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By: Cheyenne Taylor  With the end of 2022 quickly approaching and 2023 on the horizon, we are asking for the assistance of our community to help our agency end this year on a high note. We have been very busy this year with meeting the increasing needs and requests from survivors in our community. In fact, in the first nine months of 2022, we served over 1,000 clients, filed 208 protective orders, received nearly 2,000 crisis calls, and prepared over 1,500 safety plans for victims. Our agency continues to see an uptick in client requests for services. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to amplify the risks and cause financial issues for victims that they struggle to overcome. Our agency has continued to address those needs and provide an abundance of services to help relieve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault of their burdens. In the first nine months of 2022, we utilized interpreter services for 371 crisis calls, had 52 clients accept referrals for specialized medical care out of the 224 who reported strangulation victimization. Additionally, we provided nearly 750 counseling sessions and shelter referrals to 1,408 domestic violence victims, many of whom were homeless and seeking safe housing. Overall, we provided new and existing clients with 3,693 services, including education on victim rights and the criminal justice system. All of this has been possible due to the diligent efforts of our agency staff, victim advocates, and the contributions from our devoted donors. By donating at the end of the year, you are helping us to continue to meet the growing needs of our clients and allowing us to prepare for these colder months, which bring a slew of unique issues. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, consider giving back to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center so we can continue to meet the needs of those vulnerable in our community. Your help is needed more than ever, and this is the perfect time to act and give back to the survivors struggling to provide for their families or keep roofs over their heads. With even as little as $20, you can improve a survivor's circumstances and ensure they get a hot meal or gas in their car to make it to work. Your donation saves lives; utilize that power to make a difference. Speak with a victim advocate by calling our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. You can also reach us through our social media sites or contact us page. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
By: Kaylee Kriese  If you’ve been on social media lately, we are hopeful that you have seen plenty of posts about Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Perhaps you’ve been acquainted with domestic violence before. Many people have. In general, if you or a loved one haven’t experienced abuse in a relationship, you know someone who has.
There’s a reason you see #WeStandTogether on our social media so often. For us, it’s more than a hashtag. It continues to exceed beyond a trend or another social media bandwagon to hop onto. For survivors, abuse is incredibly isolating. It leaves them feeling separated from their loved ones and spiraling in guilt, fear, and self-hatred. One of the most common tactics of abusers is to perpetuate the “us vs. them” fallacy, and for a while, it may feel to the victims that their abusers are the only person they have for companionship. Even so, we know that in toxic relationships, this feeling never lasts. Victims of abuse are somehow always the ones left feeling powerless, wanting, and alone. When our advocates champion #WeStandTogether, it is because we never want survivors to feel alone. Our goal is that from this point on, you will forever know that you have a team offering support without judgement. With the dedication of the entire month to domestic violence awareness, we hope that this is especially apparent, not just from our advocates but from other nonprofits, groups, or individuals out there who stand with survivors. Today, on Purple Thursday, we wear purple, a color of peace, courage, survival, and honor, as one unified front.[1] We post because we know that only when we stand together can we all work to help survivors break free from the grip of domestic violence. With the help of our community, we will continue to save lives. Thank you to everyone who stands as an ally to survivors. [1]https://mmcenter.org/stay-informed/domestic-violence-awareness-month#:~:text=The%20color%20purple%20is%20a,end%20the%20cycle%20of%20violence. By: Savannah Tipton Survivors are facing increased risks due to the pandemic and needs are on the rise. We need financial contributions now more than ever. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “COVID-19 has caused major economic devastation, disconnected many from community resources and support systems, and created widespread uncertainty and panic. Such conditions may stimulate violence in families where it didn’t exist before and worsen situations in homes where mistreatment and violence has been a problem.” We are seeing more people face financial hardships, housing insecurity, and challenges with their mental health. Victim Advocates connect survivors and their families to life-saving services in a variety of ways. Every day, advocates are working with victims on safety planning, protective order filing, victim rights education, housing searches, employment readiness, and so much more. Anyone can be impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault. It’s important we show survivors that they are not alone in their journey to healing and self-sufficiency. Whether a trauma occurred in the last week or years ago, survivors reach out to us for help finding resources and support. We also must acknowledge that COVID-19 has left many victims trapped in homes with their abusers. “And as the pandemic has dragged on, so too has the abuse. Just as the disease continues to claim more lives, quarantine-linked domestic violence is claiming more victims—and not just women in heterosexual relationships. Intimate partner violence occurs in same-sex couples at rates equal to or even higher than the rates in opposite sex partners (1).” Limited interactions with