FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Teresa Mills, Deputy Director
479-444-8310
FAYETTEVILLE—Peace at Home Family Shelter will kick off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month with two great events:
• Friday, October 1st at the Powerhouse in Fayetteville from 8 p.m. to midnight, is the first annual Salsa Dance–a fundraiser for Peace at Home Family Shelter. The dance will feature the Neta Band and Salsa lessons will take place at 8 pm and 10 pm. Tickets are $15 and are available at the Peace At Home Thrift Store, 613 W. Sycamore, or at the door.
• Saturday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Springdale Civic Center is the Seventh Annual Family Fiesta. This free family-centered event includes many activities for children.
Judith Selle, CEO for PAH, is very excited about this year’s events and that the Salsa Dance fundraiser has been added to the agency’s celebration of National Domestic Violence month. “Salsa dancing is great fun and we are pleased to have great salsa musicians playing the event,” said Ms. Selle. “If there are others like me, the salsa lessons are also important! Our volunteers felt the Salsa Dance might reach more people who are not aware of our shelter and the services we offer.”
The next morning, the Family Fiesta begins at 11 am at the Springdale Civic Center. The Fiesta will feature music, a fashion show by survivors modeling items from the Thrift Store, and booths from local nonprofits and vendors. Fiesta Sponsors include Tyson Foods, Acambaro Restaurant, Walmart, Z95.7, Jazzercise, NWA Media, La Prense Libre, the Springdale Civic Center, and the Arkansas & Missouri Rail Road.
“Family Fiesta is a great way to support victims of domestic violence and let them know that they are not alone,” said Ms. Selle. “This is a chance for our community to stand together and say that we will not be silent anymore.”
Since 1977, PAH has helped women and children who have survived domestic violence build new lives, free from violence. This past year, 68 women and 103 children experienced 6,827 safe nights of shelter. Over 19,500 meals were served. We received 583 crisis calls and provided 7,963 hours of direct services. A total 936 shelter and community clients were helped in 2009 and this year even more women and children are seeking and receiving help.
PAH is committed to empowering victims of family violence and their children to survive and thrive. Our programs nurture self-determination and courage and promote healthy relationships and compassionate communities through education, outreach and advocacy.
For more information, visit: www.peaceathomeshelter.org. or call the 24-hour Crisis Line at 877-442-9811.