Campaign Features New Partnerships for Innovative Events Planned for April
[HOPKINSVILLE, KY] — Sanctuary, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, is proud to announce events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).
Throughout the month of April, Sanctuary will host a variety of initiatives with a focus on empowering survivors, educating the public and promoting healing.
To educate on the prevalence of sexual assault, Sanctuary has partnered with Pennyrile Rural Electric and Hopkinsville Electric System for its Turn the Town Teal campaign. By distributing teal-colored lightbulbs to community members, Sanctuary strives to raise awareness about sexual assault and show solidarity with survivors. According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-violence organization, 1 out of 6 women and 1 out of 10 men have experienced sexual violence.
The teal lightbulbs serve as a visible symbol of support, signaling a commitment to ending sexual violence and creating a safer, more compassionate community for all. Teal has become the signature color for sexual assault awareness and symbolizes trust, devotion and healing.
Brent Gilkey, vice president of member services and communications at Pennyrile Electric (PRECC), said “We are proud to partner with Sanctuary in efforts to raise awareness and end sexual violence in our communities.”
Throughout the month of April, the free light bulbs will be distributed to PRECC customers in Hopkinsville, Cadiz and Elkton while supplies last.
Jeff Hurd, general manager at Hopkinsville Electric System/Energynet (HES), said “We are honored to join forces with Sanctuary for this important initiative. By distributing teal lightbulbs throughout our community, we hope to spark conversations, inspire action, and ultimately create a culture of empathy and understanding around the issue of sexual assault. Together, we can bring light to the darkness of this pervasive problem and drive meaningful change.”
HES customers can receive a free lightbulb at its drive-thru window on East Ninth Street in Hopkinsville while supplies last in April.
Sanctuary’s April Event Calendar also includes:
- Wear Teal Week – April 8-12 – Wear teal — the official color for sexual assault awareness — and send us a photo to be featured on Sanctuary’s social media.
- SAAPM proclamation ceremony – 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at Hopkinsville Municipal Center, inside City Council Chambers.
- Chalk the Walk Week – April 15-19 – Join area schools and businesses to write encouraging messages to survivors on the sidewalk. Request a free chalk bag by emailing zirconia@thesanctuaryinc.com
- Tea & Talk – 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium. This new support group for sexual assault survivors will introduce a therapist specializing in providing sexual assault services and provide attendees with information about varying paths to healing. This is a free event, but RSVP is required by calling Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium at 270-719-0951.
- Denim Day – Wednesday, April 24 – Wear denim in solidarity with survivors and send us photos to be featured on social media. Learn more at www.denimday.org.
Additionally, Sanctuary is hosting a Decorate Your Denim campaign to recognize the 25th anniversary of Denim Day.
Sanctuary, Inc. staff, community partners and survivors are invited to decorate denim, graciously donated by Flynn Enterprise. Denim will display themes relating to hope and healing. Each pair will be on display at businesses throughout the nine counties of the Pennyrile where Sanctuary serves. Decorate Your Denim will culminate with an art exhibit at Hopkinsville Community College during the last week of April.
Heather Lancaster, executive director at Sanctuary, Inc., said, “We encourage you to join us for any and all activities during our month-long campaign. April serves as a great reminder that together, we can accomplish so much. Our heartfelt thank-you goes to featured community partners for the use of their resources and communication platforms to strengthen the messaging that healing is possible and we stand with survivors.”
For more information on Sanctuary or its Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month events, contact Zirconia Vansauwa at zirconia@thesanctuaryinc.com.
