Stepping Stones Art & Wine Gala was a hit
Stepping Stones 2022 Art & Wine Gala was held on Saturday, June 4 at The Bailiwick. The Gala included art from local artists, whiskey and wine tasting, a cigar bar, music, and hors d’oeuvres. They had an exciting live auction for the art pieces and donations. They will continue raffle ticket sales until June 30. People can stop in at AK Outdoors for a chance to win a rifle. Black River Diamond Co. will be selling tickets for a diamond necklace. All the proceeds will benefit Taylor County victims and survivors of violence.
“Through grants and donations, Stepping Stones is able to provide our confidential service free of charge. Our services are available to survivors of any gender and age,” said Co-Director Courtney Scholl.
Stepping Stones provides a wide array of advocacy services: safety planning, 24/7 crisis and support line, emergency shelter, emotional support, legal advocacy (help understanding the systems), and medical advocacy (when receiving care related to abuse). Stepping Stones also offers assistance in finding housing, employment, and benefits. “We provide community referrals to connect survivors with other services/resources they may need. We also provide education on understanding the dynamics of abuse and healthy relationships,” Scholl said.
Above all, Stepping Stones aims to provide a safe environment for survivors to explore their situation, plan their safety, and consider the options and resources available to them. Domestic abuse and sexual assault revolve around power and control of the survivor. When survivors are equipped with the resources they need and feel empowered to make their own decisions, they can regain a sense of power and control over their own lives.
“We are grateful to everyone who took part in this event: our Board of Directors and staff, volunteers, sponsors, artists, and community members who attended. This wouldn’t be possible without them. It was amazing to see so many people show up in support of survivors and Stepping Stones’ mission,” Scholl said.
