(Michigan City, IN) - Stepping Stone Shelter for Women and the Michigan City Mayor’s Office brought the community together to close out Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.

Community members, local leaders, and business partners gathered on Friday to paint stones at City Hall before continuing the afternoon with a meal and community gathering at Social Que, which hosted a giveback benefiting Stepping Stone Shelter.

The stones were placed throughout the grounds at Stepping Stone Shelter as visible reminders that survivors are supported and never alone.

“By coming together with Stepping Stone Shelter, we are showing our support for survivors, honoring their strength and recognizing the important work being done to provide safety, resources and hope to those who need it,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch.

“For more than 40 years, Stepping Stone Shelter has been committed to providing a safe place and a path forward for survivors of domestic violence,” said Kalah Riley of Stepping Stone Shelter.

“Events like this remind survivors that they have a community standing behind them,” she said.