Avalon Center, a regional organization working to end domestic and sexual violence, has taken over day-to-day operations at what was formerly known as The Laurel Shelter, Inc., in Gloucester. 

According to Priscilla Caldwell, development and communications director for Avalon Center, “The Laurel Shelter per se has closed.” She added, “Avalon Center, working closely with the leadership of Laurel, now is providing shelter and support services to the Middle Peninsula region.”

Caldwell said the change came about when the Laurel Shelter’s board of directors approached Avalon seeking collaboration and support for the services it provided. Those services, she said, will be preserved under the new leadership and will be improved.

“Avalon and Laurel Shelter leadership have worked together to preserve and enhance existing services and to extend services beyond what has been available,” Caldwell said. “Avalon provides comprehensive services ...