30 Sep 2024 Rise and shine

Posted at 8:09 PMh in Features by

By Rita Halter Thomas

Slip on your favorite cocktail attire, grab a masquerade mask, and get ready for a night of mystery and intrigue at the Rise House’s third annual Masquerade Ball fundraiser set for 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at Legacy Acres, Conway. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the impact Rise House has made and is making in our community. Enjoy an exciting mix of silent and live auctions, a delicious dinner and plenty of fun surprises while supporting this worthy cause.

Breanne Burton has served as executive director of Rise House for nearly six years. Photos by Makenzie Evans.

While the night may be full of light-hearted delight, domestic violence is not a warm, fuzzy topic to discuss with friends and family over a glass of wine or a pitcher of sweet tea. It’s a heartbreaking reality that may affect someone in our social circle while we go about our lives unaware. We know it happens. We read the statistics. Even if we know a victim of domestic violence, we often feel powerless to help.

By supporting Rise House, formerly known as the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas, everyone can be an advocate for those suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse.

“Rise House provides the promise of hope and a haven of safety for adults and children seeking relief from domestic violence and sexual abuse,” said Breanne Burton, who has been the executive director since 2019. “Our mission is to offer not only a place of refuge but also comprehensive programs and resources that empower survivors to rebuild their lives and create a violence-free future.”

Not only does Rise House serve adults experiencing domestic violence, but last year, they supported 22 children in the shelter. They provide a comprehensive program that offers classes like art therapy to help residents express their individuality. Community support allows residents to receive healthy meals that contribute to their physical and emotional wellbeing.

It takes resources to house and help survivors transition from victims to overcomers, which is the mission reflected in the organization’s name, Rise House: Restore confidence, improve relationships, stronger faith and empowering community. The facility operates 24/7, with a staff of 10 full-time and part-time workers, and has the capacity to house 20 people. “By supporting Rise House, you are contributing to our efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthy relationships within our community,” Burton said.

Rise House offers a range of services, including emergency shelter, food, clothing, transportation, life skills and support groups. “These services are designed to address the unique needs of survivors and support them on their journey to healing and independence,” Burton said.

This year, donor efforts mean twice as much. Rise House received a challenge grant from the Windgate Foundation, which pledges to match every dollar contributed at the Masquerade Ball up to $50,000. “That means every sponsorship and donation that is made on behalf of the Masquerade Ball has the potential to be doubled, amplifying its impact,” she said. This is critically important as Rise House has experienced a reduced amount of grant funding. “We believe more than ever that the strength of our organization lies in events like the Masquerade Ball and the dedication and commitment of individuals in our community,” Burton said.

“We are faced with the challenge of being ‘out of sight, out of mind,’” said Kristi Connell, board president, referring to the necessity for the keeping of anonymity of the residents (which often involves children) and the confidentiality of their location for the safety of those whom Rise House serves. “Domestic abuse is something we don’t talk enough about, but it is absolutely happening in our community. Someone you know has been a victim,” she said.

In 2023 alone, Rise House served 372 individuals, received 689 hotline calls, gave 107 individuals safe shelter, provided necessary transportation 744 times (for interviews, work, medical appointments, etc.), assisted 62 clients by connecting them with appropriate support groups and/or referring them to mental health services in the community, and connected 159 clients to other community resources like CAPCA, STOPDV, Bethlehem House, GO Store, etc.

According to the National Institute of Health website, domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people each year, stating as many as one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence. Citing the CDC, the website also states one in three women and nearly one in six men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Sadly, many result in fatalities. The site further reveals staggering statistics involving the abuse of teens and children and the effects of abuse as the children mature.

While work at Rise House is covert for safety reasons, community support is essential. “You may not see us, but we need you. Community support for what we’re doing in your hometown saves lives,” Connell said. Those who wish to support Rise House can do so by making a one-time donation, becoming a community partner with a commitment to a monthly contribution, or by supporting or attending events such as the upcoming Masquerade Ball.

To secure tickets, visit risehouseconway.org/masquerade. Tickets are $75 for one attendee, which includes two drink tickets. For a special date night out, choose the “date night” option for $140 for two attendees and four drink tickets.

“Your involvement truly makes a difference in the lives of those who have faced unimaginable challenges,” Burton said.

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence or sexual abuse, call the crisis hotline at 1.866.358.2265.