GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Since stepping into her new role, Katie Kight has plans to take the county's only certified domestic violence center to grand heights.

That means continuing to break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to live a life full of strength and solidity.

Kight was appointed as the nonprofit's new interim CEO/executive director last month. With more than two-decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, brand strategy, and communications and marketing at places like the Jacksonville Zoo and Jewish Community Alliance, Kight will help lead Quigley House as it continues to strengthen its programs, expand community awareness and build sustainable support throughout Clay County.

"I came in as an interim to come in and create stability. And I think that's the biggest thing is it's not just for survivors, but the people that serve them."

The nonprofit center was founded in 1988 and provides dire assistance to those suffering from the vicious cycle of abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 43.5 million women in the U.S. have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. 

When Kight began working at the Pace Center for Girls, she said that was when she truly witnessed the impacts that similar trauma could have.

"That was sort of my introduction...into seeing the effect of trauma, how that affects especially girls and young women."

 She learned of how that showed in behaviors, and the economic impact and health of communities overall. And she came to know of the best ways to create lasting systems where people are encouraged to live their best lives, thrive and be economically independent.

Kight said she's hoping to bring that to Quigley House, where hundreds are served each year in house and at a free and confidential emergency shelter, and with a 24/7 helpline, advocacy, legal and outreach services, and crisis intervention.

"I think when we look at domestic violence, we think of just battering, but there's a lot that goes into trauma and coercion. And when we're thinking about control," she said. "And I think that people don't totally understand what that looks like and the control one person has over another and how that really leads to that next violent stage."

While Kight said keeping the organization's pencil sharp and putting more money toward serving survivors is at the top of the list, her other priorities will focus on the nonprofit's internal structure, including better and responsible use of digital tech platforms and artificial intelligence to create workflows. Garnering more community donors is also important.

Another goal of hers is to make sure Quigley House is providing education and support not just for the moment, but for the future.  That means getting survivors connected to housing, employment and services for their children to make sure trauma isn't passed down.

"All of these things lead to economic independence. A lot of our survivors, because of their situation, have maybe never had to take care of themselves before. And we're teaching valuable life skills in a safe place. And that's the biggest thing."

As a certified coach, Kight said she's also looking to assist her staff and prevent the burnout that can come from such intense work.

While Kight has only been at Quigley House for less than a month, she said she's wasted no time in getting to know the area.  Kight said she has even had some interactions with survivors and been able to provide services even in the short time she's been in training. 

And already connecting with Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook and former Florida Senator Rob Bradley, who recently took on the title of board president, Kight said she has begun to gain an understanding of the needs that lie within the local community.

"A lot of times when you look at a community, we don't always know what goes on underneath, or what's considered acceptable. I think this is a wonderful and beautiful community. It's small, it's insular, it's very caring," Kight said. "But I think that there are needs that we don't even know we have."

Domestic abuse thrives off of control and power.  And while it takes up to eight times for someone to leave an abusive situation for good, Kight said Quigley House is there with open arms whenever that person is ready to be guided into a new journey of stability and safety.

"You don't know what walking in someone else's shoes is like. And it just has left me with a sense of why it's so important for what we do."

The nonprofit is always looking for volunteers. To learn ways to get involved or donate, visit quigleyhouse.org or call (904) 284-0340. To speak with an advocate for domestic violence related resources, call the 24-hour Crisis Helpline at (904) 284-0061.