October marks domestic violence awareness month
The Alternatives to Violence staff is shown decked out in purple, the color that symbolizes domestic violence. Courtesy Alternatives to Violence
Biz West, by Bernie Simon, October 1, 2021
LOVELAND — Alternatives to Violence will host a series of events throughout October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to raise awareness and encourage people to join in the effort to stop domestic violence.
On Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m., a “Paws and Reflect” event will occur at Foote Lagoon at the Loveland Civic Center. Pets in costume or wearing purple — the color symbolizing domestic violence — will be paraded around the lagoon. Loveland Mayor Jacki Marsh will mark October as domestic violence awareness month in Loveland.
“Pets are a big reason why domestic violence victims do not initially leave an abusive partner. Many shelters may not take pets, so victims are hesitant to leave pets behind out of fear that they will be abused,” Alternatives to Violence outreach coordinator Marigaye Barnes said in a press statement.
On Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., an in-person and virtual event called Domestic Violence: Shining a Light in Our Community, will occur. Content of the event will include a description of domestic violence and how to recognize it, followed by a domestic violence survivor who will share personal experiences to shed light on the realities of an abusive relationship. The event will end with advocates from Alternatives to Violence who will answer questions from members of the community interested in learning how to identify or help someone who may be in a domestic violence situation. The in-person version of this event will take place at Realities for Children, 308 E. County Road 30, Fort Collins.
The week of Oct. 25-29, people are asked to participate in a “Don Your Purple Social Media Event.”
Facebook users will be asked to wear purple and share photos on either their personal Facebook pages or on ATV’s Facebook page using the hashtag #ATVDVAM2021.
October was first declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and generate awareness on identifying and preventing domestic abuse.
“Awareness is crucial because domestic violence is a serious social problem and dangerous crime that affects millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, or education. The consequences of domestic violence can affect more than just the victim, and the mental effects can last a lifetime,” ATV said in a statement.
For information about ATV, or to donate, visit alternativestoviolence.org/.
Alternatives to Violence kicks off domestic violence awareness month with weekend pet parade
Awareness month schedule include virtual and in-person event
Loveland Reporter Herald, by Austin Fleskes, September 30, 2021
Alternatives to Violence will hold a a pet parade this weekend, the first of several scheduled events for a month of domestic violence awareness.
Alternatives to Violence, a local nonprofit, has worked since 1982 to provide shelter, advocacy, education and resources for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking
According to a release from the organization with the “significant increase” in domestic violence cases during the pandemic, ATV will be host events throughout October to raise awareness and encourage the community to join in the effort to stop domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been observed in October since 1989.
Kari Clark, executive director for ATV, said that while the nonprofit usually doesn’t do a long list of events for the month, its community outreach committee was able to plan out several events this year.
“We wanted to make some fun things but have everything hold a sense of information as well, because that is what this month is about,” she said.
The first event, titled Paws and Reflect, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday. The event, which is open to the community, will feature a parade of pets in purple, the color that symbolizes domestic violence, or in costume. The parade will start at the Loveland Public Library parking lot at 11 a.m. and will proceed around Foote Lagoon to the amphitheater, where Mayor Jacki Marsh will dedicate October to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Pets are a big reason why domestic violence victims do not initially leave an abusive partner,” said Marigaye Barnes, ATV outreach coordinator, in the release. “Many shelters may not take pets, so victims are hesitant to leave pets behind out of fear that they will be abused.”
ATV is working to get a grant that could allow the nonprofit to partner with a shelter to have kennels reserved 24/7 for pets in need, Clark said.
ATV will hold two other events. On the evening of Oct. 13 the organization will hold an in-person event to hear from domestic violence specialists and survivors. The simultaneous in-person and virtual event, titled Domestic Violence: Shining a Light in our Community, will include a brief description of domestic violence and how to recognize it, followed by a domestic violence survivor who will share their personal experience and end with a panel of advocates from ATV to answer public questions.
This event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Realities for Children, 308 E. County Road 30 in Fort Collins.
Finally, during the week of Oct. 25-29 ATV will be hosting a Don Your Purple social media event, asking Facebook users to wear purple and share photos on either their personal Facebook page or on ATV’s page using the hashtag #ATVDVAM2021.
Clark said it is incredibly important to hold events and recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month so that the community can know where to go and that, despite what some victims of domestic abuse think, they are not at fault for the abuse.
“We want to make sure the community knows that is not the case, and if you are in an abusive relationship … that there are ways to get help and get out of it,” she said. “It is not your fault.”
More information on ATV can be found at alternativestoviolence.org. More information on the events can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
Pastels on Fifth sees 11th year of eye-catching street art in return to form event
Event mirrored previous years with lessened COVID-19 related restrictions
LOVELAND, CO – Sept. 11, 2021: Loveland artists Dion Weichers works on his sidewalk square on the southwestern corner of Lincoln Avenue and Fifth Street during the Pastels on Fifth event Sept. 11, 2021. Weichers said he has done the event every year it has run and he always looks forward to getting to come back out to make more art. (Austin Fleskes / Loveland Reporter-Herald)
Loveland Reporter Herald, by Austin Fleskes, September 11, 2021
Artists, vendors and community members once again took to Fifth Street Saturday as the long-running Pastels on Fifth event returned for another year with a stronger return to form.
