Jackson Free Press

Shannon Goodwill wants families affected by domestic violence to know that the community supports them. Goodwill, a sixth-grade art teacher at Brandon Middle School, is organizing "Art and Sole," an art project she and her students are donating to a domestic-abuse shelter in Jackson.

Goodwill got the idea for the project after hearing the quote, "If God sends us some strong paths, we are provided some strong shoes." Heather's T.R.E.E, a domestic violence prevention organization, donated canvas shoes for the students to paint and write the quote on.

"I thought it would a great idea to bring the community of Jackson and Brandon together," Goodwill says. "I live in Jackson, and I teach in Brandon, and I am huge advocate of Jackson and supporting the community."

After the project is finished, Goodwill plans to take the installation to the domestic-abuse shelter, the Wingard Home, where she hopes it will inspire others.

Goodwill, 33, was a friend of domestic-violence victim Heather Spencer. In 2007, Spencer's boyfriend George Bell III murdered her at his mother's home in Jackson. After her death, Spencer's mother, Linda Francomb, formed Heather's T.R.E.E. to raise awareness about domestic violence. Goodwill is an active member in the organization, along with photographer Katie Stafford who is documenting the project.

Goodwill says she is currently making plans to showcase the photographs to the public. She says the project has been a way for her students to give back to the community and gain an understanding of domestic violence.

The Jackson native earned her bachelor's degree in art from the University of Southern Mississippi and her master's degree in art education from Mississippi College. She has two children, Andi, 3, and Liam, four months.

For more information about "Art and Sole," e-mail Goodwill at [e-mail missing].