By SAM HATCHER

Brooks House, named in honor of the late Brooks Franklin, an outstanding reporter with The Lebanon Democrat, who authored a number of articles about the homeless and less fortunate in Wilson County, celebrated its second anniversary this past Saturday.

Through the writings of Brooks Franklin our community was made aware of a local population of great need that until his words were published went largely unnoticed.

By SAM HATCHER

Brooks House, named in honor of the late Brooks Franklin, an outstanding reporter with The Lebanon Democrat, who authored a number of articles about the homeless and less fortunate in Wilson County, celebrated its second anniversary this past Saturday.

Through the writings of Brooks Franklin our community was made aware of a local population of great need that until his words were published went largely unnoticed.

Today Brooks House, in a very short period of time, has accelerated its availability and service to those who find themselves in need in our community.

Brooks House is a safe haven for women and children seeking temporary shelter.
Created by a diverse group of volunteers wanting to make a difference for a special demographic in Wilson County, a new non-profit corporation, Community Homeless Outreach and Support, Inc., was formed and from this entity Brooks House was established.

In its two years of existence the shelter has served more than 160 women and children.
 
We take this opportunity to congratulate Brooks House, the organization’s volunteer board of directors and Liz Reese, the non-profit’s executive director, for two excellent years of operation and serving those in need in Wilson County.

Members of the Brooks House Board of Directors include Bobby Ash, Ted Aulds, Stratton Bone, Connie Bullington, Faye Dedman, Gloria “Jean” Evins, David “Bucky” Hesson, Eva Hunt, Carol Knight, Larry Locke, Kenny Martin, Brenda Burkett and Katherine Stranahan.

Members of the advisory board are Joseph H. Adams, Terry Ashe, April Johnson, Joanne Smith, Amelia Morrison Hipps, Tracy Austin, Carolyn Hudspeth, Luke Winchester, Robin Morthel and Nan Waller.