YWCA Wheeling Prepares For Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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While YWCA Wheeling works throughout the year to bring awareness to and help those dealing with domestic violence, the month of October brings that issue to the forefront as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And YWCA Wheeling has several events planned through the month to highlight the importance of safety, support and resources available to victims of domestic violence.
Lori Jones, executive director of YWCA Wheeling, said the organization helps victims of domestic violence through its Family Violence Prevention Program.
“We stand with all the community this time of year to make sure that every individual who needs assistance has the support they need to make sure that things happen,” Jones said.
This month also serves as the kickoff for YWCA Wheeling’s end-of-year giving campaign, the Gift of New Beginnings. Jones said that, through giving to the YWCA, it gives victims of domestic violence the opportunity to start again.
And the YWCA has several programs to help in that regard. If someone comes in for help escaping domestic violence, they may have a teenage child who needs advice to avoid teen dating violence, or may need help with monitored visitations.
“The average person leaves eight times for domestic violence,” Jones said, “so we see a lot of the same people come back again and again. And each time we’re planting the seeds, so they get a little bit stronger.”
The YWCA is sponsoring three events through the month. The first comes Oct. 11 with the third-annual Domestic Violence Awareness Block Party, to be held from 5-7 p.m. in the lot next to Ruttenberg’s on Jefferson Ave. The family-friendly event will include face painting, music, kids’ games and cornhole. Local service agencies will be there to provide information and hand out candy.
On Oct. 17, the YWCA will hold its Kickball For A Cause event at 2 p.m. at Patterson Ballfield. In that game, fire fighters, law enforcement and EMS personnel go head-to-head for domestic violence awareness. Children’s activities and games also will be offered.
Then on Oct. 23, the YWCA will host Strike Out For Domestic Violence at the St. Clair Lanes in St. Clairsville from 6-8 p.m. The free event will allow participants to learn more about the YWCA. Reservations are recommended. Call St. Clair Lanes at 740-695-3641 to reserve a spot.
“We give out all of our information in how we can help in any way,” said Jennifer Stevens, director of the YWCA’s Family Violence Prevention Program. “If it’s domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, we do everything here.”