By: Annette Meza
Liberal – 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental health disorder in a given year and 1 in 2 transgender people are victims of sexual violence. This is why both Jammie Ingram, owner of Sign Express, and LARC DVS, the sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking crisis center in Liberal, are working together to bring awareness to mental health in our community.
On June 10, the 3rd annual “Be Aware” Mental Health, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence walk/run will be brought into focus.
LARC DVS has partnered with Ingram, since 2021. They’ve come together since then to bring light to the mental health movement. Ingram is the initiator for the walk and tells us her motive for organizing this walk.
“My youngest, Ariana, also known as Jayson Jones, was transgender, and committed suicide at the age of 21. I decided I wanted to try to do something to bring awareness to both causes,” Ingram said.
Ingram mentioned one of her goals with this organized walk would be to donate all funds to LARC DVS, a safe space she knows Ariana found in Liberal, and received help for her mental health because of what she went through.
“She had been a victim of domestic violence and sexual assault, so we decided to tie that all together for this walk,” Ingram said. “I know LARC does a great job of helping any individual regardless of labels, so that’s why I chose LARC DVS,” she continued.
These funds that will be donated would help LARC DVS further their success in guiding and helping current and new clients through their healing journey.
LARC DVS offers various services to those who have survived sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking, or are in the process of healing and moving on from their situation. These include but are not limited to individual counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transportation, safety planning, protection orders from abuse and stalking, legal advocacy and referring to other organizations if need be.
To help support LARC DVS and Ingrams’ goals, join them for the race on June 10.
The race will start at 10:30 a.m, and check in for the race is at 9:30 a.m. The race will be followed by lunch and awards. To register, you can contact Jammie Ingram at (860)-440-3792 or LARC DVS at (620)-624-2774, or you can register online as well at ktwi.org. Registration is $30 and includes lunch and a free T-Shirt.
Businesses will also be able to be sponsored by this event. The sponsorship levels include green for $400, turquoise for $300, and purple for $200. Any questions about sponsorships can be answered by Ingram.
