On September 30th, Hands of Hope, a division of Family Service Society,
Inc. invites you to, Shine – an event to kick off October Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal is
to have it serve as a night of empowerment to shine a light of hope and bring domestic violence
out of the dark. The show of support will state that violence is not acceptable and our community will
shine a light in the darkness to break the cycle of violence.
“Over the years one thing survivors have consistently said is the importance of law enforcement and the
community coming together and showing their support in a public way, “said Linda Wilk, Hands of Hope
Director. “This year, instead of the Candlelight Vigil, we are hosting this opportunity, striving to create a
more visible event that will draw more attention to this devastating and secretive crime.”
The event will be downtown on the courthouse square at 7 pm, September 30, 2021 to Shine–local and
county law enforcement, fire and first responders will be present to show support and to light up the
square. Participants will be given a candle to light.
“We hope this event will resonate with the entire county. Our goal is to empower survivors with
community support; equip the general public with helpful information; and spread awareness so the
cycle of domestic abuse stops,” shared Allison Eckardt, IWU Director of University Advancement,
Communications, Events and Projects and Shine Planning Committee member. “Not just one person or
group can take on this cycle – it takes a community. Grant County is ready to shine a light on this issue
and come together to be a part of the solution.”
Other ways to be involved include:
• Become a t-shirt sponsor, either with your business or personally with a $50 gift, visit
www.famservices.com/shine to complete the form.
• Purchase a Shine purple t-shirt from Hoosier Jiffy Print by visiting the link
www.famservices.com/shine
• Create a window display in your business for the month of October supporting Shine and domestic
violence awareness.
• Every Thursday in October is being claimed as #PurpleThursday and you are encouraged to wear
your new t-shirt or the color purple. Business participation would be great and please post on
your social by tagging Hands of Hope and using #PurpleThursday.
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• Every resident of Grant County is encouraged to turn on their porch lights each night during the month of October.
• Hands of Hope is always accepting tax-deductible donations to support services provided to
victims of Domestic Violence and to help more survivors and their families every day.
For more information, visit http://www.famservices.com/shine or call the 24-hour helpline at
765.664.0701.
