receives $40,000 Mission Development Grant**

**Columbia, NC –** The Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. This Mission Development Grant will empower the Hotline to create strategic plans and build essential partnerships to further advance its mission of supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Executive Director Janie Spencer-Gibbs recognized the critical need for safe housing in Tyrrell County, especially for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. With this in mind, she applied for the grant to help the agency develop a comprehensive strategy toward establishing a dedicated shelter in Tyrrell County.

“The funding from this grant is a crucial step towards achieving our ultimate goal of providing a ‘shelter’ in Tyrrell County,” said Spencer-Gibbs. “Families in crisis should never have to return to a violent home because they have nowhere else to go.”

Spencer-Gibbs expressed her gratitude for the support provided by the SECU Foundation. “We are deeply thankful to the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation for their commitment to helping our community,” she said. “Their support is especially meaningful to a small, rural town like Columbia, where resources are often limited. This grant brings us closer to ensuring that every family in crisis has a safe place to turn.”

The SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant will enable the Inner Banks Hotline to take significant steps toward achieving its vision of providing a safe haven for those in need, helping to build a stronger, safer community for all residents of Tyrrell County.

**For more information, please contact:**

Janie Spencer-Gibbs  
Executive Director, Inner Banks Hotline  
 

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**About Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline:**  
The Tyrrell County Inner Banks Hotline is dedicated to providing support and resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The agency offers a range of services to help families in crisis, including crisis intervention, advocacy, and community outreach.

**About the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation:**  
The SECU Foundation promotes local community development by providing grants and funding to initiatives that address critical community needs in North Carolina. The Foundation focuses on housing, education, health, and human services to enhance the quality of life for all residents.  

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