The event celebrated its 11th year of bringing together artists and community members to enjoy art and help raise money for Alternatives to Violence, the local victim’s rights advocacy non-profit, throughout Saturday as artists got to work creating beautiful street art.
“It’s so exciting to see the event back in full,” said event coordinator Vicky Paul-Bryant.
“Just being able to have such a great community event while things have been closed off (is great),” said Kari Clark, executive director for Alternatives to Violence.
While the event was held during 2020, it had to be pulled back and changed as questions still raged around the pandemic; this included fewer artists, spaced out artists and separating artists and community to try and keep people as spaced out as possible.
But the greater understanding of the pandemic in 2021 allowed the event to return to normalcy, albeit with more masks than in years past.
Amanda Waddell, co-coordinator for the event, said that as of around 10:30 a.m. everything was moving smoothly and artists were hard at work. She said while she arrived at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, she knew some artists arrived and started even before she set up.
Loveland artist Dion Weichers said that he showed up at his sidewalk section on the southwestern corner of Lincoln Avenue and Fifth Street around 8 a.m. to get started on his piece for Verboten Brewing and Barrel Project. He said that he has been part of the event since it started in 2010.
“I just love it,” he said. “I look forward to it every year.”
He said that the event is a great way to get the community out to enjoy the art for a good cause.
“To have the community embrace that and block off two blocks, it’s a great thing,” Weichers said. “It’s a great feeling.”
Phoenix artist Mercedes McCluskey said that she came out to the Loveland event to show off her art as well as visit with family.
“It’s fun being around a bunch of artists and seeing all the styles,” she said. “It’s a very peaceful environment.”
Fort Collins artist Nicole Cluster said she has also been part of the event for the last 11 years. Much like Weichers, she said it is an event that she looks forward to every year.
“I love having the experience to be out with other people,” she added.
While the artists got down and artsy early Saturday morning, community members began to file in right at 10 a.m. to see the work in action.
The Gaona family came out Saturday morning to see the artwork. Damien Gaona said they heard about it on Facebook and thought it would be something cool to come and see.
Shirley Gaona, Damien’s mother, said she liked see the artwork being created and was looking forward to “coming back to see it (finished) later.”
Loveland resident Kiley Barrett and her three daughters, who have come to the event before, saw it was coming back once again and decided to stop back.
“The girls love art, so we love seeing the creativity,” she said.
Waddell said the event is a great way to bring out artists and community to help a cause like that of Alternatives to Violence. She added that the need to support ATV is always important, especially after the pandemic brought on more stressors for those suffering from domestic violence.
“Being able to write ATV a check for what they need is the most important thing,” Waddell said.
Clark said the event allows the group to get their message out and let people know they are there to help for those in need.
“You cannot help victims of violence if they don’t know where to go,” she said.
Paul-Bryant said the Pastels on Fifth has become an impactful, positive event for all of Loveland, bringing together artists to show off their skills, community members who can enjoy the art together and for Alternatives to Violence to further spread their message.
“It has become a Loveland tradition,” Paul-Bryant said. “It really is a win-win-win.”
Those unable to come out Saturday can still enjoy the artwork along the stretch of Fifth Street after the event ends. Paul-Bryant also said the people’s choice award can be voted on until Sept. 19. More information can be found at pastelson5th.org.
Pastels on 5th turns concrete to canvas on Saturday in Loveland
Over 130 artists will transform sidewalks into brilliant works of chalk art
Misty Johnson works on a square for Origins Wine Bar and Wood Fired Pizza at Pastels on 5th in 2020. Pastels on 5th will return for its 11th year on Saturday, on 5th Street, adjacent to the Loveland Museum. (Pastels on 5th/Courtesy photo)
Boulder Daily Camera, By Kalene McCort, September 8, 2021
Pastels on 5th — an all-day chalk art festival — returns to downtown Loveland Saturday with over 130 creatives transforming ordinary ground into an open-air gallery. The event will take place on 5th Street, adjacent to Loveland Museum.
Vicky Paul-Bryant, Pastels on 5th event director and one of the festival’s founders, said the event was modeled after a similar one in her hometown of Arcata, California.
“It was a long-running and popular event there and we hoped it would catch on in the same way here,” Paul-Bryant said. “I did not envision just how quickly it would grow, how many artists would want to be involved or how the community and sponsors would embrace it.”
Throughout its evolution, the event, now in its 11th year, has showcased the intricate work of regional creatives and provided significant funding for a local nonprofit.
“The most rewarding aspect of raising funds for Alternatives to Violence (ATV) is knowing just how important their services are to this community,” Paul-Bryant said. “Growing up, my life was significantly impacted by domestic violence. There were no safe houses back when my mom and I had to move to a new state, change our names and start over with the courageous support of family and friends.”
Determined to craft a family-friendly event showcasing talented artists while also helping a cause close to her heart, Paul-Bryant got to work planning and recruiting.
“When we started Pastels on 5th, ATV was raising funds to open a domestic violence shelter in Loveland,” Paul-Bryant said. “That’s when former ATV board member Marcia Moellenberg and I decided to try the sidewalk chalk art festival as a benefit event. We saw it as a good way to bring the community together, draw attention to the topic of domestic violence and raise funds for the safe house.”
