Complete list of DVAM activities

You’re invited! 

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), more than 20 local businesses and organizations have joined the YWCA in our month-long “Paint Grand Rapids Purple”-campaign. Designed to bring the issue of domestic violence out of the shadows, the campaign demonstrates to survivors that they are not alone and that there is help. Participants are displaying DVAM posters in storefronts and at check-out counters. They’re also finding creative ways to showcase DVAM’s supportive messages and signature purple color. (Why purple? Purple is the official color of DVAM; it symbolizes courage, dignity, strength, and transformation.)

You can join the campaign anytime this month. Interested? Contact Breanne Zost, YWCA Events Coordinator (bzost@ywcawcmi.org).

Special thanks to our campaign allies for creating awareness this October. And scroll down to see the creative ways many of our pacesetter partners are recognizing DVAM. 

The Apartment Lounge

A Modern Apothecary | Fox Naturals 

The Barre Code® Grand Rapids

The Blue Bridge 

Books & Mortar Bookstore 

Echo Salon

Graydon’s Crossing 

GRNoir Wine and Jazz 

Harmony Brewing Company

Hire for Hope

Jeffrey Richard Salon 

Leon & Son 

Long Road Distillers

Luna 

Malamiah Juice Bar

Pack Elephant

Palace Flophouse Salon

The Peoples Cider Co.

Safe Haven Ministries

SpeakEZ Lounge

“Paint Grand Rapids Purple” – Pacesetter Partners

Elk Brewing Company
Is combining DVAM with their participation in the BRAVE NOISE industry initiative which advocates for safe, inclusive work environments. A portion of the sale proceeds from their BRAVE NOISE brew will be donated to support YWCA services too.

McKay Tower
Waséyabek Development Co. is displaying the DVAM purple ribbon on the tower’s iconic lighted dome through Oct. 12th, then again on Oct.18th.

Mercy Health Saint Mary’s
An extension of the hospital’s healing mission, the cupola on the Lacks Cancer Center will shine purple at night between Oct. 11th and 17th. And colleagues will be encouraged to wear a splash of purple on Thursday, October 14th to show their support.

The Sparrows Coffee & Tea Newsstand 
A fixture in East Hills and now Creston, they will be donating a portion of the sale proceeds from their specially-created DVAM beverage – Elvira – to support the YWCA’s services.

Varnum LLP – Grand Rapids
A prominent part of the Grand Rapids’ skyline, the “Varnum”-sign on Bridgewater Place will shine purple beginning Oct. 11th.