the outside world can make victims feel trapped in a vicious cycle of abuse. Free resources and confidential support are available. We want victims to know there is a safe way out. Victims of sexual assault are also at a heightened risk. According to RAINN, 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim (2). This means sexual assault victims might be forced to see their rapist regularly. That alone might make them fearful of reporting the crime or seeking help. Victim Advocates are available to listen, offer support, and answer questions. They can also provide victims accompaniment to hospitals, courts, and law enforcement interviews. If you have ever considered giving, now is the time to act. Survivors need the community to come together. Your donations provide victims with essential items when they flee, emergency transportation to shelter, help relocating or maintaining safe housing after abuse, and other emergency needs. Your donation will have positive impact on people in your community. Speak with a victim advocate by calling our confidential crisis line at (317) 731-6140. You can also reach us through social media messaging or our contact us page. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.  We want to give a special shoutout to Futuro Indy, a local pizzeria that gave us a wonderful donation of over $1400. We were pleasantly surprised to receive this amazing news, and are incredibly thankful for this community support. Thank you to Futuro Indy and everyone that came out to show survivors they have allies. Donors really make all the difference in making sure the needs of survivor's are met. Their support means that the survivors we serve can continue to utilize our free services and life changing resources. Thanks again Futuro for your donation! #SupportSurvivors
By: Cheyenne Taylor  Featured in photo: James R. Speiser, CCRT, DABVP, DVM, RSO IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital and Savannah Tipton, Advocacy Manager Beacon of Hope Crisis Center We want to take this opportunity to give a huge thank you to IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital for their generous donation. IndyVet is an essential 24hr emergency veterinary hospital working around the clock to provide relief and help to Indianapolis pets. They remain a dedicated partner with Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, and once again, they have taken philanthropic action to better our community and have donated $5,000 to our agency. We are so grateful for their on-going support and partnership with our Foster Pet Program. Pets are victims of domestic violence too and partnerships like this help us save the lives of pets, individuals, and families. When incidents of domestic abuse and pet abuse are located on maps and then you overlay those maps the link between domestic violence and pet abuse is undeniable. This donation will have a massive impact on the lives of those seeking our services. Organizations like IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital exemplify the strength and selflessness that is prominent in Indianapolis, and we deeply appreciate them for helping us and Indianapolis survivors once again. “I cannot state emphatically enough how much the supportive partnership with Dr. Speiser, his partners and his entire IndyVet team are valued and appreciated for all that they do. Take a moment if you are not familiar and visit their website and location. Consider signing up with us to temporarily foster a pet while their family member(s) heal and safely get resettled then that pet victim can be reunited with their family.” – Sandra K. Ziebold, CEO Beacon of Hope Crisis Center We are so proud to have partners with giving hearts like IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital. They are paving the way to change by showing up to help pet victims, and we want to encourage everyone to follow their lead as they set this incredible example for our community. Thank you again, IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital, for your donation and all your hard work!
 Giving back to your community is always an amazing idea, but getting started can sometimes be tricky. We suggest supporting survivors. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is a local nonprofit organization that serves ALL individuals facing domestic violence or sexual assault. Donations will directly benefit victims in central Indiana by providing services and resources such as safety, education, financial assistance, and counseling at no cost to our clients. Below are two ways you can become a donor and ally to survivors. We hope you consider joining us in the fight to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
AmazonSmile: AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When shopping with AmazonSmile you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon. The added bonus is that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to an organization of your choice. To support survivors receiving services at our agency, please choose Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc. / Beacon of Hope Crisis Center as your organization to support.
Kroger Community Rewards Kroger is committed to helping our communities grow and prosper. Kroger Community Rewards makes fund-raising easy! All you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card! If you are looking for unique ways to donate to local organizations, enroll for your rewards to benefit and support Beacon of Hope Center for Women, Inc. / Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Click here to enroll: www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow By Savannah Tipton  Everyone can take part in raising domestic violence awareness. Some efforts may take a large time commitment while others can be done in seconds. Take a second to show your support by sharing or retweeting information and resources. The simple act of clicking a button to share content may have a greater impact than you expect. That information could help someone identify domestic violence in their own life, with a friend, or with a family member. Posting about resources in your community may connect a victim to a service provider that can support them. Start sharing with a retweet.
