October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United States. In a society that is becoming more aware of the issue, the month of awareness was created to give women and children hope and refuge. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation House of Hope is the Tribe’s way of contributing to the safety of women, children and families in the local community. Every year, the staff at House of Hope organizes a Family Fun Day to help combat an issue that has plagued America for quite some time. 
The event this year will be on Oct. 18 and is free and open to the public. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., families from all over are encouraged to join the staff of the House of Hope and domestic violence agencies. The event will have family friendly games and opportunities to learn more about services available to them.
The event will be located at the FireLake Reunion Halls on the tribal grounds of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Shawnee, Okla. Throughout the years Family Fun Day has had 500 people or more. There will also be offer grab bags for attendees as well as plenty of prizes. Adding to that, there will be a multitude of games and information for parents and kids to receive.
“We can all take responsibility to help bring change, and keep our friends, family and colleagues safe from domestic violence,” said Tiffany Barrett, Coordinator for the House of Hope.
The primary goal of the domestic violence program is to stop the cycle of violence and abuse. House of Hope offers clients emergency shelter, counseling services, legal assistance, emergency transportation and financial assistance. In addition to these services, the House of Hope staff educates family members through parenting classes. For more information please call 405-275-3176.