It’s a September tradition in Wayne County to release butterflies and help a social service organization.
The fourth annual Evening of Hope Butterfly Release on Thursday, Sept. 5, will benefit A Better Way, formerly known as Genesis. It takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. in Richmond Rose Garden in Glen Miller Park.
Butterflies can be purchased to honor someone special in the donor’s life, whether from the past or present, or someone who has made a difference in the community.
The organization, which has offices in Richmond and Muncie, offers a variety of services for Wayne and surrounding counties who’ve experienced domestic or dating violence or sexual assault. Staff also are getting into local high schools to help young people understand teen violence and prevent it.
A Better Way provides a 24/7 suicide and crisis support line, a rape crisis center, mobile advocacy, individual trauma-informed counseling, support groups for adults and kids, transitional housing, crisis chat and text services, safe shelter, emergency financial assistance, and transportation for survivors.
The organization also offers education and referrals, prevention programs for bullying, teen dating violence and domestic violence, and a check-in call service for older or disabled homebound persons.
In June 2022, A Better Way’s Richmond office launched its mobile advocacy program, with staff meeting prospective clients wherever they feel safe seeking assistance, such as their homes, public buildings or hospitals.
Mobile advocates provide emotional support and education for survivors, such as parenting education and counseling, easy access to additional services to help with addiction, mental health care or other areas of need. Advocates also help with goal planning, material items, life skills, employment preparation, navigating public assistance and legal issues.
Throughout the second half of 2022, the Richmond office provided 1,728 services to 172 primary and secondary survivors through mobile advocacy.
In 2023, 8,936 services were provided to 225 primary and secondary survivors.
If you go
- What: Evening of Hope butterfly release to benefit A Better Way
- When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5
- Reservation deadline: Tickets may be purchased through Aug. 30 at abetterwaymuncie.org/events
- Where: Richmond Rose Garden at Glen Miller Park, 2500 block of East Main Street. Parking is available in the adjacent golf course lot.
- Cost: $30 per person, which includes one butterfly, hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local caterers; $15 per butterfly for those who can’t attend or for extra butterflies.
- More details: Fun, casual attire encouraged. A silent auction and live music are planned.
- Info: Office, 765-966-0538; 24-hour crisis line: 765-288-4357
A version of this article appeared in the August 21 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.