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Happy Spring!

The official start of spring was March 20th! Spring has many definitions, but the one I prefer is the following: to come into being, rise, or arise within a short time. It only seems too appropriate that springtime was the setting for Jesus’s death on the cross and His resurrection, doesn’t it? In three very short days He conquered death, wiped us clean of all our sins, and rose again!!! So spring means so much more than warm weather and tulips! Spring is a chance to start over, to rise, and to begin again. With that said, I want to challenge everyone this spring as they are out in their yards, walking around town, or just enjoying the beautiful spring days to simply say hi to others you meet. Take the time to get to know your neighbor and others in your community. Victims and survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault are more likely to share their experiences to family members, friends, or neighbors before they ever call a hotline or the police. We never know what another person might be going through and a simple hi could let others know you are there to help and that you are a safe person to talk too. By building these relationships with others you help build a stronger and safer community that doesn’t tolerate violence. By simply talking with others we can inform people about domestic violence and the services that are out there to help both victims and survivors of domestic violence. Encourage those who have been affected by domestic violence to join a support group, seek counseling, or share their story. A simple hi can start that difficult conversation with a friend or neighbor and then you can help them get to the resources they need to start over and rise above the violence they are experiencing. Hurry! Spring has already started! Who could you say hi too?

                                                        -Megan Neaville, DeWitt County Outreach Specialist

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