Heartbeat of Brevard: Beverly DeMeyer

EverythingBrevard magazine honors the people and organizations building a legacy of impact with their service on the Space Coast. We are proud to introduce Beverly DeMeyer, who has been fulfilling her lifelong calling by assisting victims of domestic violence from her role as president and CEO of Serene Harbor — Certified Domestic Violence Center. 

NAME: Beverly DeMeyer

ORGANIZATION: Serene Harbor — Certified Domestic Violence Center

POSITION: President & CEO

ABOUT BEVERLY

Having lived in Brevard County since 1982, many have come to know Beverly across her three careers — working at a grocery store, then in the banking industry and ultimately at Serene Harbor, where she’s been since 2016. 

She and husband of 19 years, David DeMeyer, enjoy camping and traveling for their 11-year-old daughter’s dance competitions.

Beverly is a member/affiliated with Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence (FPEDV), Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force and Brevard County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force.

ABOUT SERENE HARBOR

Serene Harbor has served Brevard County for 30 years, providing emergency shelter, a 24/7 confidential hotline, counseling services, transportation, relocation assistance, support groups, legal advocacy, outreach programs, referrals, and assistance programs to survivors of domestic violence.

EXPERIENCE 

“As a child of domestic violence, I saw firsthand the devastating impact it has on the entire family and the long-term effects it creates,” Beverly said. “I always knew from a young age that I wanted to help other families. My mother faced challenges finding safety, resources, tools, a kind heart, and a non-judgmental understanding of the dynamics of what she was going through.” 

In 2005, Beverly wanted to volunteer and get involved in her community. A Google search led her to Serene Harbor. She joined their fundraising committee and then was asked to join the board of directors, where she spent 10 years volunteering. She then was hired in 2016 as the marketing and development director, moving up in 2020 to president and CEO. 

Serene Harbor’s growth the past two years has been recognized with these honors: 

• Beverly DeMeyer
  2021 Purple Ribbon Award for Program/Shelter Executive of the Year
• Renee Torpy (Serene Harbor Injunction for Protection Attorney)
  Runner up for the Excellence in Client Service category, 2021 Reisman Awards
• Serene Harbor
  2021 Recipient of $50,000 from the Cheers to Giving Campaign on behalf of Talking Rain Beverage Company (Sparkling Ice). Over more than 6,000 nominations nationwide, Serene Harbor was one of three winners.
• Renee Torpy
  BAND 2021 Best Leader Awards: Renee won Inspiring Business Leader.
• Beverly DeMeyer
  2022 Women Who Rock Awards: Beverly won the Zonta Yellow Rose Award for Excellence in Community Service.

INSPIRATION 

“Growing up in a house where domestic violence was a daily occurance drove me to want to get involved and help other families impacted by it,” Beverly shared. “This affects the entire family and the effects last a lifetime.

“My mother, who passed away in 2018, is my biggest hero. To endure what she did with little to no support or resources leaves me speechless. As a mother myself, I could not imagine the hopelessness and despair she felt daily. She was the most nurturing and loving person, who did anything she could to protect her family. She is why I do this work, and I will never stop advocating for the families of domestic violence in our community.”

FUTURE

Serene Harbor is partnering with Red Rover and Rescue Rebuild to relocate the shelter in-house kennel outside, to make more room for beds.

“We would also like to move our outreach services/programs off site so we can serve even more survivors and their families,” Beverly said. “We’d love to have a location that survivors can access to meet with advocates on site about their personal situation and how we can walk alongside them as they work toward a life free of abuse.”

That would allow for the existing building to become additional shelter or transitional housing.

ADVICE 

“I want anyone suffering to know they are not alone and it is NOT their fault. Often those who are in the throes of domestic violence feel alone, helpless, and at fault for what is happening.  No matter where you are in your journey, Serene Harbor will be there. If you are just thinking about what to do, we will be there. If you need emergency shelter, we will be there. If you want to just talk, we will be there. If you want to relocate, we will be there. If you want to gain employment or go to school, we will be there. We are ready and available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Get Help

Trained and certified advocates are always available at Serene Harbor’s 24/7 confidential hotline. 

Call or text 321-726-8282 or web chat at sereneharbor.org.  

Get involved

• HEroes Helping HERoes: a Serene Harbor initiative to END the cycle of domestic violence by connecting men of all ages to advocate through community awareness, mentoring, education and prevention.
• POSH (Partners of Serene Harbor): A group that works with Serene Harbor on fundraising, donations and support, or by volunteering at the organization.  

 

Connect

Beverly DeMeyer: 321-537-4481

beverly.demeyer@sereneharbor.org

Facebook: /sereneharbor 

Instagram: @sereneharbor

Twitter: @SereneHarbor 

Tik Tok: @sereneharbor