We’re all about building awareness at YLAV – throughout the year, but especially right now, because it’s #teenDVmonth! Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a national movement to make people aware that dating violence is more common than you might think. But, if we spread awareness we can stop violence before it starts.

One thing we’re doing this month to build awareness (in addition to this awesome contest – have you entered yet?) is handing out “Love is Sweet” bags. We’ve been distributing 3,000 of them to students throughout the community during lunch periods and health classes. What’s inside? Well, candy, of course (they are called “Love is Sweet” after all). But there’s also lots of great awareness-building information: healthy relationship tips, contact cards for if you need help or someone to talk to, connections to resources, etc.

Many thanks to the organizations partnering with us YLAVers to make this possible! We’re looking at you, Safe Haven Ministries, Family Futures, Kent County Health Department, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, and YWCA West Central Michigan.

Stay tuned for more sweetness as we wrap up #teenDVmonth next week.