Karine Pogosyan-Myrmoe, Domestic Violence Survivior
The Silent No More Domestic Violence Awareness event held at Presentation Convent last Thursday evening was attended by Sisters, Convent employees, Presentation College employees and staff, Mayor Mike Levsen and Aberdeen Area community members and Domestic Violence survivors and advocates. Special guest speaker Karine Pogosyan-Myrmoe, domestic violence survivor, inspired people and gave them courage to leave their abusers and pursue their dreams.
Jackie Miller provided music during the event. The program also included a powerful and emotional candlelight vigil featuring the Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Pipe and Drum Corps in recognition of the survivors and victims of domestic violence.
Aberdeen Fire & Rescue Pipe and Drum Corps
“Change” that will change the lives of children in the Aberdeen Area. The Sisters and Convent employees participated in a Change Challenge to raise money for PJ’s Pack, which was started by Preston, a young man that lost his mother due to domestic violence. He wanted to start a project that would give children a little comfort of home when they have to leave their home due to an emergency or unsafe environment.
Mayor Mike Levsen and Safe Harbor Director Gina Karst
In partnership with Safe Harbor, the hope is that anytime a child has to leave their home in an emergency and check into the shelter Safe Harbor, Child Protection Services, or Law Enforcement will provide the children a backpack. The Pack will include a blanket, pajamas, underwear/diaper/pull-up, stuffed toy, book, flashlight and hygiene items, which costs $45 each.
The Presentation Convent raised $216.44 during the Change Challenge. These funds were combined with the funds raised by Presentation College staff and students to submit a donation of $679.91 to Gina Karst, Executive Director of Safe Harbor in Aberdeen 15 new PJ Packs!!
Thank you to those who attended the event, contributed to the change challenge and those of you who are advocates! Safe Harbor is in need of On-Call Advocates. They do pay a small stipend for your time. If you are interested, please email safeharbor@safeharborsd.org for more information.
Prayer Vigil
