By Jada Turner\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heartly House will host Take Back the Night on April 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Hood College\u2019s campus, bringing together students and community members for an evening focused on awareness, healing, and support for survivors of power-based violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event will begin in Whitaker Campus Center, where attendees can connect with local organizations, learn about resources, and participate in activities such as face painting and a raffle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heartly House, founded in 1979, is the only organization in Frederick County that provides comprehensive, free services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child abuse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization\u2019s mission is to \u201crestore hope and mobilize a network of support to empower survivors, strengthen our community, and prevent power-based violence through advocacy, education, and compassion.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main program will feature survivor stories, a guided somatic experience, and a community art project designed to promote healing and collective reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizers say the event creates space for both awareness and support while encouraging open dialogue about violence prevention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The evening will conclude with a candlelight march to the pergola, symbolizing unity and solidarity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Organizers describe the candlelight moment as a way to \u201cilluminate the darkness\u201d and show support for survivors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Back the Night is part of broader efforts to address power-based violence through education, advocacy, and community engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
##<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"