In October, we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Many people think of domestic violence as a personal or private matter. However, domestic violence and relationship abuse affect more than just the victim – they are public health issues that impact us all. Every October, victim advocates, survivors, and service providers across the country work to bring awareness to domestic violence and its impacts on individuals, families, and communities. 

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), nearly 20 people are physically harmed by a partner in the United States each minute. Last year alone, CADA served almost 1700 victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Given the prevalence of domestic violence and relationship abuse, it is very likely that we all know someone who has been a victim of violence at the hands of an intimate partner. 

Domestic violence and relationship abuse can impact nearly every aspect of a victim or survivor’s life – their physical health, mental health, finances, employment, housing, children, social relationships, and spirituality, to name a few. The effects of domestic violence do not stop with the victim or survivor - domestic violence impacts public health, crime rates, peoples’ ability to participate in the workforce, and child development. 

How can you help? You can educate yourself on the dynamics of power and control and the role they play in relationship abuse. You can advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for funding, policy, and legislation that supports survivors. Most of all, you can help by believing a survivor when they share their experience, by affirming their feelings, and by reminding them they are not alone. 
 
SUPPORT CADA THIS FALL
On Thursday, October 3rd, join CADA at Paddlefish Brewing Co. in Saint Peter. A portion of proceeds that evening will go to support CADA! We are grateful to Paddlefish for supporting victims and survivors as we step into Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
 
This October, when you head to Pub 500 in Mankato, be sure to order a Summer Spritzer! $1 from every Summer Spritzer ordered will be donated to CADA at the end of the month.
 
During October, Wow! Zone will also be supporting CADA. When you stop in to Wow! Zone for bowling or dining, be sure to ask your server to ROUND UP to support CADA and victims of domestic violence.
 
Sign up to sponsor Galentine’s Day 2025! There are sponsor positions available for the 4th annual Galentine’s Day fundraiser for CADA. Next year’s event will be on Thursday, February 20th at the Capitol Room in St. Peter. Our upcoming event will be an evening of tacos, trivia, and togetherness celebrating and supporting survivors working with CADA! 

To learn how your business can get involved, click here!
 
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we chatted with Jessica Hartwell, one of CADA's dedicated advocates in our emergency safety shelter, to talk about her experiences working with survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence. Jessica has been with CADA since 2021, and in that time, she has made a lasting impact through her compassionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to supporting those in need.
 
Q: What is one thing you want the community to know about advocacy? 
A: I want the community to know that advocacy is for everyone. Whether you are experiencing violence in your relationship or know someone who is, there are resources available that can answer your questions and provide support. Advocates understand that you are the expert in your own life - we are here to listen, get you connected to resources that can help and support you in any decisions you make. 
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? 
A: My favorite thing about my job is celebrating client wins! Completing a long application, attending an important meeting, making a challenging phone call - all of these are vital steps that create major life changes. Smaller wins lead to bigger ones! 
 
Q: What is a common misconception about domestic violence? 
A: One common misconception about domestic violence is that it's easy to leave. Access to supportive community, reliable transportation and consistent childcare are just some of the factors that impact people who are experiencing violence in relationships.
 
Q: What does an "average day" for you look like? 
A: As a Direct Advocate, I spend my time helping clients in shelter move forward in their lives after experiencing violence. This can look like assisting with housing and job applications, connecting clients with community resources, providing emotional support without judgement and other activities that help clients meet their self-identified goals.
 
Q: And one for fun - if you could have dinner with any famous person (living or not), who would it be?
A: I would love to have dinner with Michael Schur, a writer on The Office and creator of The Good Place, Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn 99, just so I could thank him for bringing these wonderful shows to life!

 
GRATITUDE
We are so grateful to be one of the 2024 recipients of the Affinity Plus Foundation's Housing Stability Grant. This will help CADA provide survivors of domestic and sexual violence with safe housing in our emergency shelter. Furthermore, this grant will help us provide essential basic needs and services to survivors as they rebuild their lives, often as they navigate poverty and homelessness." - Jason Mack, Executive Director
 
We want to sincerely thank the Zonta Club of Mankato for choosing CADA to be one of the nonprofit beneficiaries of the Blue Jeans & High Heels Style Show! We had a great time at this event and are so happy to know how many people in the community support victims and survivors. 
 
We were honored to be the beneficiary of Mankato’s RibFest this summer! This opportunity brought in $3,624! We want to sincerely thank everyone who volunteered with us. We had 40 volunteers put in a total of 207 hours! This was by far CADA’s largest volunteer effort and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. We had a fantastic time listening to music, eating great food, and engaging with our wonderful community.
 
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
CADA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of those affected by relationship abuse and sexual violence. Whether you're interested in providing direct support to survivors, assisting with community outreach, or lending a hand at special events, there's a role for everyone. Volunteering with CADA is a meaningful way to contribute to creating safer futures and stronger communities.

SHELTER PANTRY VOLUNTEER 
  • Weekdays: This is a slower-paced position that is ideal for a volunteer who is interested listening to a podcast or reading a book in their down time. This person will help shelter residents access the pantry and other donation rooms as-needed. 
  • Once a month: this volunteer will be active in weighing and organizing all food items from the CADA pantry once a month in order to determine the total amount of pounds distributed per month.
CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER 
  • We are looking for volunteers who would enjoy hanging out with our youngest shelter guests. Childcare volunteers assist parents who are staying in shelter by watching their kiddos while a mother goes to an appointment or is working on their goals.
FRONT DESK & ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER
  • Help our office team out by answering the door, checking the mail, folding brochures, and more! If you like a behind-the-scenes role, we would love to talk with you more!

I'm interested in volunteering!
 
CADA ELVES IS COMING UP!
As hard as it is to believe, the holidays are coming up quick! That means, it is almost time for our CADA Elves program! CADA Elves is CADA’s holiday gift giving program. Each year, children and adults working with a CADA advocate put together a holiday wish list and our CADA Elves (donors like you) receive an anonymous wish list. CADA Elves fulfill a wish list, wrap the gifts, and drop them off at CADA so that the people we serve can have a very happy holiday season!

CADA Elf sign-up will begin in the first week of November. Stay tuned to CADA’s social media for updates!
 
Quick Links

Donate
Wish List
Volunteer
Contact Us 

Was this issue forwarded to you? 
We are happy to send you your own!
Sign up here! 
CADA Offices

24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-477-0466
Blue Earth County: 507-625-8688
Brown County: 507-233-6663 OR 
507-233-6666
Faribault County: 507-526-5275
Le Sueur County: 507-934-5583
Martin County: 507-399-2001
Nicollet County: 507-934-5583
Sibley County: 507-233-6666
Waseca County: 507-835-7828
Watonwan County: 507-375-3040
 
FOLLOW US