BROKEN BOW—It may be a good life for many here in Nebraska but there are people living every day with the trauma of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and much more. The annual Healing Hearts and Families “Seasons of Change” gala held on October 16 raised money to help victims become survivors.
Executive Director Suellen Koepke said she was glad to have the in-person event which she said was well attended and people had a good time. Attendees enjoyed dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment at the One Box Convention Center in Broken Bow.
Guest speaker Sandra Glebe, a survivor from the North Platte area, talked about her childhood trauma being in an abusive home and how that affected her and her relationships. Koepke said it was a powerful message and it was somewhat difficult to transition from the seriousness of Glebe’s words to the lighthearted comedy of Kyle Yamada, but she said everyone made that transition and had a fun evening!
Funds raised from the gala go strictly back to client services that are not covered by regular grants received by Healing Hearts and Families. Money to help with bus tickets, utility bills, rent, or other special circumstances comes from supplemental donations made at the gala.
“Once we’ve exhausted what we receive in grant funding this allows us to pick up and continue so that nobody ever goes without services of some sort,” Koepke told KCNI/KBBN.
When asked what she hopes is the biggest takeaway for event attendees, Koepke said,
“How important recognizing the fact that domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, etc. happens in our eight rural counties. We like to believe that we are living the good life in Nebraska—which we are—but there are still some situations that are not as healthy as they could be.”
Anyone needing assistance is invited to call or message Healing Hearts and Families.
800 Number: 1-800-942-4040
Crisis Line: 308-872-5988
Office: 308-872-2420
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/healingheartsandfamilies/
“And I also hope people realize how much their support means not only to me but to my programs so that we are able to help the victims who are trying to become survivors,” Koepke said.
Located in Broken Bow, Healing Hearts and Families serves eight counties, covering 7,000 square miles (Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Loup, Sherman, Valley, and Wheeler). It provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Juvenile diversion programs and counseling services for victims, survivors, and families affected by domestic abuse are also available.
