News Directions Center and JMU partnered in a new art exhibit currently on display at the Waynesboro Public Library highlighting issues with domestic abuse in our community.
The exhibit, featuring art inspired by domestic abuse survivors and the work of New Directions, opened on Monday, and will be on display through Sept. 30.
New Directions data tells us that in the 2025-2026 fiscal year – July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 – the center received 1,459 domestic abuse hotline calls, provided 2,355 counseling sessions and 320 court accompaniments, and sheltered 43 adults and 23 children.
In total, New Directions supported 935 domestic abuse survivors in that 12-month time frame.
“Every semester we’ll have professors reach out saying, ‘Is there anything you are interested in us working on?’” said Kaitlyn Hammer, community engagement and volunteer program coordinator at New Directions. “It could range from a communications class, a literature class, public relations or recreational therapy.
“I think they all came to a conclusion to focus on an art series that could symbolize the impact of domestic violence,” said Hammer, who feels that the art exhibit can draw attention to an important community issue.
“It feels like it’s been a long time coming,” Hammer said. “We’re really excited to increase our visibility in the public, not only on who we are and what we do, but that this type of project is important, because it’s in our community.”
Rachel McDowell, the outreach and engagement coordinator at the Waynesboro Public Library, feels like hosting exhibits like this are a necessity for her library.
“At Waynesboro Public Library, our mission is to connect people with information, resources, entertainment, and each other,” McDowell said. “Hosting important displays such as this one with New Directions Center allows us to do just that by highlighting local resources and sharing stories with our community.”
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Chris Graham
