OKEECHOBEE — At their Dec. 23 meeting, the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners approved a request to give Martha’s House the title to the county-owned structure currently used for a women’s shelter.

Martha’s House, a nonprofit group that helps victims of domestic violence, was established in 1988. Martha’s House provides safe sheltering, support and counseling services to the victims of domestic violence and abuse. To ensure the safety of the victims of domestic violence, the location of the property is kept confidential.

Since August 1999, Martha’s House has occupied the property referred to by the county as “Site 35A” under the terms of a lease agreement with the county for a fee of $1 per year. The structure has an estimated value of approximately $272,000.

The structure has been converted into a 24-bed group home. Trained and licensed staff provide professional therapy, counseling, legal support, child advocacy support and community education related to domestic abuse.

“The service they provide is certainly needed in our community,” said Commissioner Kelly Owens.