"I believe the name change is just a beginning to a fresh start for

our organization," Michel said. "We provide a greatly needed service

to our community and many have benefitted from our organization."

Michel noted that over 80 percent of the group's budget is from private

funding. The organization began in 1989 and now has five paid staff members

and over 50 active volunteers.

Sonja Strickland, who joined the council as executive director in April,

wants to have a new transitional home for victims and their families consisting

of eight to 10 apartments so they can gather personal and emotional resources

while getting past a "toxic" relationship. Some victims are on

a waiting list for this service, Strickland noted.

Strickland also wants to had a full-time legal advocate and a new computer

system for the organization, which has seen its case load increase by 40

percent since the early 90s.

Promise Place will kick off a fundraising campaign in coming weeks chaired

Special events planned include a self-defense class Saturday, Sept. 25,

at 11 a.m. at Vitali Karate Studio in Fayetteville. Another event, called "Shine

a Light on Domestic Violence" will be Saturday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. at

New Hope Baptist Church's south campus.

Also, the Peachtree City Police Department will collect unused cellular

phones to help victims of domestic violence all October long.

For more information, contact the council at 770-460-1604 or on the web

at www.promiseplace.org.