The 20th anniversary of MSU Safe Place, a free support program for victims of domestic violence, coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month this month.
With several programs such as counseling and support groups, MSU Safe Place cares for individuals at the university and in the Lansing community.
MSU Safe Place intern and English senior Kerrigan Stubbs will be attending an event commemorating MSU Safe Place’s anniversary Wednesday in the Lincoln Room at the Kellogg Center.
“It’s really big for us,” Stubbs said. “We were the only on-campus safe center starting out and we still are the only on-campus domestic violence and stalking (safe center). It’s a huge privilege.”
Stubbs said helping MSU Safe Place has given her great experience.
“I found out about the organization when I was a sophomore and it fascinated me,” Stubbs said. “It’s something I want to work for in the future, especially in non-profit. Knowing that my job helps people, providing free counseling in domestic violence, it’s very rewarding.”
Students across campus are contributing to MSU Safe Place and spreading the word about Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Alpha Chi Omega is a sorority that has supported domestic violence through the Safe Place for years,” said MSU Safe Place/CARE Advocacy coordinator Erica Schmittdiel. “Some of the members decided to get involved and reach out to Verizon Wireless, which donated this past Wednesday.”
The $25,000 donation on Oct. 8 came through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program. HopeLine provides used cell phones and other electronics to victims and survivors of domestic violence. With the ability to call for help during a crisis, they hope victims of domestic violence will feel safer.
“When someone is a victim of domestic violence, it impacts everyone around them, family, friends, and we know it’s helpful to have a phone available to contact 911, your mom, a mentor or a friend,” said Trevor Thomas, public relations manager for Verizon Wireless in Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky.
Thomas said donations from the public drive the program.
“We’ve collected over 10 million phones, millions of dollars in grants and each phone comes with 3,000 free minutes and 9,000 free text messages,” Thomas said. “We encourage the public to get engaged for October Domestic Violence (Awareness) Month.”
HopeLine organizers hope to collect 3,000 devices through the campaign. Individuals can donate electronics at any Verizon Wireless store until Nov. 30.
