The events, scheduled for October 28 and 29, will feature candlelight vigils, messages of hope, and a community awareness walk, offering residents opportunities to stand in solidarity with survivors and remember those whose lives have been tragically taken by domestic violence.
Organized by Help Now of Osceola in partnership with the Osceola County Domestic Violence Task Force, the gatherings are designed to encourage community involvement, promote education, and reinforce the message that everyone has a role in preventing domestic violence.
A Light That Remembers — October 28 in St. Cloud
The first event, “A Light That Remembers,” will take place on Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall in downtown St. Cloud.
Now in its second year, the annual candlelight vigil will bring together survivors, advocates, families, community leaders, and residents to honor victims of domestic violence while raising awareness about the need for lasting change.
The gathering will provide an opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and unity as participants light candles in honor of those affected by domestic abuse.
Organizers say the vigil is intended to shine a light in the darkness while demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting survivors and working toward a future free from violence.
Candles will be provided for those attending.
Steps of Strength — October 29 in Downtown Kissimmee
The following evening, Thursday, October 29, Help Now of Osceola will host “Steps of Strength,” a community rally, awareness walk, and candlelight vigil to conclude Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Osceola County Courthouse in downtown Kissimmee and is supported by the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay.
The evening will begin with messages from domestic violence survivors and community advocates, emphasizing the importance of awareness, prevention, and protecting women, children, and families from abuse.
Following the rally, participants will walk together through the streets of downtown Kissimmee in a public demonstration of solidarity with survivors and a shared commitment to ending domestic violence.
The walk will conclude at the Kissimmee Police Department, where a candlelight vigil will honor individuals who have lost their lives to domestic violence and offer hope and encouragement to those currently experiencing abuse.
Under the theme “Together We Walk. Together We Heal,” organizers are encouraging participants to wear purple, the recognized color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and bring signs displaying messages of support, strength, and prevention.
The event is open to community members who wish to show their support for survivors and help bring greater attention to domestic violence throughout Osceola County.
More Than Four Decades of Supporting Survivors in Osceola County
For more than 40 years, Help Now of Osceola has served as a vital resource for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, providing emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and support services to help survivors rebuild their lives.
The organization’s roots date back to 1981, when a group of volunteers established a crisis hotline in Osceola County with support from We Care, Inc., an Orlando-based crisis intervention organization.
Help Now of Osceola was formally incorporated in January 1983, and later that year opened WIN House, an eight-bed emergency domestic violence shelter, on August 15.
As the community grew and the need for services increased, Help Now expanded its facilities and programs. A new 24-bed shelter was completed in December 1997, followed by additional accommodations and counseling space.
In 1999, the organization opened an outreach location, allowing individuals experiencing potentially dangerous relationships to receive counseling, advocacy, and support without having to enter emergency shelter.
Today, Help Now operates a comprehensive domestic abuse prevention and survivor support program that includes emergency safe shelter, an outreach advocacy center, case management, legal advocacy, counseling, community education, and a 24-hour crisis hotline.
The organization’s mission centers on safety, empowerment, and healing, helping survivors establish violence-free lives while working to influence positive social change throughout the community.
Help Now also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, personal empowerment, healthy families, and respect for survivors and the choices they make.
Raising Awareness, Building a Safer Community
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recognized nationally each October, serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the realities of domestic abuse, recognize survivors, remember victims, and strengthen community efforts to prevent violence.
Through the two upcoming events, Help Now of Osceola hopes to bring greater visibility to an issue that affects individuals and families across all backgrounds and communities.
The gatherings also reinforce the importance of recognizing warning signs, supporting those experiencing abuse, and ensuring survivors know that confidential assistance and resources are available.
By bringing residents together in St. Cloud and Kissimmee on consecutive evenings, Help Now and its community partners are providing opportunities for Osceola County to demonstrate compassion, remembrance, and a united commitment to ending domestic violence.
How to Get Help or Learn More
Anyone experiencing domestic violence or fearing for their safety can contact Help Now of Osceola’s confidential, 24-hour crisis hotline at 407-847-8562 to speak with a domestic abuse advocate about available options, safety planning, and resources.
For more information about the October 29 Steps of Strength event, contact andieh@helpnowshelter.org.
Additional information about Help Now of Osceola, its programs, and opportunities to support its mission is available at www.helpnowshelter.org.
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, Help Now of Osceola’s message remains clear: remembering those lost, standing beside survivors, and working together to build a safer, violence-free community are responsibilities shared by everyone.
