It is a September tradition in Wayne County to release butterflies and benefit a social service organization.
The fourth annual Evening of Hope butterfly release on Thursday, September 5, benefits A Better Way, formerly known as Genesis, and will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park.
Butterflies can be purchased to honor a special person in the donor’s life, past or present, or to honor someone who has made a difference in the community.
The organization, which has offices in Richmond and Muncie, offers a range of services to people in Wayne and surrounding counties who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual assault. Staff also go into local high schools to help young people understand and prevent teen violence.
A Better Way offers a 24/7 suicide and crisis counseling hotline, a rape victim crisis center, mobile advocacy, individual trauma-informed counseling, adult and child support groups, transitional housing, crisis chat and texting services, safe housing, emergency financial assistance, and transportation for survivors.
The organization also offers education and mediation, prevention programs against bullying, violence in teenage relationships and domestic violence, and a call service for elderly or disabled people who are homebound.
In June 2022, A Better Way’s Richmond office launched its mobile advocacy program, where staff meet potential clients wherever they feel safe to seek help, such as homes, public buildings or hospitals.
Mobile advocates provide survivors with emotional support and education, such as parenting counseling and classes, easy access to additional services for addiction support, mental health care, or other areas of need. Advocates also help with goal planning, material items, life skills, job preparation, dealing with welfare, and legal issues.
In the second half of 2022, the Richmond office provided 1,728 mobile advocacy services to 172 primary and secondary survivors.
In 2023, 8,936 services were provided to 225 primary and secondary survivors.
When you go
- What: Release of the butterflies on the evening of hope in aid of A Better Way
- When: 18:00-20:30 Thursday, September 5
- Reservation deadline: Tickets can be purchased through August 30 at abetterwaymuncie.org/events.
- Where: Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park, 2500 block of East Main Street. Parking is available at the adjacent golf course.
- Cost: $30 per person, which includes a butterfly, appetizers and desserts from a local caterer; $15 per butterfly for those unable to attend or for additional butterflies.
- Further details: Fun, casual attire is encouraged. A silent auction and live music are planned.
- Info: Office, 765-966-0538; 24-hour crisis hotline: 765-288-4357
A version of this article appeared in the August 21, 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
