Martinsville’s city councilors will meet with outside agencies 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building. Council members will meet with a little over a dozen organizations as they detail their work in Martinsville over the past year.
Outside organizations are nongovernmental entities that receive some sort of funding from the city. Typically the organization provides some kind of service to the city or otherwise provides value.
Organizations include the Warming Center, the Legal Aid Society, the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA and the Piedmont Arts Association.
While organizations like the Museum of Natural History have a significant presence in Martinsville, some aren’t as well-known.
The Southside Survivor Response Center provides emergency housing to women and children experiencing abuse. Specifically, it provides response center services, emergency services, rapid rehousing and a 24/7 crisis helpline.
Founded in 1981, the center operates in Martinsville and Henry, Patrick, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties.
Virginia Legal Aid, which operates in communities throughout the commonwealth, will also be among those presenting on Tuesday. It provides non-criminal legal assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Focus on Youth CASA will also offer a presentation. The organization seeks to spread awareness about the needs of abused and neglected children.
Virginia Museum of Natural History is among the largest organizations presenting on Tuesday. The museum is one of Martinsville’s major attractions. It offers exhibits focusing on the natural sciences. The museum also conducts research in topics related to archeology, paleontology, entomology and mammology, among other topics.
Based on the schedule, each organization will have about 10 minutes to plead its case to the council.