The inaugural festival featured 65 participating artists and sponsors. Over $10,000 was raised the first year for ATV.
“So many of the people involved with the event have told me how domestic violence impacted their life and how much they appreciate being part of such a fun event for such an important cause,” Paul-Bryant said.
In 2018, Pastels on 5th drew over 3,000 spectators eager to watch 140 artists transform sidewalks into eye-catching works of art. Over $50,000 was raised for ATV.
While certain artists return year after year, the event also welcomes fresh work from festival newbies.
“I am really looking forward to transforming my love of pastels on a much smaller scale of paper into a larger format,” said first-time participant Jenn Hall, who teaches art, computer graphics and robotics at Loveland High School. “It is a little intimidating — I must admit — but I am really looking forward to collaborating with some students of mine that have a real passion for art. I want to show them that there are many ways to create beauty through art and share it with their community in this exciting event.”
Hall’s award-winning work continues to catch the eye of collectors and one of her pieces is owned by Frederick Mayor Tracie Crites.
“I knew art would be a part of my career path when I walked into the art department of CSU,” Hall said. “I fell in love with the idea of making a career out of doing the one thing I loved all my life. I recall very vividly calling my dad from a payphone super ecstatic that I am going to be an artist, he paused and said, ‘Great, now figure out how you can make money doing that’ and hung up on me. Needless to say, I was a graphic artist for years and loved every minute of it.”
For Hall and other participating artists, there are no rigid rules when it comes to using concrete as canvas.
“Artists are given free rein to design their art square,” Paul-Bryant said. “We only ask that the artwork be family-friendly and not political. Many of them wait to see who their sponsor is and relate their artwork to their sponsor if possible or they reach out to their sponsor to see if the sponsor has any thoughts on the artwork.”
While the fundraiser is dedicated to helping the mission of ATV, a selection of participants are also awarded generously.
Cash prizes — sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama — are $300 for the first place winner, $150 for second place, $100 for third place and $50 for the Young Artist Award.
“We also have People’s Choice awards — a super popular feature of our event where festival spectators vote for their favorite works of art,” Paul-Bryant said. “Each vote costs $1 and you can vote as many times as you like for however many artists as you want. Voting is available at the People’s Choice booth at the festival or online.”
A gallery of artwork will be posted on PastelsOn5th.org and voting will stay open until Sunday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m.
All the money from votes will go to ATV.
Saturday’s offerings also include live music from local bands and a marketplace featuring food, jewelry, pottery, paintings, soaps, lotions and more.
There’s also a children’s area where kids can craft their very own chalk art.
“I’m thrilled at the success of the event,” Paul-Bryant said.
Pastels on 5th poised to return to downtown Loveland on Sept. 11
Loveland Reporter Herald, September 1, 2021 by Max Levy
Pastels on 5th will return to beautify downtown Loveland’s sidewalks and benefit Loveland-based domestic abuse shelter Alternatives to Violence on Sept. 11.
Now in its 11th year, the annual festival of chalk art is expected to draw about 140 artists as well as the public for a day of live music, vendors and the transformation of Loveland’s Fifth Street into a colorful horizontal gallery.
Co-coordinator Amanda Waddell said the event is happening during a “catch-up” year for Alternatives to Violence, with the shelter hoping to raise funds to offset the disruption caused by COVID-19 as well as expand its housing resources in Loveland.
“We’re blessed in this town to have an actual shelter … but the need has at least doubled, and they’re running out of room,” she said.
The event will last from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though artists will likely start working on their squares of pavement earlier in the morning. At noon, the first stage will open and Mayor Jacki Marsh will deliver remarks on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, after which the live music will start.
Artists are eligible to win in two classes of awards, with the first decided by a panel of judges, and the People’s Choice award decided by members of the public who can pay to cast a vote for their favorite artwork on the 11th as well as up to a week after the conclusion of the event.
Waddell said fundraising is already on-track to top previous years, including 2019, when she said $30,000 had been raised 10 days prior to the event.
On Wednesday, she reported that the organizers have already received $38,000 in contributions.
“We’re looking at being able to give them about $50,000,” she said. “I’m just blown away by the amount of support we’ve had this year. … It just warms my heart, and I’m so thrilled to work with so many wonderful sponsors in town. So many people have stepped up already and given so much freakin’ money.”
More information about Pastels on Fifth is available online at https://pastelson5th.org/.
For information about the services offered through Alternatives to Violence, including sheltering for victims of domestic abuse, visit http://alternativestoviolence.org/.
Noelle Garcia, right, is the founder of She Leads. Courtesy Tara Vreeland.
She Leads Project shares stories of hope, bolsters nonprofits
BizWest, August 25, 2021 By
“When I got out of treatment in 2017, I promised myself that I wouldn’t be shy about telling my story,” Garcia said. “The stories could be our strength. There doesn’t have to be shame in choosing a better way or a healthier life. … We can find courage when we choose a better way.”
Garcia wants to bring help and hope to others, letting them know they can get out of “these hard places in life” and that they’re not alone, she said. She got out of her own hard place and gained confidence with the success of SILX, which she founded in 2018 to run education and extension training for stylists throughout the nation.
