Safe Night Ministries will hold a community education event on domestic violence Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at Abundant Life Church in Cherokee Village .
“It is a community education for the general public, for anyone that has known of or has been close to a victim and would like to see change in our community concerning domestic violence,” said Organizer Karen Bagwell.
Bagwell noted the event is also open to victims or survivors who would like to participate.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. with an introduction to Safe Night Ministries along with mission and vision by Bagwell, also the founder of Safe Night Ministries.
“The education focuses on what our community can do to help, information on our ministry and two survivors plan to speak on their experiences,” Bagwell said. “We are also offering a segment on dating and teen violence education.”
Domestic Violence Activist Laura Abbot who was instrumental in the passing of legislation of Laura’s Card will share her story and how communities can help victims.
Other speakers include Lisa Russell who will share her story, a presentation by Clinical Social Worker and Therapist Keren Levenbach on teen/date violence and a presentation on healing through scripture by Iretha Orrick will also take place.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.
“We hope to gain both support and awareness. We will also have a booth set up with information on our support groups and our outreach office available,” Bagwell said.
In addition to the seminar, the ministry will also be holding a month-long fundraiser as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Safe Night Ministries is a faith-based ministry dedicated to reaching out to and protecting domestic violence victims and survivors, while empowering them to move forward into a safe and healthy lifestyle free of abuse. We would like to invite our community churches and businesses to participate in this fundraising campaign. We will begin in October as October is domestic violence prevention month,” Bagwell said. “Those interested in participating will have the purse for a month to fill it with any donation (change, cash or check).These funds will allow us to continue our current services and support for domestic violence victims and survivors, and to expand, eventually into a Women’s Shelter. If you feel your church or business would be interested in helping with this much needed ministry”
For more information, contact: Karen Bagwell:870-847-4338: Iretha Orrick:870-291-3161: Deanna Kissee:870-710-8382 or Kasy Cates:870-751-0679.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
