An Empty Place at the Table

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The exhibit of 'An Empty Place at the Table' was created in response to numerous domestic violence homicides in Lackawanna County in 1993. The first exhibit was created by the Women’s Resource Center, Inc., but it is used by many domestic violence centers and similar agencies across the nation. 'An Empty Place at the Table' shows the devastating effects of domestic violence and makes sure that the victims are not forgotten. In addition, the exhibit shows that domestic violence related homicides undoubtedly leave an empty spot at the table.

Transitions will be putting up Empty Place at the Table displays in many locations across Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties to remember individuals who lost their lives in due to domestic violence. The four people highlighted in the displays are Jean Sanders, whose life was taken by her grandson that she raised on Feb 17, 2013 at the age of 71; Destiny Spencer, whose life was taken by her fiancé and the father of her three children on Sept. 30, 2008 at the age of 27; Yeardley Love, whose life was taken three weeks prior to her college graduation from the University of Virginia by her former boyfriend on May 3, 2010 at the age of 22; and Marlee Reed, whose life was taken by her stepfather on Dec. 8, 2004 at the age of 4.

Display of "An Empty Place at the Table" at Emma's Food for Life in downtown Selinsgrove. This display was made possible through a generous grant by the Selinsgrove Area Community Foundation.
During the month of October there will be a display at Emma’s Food for Life in Selinsgrove from October 1st -14th.  There will also be displays at the Selinsgrove, Lewisburg, Sunbury, and Mount Carmel Libraries for the entire month. With the help of the Soroptomist Club, there will also be a display at the Campus Theater in Lewisburg. Along with the displays Hoss’s will be hosting a community night on October 15th where a percentage of the overall sales will go the organization. In honor of the lives lost due to domestic violence, there will be a Reception event at Susquehanna University's Degenstein Campus Center, Evert Dining Room, on October 28th. The reception will have guest speakers Chief Paul Yost of the Buffalo Valley Regional Police Deparment, Judge Michael Sholley of Union and Snyder Counties, and Marlee Reed’s grandparents, Donna and Melvin. 

 Written by Adam Hartman, Counselor/Advocate

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