“This is not an ‘addiction’ movement,” Garcia said. “It’s a hope-versus-fear collaboration.”
Garcia held the launch event for She Leads on Aug. 5 at the first of what will be quarterly events at partner New Belgium Brewery Co. in Fort Collins. The quarterly events serve as fundraisers as they spotlight and support a Northern Colorado organization or nonprofit that’s “doing incredible things to help women and children get back on their feet,” Garcia said.
“Our entire goal and mission is to collaborate and highlight other organizations doing great things,” Garcia said.
Greeley resident Allie Reilly, a medical assistant, professional photographer and Mrs. Colorado Petite, shared her “story of hope” during the event, which spotlighted Alternatives to Violence in Loveland.
A survivor of domestic violence, Reilly wanted to tell her story of how she overcame domestic violence and homelessness and now is speaking about it as part of her platform as Mrs. Colorado Petite. She does advocacy and public speaking on behalf of nonprofits such as Alternatives to Violence and Crossroads Safehouse in Fort Collins.
“You can get away, and you do have support systems out there. You just have to find them,” Reilly said.
Reilly met her former husband when she was 19 and thought he was “the one,” though she started seeing red flags when she was pregnant with their daughter. He apologized after each incidence of abuse, saying it would never happen again, and she began to lie for him to cover up what he’d done.
“I learned that you are always stronger to walk away. It’s not easy, but once you do, you learn your self-worth,” Reilly said. “It’s something that’s not spoken about. It’s brushed under the rug, and I wanted to bring awareness to it.”
She Leads serves as a catalyst to support organizations like Alternatives to Violence, carrying out its mission to share, inspire and lead together while also inviting the community to participate at the quarterly events. The support is financial through ticket sales and social media donations, plus there’s a service component of filling care packages with items the highlighted organization regularly distributes to its clients.
Alternatives to Violence is a Loveland-based nonprofit that since 1982 has provided shelter, advocacy, education and resources for men, women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The safehouse, which has eight bedrooms and 22 beds, is typically full and gets calls on a daily basis — about 80% are from domestic violence victims.
At the first quarterly event, approximately 50 volunteers stuffed 50 backpacks with donated self-care, toiletry and other items that will be given to those staying at the safehouse. She Leads gave Alternatives to Violence a check for $10,000, and staff from the nonprofit had the opportunity to speak about its mission, the services it offers and ways for the community to get involved.
The nonprofit selected for the next quarterly event in November will be Career Closet in Fort Collins. The organization helps women overcoming homelessness, abuse or other difficult situations be prepared for the workforce by providing them with clothing and fulfilling their other career-related needs. There will be a personal story from someone connected to the nonprofit of how they overcame a struggle as a way to help educate and inspire those in attendance.
She Leads shares “stories of hope” in other ways, such as Permission to Press Play, a podcast with an archive of stories expected to be released at the end of September and accessible from the She Leads website at sheleadsproject.org. The stories are categorized into sections, such as hope, addiction, foster care, human trafficking, miscarriage, abusive relationships, poverty and other topics.
“These stories are meant to inspire others,” Garcia said.
She Leads also has a Partners of Impact program, where the nonprofit partners with corporations and small businesses in Northern Colorado to fulfill any identified needs, such as through financial gifts, products or services. The current project is sponsoring 10 single mothers with $1,000 gift cards to King Soopers, which were scheduled to be distributed Sept. 1.
“Here’s a pick-me-up from your community. … We see them and value them and know it’s not easy,” Garcia said.
Ex-Wife of D.C. Sniper to Speak at Virtual Alternatives to Violence Event on April 8
TownsquareMedia, April 1, 2021 By Emily Mashak
Alternatives to Violence (ATV) will host Mildred Muhammad, award-winning speaker and ex-wife of the D.C. sniper, at their 4th Annual Purple Ribbon Event next Thursday (April 8).
While last year's breakfast was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic, this year's virtual event will give Muhammad the chance to share her story - and bring hope to those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
"She has since become an advocate for domestic violence (awareness)... just a great, great person," said Kari Clark, Executive Director of ATV, in our "Tuned In to noCo" interview. "Anybody is invited to join the Purple Ribbon Event... I think the message getting across will be good for anybody."
Attendees can register for the event, which takes place from Noon to 1pm here. An optional delivery from Daddy O's Green Onion will be available for lunch.
Along with raising awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, the event also aims to raise funds for ATV. The nonprofit's SafeHouse, programs and operations are imperative to victims, especially during the pandemic.
"We're starting to level off a bit, we've noticed, for crisis calls, but we are still receiving a ton," said Clark."Domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking are more prevalent than I think people believe. People need those around them who support them to help them get through it."
ATV can be reached online, at their office at (970) 669-5150 or via text at (970) 669-5157.
Learn more about the 4th Annual Purple Ribbon Event by listening to the full "Tuned In to NoCo" interview with Kari Clark here.
Read More: Ex-Wife of D.C. Sniper to Speak at Alternatives to Violence Event | https://999thepoint.com/ex-wife-of-d-c-sniper-to-speak-at-virtual-alternatives-to-violence-event-on-april-8/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
Alternatives to Violence sets date for virtual annual event
BizWest, March 28, 2021 By BizWest Staff
LOVELAND — Alternatives to Violence will be hosting its annual Purple Ribbon Event virtually this year. The event raises awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, which have seen increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fundraising event will be noon to 1 p.m. on April 8. Attendees can register at https://atv-pre.eventbrite.com.
