To recognize Safe Passage's 25 years of commitment and service, mayors and city leaders are proclaiming August as Safe Passage month. Brookville, Batesville, Versailles, Lawrenceburg, Madison, Vevay and Rising Sun leaders, representing all six counties, have noted the 25th anniversary. Coinciding with the mayoral proclamation, Safe Passage is launching a 25th-anniversary campaign, "Lollipop Moments," to bring attention to the domestic violence issue and the support services provided within the community. 

A "Lollipop moment" is a special moment when one individual positively shapes another person's life without realizing their impact. "I am so grateful for the thousands of Lollipop Moments that have helped to touch and transform the lives of 16,000," said Jane Yorn. “If you ever volunteered, brought a hot meal to shelter or a donation, that was a Lollipop Moment for someone at Safe Passage.” The 25th-anniversary celebration was launched at the 10th annual Handbags 4 Hope purse fundraiser on Aug. 11 at RomWeber Party Place, where over 40 bags were purchased.

In 1997 three women sat around a kitchen table desperate to help a friend living under the threat of domestic violence. They soon learned southeast Indiana was the most underserved region in Indiana for support and resources for domestic violence survivors. So they got to work and connected with business and local partners to establish a 501(c)(3) and helpline. Safe Passage was launched.

 In 2004 the 30-bed shelter opened in Batesville and serves six counties, providing emergency residential services; on average, clients stay 27 days. Transportation is available for those in need, whether to the shelter, court, or the hospital. Besides emergency shelter, survivors are offered support with legal advocacy, job and housing assistance, further education, safety planning, life skills and wellness, counseling, and children's programming.

This August, after 25-years of what began as tireless efforts to help a friend, Safe Passage, Inc., has now served more than 16,000 domestic and sexual violence victims and their children. As the number continues to rise, it is evident how vital Safe Passage is to the community and southeastern Indiana. Safe Passage is the sole support service provider of free and confidential domestic and sexual violence services in the six-county district of Dearborn, Franklin, Ripley, Switzerland, Ohio and Jefferson counties.

"We are grateful for the continual support from the community, the businesses, the corporations, the schools, civic groups and faith-based partners. We can't do this work alone. Together we have worked to create a safer and healthier community for all," said Cari Kettman, executive director. "Most importantly, we credit survivors for their bravery and resilience, as well as commend our founders for their fortitude, empathy and vision." Kettman began in June as the new director replacing long-time director Jane Yorn. Yorn is also one of the founders of Safe Passage.

Safe Passage is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, go to the website at www.safepassageinc.org  Call or text 877-733-1990.