Sheltering Wings’ ‘Teens That Talk’ hosts Hop for Hope on Feb. 25
Free event helps young people recognize unhealthy relationships
DANVILLE, Ind. (Feb. 12, 2020) – Teens are most likely to listen to other teens when it comes to dating advice. And when you add in massive, wall-to-wall trampolines, Sheltering Wings just may have the perfect event for helping young people learn what is and isn’t a healthy relationship: Hop for Hope. The jump-a-thon is Feb. 25 at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Plainfield, Ind.
The event is hosted by Teens That Talk, the Youth Council for Sheltering Wings, a domestic abuse shelter in Hendricks County, Ind. These are students who are working to prevent teen dating abuse in their schools, communities and social circles through education, fundraisers and social media campaigns.
Melissa Echerd, Sheltering Wings’ prevention and education officer, is impressed with the teens’ desire to help others avoid destructive relationships.
“Every year, it amazes me how the Youth Council takes the lead on this event. They just need a platform to share the message that everyone deserves to be treated well,” Echerd said. “Their goal is to educate middle school and high school students about healthy relationships and offers them a safe space to hang out for a while and have fun. We also hope it lets them know about the resources available if they or a friend ever need them.”
Volunteers from Sheltering Wings’ Men IN Action program will also interact with the teens. These are men dedicated to ending violence, including teen dating abuse, by being role models in their communities.
The event is free, though a $5 donation benefiting Sheltering Wings is encouraged. Hop for Hope will include:
- Trampoline dodgeball tournament – Prizes for winners
- Skyslam slam dunk contest – Hoops at heights to accommodate jumpers of all sizes
- Free food
- Karaoke
- Open jump time
- Giveaways
“We want to let teens in our community know that we see them, we hear them and we love what they have to offer,” Echerd said. “We want them to value themselves as much as we value them.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2020
CONTACT
Kevin Carr, Development and Communications Officer
(317) 386-5050
[email protected]
Since 2002, Sheltering Wings has given nearly 20,000 domestic abuse survivors control over their lives. We offer crisis/emergency services, life skills, children’s services and community abuse prevention/education in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment. Beginning in 2020, we can house men who are victims as well as women and children. Start building a stable, independent life today. You deserve it.
