Meet Stephanie – WCF Peacekeeper
Stephanie Hobbs has been a Peacekeeper since the group formed in 2007. She was encouraged by her employer to become involved in the community. Without knowing where to begin, she reached out to a friend who was involved in various groups and organizations. She informed her of a new group of young professionals that was developing to support an organization called Women & Children First. After initially learning about Women & Children First, Stephanie knew that both the Peacekeepers and WCF were a group and organization she wanted to be a part of.
Stephanie remembers when she was in 5th grade and she read a story in Reader’s Digest, The Murder of Robbie Wayne Age 6. The story was about a single mom, her children, and the abusive father/boyfriend that traumatized and mentally and physically abused the family resulting the death of Robbie Wayne, age 6. “I read it and just thought, how could anyone act this way towards their family? Why would the mother stay?”, Stephanie said. “I was so innocent of these kinds of relationship dynamics, though now as an adult, I’m sure I was in school with kids that had similar situations at home. As a teenager, I remember having friends with controlling boyfriends and didn’t understand why they stayed with them. As an adult, I have found that women are great at hiding abuse, both mental and physical, to even their closest friends.”
Being in an abusive relationship is not a fault or a weakness. But once someone is in one, they often feel shame to share it and fear to leave it. Being a part of an organization that provides services and to women, and men, in these situations has been very fulfilling for Stephanie. “When you think about the fact that 1 in 3 women experience some sort of abuse regardless of age, race or income and that on average someone leaving an abusive relationship will leave at least 7 times before getting away for good, the importance of having access to the Domestic Violence Hotline, safe shelter, legal advocacy, and support groups really hits home. WCF supports the individuals and they keep the family together if there are children. Some shelters do not allow teenage males to be at the shelter with their parents, but WCF does.” By being a Peacekeeper and supporting the fundraising events and public awareness, Stephanie knows she is making a difference in the lives of the guests WCF serves.
Stephanie describes becoming involved with the PKs, supporting the fundraising events, knowing the value of services they provide, along with the individuals and families they help, and raising public awareness as being very fulfilling and rewarding. Since Stephanie and the inaugural group of PKs started, the group has raised over $500,000 for WCF and have volunteered countless hours of service over the years. We cannot thank them enough!
Stephanie has lived in Central Arkansas for over 20 years. She is a mother of 3 and is the co-host on Rick & Steph in the Morning, featured on The Point 94.1 from 6:00-10:00am. In addition to being a Peacekeeper, she’s also supported events for Toys for Tots, St. Jude, Make a Wish, and plans to play in the upcoming Blondes vs Brunettes game on April 29th to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.
To find out more about the Peacekeepers and how you can join Stephanie, visit their webpage or contact Jen Spore, Membership Chair or Leigh Ann Lanaux, WCF Development Associate.