FOLEY, Ala. — It’s a tough job, period. The chance to have a party and celebrate is a welcome break for the 17-member staff and many friends and supporters of The Lighthouse, a United Way agency at the forefront of helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Baldwin and Escambia counties.

The open party in celebration of The Lighthouse’s 15 years of service in Baldwin County will be held Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at LuLu’s at Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“It will be a fun, fun event - a celebration,” said Christine Armstrong, Development and Communications director at The Lighthouse.

“We’d love for anyone who has an interest in our work to come out and play,” she said of the anniversary celebration.

“Highly Kind,” a well-known band from Gadsden, Ala., is donating time and talent to play at the celebration.

Anyone planning to attend the event should RSVP by calling 947-6197.

“This county used to be served by Penelope House, but it was hard for people to go to Mobile for services,” Armstrong said.

“Judge Pam Baschab and many others got the agency started here.”

Armstrong called The Lighthouse that opened its doors on Sept. 15, 1994, “real small.” The initial stages of program development provided a 24-hour crisis line and a safe shelter for victims of domestic violence.

The Lighthouse today has grown into a full-service agency with a rape crisis program that serves two counties. Staff services available today include rape and domestic violence counselors, a domestic violence expert working inside DHR, child advocates, court advocate and a prevention/education specialist.

Armstrong points out that The Lighthouse is a “non-discriminatory agency,” meaning it serves both male and female. Forty-eight males called the agency last year for various needs, Armstrong said.

With the economy bad at present and Baldwin County’s population growning 24 percent since 2000, Armstrong said The Lighthouse continues to fill a need in the county. That’s one reason she hopes that many who come to the anniversary celebration on Aug. 16 will inquire about volunteer opportunities avaliable through The Lighthouse.

Last year in Baldwin County alone there were more than 600 domestic violence assaults. Also in 2008, more than 31,900 domestic violence simple and aggravated assaults were reported to the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center by state law enforcement. Thirty-four domestic homicides were reported to ACJIS in that same period, a number that doesn’t reflect children and bystanders killed.

Of the 1,524 rapes reported in the state last year, 75 occurred in Baldwin County. Also, there were five domestic violence-related homicides in Baldwin County and one sexual assault-related homicide in the county.

Eighty-one percent of all reported domestic violence crimes in Alabama in 2008 were against women.

Concerning domestic violence and sexual assault, Armstrong said, “We help the victims but it starts and ends with the offender. Holding the offenders accountable is the only way to stop it.” She said The Lighthouse works closely with authorities in that regard.

From October 2007 to September 2008 there were 1,232 calls for information and referral on The Lighthouse’s 24-hour Crisis Line. Of victims receiving individual and group counseling, 341 attended, while 161 adults and children were sheltered by the agency and 816 received court advocacy services. The agency also trained 280 professionals during that period on the dynamics of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.

The Lighthouse is a member of the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Alabama Coalition Against Rape.