Safe Passage hosts annual fundraising event
December 7, 2022 at 3:35 p.m.
Safe Passage held their annual fundraising event called "Visions of Help, Healing and Hope" at Walhill Farm on Saturday.
The soldout event served as an opportunity to support the non-profit that is dedicated to helping victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Those in attendance included Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel, who commended the work of Safe Passage.
"We have a lot of victims of domestic violence and Safe Passage offers in-shelter service and also provides services like protective orders and helping victims during court cases," Hertel said.
"I know police officers and prosecutors are infinitely supportive of the organization."
While the organization makes it their mission to turn victims into survivors, executive director Cari Kettman took a moment to spotlight two local families who have lost a loved one.
Safe Passage shared the story of a Batesville family who once hosted a foreign exchange student from Canada. The family kept in close contact with the student for years; however, it ended when the young woman was killed by a former partner in Montreal in 2021.
The other family who told their story was from Ripley County. A 36-year-old woman suffered severe domestic violence and stalking for several years before her life was taken in Holton in January 2021. She kept the violence a secret until Thanksgiving 2020 in order to protect her family as threats were made against them too. Her abuser was sentenced to 65 years in prison earlier this year.
The goal was to remind people of the lasting impact of domestic violence and how it can impact the family members who are left behind. It also served as a chance to reach someone who may be suffering abuse.
Safe Passage is celebrating their 25th anniversary and have assisted 16,000 people since its inception.
During the event, board member Mick Wilz brought the grandchildren of Safe Passage founder and former executive director Jane Yorn on the stage.
"This all started from a kitchen table conversation, and the only way we're going to keep this organization going for the next 25 years is to get the next generation involved," said Wilz.
Following the introduction, the grandchildren presented Yorn with the inaugurual Founder's Focus Award as the audience gave a standing ovation.
Safe Passage provides free and confidential domestic and sexual violence services in the six-county district of Dearborn, Franklin, Ripley, Switzerland, Ohio and Jefferson counties.
If you, or someone you know, is a possible victim of domestic violence, please call the organization at their 24/7 helpline which is (877) 733-1990.
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
Safe Passage held their annual fundraising event called "Visions of Help, Healing and Hope" at Walhill Farm on Saturday.
The soldout event served as an opportunity to support the non-profit that is dedicated to helping victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Those in attendance included Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel, who commended the work of Safe Passage.
"We have a lot of victims of domestic violence and Safe Passage offers in-shelter service and also provides services like protective orders and helping victims during court cases," Hertel said.
"I know police officers and prosecutors are infinitely supportive of the organization."
While the organization makes it their mission to turn victims into survivors, executive director Cari Kettman took a moment to spotlight two local families who have lost a loved one.
Safe Passage shared the story of a Batesville family who once hosted a foreign exchange student from Canada. The family kept in close contact with the student for years; however, it ended when the young woman was killed by a former partner in Montreal in 2021.
The other family who told their story was from Ripley County. A 36-year-old woman suffered severe domestic violence and stalking for several years before her life was taken in Holton in January 2021. She kept the violence a secret until Thanksgiving 2020 in order to protect her family as threats were made against them too. Her abuser was sentenced to 65 years in prison earlier this year.
The goal was to remind people of the lasting impact of domestic violence and how it can impact the family members who are left behind. It also served as a chance to reach someone who may be suffering abuse.
Safe Passage is celebrating their 25th anniversary and have assisted 16,000 people since its inception.
During the event, board member Mick Wilz brought the grandchildren of Safe Passage founder and former executive director Jane Yorn on the stage.
"This all started from a kitchen table conversation, and the only way we're going to keep this organization going for the next 25 years is to get the next generation involved," said Wilz.
Following the introduction, the grandchildren presented Yorn with the inaugurual Founder's Focus Award as the audience gave a standing ovation.
Safe Passage provides free and confidential domestic and sexual violence services in the six-county district of Dearborn, Franklin, Ripley, Switzerland, Ohio and Jefferson counties.
If you, or someone you know, is a possible victim of domestic violence, please call the organization at their 24/7 helpline which is (877) 733-1990.