Venture Construction Group of Florida Joins Forces to Support Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Commercial restoration company supports statewide initiatives for advocacy and prevention

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) supports Domestic Violence Awareness month and sponsors a variety of initiatives throughout the state aimed to reduce domestic violence, increase awareness and prevention.

“This issue is very near and dear to my heart. I lost my sister five years ago to domestic violence. We’re committed to increasing awareness and supporting a variety of advocacy groups throughout the state. This is profound work. It’s an honor to work for a company that truly gives back and partners with so many organizations to create positive change,” says Sandra Lawson, director of operations, Venture Construction Group of Florida, founder of Gemma’s Angels Foundation.

VCGFL kicked off the month at the Domestic Violence Council (DVC) of Palm Beach County Domestic Violence Awareness Month Opening Ceremony on Oct. 3 at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Training Division in West Palm Beach. The event highlighted the significant impact domestic violence has on the community. Attendees and speakers included representatives from Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), Audrey Mabrey of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Department of Children and Families, HomeSafe, Oasis Compassion, Palm Beach County Public Safety, Palm Beach County Victims Services, State of Florida Attorney General Office, State Attorney’s Office, YWCA of Palm Beach County. The event also honored recipients of the Barry Krischer/Domestic Violence Council Scholarship. The funds are dedicated to supporting youth and adult survivors of domestic violence with post-secondary education goals.

On the west coast, VCGFL sponsored the Legal Aid Service of Collier County (LASCC) Take a Stand Against Domestic Violence 5K Run/ Walk in Marco Island on Oct. 13 to benefit the LASCC Domestic Violence Unit. Legal Aid provides free civil legal advice, representation, and education to victims of domestic violence.

On Oct. 18, VCGFL held a Purple Pajama Party event at the Stuart office location to increase awareness and raise funds for Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA). The annual AVDA fundraising event supports programs to help families gain access to safe and secure living environments. AVDA program services director Jennifer Rey presented to staff on domestic violence issues.

VCGFL donated supplies, material and labor for an office renovation at the AVDA headquarters in Delray Beach. VCGFL added privacy walls to two offices, as well as a new door and window to one of the offices.

“Venture Construction Group of Florida is truly committed to helping the community. Their generous donation of supplies and labor for our office renovation is so very appreciated. Our new space is just beautiful! We have two ‘additional’ private offices thanks to their support! Given the nature of our work and the growing need for privacy in a crisis-oriented environment, it’s a blessing to have these ‘new’ offices. Simple things like walls, doors and windows really help with our advocacy efforts. VCGFL worked with us to determine our needs and made great use of our space,” says Jennifer Rey, program services director, Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse.

According to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 2016-17 annual report, 5,212 requests for emergency shelter went unmet due to lack of capacity and resources.

“By speaking out about domestic violence, we promote awareness and prevention. By shedding light on the issue, we hope to empower survivors and help strengthen them on their journey towards healing. It’s essential these individuals and families have access to resources,” says Stephen Shanton, president, Venture Construction Group of Florida.

A major advocate for community giving, VCGFL supports numerous charities annually throughout the state.

About Venture Construction Group of Florida

Founded in 1998, Venture Construction Group of Florida (VCGFL) is an award-winning leader in construction, restoration, renovations, roofing, storm damage repairs, and 24/7 emergency services throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Specializing in industrial/ commercial projects, VCGFL assists property managers, condominium boards, homeowner associations, association boards, hotels and business complexes with general contractor services, specialty construction, historical restoration, water and flood mitigation, and property repairs due to fire, flood, water, wind and hurricanes. VCGFL holds leading industry awards including the Coatings Pro Contractor Award, Pro Remodeler Forty Under 40 Award, Qualified Remodeler Top 500 Remodelers Award, Qualified Remodeler Master Design Award, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association S.T.A.R. Spotlight Trophy for the Advancement of Roofing Awards in Sustainability and Community Service. CEO Stephen Shanton is a proud member of the prestigious Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). Entrepreneur Magazine hails “YEC Consists of Some of the Most Well-Respected Minds in Entrepreneurship.” With offices in Boca Raton, Ft. Myers, Inlet Beach, Naples, Orlando, Stuart, Tampa, San Juan, and Nassau, VCGFL is committed to operational excellence and exceptional customer service. VCGFL takes care of the details every step of the way including roofing, siding, windows, drywall, flooring, paint, gutters to rebuilding properties after major storm events from hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. VCGFL carries the industry’s leading accreditations and is an exclusive certified National Storm Damage Center Preferred Contractor, Windstorm Insurance Network WIND Certified Umpire®, WIND Certified Appraiser®, WIND Certified Fellow®, Certified Member of the United Association of Storm Restoration Contractors, Platinum Preferred Certified Contractor with the National Insurance Restoration Council. VCGFL is a proud member of Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA), Restoration Industry Association (RIA), Property Liability and Resource Bureau (PLRB), Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Industry Members Association (EIMA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). VCGFL is a registered U.S. Federal Government Contractor and holds leading certifications including Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Mule-Hide Legacy Contractor, Certified CertainTeed Contractor and Duro-Last Certified Contractor status. VCGFL credentials have been vetted and screened through independent third party Global Risk Management Solutions. For more information call 866-459-8351 or visit us online at www.VCGFL.com.

About the Domestic Violence Council (DVC)

The Domestic Violence Council is comprised of voluntary members from within the Palm Beach County area who work together to provide awareness and end domestic violence in their communities. DVC reduces the impact of violence on families by coordinating a dedicated, community-based response through advocacy, prevention, and education. Learn more by visiting the Facebook page, or send an email to dvcouncilofpalmbeachcounty@gmail.com.

About Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)

AVDA has been a safe haven for thousands of victims of domestic abuse. Adults and children are provided 24-hour, 7 days a week emergency shelter, crisis counseling, food, clothing, individual and group counseling services. AVDA promotes violence-free relationships and social change by offering alternative choices to end violence and domestic abuse. Learn more at www.AVDAOnline.org.

About Legal Aid South Collier County LASCC

Legal Aid Service of Collier County is a private, non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to Collier County residents who face matters of life-changing significance. Legal Aid provides a critical safety net for the community by serving thousands of economically needy residents in Collier County. Learn more at www.CollierLegalAid.org.