Charleston, WV – EdenSpring CEO Dawnielle Miller traveled to Charleston to participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Day at the West Virginia State Capitol. The visit marked an important step in EdenSpring’s growing collaboration with the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC) as the organization prepares to open its first restorative care home for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring board member, Dan Caprio laid important groundwork in the weeks leading up to the awareness day introducing Miller and the work of EdenSpring to local representatives.
Miller joined advocates, coalition leaders, and legislators to support the Domestic Violence Coalition’s 2026 legislative priorities and to deepen EdenSpring’s relationships with key partners across the state. The day offered a firsthand look at the legislative process and the powerful advocacy efforts underway to strengthen protections for survivors.
Observing EPEC’s Executive Director Katie Spriggs in meetings with delegates and senators provided Miller with valuable insight into effective legislative advocacy on issues impacting survivors. “Katie is a force of nature—sharp, strategic, and deeply committed,” Miller said following the meetings. “Watching her advocate so effectively for survivors was both inspiring and instructive.”
Witnessing Legislative Progress in Real Time
While at the Capitol, Miller witnessed the house passage of HB 5101, The Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which enhances penalties for domestic violence offenses. The bill then advanced to the Senate.
Miller joined other advocates to thank Delegate Joe Funkhouser and Delegate Lisa White for their support of HB 5101 and requested support from Senators Patricia Rucker, Jason Barrett, and Darren Thorne. They also recommended additions to strengthen the bill as it moves to the Senate floor.
A Meaningful Step Toward Statewide Collaboration
Miller’s visit reflects EdenSpring’s commitment to working alongside established domestic violence and anti‑trafficking partners across West Virginia. As EdenSpring prepares to open its first residential restorative care home, these relationships will help ensure survivors receive comprehensive, coordinated support.
“Domestic Violence Awareness Day was a powerful reminder that West Virginia is full of leaders who care deeply about protecting survivors,” Miller said. “EdenSpring is honored to join this work, and we look forward to building a future where every survivor has the opportunity to heal and flourish.”
About EdenSpring
EdenSpring is a restorative‑care organization dedicated to providing trauma‑informed healing and restoration for survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. EdenSpring supports survivors to develop a peer community of long‑term support and invests in community‑based prevention strategies to end human trafficking. Rooted in compassion and guided by survivor wisdom, EdenSpring seeks to create a sanctuary where individuals can rebuild their lives and communities can work together to eliminate exploitation.