Would you rather get into cocktail attire or running shoes? This month you will have the opportunity to do either or both for the betterment of Bozeman. What about wearing running shoes with your evening wear? Well…maybe not, that’s up to you, but read on to find out how and why.

While it’s true there is no perfect relationship or no perfect family let’s assume for now your family functions in a respectful and healthy manner. Why should someone like you, who doesn’t expect to deal directly with domestic violence, be seriously concerned if HAVEN, Gallatin County’s domestic violence organization, has adequate funding? Spend a bit of time with Elizabeth Porth, Development Coordinator for HAVEN, experience her passion for HAVEN’s mission, and it won’t take long to conclude every resident of Gallatin County has a grave interest in HAVEN. Do you have kids or know any kids? Do you think these kids might date somebody someday? The rate of kids, who grow up in abusive households becoming abusers, is astronomically high. Fortunately for all of us there is hope for people who find themselves in abusive situations. When members of a community are mentally and physically healthy they are contributing to the community vs. tapping it. Again, there is hope.

Doesn’t the government fund these nonprofits such as HAVEN? The reality is federal grants are unreliable from year to year. Also consider the enormous amount of staff time required to apply for government grants, collect data, and then report to the government. Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, yet there are people in our community, many of them children, who are afraid in their own homes living with people who say they love them. It would benefit all of us if HAVEN could rely more on community support and less on unstable federal grants. The good news is efforts are underway to encourage more community support starting with a new event this May:   The 1st Mother’s Day 5K Walk/Run to benefit HAVEN. You’re not available on Mother’s Day? You’re allergic to running? No worries! Less than one week later you’ll have the chance to support HAVEN again, this time donning cocktail attire at the Taste of HAVEN. Hey, you could even attend both events. I’m not saying you should wear your running shoes with your cocktail attire, but who knows, it might get you some knowingly grateful smiles.

HAVEN supports victims of domestic violence and their families with a 24-hr crisis line (406-586-4111), a 15 bed emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and support groups. HAVEN also teaches preventative education to local children which includes material on bullying, respect, and healthy relationships. Last year HAVEN served 790 unduplicated clients (our county alone), and received 2,749 calls on the crisis line. 89% of HAVEN’s clients are women, however, HAVEN’s services are also available to men.

Being especially curious about the preventative education I asked Elizabeth about this in particular. HAVEN has been invited by teachers and administrators to some of the middle school and high school classrooms in the area. If you go to HAVEN’s Facebook page (simply search for HAVEN on Facebook) you can find an example of the information HAVEN provides to kids. Here is an excerpt from the page:
Last week we had conversations with the 7th graders at Sacajawea Middle School on dating and healthy relationships. They are indeed “dating” but it is mostly through text messages and Facebook, and they learned that:

You get to CHOOSE who you date and the
qualities you want in a partner (and not everyone is looking for the same thing!)
You deserve to be treated with respect
and kindness
Too many text messages in one day is
NOT cool and not healthy
The foundation of a good friendship is the same as a foundation for a good dating relationship Again ask yourself, “Do you have kids or know any kids? Do you think these kids might date somebody someday?” There is hope with HAVEN.
Here are details on both fundraising events this month or check it out on their website www.havenmt.org

Bozeman To Kick-Off 1st Annual Mother’s Day 5K Walk/Run
Grab the family, your mom, or a good friend for the first Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk on Sunday May 13, 2012 at the East Gallatin Recreation Area. Start time is 10am. Honor moms on this special day by spending quality time on a beautiful scenic route while giving back to HAVEN services to mothers and children in need. All proceeds from the Mother’s Day 5K benefit HAVEN services to victims of domestic violence in Gallatin County.   Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt. Moms will receive a special gift as they cross the finish line. Families with children of all ages encouraged. Children under 12 run for free. Awards from Bozeman Running Company and HAVEN will be given for top runners in each category. Light food will be provided.

To register:
•      Online at www.racemontanta.com
•      With cash or check @ Bozeman Running Company on Main Street in Bozeman. BRC will have registration forms or you can download a form @ www.havenmt.org
•      Registration will also be open during packet pick-up on Saturday, May 12 @ Bozeman Running Company from 10am — 5pm and the day of the race from 8:30 — 9:30 am at the East Gallatin Recreation Area.

For questions or more information contact Elizabeth at HAVEN (406)586-7689.

Join HAVEN staff, board members, and community supporters on May 19, 2012, at The Emerson Cultural Center for Taste of HAVEN. Celebrate 33 years of HAVEN service to victims of domestic violence with a tasting of exquisite chocolate, excellent wines and hors d’oeuvres from Bozeman’s best caterers. Participate in HAVEN’s silent auction or buy a balloon filled with a surprise gift. Sip your way into Spring with musical guests, Basement Jazz, to support a longstanding and important community non-profit. Cocktail attire requested.  

Tickets are $65. To purchase tickets got to www.havenmt.org, send a check to HAVEN (PO Box 752 Bozeman, MT 59771) or visit our ticket selling locations: The Wine Gallery @ 2320 W Main St. or Northwestern Mutual-Castronovo Group @ 1276 N 15th Suite 202.

Whether you choose running shoes, cocktail attire, or both (perhaps not at the same time…) make the decision to support HAVEN.

Tammy Walker is a freelance writer, Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist, and Norwex consultant. She can be reached at ottamwalker@msn.com