“We have been seeing an increase in calls from domestic abuse victims especially during the coronavirus pandemic,” Kari Clark, executive director of Alternatives to Violence, said in a press release. “Unfortunately, we had to cancel last year’s event, but we need this event more than ever to help keep our phone lines and doors open to help the increasing need. Although we can’t get together in person, we can still make an impact by coming together virtually.”
“The Purple Ribbon Virtual Event will feature special guest speaker Mildred D. Muhammad. Muhammad is the ex-wife of the Washington, D.C., sniper John A. Muhammad, who went on a three-week rampage cac the intent to ultimately find and kill her. Muhammad will open up with personal details of her experience involving fear and abuse. She will share her expertise and challenges on what it’s like to be a victim and survivor of domestic violence,” the organization said in its press release.
Muhammad is an international expert speaker for the U.S. Department of State, certified consultant with the Office on Victims of Crime and CNN contributor.
Those wishing to be an event ambassador or sponsor should contact Clark at 970-669-5150 or kari.clark@alternativestoviolence.org. For those who cannot attend the event, but wish to contribute to Alternatives to Violence, can donate at paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KFHMRKTA6YTWC .
'Crushing': Friends remember Fort Collins teen killed in alleged domestic violence attack
Coloradoan, February 21, 2021 By Sady Swanson
Editor's note: This story contains references to domestic violence. Information about domestic violence warning signs and resources for those in crisis is available at the end of this story.
When Danielle Hopton’s three best friends remember her, it’s the little moments that stick out.
For Emily Mulder, it's the monster truck rally they went to together years ago with Hopton’s dad and brother. They weren’t really into monster trucks, so Mulder said they just walked around the arena goofing off.
“It’s little moments like that, that are just goofy and inside jokes and fun,” Mulder said. “That’s how I’ll always remember memories with her.”
Some big moments stick out for Mulder too, like their weekend trip to Denver a few years ago when they went to Water World and Elitch Gardens, and stayed in a hotel, where they swam in the pool and danced in the elevator.
Kaiya Anderson recalled middle school, when they all met. They would sit around playing group games on their phones together and take silly pictures of each other.
“Every single moment that you spent with her was perfect in it’s own way,” said Aislyn Papworth, who was also Hopton’s neighbor. “You can’t just pinpoint a specific thing because, I mean, we enjoyed every single second we got to spend with her.”
Hopton, 18, died Feb. 7 from injuries sustained in an assault late the night before, according to Fort Collins police. Hopton’s ex-boyfriend Stephen McNeil was arrested the same day and charged with first-degree murder and domestic violence, among other charges.
Mulder said when she read about McNeil’s arrest, she immediately texted Hopton to ask if she was OK.
Hopton never saw that text.
“I was just extremely concerned because I knew their history,” Mulder said.
She then texted Hopton’s mother, who called her and told her what happened.
“It was just crushing,” Anderson said, and she called Mulder and Papworth to tell them what happened after talking to Hopton’s mom. “... Danielle was such a beautiful person, such a light in all of our lives.”
The neighborhood has rallied around Hopton’s family to provide meals and other kinds of support, Papworth said.
Hopton loved animals and was particularly passionate about training guide dogs with her family. Papworth said Hopton worked hard to train them and was always so proud when they passed their training.
“(I’m) making sure that everything that I do and every decision that I make represent who she was and honor her,” Papworth said.
A GoFundMe page to raise money in Hopton’s honor for the Larimer Humane Society, Crossroads Safehouse and Guide Dogs for the Blind raised more than $37,000 as of Friday afternoon.
McNeil remains in Larimer County Jail with no bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 2 after attorneys asked the judge for more time to review the evidence in the case.
Teen dating violence 'more common than people think'
Remembering Hopton is not only about honoring her memory, but also helping others in situations like hers, Mulder said.
“This isn’t something that should happen to anybody else,” Mulder said. “... This is something that should have been prevented.”
Teen dating violence is "more common than people think," said Kari Clark of Alternatives to Violence in Loveland.
Girls and young women ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, Clark said.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Clark said her nonprofit is continuing to try to educate Larimer County youths about signs of dating violence and resources for help.
According to data provided by Alternatives to Violence:
- 40% of teens said they wouldn't know what to do if they witnessed dating abuse or sexual assault.
- 60% of teens know a victim of either dating violence or sexual assault.
- 46% of those who have known a victim of dating violence or sexual assault did not intervene.
Alternatives to Violence and Crossroads Safehouse in Fort Collins have programs through the school districts to educate students about dating violence, Clark said. But because of schools shifting to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students are harder to reach.
"Less information is getting out there," Clark said.
When abuse is reported, Clark said their team works closely with the school administration, school resource officers and the teen's family to set up a safety plan. In instances where the abuser and the victim have classes together, the school can move the abuser to different classes to separate them, Clark said.
Clark worries that teens in abusive relationships won't be as easily able to reach out for help while learning remotely.
"Having an SRO or trusted teacher (around helps)," Clark said. "It's really a shame right now with COVID not having those people around."
