October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the widespread impact of domestic abuse and supporting survivors in their healing journey. Throughout the month, Ruth’s House is planning on bringing together our Rice County community, local organizations, businesses and advocates to break the silence surrounding abuse, educate the public about warning signs, and promote resources available for those affected. We hope to remind everyone that domestic violence is not just a private issue but a societal one that affects families, workplaces, and entire communities. Ruth’s House is announcing an important new effort to shine a light on this critical issue this October, with a campaign we call the “Purple Porch Project”.  

The Purple Porch Project is a community awareness initiative with three main elements, the first being a high-visibility show of support. This involves businesses and individual homes displaying purple lights, a handmade purple wreath, a purple mum plant, and a yard sign during the month of October.  Ruth’s House will be offering purple porch decor kits with these items, and the proceeds from the sales of these kits will help Ruth’s House continue to serve the women and children in need of safe shelter.  We hope to light up the porches of our community in purple. 

The second element of the project involves a partnership between Ruth’s House and the Faribault Chamber of Commerce.  The event will be held in conjunction with the Chamber Fall Festival in downtown Faribault and will include entertainment for families and children. There will be a kids’ event which will include a concert and an exciting raffle.  The premier raffle item will be a spectacular one-of-a-kind playhouse, which will be displayed at various businesses in Faribault and Northfield leading up to the event.  The playhouse will also be displayed in a float at the Defeat of Jesse James Day Parade in Northfield.  Proceeds from the raffle will benefit children at Ruth’s House. 

And finally, the third aspect of the project will be held during the Fall Festival in downtown Faribault on October 4 and will be a “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes” walk in downtown Faribault from the Community Coop to the State Bank and back.  Teams will be urged to walk in uncomfortable shoes to bring attention to the difficulties experienced by those who are victims of domestic violence.  Teams of walkers will secure pledges, and the money received from the pledges will benefit the mission to provide safe housing and services to women and children in crisis.  For more information and to sign up for the walk, go to www.ruthshousemn.org

We invite everyone to light up their porches in purple, join us at the Faribault Fall Festival events, and take part in “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes.” Together, let’s honor and support all those whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence.

Susan Stout

Outreach Coordinator

Ruth’s House and Sarah’s House