Giving Back to NextStep: Meet Whitney Hand

Thanks to Whitney Hand, the Bucksport Golf Club will be presenting the “Wicked Fun Golf Tournament: 18 Holes for a Cause” on July 23, 2022, as a benefit for NextStep.

“We are excited to be helping NextStep in this way,” stated Whitney Hand, on behalf of the Bucksport Golf Club. “As a survivor of domestic violence myself, I know first-hand how NextStep helps victims. I am grateful to them for helping me and my son. They helped to save my life.”

Several years ago, Whitney was in an abusive relationship and knew she needed to leave. She tried ten different times that she can count, but because she and her boyfriend worked together it was incredibly difficult. When she became pregnant the situation grew worse. “He was jealous of the attention I gave to the baby.”

Missy Fairfield, NextStep’s Violence Intervention Program Coordinator, understood Whitney’s situation. “My son was 2-3 months old when I heard about NextStep. Missy was like my trusted friend, and she taught me how to keep safe.” Whitney found refuge at Hill’s House, a residential setting in Ellsworth for mothers and children; she got a PFA (protection from abuse order), and DHHS helped to provide her with resources. “It was the PFA that kept me from going back to him,” Whitney said. “Every time I went through a setback, NextStep brought me back and I kept moving forward.”

Although living at Hill’s House gave her shelter, the residents didn’t like talking about their situations. Whitney needed a place where she could share her experiences. NextStep’s Turning Points program gave her a place to connect; the group meetings became her favorite day of the week. “I don’t know if I’d be alive if NextStep hadn’t helped me. I came to realize that what happened wasn’t my fault.”

Everything NextStep did, big and small, made a difference. When Whitney had to go to court, paralegal Maggie McArthur accompanied her. “Going to court was so scary. I don’t think I could have done it without Maggie.”

Having survived domestic violence and getting her life back, Whitney is now able to return to the things she loves, like playing golf (she holds nine state titles). “I’ve worked at Dad’s golf course since I was 10 years old. Now I’m teaching my four year old how to play. He loves it, too.”

The upcoming golf tournament is the first charity golf tournament Whitney has organized in two years, since going through all of the challenges she’s had to face. “We’ve helped different local non-profit organizations in the past, but from now on, this event will be to help NextStep.”

The Wicked Fun Golf Tournament will be held in a scramble format and participants have the opportunity to win a $10,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one. Additionally, prizes will be awarded in men’s and women’s categories to the top three teams, the straightest and longest drives, closest to the pin, and there will be a putting contest.

“There will be a fantastic BBQ lunch provided by Big Cat’s Catering of Trenton,” Whitney said. “If people want to come and watch they can pay $10 for the BBQ alone, but to participate, teams pay $120 and individuals pay $30. If reservations are made before June 25, we are offering a $5.00 discount.”

Additionally, donations of brand new underwear garments will be accepted to help NextStep’s “Underwearness” campaign to help victims with an underlying need. “We are so very grateful to Whitney and the Bucksport Golf Club for designating NextStep to be the annual beneficiary for this wonderful event,” said Dorathy Martel, NextStep executive director. “The awareness, the funding, the donations of new underwear – it all combines to make a real difference in what we are able to achieve to serve the nearly 1,000 people who will need our services this year.”

To learn more about the Bucksport Wicked Fun Golf Tournament: 18 Holes for a Cause, visit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bucksportgolfclub / Email: golfbucksport@gmail.com