In abusive relationships between teens, Clark says they often see:
- Cyber stalking
- Controlling behavior, especially regarding a partner's social media or cell phone use
- An abuser putting down their partner frequently in front of others
- Extreme jealousy
- Angry outbursts
- A victim isolating from their friends or family
"Information is power for abusers," Clark said. "... It's all about power and control."
Clark said any sort of physical abuse — like grabbing an arm or punching in a moment of anger — is not OK, along with pressuring or forcing of sexual contact.
Family involvement is key to supporting a teen victim of dating violence, Clark said.
Families should respectfully monitor their children's social media and cell phone use for red flags, Clark said. While children may not want to talk to their families, Clark said asking about their day and their friends and relationships can help families see warning signs.
Domestic violence warning signs
Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse that can include physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and financial elements where the abuser's conscious or unconscious goal is to gain or maintain control. There are not always physical signs of abuse.
Girls and young women ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence.
Early warning signs of an abusive partner include:
- Controlling behavior
- Guilt trips
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Isolation
- Jealousy
- Name-calling
- Manipulation
- Explosive temper
- Mood swings
- Checking your cellphone or email without permission
Help for people in crisis
If you or someone you care about is in a domestic violence situation, call Crossroads Safehouse's 24/7 helplines, which are staffed by trained advocates: 970-482-3502 or 888-541-7233 (toll free). You can also call Alternatives to Violence at 970-669-5150.
Other available resources for people in crisis include:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or call 911.
- SummitStone Crisis Stabilization Unit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: summitstonehealth.org/services/
- UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies crisis centers: uchealth.org/services/behavioral-health/
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.
Alternatives to Violence Urges Community to be Mindful of Victims During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
North Forty News, September 27, 2020 By Steven Bonifazi
Nonprofit organization Alternatives to Violence has launched a dedicated texting service to help victims discreetly reach out for help.
Anyone seeking help regarding domestic violence can send a text message to the texting service at 970-669-5157. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, Alternatives to Violence (ATV) will be sharing videos, stats, and tips on how to aid victims experiencing domestic violence throughout the entire month.
With many people adjusting their lifestyles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those experiencing domestic violence are doing so while trying to find ways to reach out for help. With safer-at-home restrictions lifted in Northern Colorado, ATV has seen a surge in calls to their crisis hotline.
“Calls went down during safer-at-home because victims were having a hard time finding a time and place away from their abuser to reach out for help,” said Executive Director of Alternatives to Violence, Kari Clark. “Now that they’re able to sporadically get out, we have seen significant increases in calls,” Kari said.
The number of calls ATV received from August to September is as follows:
- 195 crisis calls in July. That is a 46% increase from June, a 40% increase from July 2019, and a 180% increase since April.
- 124 crisis calls in August. That is a decrease of 35% from the previous month, but an increase of 31% over August 2019.
- 297 crisis calls during the First Quarter of 2020; 566 crisis calls were received during the Second Quarter; an increase of 91%.
ATV has also seen an increase in severe cases of abuse, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
Different ways Community members and businesses can show their support are as follows:
- Talking to teens or younger adults about what a healthy relationship looks like
- Donating time, money, or Wish List items to a local domestic violence resource center or shelter, like Alternatives to Violence.
- Hanging up flyers with important numbers and information in common areas at work
- Wearing purple. The color purple has long been a representation of those seeking justice.
“Awareness and action are urgently needed right now and we hope Domestic Violence Awareness Month will help,” said Kari. “If we hear or know that someone is in trouble, we need to reach out to help,” Kari said.
Pastels on 5th brings eye-popping color and artistry to downtown Loveland
Lacy Gangestad’s elephant recognized as first-place juried winner
Loveland Reporter Herald, September 13, 2020 By Max Levy
Artist Lacy Gangestad colors the tusk of the elephant dominating her pastel drawing next to Loveland Museum on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020. Gangestad’s drawing, which was sponsored by Realities for Children, was awarded first place during the Pastels on 5th event Saturday.
Artists gave Loveland’s Fifth Street and the plaza of The Foundry a vibrant makeover Saturday, as a socially distanced Pastels on 5th returned to downtown.
The pavement art festival and fundraiser for Loveland nonprofit Alternatives to Violence began nine years ago, but 2020 saw a few notable changes forced by the coronavirus, such as a cap of 100 artists and drawings being spaced several feet apart.
The inclusion of the Foundry plaza, which had its grand opening in August 2019, was another change, allowing more artists to spread out in a separate area of downtown.
Teams were also allowed, and as friends Stephanie Wadman and Maria Spoon worked on their shared square of pavement in The Foundry on Saturday, they reflected on how the changes allowed more freedom of movement for artists.
“They’re usually right next to one another,” Spoon said of the drawings. “Here, there’s a lot more space to walk between (them), so it works a lot better.”
The team’s square was split diagonally, with Wadman’s side featuring a colorful, geometric flower motif and Spoon’s side depicting a stylized flower and skull.
“She likes flowy lines, and I like the really hard, geometric lines,” Wadman said. “We each had different ideas, but now we’re figuring it out.”
Spoon said it was their fifth year coming to the festival together.
“It’s our outlet,” Wadman said.
