More Local Women Show Support for Beacon of Hope(posted Aug 17) Approximately a half dozen new members came to the Speedway Police Training Center to join the Beacon of Hope's organizational team's effort to eradicate domestic violence from the community. Approximately 18 people were in attendance at the August 17 meeting to brainstorm ideas about future fund raising ideas and a shelter location. One of the team organizers, Terry Moore, commented that it was great to see that Speedway residents are receptive to the idea and want to help. Attendees sacrificed their Friday nights, including community prosecutor Robert Reel, to take on this challenge to have a shelter up and running as soon as possible. Nikki Hoopengarner came to the meeting looking for a place to volunteer. "I was waiting for something like this. I wanted to volunteer my time that had meaning," she said. She thinks ending domestic violence will also stem other predatory crimes in the area. Although no shelter location has been determined, the group talked about some potential sites like the availability of single family homes. Hoopengarner expressed her fears about using a residential home because she thought it could potentially put surrounding neighbors in harms way. "As a neighbor, I would not want to live by a domestic violence shelter." Hoopengarner was concerned about a woman's abuser finding her. Hoopergarner wanted the shelter to offer self-defense classes as part of the programming to insure the victims' safety. Christie Manion said it would make a good fund raiser to host a women's self defense class with part of the proceeds going to Beacon of Hope. Manion said she feels like she was called to be involved because of her work collecting usable furniture to be remodeled into home décor of fashion. Manion said her garage is full of furniture and it would be no problem to help women with home furnishings. Many women leave with no belongings. Moore agreed that a residential neighborhood would probably not be a good location for a shelter. She said that is where prayer comes in to find the right spot. The Beacon of Hope is still in its infancy stage as the team organizers develop the by-laws, articles of incorporation, find a board of directors, and receive a 501 C 3 tax exempt status. Moore also encourage the group to join her in the Speedway Main Street Parade to get the word out that domestic violence is a serious problem that needs to be eradicated from the community. Board member Eric Waltz announced a website www.beaconofhopeindy.org is still under construction but should be completed in the near future. |
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