Options has several community activities and exhibits coming up during October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Below is a list of the public events that community members are encouraged to attend or visit.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Join Options for a tree lighting ceremony honoring victims and survivors of domestic abuse. A poem will be read, and the winners of our Turn the Lights SalON contest will be announced. The tree will shine purple through the duration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Hill City
Date: 10/3/2022
Location: East City Park, Hill City, KS 67642
Time: 7 pm
Hays
Date: 10/4/2022
Location: Union Pacific Park, 10th & Main Street Hays, KS 67601
Time: 7 pm
Colby
Date: 10/5/2022
Location: Fike Park, Colby, KS 67701
Time: 7 pm
Turn the Lights SalON! Contest
Salons across Northwest Kansas are decorating their windows with purple lights and accessories to bring awareness to domestic abuse. Travel around the town to view their window displays!
Participating Salons in Hays, Hill City, Colby, and Atwood
Winners announced at Tree Lighting Ceremony (Atwood will be announced via social media).
In Her Shoes (Interactive Activity)
Visit this interactive exhibit where participants move, act, think, and make choices as a person experiencing an abusive relationship. Follow the cards in this “choose your own adventure” style activity that highlights the struggles of leaving and finding help. Content and trigger warning: This event contains triggering and sensitive materials. Domestic violence, sexual assault, and graphic scenes are all mentioned within this event. Advocates will be present at the event if you need assistance.
Hays
Date: 10/11/2022
Location: Hays Public Library, 1205 Main St, Hays, KS 67601
Time: 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Hill City
Date: 10/17/2022
Location: Graham County Library, 414 N West St, Hill City, KS 67642
Time: 2 – 5 pm
Atwood
Date: 10/20/2022
Location: Atwood Public Library, 102 S 6th St, Atwood, KS 67730
Time: 5 – 7:30 pm
Colby
Date: 10/28/2022
Location: Pioneer Memorial Library, 375 W 4th St, Colby, KS 67701
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Paint the Town Purple
Paint the Town Purple is an “art therapy” event that encourages individuals to express themselves and their experiences through creating. Those who participate are encouraged to leave a piece of their artwork behind to be included in a larger art piece that will be displayed at the Options offices.
Hays
Date: 10/16/2022
Location: Union Pacific Park, 10th & Main Street Hays, KS 67601
Time: 2 – 6 pm
Colby
Date: 10/21/2022
Location: Colby Community College Student Union, 1255 S Range Ave, Colby, KS 67701
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Wear Purple Day
Wear purple on October 20 to show your support of victims and survivors of domestic violence.
All of Northwest Kansas (and beyond!)
Date: 10/20/2022
If you need any additional information, have a question, or a concern, feel free to reach out to Options at our 24-hour toll-free helpline 800-794-4624. You can also reach an advocate via text by texting HOPE to 847411 or click 24-Hour Chat with Options.
Written by Anniston Weber