Nearby, the father-daughter team of Bill and Kelsey Priestley worked on a drawing of a ram wearing a face mask, which was sponsored by Kelsey’s workplace, Shippers’ Supply.
“They just liked what I did last year, so I got asked to do it again,” she said.
She said a photograph of a ram had inspired her to sketch her design for Saturday.
Bill — who traveled from Athens, Texas, to spend time with his daughter — jokingly said the mask would help them remember when they had participated in the festival.
“That’s just a little humor,” he said. “This way, when we’re looking back at pictures, we’ll be able to remember when they were taken.”
A few streets north, the event’s director, Vicky Paul-Bryant, said it had netted just over $30,000 in sponsorships alone. The names of sponsors were included at the tops of each of the drawings.
Paul-Bryant also noted that the voting period for the people’s choice awards would be open through the following week, with members of the public able to pay a dollar to cast one vote for their favorite piece.
She said she received an enthusiastic response from artists excited for the rare opportunity to show off their skills as COVID-19 looms.
“Everyone is just so happy to have something to go out and do,” she said.
Nearby, artist Lacy Gangestad of Eaton worked on a mostly black-and-white drawing of an elephant, set against the background of a colorful sunset.
“I wanted to do something original, so this is actually based on a watercolor I’d done,” she said. “I wanted the black-and-white to pop, so you can see the colors of the sunset and the eyes.”
She said she became involved in the festival years ago, at the suggestion of one of her neighbors.
“I would always love doing chalk drawings with the neighborhood kids, and one day, one of my neighbors just asked whether I had ever heard of Pastels on 5th,” she said.
Gangestad’s elephant won first place in the juried competition.
On the other side of Fifth Street, next to a square featuring a portrait of Paul-Bryant drawn by an appreciative volunteer, a team led by Amanda Gress of Gress Art Studio worked on a neon-accented enlargement of a photo of a red-eyed tree frog.
Gress said her group picked the animal because of its colorful skin, which lent itself to the vibrant colors included in this year’s pastels.
“Working with pastels, they can be really bright, so it’s cool to bring out and exaggerate some of the colors,” Gress said. “The neon pink and orange (are) new this year.”
Artists were expected to work until around 3 p.m., when members of the public were invited in to look at the artwork.
2020 finalists
Juried (with name of sponsor and cash prize amount):
- Lacy Gangestad ($300, Realities for Children)
- Dion Weichers ($150, Loveland Pulse)
- Jennifer Chaparro ($100, Perfect Temp)
Young Artist Award:
- Chloe Circenis ($50, LPR Construction)
Loveland Rotary Club donates $44,000 to nonprofits for COVID relief programs
Local organizations include Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, Alternatives to Violence and more
Loveland Reporter-Herald, September 11, 2020 By Austin Fleskes
Nonprofits in Loveland and Larimer County got a cash boost last month when the Loveland Rotary Club distributed 12 grants totaling $44,220 as part of the club’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
According to a press release, the grants have enabled the organizations to serve the community in “caring for children with wholesome and safe activities, supporting low-income families, serving those experiencing both emotional and physical needs and assisting with other supportive programs in the Loveland area.”
Julie Johnson Haffner, chairman of the COVID-19 Response Fund committee, said the purpose of the Loveland Rotary Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is to focus on community service as well as scholarships and educational support for children in Loveland.
The 12 nonprofits and their funding amounts include:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, $5,000
- Project Self-Sufficiency of Loveland, $5,000
- Salvation Army, $5,000
- One Community One Family, $3,000
- Alternatives to Violence, $5,000
- Heart-J Center for Experiential Learning at Sylvan Dale Ranch, $5,000
- Respite Care $5,000
- Zion Lutheran Church Auto Repair Service, $3,000
- Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center, $5,000
- Homeward Alliance Myrtle Street Isolation and Recovery Center, $3,000
- Loveland Public Library to help with job readiness, $4,000
- Thompson Education Foundation school supply program, $1,750
Haffner said donations from members were matched by the Rotary Club Foundation, which helped in reaching the $44,220 amount. This is not something the club has done in the past, Haffner said, and it was “incredibly successful” because of the generosity of the members who donated.
Haffner said there was a rigorous review process, through which foundation members and club members reviewed the applications to see who the money would go to.
“Because we do so much with other nonprofits in the Loveland community, our members were focused on which agencies they feel were going to be successful and which ones they knew would be able to make an impact based on their previous work, their experience and their reputations,” Haffner said.
She added that since giving out this money, club members have heard back from a number of agencies saying how much of a difference the donations made.
“These small things we were able to help fund in these agencies made such a difference to so many families,” Haffner said. “There is this cascading effect that we kept hearing about.”
Kaycee Headrick, CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County, said she is extremely grateful for the money, which will be going to operating costs such as supplies and custodial work.
“Our organization has always existed to help kids when they need it the most, and this is a time when kids need it the most,” Headrick said. “(Funding) means everything; It is our ability to do it. If we don’t have funding, we can’t offer these services.”
Kari Clark, executive director for Alternatives to Violence, said the money will help with employee salaries, an area that was facing difficulties due to the increase in need for assistance in the community as well as a loss in fundraising dollars.
“We are so grateful for their grant to help us out with our anticipated loss of income from events and individual donations,” Clark said.
