Every October, communities across the country shine a light on domestic violence, a reality that impacts far too many people we know and care about. At Family Crisis Centers (FCC), we walk alongside those facing violence, offering safety, support, and hope as they heal and rebuild.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is not just about raising awareness. It is about coming together to take meaningful action close to home. When you support FCC, you are strengthening your own community and ensuring that help is there for a neighbor, coworker, friend, or even a family member you may not realize is in need.
Empty Chair Display: Honoring Lives, Inspiring Hope
Each empty chair represents a life lost to domestic violence. It is a place left unfilled at a family dinner, holiday gathering, workplace, or classroom. This year’s display honors 445 Iowans whose lives were cut short.
See the display: October 27–31 at the Centre Mall in Sioux Center.
The display is both a tribute and a call to action, reminding us of the urgency of prevention, support, and community care.
Fill Every Chair with Hope
Behind every empty chair is a story that should have continued. You can help carry that story forward.
With a $25 gift, you honor a life lost and help answer the next call from someone who says, “I can’t go home tonight because it’s not safe.” Your support provides safety, advocacy, and confidential support for those ready to take their next step.
You may also choose to be recognized on our online Tribute Wall, standing alongside others who have taken action to help stop the cycle of violence.
Share Days and Round Ups: Simple Ways to Give Back
Your everyday purchases can make a big impact this October:
- Fareway Round Up | October 6–18
Locations: Sioux Center, Hull, Orange City, Sheldon, Spirit Lake, Emmetsburg.
Round your purchase to the nearest dollar. Every few cents adds up to incredible support for people in your community. - Culver’s Share Day | October 14 | Sioux Center
Dine in, drive-thru, carry out, or order online. Culver’s will donate up to 20% of sales to FCC. - Scooter’s Day of Giving | October 23 | Sioux Center
Grab your favorite coffee or treat. 25% of sales will support FCC during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Awareness in Everyday Places
Sometimes the smallest reminders can make the biggest difference. This year, we expanded our awareness efforts:
- Coffee Sleeves and Pharmacy Bags: A total of 50,875 stickers with FCC’s 24/7 helpline and text line are being distributed across the region, quietly reaching people who may be searching for help. That is 50,875 opportunities for someone to see a lifeline when they need it most.
- Table Tents: Placed in local restaurants, cafes, and public spaces, these provide information on domestic violence and FCC’s services.
These efforts ensure that no matter where someone is, in line for coffee, picking up a prescription, or sharing a meal, they know support is within reach.
Hope in Action: Businesses Making a Difference
This October, local businesses have the chance to show their Hope in Action. By choosing a day to participate, employees can contribute $5 to Family Crisis Centers and wear a special sticker that demonstrates their support for people facing domestic violence.
On that day, teams wear and share their stickers, helping spark conversations about safety and hope. Some workplaces even pair the campaign with a casual dress day or denim day to boost participation and make it fun.
The funds raised go directly toward services like emergency housing, advocacy, and safety planning. Just as importantly, Hope in Action shines a light within workplaces and reminds people experiencing abuse that their community is standing with them.
Businesses interested in participating can contact Family Crisis Centers at fcc@familycrisiscenters.org to get started.
Renewed Hope Thrift Store
Throughout October, shoppers can donate $1 to write an encouraging message that will be displayed in the store. These visible reminders of hope let people know that their community stands with them.
Every donation, every word of encouragement, and every purchase helps sustain the services FCC provides.
How You Can Help
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is about more than reflection. It is about action. Here’s how you can join us:
- Donate: Fill a chair with hope or join in one of our community campaigns.
- Share: Talk with friends and family about our Empty Chair Display, Share Days, and Round Ups.
- Participate: Encourage your workplace, favorite coffee shop, or pharmacy to join our awareness efforts.
At FCC, we believe there is hope for anyone experiencing violence. But it takes all of us, every action, every conversation, and every show of support to build safer, stronger communities.
Every sticker, every rounded-up purchase, every filled chair—it all adds up to real change for people in our own communities. Together, we can bring safety, support, and hope home.