Midland College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society donates to Crisis Center of West TexasNovember 22, 2022

Each year, the Midland College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society selects a service project that will benefit a group in Midland.  This year, the students decided to assist domestic violence victims who are currently seeking assistance from the Crisis Center of West Texas.  On Friday, November 18, Midland College student and PTK Vice President Maria Gonzalez and Midland College Government Professor and Honors Program Director Dr. Terry Gilmour delivered 30 bags of personal care items and $767 to the center.  

The project began on October 26 when PTK members solicited assistance from Midland College employees and students.

“When we asked our fellow students and Midland College employees for donations, the response was overwhelming,” Gonzalez said.  “Individuals—both students and employees—contributed.  A dual credit English class taught by Felicia Stovall joined us by making this their class project, and the Student Nurses Association contributed with many items, as well.  People dropped off the items in Dr. Gilmour’s office and/or donated money.  In addition to the 30 bags of items, we also donated $767 for the Crisis Center clients.”

Gonzalez stated that during PTK’s service project research, members discovered that the Crisis Center of West Texas currently houses 47 survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse (19 adults and 28 children).  They also maintain a 24-hour hotline, free counseling, case management and legal advocacy.

“In 2021, there were 204 Texans killed by their intimate partners and 5 of those were in the Permian Basin,” Gonzalez explained.  “People our age (14-25) are at the highest risk for interpersonal violence.”

Photo:  Maria Gonzalez, MC student and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (left), delivers 30 bags of personal care items to Lorie Dunnam, executive director of the Crisis Center of West Texas (right).