Sheridan, WY – In honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center is hosting a community‑wide event titled “Make the Night Bright.” The walk will take place on Thursday, October 8, beginning at 7 p.m. and winding through downtown Sheridan under a sea of purple lights.
Event origins and purpose
Executive Director Yvonne Shirey and Assistant Director Rhonda Weber explained on the local radio program Pulse that the center strives to provide at least one public gathering each October to raise awareness of family violence. Past efforts have included traditional marches, but this year the organizers wanted a nighttime activity that would be both visually striking and inclusive.
“We wanted to do something at night, something purple,” Shirey said. “It’s our brainchild, and I love it so much.” The event is designed to bring together advocates, survivors, families, and neighbors in a supportive setting, emphasizing community solidarity rather than protest.
How to participate
Anyone in the Sheridan area may join the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear purple clothing or accessories to create a unified visual statement. The route will start at the Sheridan County Courthouse, proceed along Main Street, and conclude at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds, where a brief informational booth will be set up.
Local businesses have pledged to sponsor the event by providing refreshments and lighting equipment. The center also plans to distribute literature on available resources for survivors, including counseling, legal aid, and emergency shelter options.
Why the focus matters
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Wyoming, with the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence reporting that one in four women and one in ten men experience intimate‑partner abuse at some point in their lives. Community‑based outreach like the “Make the Night Bright” walk helps break the silence that often surrounds these incidents and encourages victims to seek help.
“When we gather as a community, we send a clear message that abuse has no place in our homes or our town,” Weber noted. “Our hope is that the visibility of this event will inspire more people to reach out for assistance and to support one another.”
Support from faith and family groups
Several local churches and family‑focused organizations have voiced their support, emphasizing the alignment of the event with Christian values of compassion and the importance of strong, safe families. Pastor Mark Daniels of First Baptist Church said, “Protecting the vulnerable is a biblical mandate, and we stand with the Sheridan Advocacy Center in this vital effort.”
Parents are also encouraged to bring their children to the walk, reinforcing the message that every family deserves safety and respect.
Additional resources
For those seeking immediate assistance, the Wyoming Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1‑800‑555‑HELP. The Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center can be reached at (307) 555‑1234 or via its website for more information about counseling services, legal referrals, and upcoming workshops.
The “Make the Night Bright” walk exemplifies Sheridan’s commitment to confronting family violence head‑on, offering a hopeful, faith‑affirming, and community‑driven response during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
