Every October, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness about domestic violence—a silent epidemic that affects millions of individuals, families, and communities. At Family Crisis Centers (FCC), we see firsthand the devastating impact of abuse on victims and their families. But this month isn’t just about remembering the pain and loss; it’s also about hope, change, and the power of collective action.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is more than an annual reminder of the prevalence of domestic abuse. It’s a call to action—an opportunity for each of us to make a difference in the lives of those affected. This month, FCC has several initiatives that empower our communities to take a stand against domestic violence and support survivors on their journey to safety and healing.
Empty Chair Display: Honoring Lives Lost, Inspiring Change
Our Empty Chair Display is a powerful visual representation of the devastating toll domestic violence takes on individuals and families. Each chair symbolizes two lives lost to domestic violence—a person no longer with us because of abuse. Behind every statistic is a real person, a family, and a future cut short.
This year, the Empty Chair Display will return to Sioux Center from October 21-25 at the Centre Mall. It serves as a sobering reminder of the impact domestic violence has on our community, urging us to reflect on the importance of prevention and support.
Every chair holds a story, every story can inspire change, and every contribution can bring hope. This is why we’re introducing our new campaign called More Than an Empty Chair: Honoring Lives, Inspiring Hope. If you feel moved to take action, you can “fill” a chair with hope by contributing $25. Your donation helps provide survivors with safe housing, advocacy, and critical resources to escape violence and rebuild their lives. You can also choose to be recognized on our tribute wall, a space on our website honoring those who have taken action to help stop the cycle of violence.
There are 386 chairs to fill with hope—fill one today: https://bit.ly/3Bgx6a6
Day of Giving: Culver’s Sioux Center, October 1
We’re partnering with Culver’s in Sioux Center for a Day of Giving on October 1, where 10% of all sales will go directly to Family Crisis Centers. This is a simple yet impactful way to support survivors and our ongoing work in the community. In addition to meal purchases, guests can also make cash donations to FCC.
Round Up at the Register: Multiple Locations and Dates
One of the easiest ways to support our mission during DVAM is by participating in the Round Up at the Register campaign. While shopping at participating Fareway locations, you’ll have the option to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, with the difference going to Family Crisis Centers. The round-up is happening at these locations and dates:
- Sioux Center: September 30 – October 12
- Sheldon: October 7-12
- Spirit Lake: October 21 – November 2
- Orange City: October 7-12
Every few cents truly adds up, and these small contributions go a long way toward providing lifesaving services for victims of abuse.
Coffee Sleeve Campaign: A Message with Every Sip
Raising awareness is one of the most powerful ways to prevent domestic violence. That’s why we’re partnering with local coffee and tea shops across the region to distribute 33,750 stickers printed with information about FCC’s services. Each sticker will display our phone number and text line, ensuring that anyone in need knows they can access help and support. These small reminders, seen daily, have the potential to save lives.
Raising Awareness with Table Tents Across the Region
Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re placing table tents in various communities across the region. These table tents contain vital information about Family Crisis Centers (FCC) and the comprehensive services we offer to victims of domestic violence. They also feature important statistics that highlight the widespread impact of domestic violence, along with resources for those seeking help.
By placing these table tents in local restaurants, cafes, libraries, and other public spaces, we aim to increase awareness and ensure that those in need know where to turn for support. Each table tent acts as a small but impactful tool, reminding the community that domestic violence is an issue we must all work together to combat, while offering a lifeline to those suffering in silence. Keep an eye out for them in your community and help us spread the word.
Hope in Action: Employee Participation
We’re calling on businesses and employees to get involved through our Hope in Action campaign. For a $5 donation, employees at participating businesses can wear a special sticker that shows their support for victims of domestic violence. This simple gesture not only helps raise awareness but also funds vital services that ensure survivors can escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives.
Support Survivors at Melissa’s Hope Chest
During October, our thrift store, Melissa’s Hope Chest, is offering a unique way for shoppers to make a difference. For a $1 donation, customers can write an encouraging message to survivors and victims of domestic violence. These messages will be displayed throughout the store as a visible reminder of hope and support.
Whether it’s a few words of encouragement or a heartfelt note, your message has the power to lift someone’s spirits when they need it most. These small acts of kindness remind survivors that they are not alone and that the community stands with them in their journey toward safety and healing. Every dollar donated through this campaign helps fund the critical services we provide, from safe housing and advocacy to support for children and more. At Melissa’s Hope Chest, you can give more than your gently used items—you can give hope.
How You Can Get Involved
DVAM is a time to reflect, but more importantly, it’s a time to act. You don’t have to work in victim services to make a difference—there are numerous ways you can help:
- Donate: Whether you’re filling a chair with hope or rounding up at the register, your financial support directly benefits victims and survivors in our community.
- Share: Spread the word about our Empty Chair Display, Day of Giving, and other events. Awareness is key to prevention, and your voice can help someone find the courage to seek help.
- Participate: Get your workplace involved in Hope in Action, or encourage your local coffee shop to participate in the coffee sleeve campaign. The more people who see these messages, the greater the impact.
At Family Crisis Centers, we believe there is hope for anyone experiencing domestic violence. But it takes all of us—every dollar, every conversation, every act of support—to bring about real change. Join us this October to honor those we’ve lost, support those still fighting, and ensure a future where every home is a safe one.
Together, we can turn hope into action.