More than 100 community members gathered together Friday, Oct. 17, to offer a strong showing of support at the 10th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Ceremony in Logan County to honor survivors and advocates and in recognition of the ongoing journey to end domestic violence.
The ceremony marked this meaningful milestone, reflecting on a decade of service and healing, TCN Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Center Program Director Debbie Brownlee said during the event at Lutheran Community Services.
“Ten years ago, in October is when we announced to the community that the Ohio General’s Office had awarded us the VOCA Grant — our first federal grant that I call the ‘grand mama grant’ of all grants.
“That was the beginning of finding a location for the shelter and hiring a team to run it.”
The VOCA Grant was signed into law by President Reagan in Oct of 1984 and is solely funded through felony fines and fees.
Through this grant funding, the Soteria House shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault opened in April of 2016 at an undisclosed location in Logan County. The word “Soteria” comes from the Greek language and means “deliverance from harm” and “spirit of safety.”
“These powerful words are at the heart of everything we do,” Brownlee said. “The advocates at Soteria House and our outreach office, New Directions, are committed to helping survivors create new, safe, and sustainable lives—lives free from fear and violence.”
Recognizing the importance of advocates within the community, the ceremony included the annual presentation of awards, including the Liz Parker Community Hero Award, named in honor of Parker, who passed away Dec. 5, 2017. She worked for 11 years at the Logan County Common Pleas Court, and six years as a victim witness advocate for the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office.
The 2025 Liz Parker Community Hero Award was presented to Assistant Logan County Prosecutor Nathan Yohey.
Yohey served for nearly a decade as an assistant prosecutor in Franklin County, and now, “we are incredibly fortunate to have him here in Logan County, where his work has made a profound difference,” Brownlee said.
As an expert witness for domestic violence in the court, Brownlee said she’s had the opportunity to see Assistant Prosecutor Yohey’s careful and compassionate work in the courtroom in action many times.
“From the very beginning, Nathan brought something special to the table. He asked the kinds of thoughtful, strategic questions that made me pause and reflect—not just on the case in front of us, but on how I could grow in the way I testify on behalf of survivors.
“He doesn’t challenge others to prove a point—he challenges from a place of genuine curiosity, collaboration, and shared purpose. His goal is always to improve how we work together, and how we serve survivors, the justice system, and our community as a whole.
“Survivors going through some of the hardest moments in their lives have told us again and again how much they trust and appreciate him. He walks beside them through one of the most complex, painful processes imaginable—and he does it with empathy, patience and grace.”
Also during the awards presentation, TCN legal advocate Gabrielle Groves presented Certificates of Excellence to Logan County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Todd Dixon and Mike Brugler, and Bailiffs Missy Davis and Robin Bailey, all of whom serve as bailiffs in the Logan County Common Pleas Court.
“I’ve seen firsthand how this team works together, always with professionalism, kindness and respect,” Groves said. “The bailiffs who greet people at the door set the tone for the entire courthouse. They welcome each person with a smile, provide directions, and make sure everyone feels respected and safe.
“For many survivors, that first interaction means everything — it’s the first time they feel like they can take a breath and know they’re somewhere that safety matters.
“Their work doesn’t stop there, they play a critical role in keeping parties separated in civil protection order cases, maintaining calm in emotional situations, and offering quiet reassurance or a laugh when survivors need it most. Inside the courtroom, bailiffs continue that support, standing close by so survivors can focus on their voices rather than their fear.
“Beyond that, they are there for every part of the judicial process assisting during felony criminal trials, maintaining order, and providing additional security when needed. Their presence offers both safety and stability, not just for survivors, but for everyone in the courthouse.
“What stands out most to me is how this team operates with purpose. Each bailiff understands that their role is bigger than just procedure or security. They bring humanity to their work. They show empathy in moments of fear. And they help make the courthouse a place where survivors can pursue justice without intimidation.”
In addition, Direct Care Coordinator, Regina Pursley presented the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award to Solomon’s Garage for their contribution to survivors, including fixing their cars and providing gifts for families at Christmas time.
To contact the TCN center, call (937) 593-5777. You can reach the Soteria House at (937) 404-2365. The 24-hour crisis line is (877) 394-1046 or there’s a national toll-free hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
