enCourage gala supports domestic violence survivors
Center serves 400+ victims annually in south-central Nebraska
By Dave Griek
HASTINGS, Neb. — Twenty-five domestic violence-related homicides were recorded last year, an average of about one every 15 days.
Advocates say those deaths represent only a fraction of the people impacted by domestic violence across Nebraska.
That message was key Saturday night at the enCourage Advocacy Center’s third annual gala, a fundraiser supporting victims in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.
“It is a huge need,” said Jo Bair, executive director of the enCourage Advocacy Center. “We serve over 400 primary victims of domestic violence or sexual assault every year. We shelter about 100 people annually. People struggle to imagine that these forms of violence are happening here, but they absolutely are.”
Bair said many clients arrive with few belongings after leaving unsafe situations.
“Clients often come to us with nothing,” she said. “They left very quickly. Maybe they weren’t allowed to take anything. They’re rebuilding, and everything it takes to build a life — people need.”
The center provides emergency shelter, advocacy, assistance through the court process and long-term support for survivors.
Proceeds from the gala help fund those services.
The event also featured a celebrity mixologist competition, where attendees purchased tasting packages to sample and vote on signature drinks created by local participants. This year’s competitors were Colleen Williams, Laura Beahm of the Hastings Tribune and NCN’s Dave Griek.
Williams’ drink, “The Bright Side,” won the competition.