ASPEN – Abuse Support & Prevention Education Network presents the 6th annual “Soup to End the Silence” fundraiser on Friday October 23rd, 2015 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, in the Ballroom at The Shane Lalani Center for the Arts in Livingston. Soup to End the Silence is a fall harvest themed, family oriented event to end the silence on domestic violence. The event will feature unlimited savory soups, hearty chili, fresh baked breads, delicious desserts, as well as a silent and live auction. In addition, victims who have lost their lives due to domestic violence will be recognized through an “empty place” to honor them and remind us all of why ASPEN’s services are vital to the community. Since the year 2000, 145 people have lost their lives in Montana due to domestic violence, including 10 children.
ASPEN formerly Tri-County Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is a non-profit organization that provides free, confidential, direct crisis intervention services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Park, Sweet Grass and Meagher Counties of Montana. The mission of ASPEN is to provide support services to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence and empower them to create safe and healthy lives for themselves and their families. ASPEN is also committed to breaking the cycle of violence by providing educational and awareness activities in the community. We provide a multitude of services to our clients including: 24-Hour crisis line, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, information and referrals, safety planning, assistance with Orders of Protection and law enforcement reporting, emergency 911 phones, forensic medical exam support, as well as community outreach and educational programs.
During the year 2014, ASPEN provided almost 2600 services including 1448 nights of shelter, 593 in-person crisis advocacy or intervention sessions, and 258 crisis hotline calls, as well as a variety of other services. This amounted to a 79% increase in total services and a 169% increase in shelter nights.
The Soup to End the Silence fundraiser is crucial to our organization in order to be able to continue to provide quality services to all the families in our community who experience trauma due to domestic and/or sexual violence. Funds are also used in our Starting Against Violence Early program which educates youth on bullying, teen dating violence, and promotes healthy relationships.
Join us on October 23, 2015 and enjoy a hearty, down-home fall harvest meal, music, wine, and good company, while supporting our worthy cause. Tickets at the door are $15 or 2 for $25 for adults, $5 for children age 5-12, and under 5 are free. All major credit cards will be accepted.