Clark said that while many grants aimed at COVID-19 relief have been meant specifically for items such as protective equipment and Plexiglas shields, the Rotary Club “stepped up to the plate” to help out with salary needs.
Haffner said the funding of nonprofits like these is vital to the recovery that Loveland is facing.
“These are life-changing episodes and stories, but they are not going to be above-the-fold headlines, but they make a difference in how Loveland manages COVID and the recovery and the stability of our families in Loveland,” Haffner said
Loveland’s Pastels on 5th to take place Saturday despite pandemic
This year’s event will have some significant COVID-related changes
Loveland Reporter-Herald, September 9, 2020 By Austin Fleskes
According to Vicky Paul-Bryant, director of Pastels on 5th, the event was initially created as a fundraiser for Alternatives to Violence, a Loveland-based nonprofit serving as a support system for survivors of violent crime ranging from domestic abuse to sexual abuse to human trafficking.
Over the years, Paul-Bryant said, it has become an event that both artists and the community look forward to.
“People from the city just love being able to go down there and look at all the artwork,” Paul-Bryant said. “This is our 10th year, and it has really become an established, well-loved Loveland event.”
The art festival is family-friendly and free to the public.
However, like so many other community events throughout the country, this year Pastels on 5th will look much different because of the pandemic.
Paul-Bryant said people who want to enjoy the artwork are being asked to not come until around 3 p.m. Saturday so that the approximately 100 artists will have time to finish their artwork without spectators present.
In previous years, members of the public enjoyed watching the chalk artists work. The chalk pastels endure on the sidewalks, so people also have been able to enjoy the pictures for days afterward.
“What we know from years past is people oftentimes come down the next day and throughout the whole next week to come look at the artwork, and that works really well because what we don’t want to do is have a big crowd gather,” Paul-Bryant said.
“We don’t want to be responsible in any way for potentially spreading COVID. We want to keep everybody safe but still have the event,” she said.
The event started out on the sidewalks on both sides of East Fifth Street between Lincoln and Cleveland avenues and in recent years has spread up and down Lincoln and Cleveland. This year, however, organizers have spaced the sidewalk squares father apart and are moving some artists to The Foundry two blocks south.
Paul-Bryant said the organizers have to keep each block that artists will be working on to no more than 175 people at a time, with artists and attendees more spread out. She added that many of the artists will most likely not stay by their pieces after completing them.
Attendees also won’t be able to enjoy food trucks, live music or the kids drawing station.
For the artists, beyond being spread out and having more time to work without spectators, the number of pastel tools and food has changed for this year.
Paul-Bryant said the team normally orders a 24-color set of pastels for the artists but was unable to get them this year. Instead, organizers have ordered some 48-color sets as well as some 12-color sets.
The artist lunch, which normally takes place in the Loveland Museum, won’t be happening, to keep everyone safe. Instead, artists will be provided with sack lunches while they work.
Paul-Bryant said another change in the normal system comes with the people’s choice voting system, in which attendees can pay to vote for their favorite artists. The money raised also goes to Alternatives to Violence, and the top three artists are given prizes.
While that is usually open only on the day of the event and for those who attend, voting this year will be open online for a week after the event.
“What will be good about that is normally it ended at the end of the day, and it was only people who attended the event who could vote,” Paul-Bryant said. “Now, if I am an artist and my artwork is on our website, I could send that to my family in California, and they could vote for my artwork from California.”
Voting can be accessed through the Pastels on 5th website, and payment will go through PayPal. Those wishing to participate can use the QR code on the site, so Alternatives to Violence is not charged any PayPal fees.
Paul-Bryant said that leading up to the event, organizers already have raised more than $30,000 for Alternatives to Violence from sponsors. While this is lower than in years past, Paul-Bryant said that the fact that they have raised this much is significant due to the economic strains the pandemic has put on local businesses and event sponsors.
Kari Clark, executive director for Alternatives to Violence, said fundraising events like this are vital to the existence of nonprofits.
“The community has just stepped up, and we are amazed that past sponsors and new sponsors have continued to donate,” Clark said. “We wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do without these dollars that are coming from the community.”
While the pandemic has changed the normal function of the event, Paul-Bryant said it is still something that will have an impact on the community.
“I know for the artists, just having something to go out and do, and I know for the people who plan to come and look at the artwork, just having something to go look at and see outdoors in a setting that feels safe just seems really important right now,” Paul-Bryant said. “People need to feel safe, but people need to be able to get out and do something a little bit different other than walking the dog and … going to the grocery store”
Dr. Natalie Phillips of Connecting a Better World talks with Kari Clark on providing safety for victims.
Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Stitcher.
Executive Director Kari Clark is Special Guest on "Call Your Advocate" Podcast
May 6, 2020
Alternatives to Violence | 541 E. 8th St. | Loveland, CO 80537
Office Hours: 9:00am - 4:00pm | Monday - Thursday | Friday 9:00am-Noon. Closed Saturday & Sunday
Office Phone: 970-669-5150 | Fax: 970-669-5136 |
Alternatives to Violence provides shelter, advocacy, education and resources for people impacted by domestic violence , sexual assault and human trafficking.
Alternatives to Violence provides services to women, men and children regardless of race, sexual orientation or legal status.
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