The event is an online fundraiser featuring a Giving Catalog where donors pick from 16 gifts they want to give to current and future residents at The Mary Parrish Center.
Residents who take the risk of leaving abusive situations often have only the clothes on their backs and what they can carry in their arms. Their abusers often still control their bank accounts, car leases, and other important parts of their lives. Even after escaping, survivors face ongoing harassment and stalking every single day.
All Housing Hope gifts reflect goods and services that residents need to start a new life — for themselves and their families — free from abuse. All gifts are also 100 percent tax deductible.
It is with profound respect and heartfelt remembrance that we announce our decision to posthumously award this year's Champion of Hope to a truly extraordinary individual and cherished former board member, Dr. Alyssa Dawn Lokits, Ph.D. The Champion of Hope is our organization's highest honor, bestowed upon an individual in the Nashville community who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and made a significant impact in support of survivors of interpersonal violence. Alyssa embodied the very spirit of this award throughout her life and her invaluable tenure as a board member of The Mary Parrish Center. Alyssa's unwavering commitment to our mission, her compassionate advocacy, and her tireless efforts on behalf of survivors left an indelible mark on our organization and the countless lives she touched. The nonprofit, Free to Move, was founded in her honor, reflecting her boundless love for others, her intellectual curiosity, and her deep commitment to progress. Alyssa was a strong, independent, and compassionate person who deeply cared about empowering others, especially women, focusing on their safety, support, and education. Her commitment continues to inspire us every day. Her dedication helped shape our organizational initiatives and strengthened our ability to provide vital comprehensive services to survivors of interpersonal and domestic violence. While we deeply mourn her loss, we are incredibly grateful for the legacy Alyssa left behind. This award serves not only as a testament to her remarkable contributions but also as a reminder of the enduring impact one person can have in fostering hope and healing within our community. We will formally present this award to Alyssa's family during Housing Hope on Wednesday, September 10 at Hillwood Country Club. We invite you to join us in honoring her memory and her extraordinary dedication to a cause that was so dear to her heart. |
2025 Events Hosts
Since 2002, The Mary Parrish Center has provided a full array of no-cost, comprehensive services to over 7,000 survivors of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or human trafficking.
Our survivor-focused program enhances our residents’ autonomy by nurturing their capacity to live independently from their abusers, establish self-sufficiency, and secure permanent housing.