Show your support for victims of domestic violence by finding the donation option that best fits you. Beacon of Hope has created a variety of ways for you to support victims. Become a member to make monthly donations or sign up for AmazonSmile and amazon will make a donation at NO COST to you. We also have sponsors, coin-up, and Kroger Community Rewards. To learn more, visit the donate tab on our website. Take an active role in standing against domestic violence and sexual assault by volunteering with Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Beacon of Hope creates individualized roles for interns and volunteers. We have a team of interns and volunteers that assist with social media, grant writing, event planning, our crisis call line, and our foster pet program. Apply today. Your voice counts. By The Beacon of Hope Team  A Global Giving Movement - November 28, 2017 Please consider Beacon of Hope Crisis Center because domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Central Indiana need support from generous donors like you. As the holiday season kicks off please don’t forget to participate in #GivingTuesday.
On November 28th people across the nation will be joining a movement of end-of-year-giving. As you make your choice of where to place your support at the end of the year, get details about our agency on pages 18 and 19 in the Indiana Business Journal 2018 Giving Guide. Please consider Beacon of Hope Crisis Center because domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Central Indiana need support from generous donors like you. Beacon of Hope Crisis Center is kicking off #GivingTuesday with a challenge. We are asking YOU to donate a crisis bundle for a victim in need. Crisis bundles serve the immediate needs of victims after trauma. You can learn how to make a crisis bundle by visiting our blog. Get a group together and start making a difference today. If you are interested in helping victims receive crisis bundles each month sign up for an easy-give monthly membership. Starting November 27th, donations can be dropped off at 6920 S. East St, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46227. *Please call (317) 731-6131 before dropping off donations. While you shop on Cyber Monday, please don’t forget to donate a portion of your purchase by choosing Beacon of Hope Crisis Center while shopping with Amazon Smile. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Learn more by visiting our website. We appreciate support from the community while we strive to provide services and resources to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Thank you! By The Beacon of Hope Team Starting this Friday! February 24, 2017! 8:00 P.M.! This is an online fundraising competition set up as brackets just like basketball season’s March Madness, only with non-profits being able to access a wide range of online fundraising tools for each agency to use and personalize! In order to stay in the competition and move to the next round we need help from ALL of our supporters! Not sure how Brackets for Good works? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jskPh8hBh_8 How can you help Beacon of Hope? First we need you to go to https://indianapolis.bfg.org and set up your donor profile as soon as possible; now, today if you have a couple minutes. Then ON THE 24TH text the “Free Throw Code” to the number BFG gives you and Lids will donate $3 automatically to us! Remember you need to text on Friday, February 24, 2017. Next we really need your financial support too! If all of our supporters can donate at the suggested level of $50 each we can raise enough “Points” (or Dollars $$) and move on to Round 2 of the Tournament! Regardless of the dollar amount you are able to contribute we appreciate your support at any level. Make sure you ask your friends and family to join our team and give to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. Be sure to share on all of your social media accounts also. You can help us so much just by sharing and asking others to join in supporting us. Thank you in advance for your support and may many blessings come your way! Use the hashtags #BFG17, #BFGIndy, #teamBOH when posting about giving and why Beacon of Hope is your choice this year.  By Sandra K. Ziebold HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT!!! Beacon of Hope just received word from The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute that our Federal agency funding has been INCREASED by over 200% effective immediately. We are beyond ecstatic and are proud of the clear vote of confidence this decision shows in our incredible staff and the excellent services we are providing direct to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. BUT HERE IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP! Federal monies are always awarded with the condition that individuals and corporations in the community will contribute at least 20% of the money needed to fund the approved programs. In other words, the community that benefits must “have some skin in the game.” So, our funding has increased 200% and now our corporate and individual partnerships must increase 200%. THAT MUST START NOW. This is your chance to make a difference and to help stop the violence in your community. GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND PRESS “DONATE NOW”, SIGN UP YOUR BUSINESS TO BE A CORPORATE SPONSOR OF OUR AGENCY, A PROGRAM OR ONE OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS. You can also help by spreading the word and sharing this message with all of your friends on each of your social networks. Thank you in advance for your help and your much needed prayers.  |
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This blog is about our domestic and sexual violence crisis center, Beacon of Hope. We hope you find it full of helpful information, motivation, creativity, serious facts and positivity. We hope that it will help you know what is happening in our center, in our community and with our events. We hope you follow our blog in support of our organization and our mission. Archives
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