C.A.R.E. of Atchison County held a candlelight vigil Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Atchison County Courthouse in Rock Port, Missouri, to honor victims of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the local organization is making sure that everyone realizes that victims come from all socio-economic backgrounds and so many who need assistance are living among us. C.A.R.E. advocates and board members go above and beyond to help in any way that they can.
C.A.R.E. board member Gloria Graves read a poem written by a victim of domestic violence.
Atchison County Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood read a proclamation about Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Sandy Marr was one of the C.A.R.E. board members who spoke at the candlelight vigil.
C.A.R.E. Advocate Teresa More-house talked about the love and care they have for the domestic violence victims they help in this county, but because of it being such a rural area where everyone knows everybody, they have to take a lot of extra precautions while interacting with those same victims while out in the public.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
During Missouri’s 2023 legislative session, the General Assembly designated the third Saturday of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Day. To honor domestic violence survivors, C.A.R.E. of Atchison County is asking you to help light the town purple on October 19, 2024, for Domestic Violence Awareness Day.
C.A.R.E. held a candlelight vigil Wednesday, October 9, at the Atchison County Courthouse. The gathering began with a welcome and prayer given by Sandy Marr and a proclamation was read by Atchison County Commissioner Curtis Livengood. The vigil was attended by 22 individuals and merchandise was available to take home representing C.A.R.E.
C.A.R.E. currently has four locations with a pinwheel display and donation box. These displays can be found at Fertilizer Service, Fairfax; Perfect 10 Salon and Stoner Drug, Rock Port; and Rogers Pharmacy, Tarkio. In addition to these displays, during the month of October, C.A.R.E. will be offering at different times and locations purple lapel ribbons for you to show support along with a freewill donation box. Wearing your ribbon proudly shows awareness and support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
During the 2023 calendar year, C.A.R.E. of Atchison County provided services to 115 clients with a total of 2,083 combined support services. The shelter is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the hotline is answered 24/7. People are welcome to tour the facility, to ask for presentations at organizations and to inform the public of what C.A.R.E. does in our county, but more importantly, for the clients.
You can help by being a volunteer. It requires answering the hotline on weekends. You will be provided with the phone and must be in range of receiving calls. If you are interested, call 660-744-9966 for more information. Volunteers are always needed.
