The Platform Stands in Solidarity with InterAct against Domestic Violence on October 19, 2012

Sept. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- On October 19, 2012 at Blake Street Studios located at 300 Blake Street in the historic City Market District of Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, Robin Mills, the founder of Breathe to Think and The Platform will be doing her part to promote awareness of the issue of domestic violence and to raise funds to support the survivors of domestic violence by hosting an Artist Show Case in the midst of her monthly event….the Platform, an open forum designed to facilitate the process of local performing and visual artist by creating events to showcase local talent in a light that propels them to the next level in their careers. The Platform is designed to be a means for artists to develop a fan base and fine tune their craft.

Mills thought it only natural to organize an event that allowed the artists to speak out about a topic that many shy away from. Domestic Violence is a reality that million endure each and every day. A survivor of domestic violence herself, Mills feels very passionately about her chosen cause and has selected “InterAct” as the organization that the Platform will raise funds for.

  "I remember a time in my life when an "InterAct" was much needed.... but did not exist. When I first decided to raise funds for a cause an associate of mine told me to think of something that has happened in my life that brings tears to my even now....this day...It was a no brainer. I was once married to a hateful mean spirited man who almost broke my soul....who ultimately broke my heart....But I fixed it. I had the strength and good sense to walk away. I know how dark things can be....trying to hold on for the sake of holding on. It's not always easy to just walk away. I want to let others know that they can. There is no need to play with fire when we all know it burns. This is my way of giving back and perhaps I can help someone not have to go through the storms I went through and the pain I endured." Mills said when asked why she put together this fundraiser.
 
On October 19 the Platform will spot light House Performing Artists: TimMay Rajah, Andrea Cherry, “Camille,” Just An Artist, April Porter and Soteria Shepperson. In addition to the House Performers the Platform will showcase Special Guest Performers Ciroc Pop, Kera Jo, 7th SOANA and Jaisun McMillian, who will perform songs directly geared towards the awareness of domestic violence. As well as spotlight performing artist, the Platform will showcase Fashion Candice Organ and her fashion line LeNeva. Guest will enjoy a mini fashion show directed by Fashion Model, Make Up Artist and Photographer Erika King. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be paid directly to “InterAct.” Blake Street Studios will be the official drop off location for guest interested in donating gently used items and toiletries to be delivered to “InterAct” the Monday following this event. The Platform will be catered by Locally Gourmade, a business housed within the walls of Blake Street Studios. Guest may purchase tickets to the Platform at www.theplatform5.eventbrite.com.

ABOUT INTERACT:

InterAct is a private, nonprofit United Way agency that provides safety, support, and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. InterAct also promotes violence-free relationships and communities through collaboration, public information, education, and advocacy. InterAct is the only confidential domestic violence prevention program serving Wake County's twelve municipalities.

In 2009, InterAct opened its new headquarters, Family Safety & Empowerment Center in Raleigh, which brings together nine other community agencies to provide wraparound services for victims and survivors of violence and abuse.

The nine collaborative partners and the services they provide in InterAct's center are:

Easter Seals UCP coordinates the provision of mental health services to women and children suffering from trauma exposure.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle operates InterAct's commercial kitchen and provide culinary skills training.

KIRAN promotes self-reliance and empowerment of South Asians in crisis through outreach, peer support, and referrals.

Legal Aid of North Carolina offers InterAct's clients legal assistance and regular legal clinics.

Raleigh Police Department houses its entire family violence intervention unit on-site.

SouthLight offers family substance abuse counseling service on site.

Wake Health Services provides primary medical care using InterAct's medical clinic.

YMCA of the Triangle maintains InterAct's pool and operates after-school and summer youth programs.

YWCA of the Greater Triangle offers its Women In Transition Program to InterAct's clients.

History of InterAct
InterAct was formed in the 1980's by the merger of three Wake County agencies: Rape Crisis Center, Women's Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention Services. The resulting agency was known as The Family Violence Prevention Center, Inc., and in 1984 became known as InterAct.

SERVICES INTERACT PROVIDE:

24 Hour Crisis Lines
Counseling
Court Advocacy
Residential Shelter
Hospital Response/Solace Center
Community Education & Outreach
Youth Education Services (YES)
Latino Community Services
Children Services
Southern Wake Outreach Center
Thrift Stores-Pass It On/Pass It On, Too

Services Statement
All services provided by InterAct are confidential and free of charge. (InterAct provides services in Wake County, North Carolina. If you are outside Wake County, you can call our phone lines or the national hotline for a referral to an agency closer to you.)                                                
Volunteer Services supports all of our agency's programs. We also offer program volunteer and special project volunteer opportunities, as well as internships. InterAct treats its volunteers as professionals to help the organization remain successful and efficient in carrying out its mission. Without the volunteers' help, InterAct would not be able to meet the demands for services.

Starting in 2009, all volunteers must attend one of our monthly information sessions to receive a Volunteer/Intern or Special Projects application. All volunteers must be approved by the Volunteer Services Coordinator before being placed in the agency.

The sessions will take place at InterAct's new Family Safety & Empowerment Center at 1012 Oberlin Road, Raleigh. You do not have to RSVP for the information session.

What's the difference between program volunteers and special projects volunteers?
Volunteers who want work with clients must complete 32 hours of core training in domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, legal topics, client diversity, and crisis counseling, as well as topic training in their department placement. All volunteers must be approved by the Volunteer Services Coordinator.

Individuals who want to volunteer his/her services and time with one-time or short-term projects, fundraising efforts, event planning, product drives, or administrative duties are Special Projects volunteers.

Any volunteers who want to help in one of InterAct's thrift stores must also complete a Special Projects application. Pass It On is located at 309 South Main Street in Fuquay-Varina, and Pass It On Too is located at the Family Safety and Empowerment Center at 1012 Oberlin Road in Raleigh.

Donations to InterAct are tax deductible. InterAct's Federal Tax Identification Number is 58-1320613. If you prefer, you can make donations by mail. Please send donations to:
InterAct: 1012 Oberlin Road Raleigh, 27605
INTERACT'S MAIN OFFICE LINE

919-828-7501
24 HOUR CRISIS LINES
Domestic Violence
919-828-7740 | 866-291-0855 toll-free
Sexual Assault
919-828-3005 | 866-291-0853 toll-free
Solace Center
919-828-3067 | 866-291-0854 toll-free