<p><strong><em>T</em></strong>oo often, the issues of dating violence and domestic abuse are hidden in the shadows of society.</p><p>On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. Over the course of a year, that equates to more than 10 million women and men, according to the Centers for Disease Control.</p><p>Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, based on the southside, provides support and help for those trapped in these desperate situations. They want to make sure the community knows about the issue and the help they provide, and they’re taking to the streets of Bargersville to do that.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]<p>“We want to raise awareness. We want this to be a topic of conversation for families to have with their kids,” said Jackie Ponder, board spokeswoman for Beacon of Hope. “One of the goals of the program is to educate teens — boys and girls — how you treat each other. How you treat each other matters.”</p><p>In an effort to reach more people about Beacon of Hope, organizers have planned On Baldwin Street. The community event and benefit concert will feature music by well-known bands the Woomblies Rock Orchestra and Heartstone Crossing Band. Local breweries and wineries will be present, and food trucks will offer barbecue, pizza and cannolis.</p><p>By raising their voices and bringing people together around the issue, those involved with Beacon of Hope intend to increase awareness of the issue while generating money to keep providing their necessary services.</p><p>“It will allow us to continue to provide the free services that we have for domestic violence and sexual assault in central Indiana,” said Sandy Ziebold, CEO and executive director of Beacon of Hope. “</p><p>Beacon of Hope was founded to provide safety, support and education to women suffering from domestic and sexual abuse. The center was established in 2007, and offers free advocacy services and referrals to victims of domestic violence as well as sexual assault. Staff members help people deal with the trauma of the situation, as well as filing paperwork for the courts, dealing with court appointments and locating a bed in a domestic violence shelter.</p><p>A crisis line is available to people until 1 a.m., though Ziebold would like to run it 24 hours each day.</p><p>The organization collaborates with local police departments in the area, including Greenwood and Bargersville, to provide advocacy to people who law enforcement officers believe to be in risky situations.</p><p>One of the most unique services offered is fostering pets, so that people who need to leave a violent situation don’t have to worry about leaving their pets behind, Ziebold said.</p><p>“We’re fostering those animals so people can get out and into a safe situation,” she said. “That’s one of the biggest reason people stay in a dangerous situation.”</p><p>Of particular focus for the group is reaching young people. Purple Sneakers is a program within the group focused on teen dating violence, aimed at young people ages 13 to 26. The program was founded by Greenwood native Cheryl Steele, and brought into the Beacon of Hope fold.</p><p>To go along with that program is a campaign called Does it Spark Respect? The outreach focuses on groups of young people, exploring whether or not the actions and words they use are backed with respect.</p><p>“It’s a way to teach people to behave in healthy ways, so they can have healthy relationships,” Ziebold said. “I do that with the youth so they can learn and they can behave appropriately, and know if they’re not being treated appropriately.”</p><p>Last year, Beacon of Hope served 271 people from Johnson County, and is on track to help more than that in 2019. In total, the organization helped 1,122 clients throughout central Indiana. In an effort to ensure that people know about the resources available to them, officials envisioned an event to raise money, bring the community together and help distribute information.</p><p>On Baldwin Street is the result.</p><p>“We want to be involved in Johnson County. Purple Sneakers is a family program. It’s targeted at teens and young adults, but it should include the whole family,” Ponder said. “We wanted something where people could come, enjoy being together and enjoy what Bargersville has to offer.”</p><p>The concert is headlined by a pair of bands that are fan favorites throughout central Indiana. The Woomblies Rock Orchestra is a multi-piece rock group that plays the best of classic rock, funk and R&amp;B, as well as a selection of original tunes.</p><p>Heartstone Crossing Band puts their own spin on everything from Ray Charles to Steve Earle to the Beatles. The band headlined Beacon of Hope’s inaugural summer benefit in 2018.</p><p>In true street-festival fashion, food and beverages will be available to purchase while people listen to the music. Taxman Brewing Co. will have a beer truck on site, while Mallow Run Winery and Buck Creek Winery will be on site serving out of tents. Try some of the slow-smoked brisket or pulled pork from Johnson’s BBQ, or a foldable piece of pizza from The NY Slice or one of their famous cannolis.</p><p>Indy Vet and Eagle Creek Animal Clinic, two of the sponsors of the event, will be on hand as well.</p><p>Organizers have also planned a series of raffles to help raise additional funds.</p><p>“It’s going to be a fun evening. We want to get the whole community involved,” Ponder said. “Even if you’ve never been in a relationship that has those issues, you want to know what to look for.”</p>[sc:pullout-title pullout-title="If you go" ][sc:pullout-text-begin]<p><strong>On Baldwin Street</strong></p><p>What: A street party concert being held in downtown Bargersville aimed at raising funds for Beacons of Hope Crisis Center. People are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the music.</p><p>When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Rain date will be noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.</p><p>Where: Baldwin Street, downtown Bargersville</p><p>Who’s taking part: Performances by the Woomblies Rock Orchestra at noon, and by Heartstone Crossing Band at 2:45 p.m. Food from Johnson’s BBQ and The NY Slice. Beer provided by Taxman Brewing Co., and wine from Mallow Run Winery and Buck Creek Winery.</p><p>Tickets: In advance, $20 for adults, $10 for youth 13 to 17, free for kids 12 and under. Day of the concert, tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth.</p><p>Information and tickets: <a href="http://beaconofhopeindy.org/on-baldwin-street">beaconofhopeindy.org/on-baldwin-street</a></p>[sc:pullout-text-end]
