This July, the Tifton Judicial Circuit Shelter, Inc., DBA Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House (RCPCH), is launching its sixth Annual Campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to support services for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault throughout South Georgia.

In 2025 alone, Ruth’s Cottage and the Patticake House answered 1037 hotline calls, provided emergency shelter to 353 individuals, helped 224 individuals with getting a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) from their stalker or abuser, supported 115 sexual assault survivors through advocacy, served five adult human trafficking victims, and provided 152 forensic interviews for children who have been abused and/or witnessed a violent crime and an additional forensic interview for their non-offending caregiver. In total, Ruth’s Cottage and The Patticake House served 3,884 adults, children, and pets across all their programs in 2025.

“These numbers reflect the ongoing need for our services throughout the communities we serve,” said Nancy Bryan, Executive Director of RCPCH. “Behind every service provided is a person or family facing one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Thanks to the support of our donors, community partners, and volunteers, we are able to offer safety, advocacy, and support when it is needed most. However, because of insecure funding due to changes in federal grants and the recent budget vetoes by Governor Kemp in the state budget for victim serving organizations, we need our community’s help to keep these services going.”

RCPCH serves the Tifton Judicial Circuit through direct services and outreach and education programs in Tift, Turner, Irwin, and Worth counties. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2002, RCPCH's mission is to end domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to investigations, advocacy, support, prevention, and education.

Founded to provide domestic violence services, child advocacy services, and sexual assault services under one organization, RCPCH became the only state-certified triple program in South Georgia in 2018 and remains one of only a few agencies in Georgia to offer all three programs.

Through a 24-hour emergency hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, crisis intervention, support groups, sexual assault advocacy, and child advocacy services, RCPCH provides comprehensive support to victims and their families. The Patticake House Child Advocacy Center offers forensic interviews, family advocacy services, and forensic medical exams for children and youth who have experienced abuse. Additionally, RCPCH is also certified through the state to serve both children and adults who are victims of human trafficking.

“Our goal is not only to respond to crisis situations but to help create pathways toward healing and self-sufficiency,” Bryan said. “The support we receive through this campaign allows us to continue providing essential services while strengthening the communities we serve.”

Funds raised through the Annual Campaign will support emergency shelter, child advocacy services, sexual assault services, crisis intervention, court accompaniment, transportation assistance, basic necessities, community support groups for survivors and families, and training opportunities to help community members prevent and/or recognize key issues.

“Every contribution helps ensure that these services remain available for those who need them,” Bryan said. “We are grateful for the continued support of our communities and invite everyone to join us in helping Stop the Hurt. Donations of all sizes make a difference.”

Those interested in supporting RCPCH may donate online, through Venmo at @ruthscottage_thepatticakehouse, by mailing a check to P.O. Box 2727, Tifton, GA 31793, or by delivering contributions to the RCPCH Administrative Office at 211 Chesnutt Avenue in Tifton.