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Fashion For a Purpose Event Recap

Hello CCCN Community! What a wonderful and inspiring opportunity I had this past weekend. I was invited to attend an event put on by the non-profit organization Fashion for a Purpose (FFAP) whose purpose is to “Educate & Empower as we Promote Safe Dating Practices & Raise Awareness Against Domestic Violence”.

 

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship (Understand Relationship Abuse). We use this month to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.

 

FAP’s annual event focused on educating the community about domestic violence at the local and national levels and empowering us by bringing attention to the resources available and how we can support those affected by domestic violence. A range of wonderful speakers shared stories, information, resources, and insight on how we can work together to end domestic violence. We had the privilege to hear from the founder of the organization, Kimberley Victor, and the CEO of Children's Resource and Referral, Michelle Lee Graham; who both shared their personal experiences of trauma, abuse, and healing.


Michelle Lee Graham and Myself

From left to right: Dawn, Myself, Jennifer, and Karen

We also heard about the impact and value of resources from Sheriff Ian Parkinson; Lumina Alliance CEO Jennifer Adams, and COO Karen Borgess. Through the event, FFAP raised money to donate to the Lumina Alliance: a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive advocacy, support, and prevention services throughout the Central Coast.


The presence of individuals, from Santa Barbara County through San Luis Obispo County, revealed how important this issue is to the community and how willing our community is to address it. I had the privilege to talk with prominent community members at the event; such as Jimmy Paulding (District 4 County Supervisor), Dawn Ortizz Legg (District 3 County Supervisor), and Karen Bright (Mayor Pro-tem of Grover Beach). Speaking with these individuals, I came to realize that everyone at the event has been impacted by domestic violence in some way; and all feel moved to dedicate themselves to addressing it. These individuals understood that their influence can bring attention to domestic violence and are actively working towards change.


During my conversations, I was able to share with them the project (see my last blog post to learn more!) that I am working on with CCCN, and gain feedback as well as support. By connecting with these individuals, I was able to bring awareness to the issue the project is addressing and receive reassurance that my project will help make a change.


All in all, this event reinvigorated my drive to be an advocate and find others who share this passion to stand by those who need support. I feel motivated to continue pushing forward on the project I am working on and invest this passion into other issues important to me.

Myself and Jimmy

With warm regards,

Nicolette



“Understand Relationship Abuse.” The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 3 Feb. 2022, https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/.






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