Hidden Lakers came together in a big way this spring in support of the LACASA Center. This independent nonprofit organization provides critical services for local child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault victims.

LACASA is constructing a new facility in Livingston County, and Hidden Lake residents showed up and stepped up at this "Lead the Way" fundraising event hosted in the home of Mary Pittman. Co-hosts for the event included Hidden Lake homeowners Judy and Bert Herzog, Carla O'Malley, and Gil Martinez. Judy and Carla serve on LACASA's Board of Directors.

More than 75 people attended the event, which chronicled the organization's 40-year history, growth, and the need for a new facility to eliminate extreme overcrowding and allow victims to heal from trauma and rebuild their lives with a sense of dignity and empowerment. 

LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt told the group that LACASA is the only agency of its kind in Michigan — and one of just a few in the nation — that provides services for all abuse victims under one roof. This unique approach not only helps reduce trauma for victims and their families but it also makes sound economic sense for the community by circumventing duplicate operating costs.

Schrandt talked about the population growth in Livingston County and how the organization continues to broaden its services to meet the needs of an expanding population. She said that reported child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault incidents continue to climb in our county. "Victims and their families deserve every protection we can provide to ensure they are not only safe but able to surmount the aftermath of being victimized by abusers and assailants."

More than 4,000 victims and survivors walk through LACASA's doors seeking help and hope each year. The organization provides more than 30 programs and services for victims and their families. LACASA believes safety has no price and that no victim should be turned away due to economic circumstances. All services at LACASA are provided at no charge. 

The Hidden Lake event included presentations by abuse victims and survivors. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy talked about his personal and professional experiences with interpersonal violence and stressed LACASA's far-reaching impact on the community. 

A LACASA survivor shared her harrowing experience of escaping a violent household. She and her children fled their home and sought refuge at LACASA's Crisis Shelter, arriving with only the clothes on their backs. She credited LACASA with saving their lives by providing shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and essential resources to stay safe and fight for justice from their abuser. She stated that because of LACASA, she and her children now live in a safe and fully furnished home made possible through the agency's Transitional Housing Program. 

LACASA's new facility will be located on Tooley Road in Howell. The agency has been in the quiet phase of raising funds to construct its new forever home and will launch a public "Lead the Way" Capital Campaign later this year. The new center will be equipped to meet the needs of the 21st century, said Schrandt, including state-of-the-art security and technology systems to ensure the confidentiality, safety, and protection of victims. 

"We are touched by the outpouring of support from Hidden Lake residents," said Schrandt. "This community is 'leading the way' to LACASA's new forever home and making a profound difference in the lives of victims and survivors." 

Generous members of the Hidden Lake community have offered to match gifts for LACASA's "Lead the Way" Capital Campaign.

An anonymous Hidden Lake couple has pledged to match $40,000 in donations from Hidden Lake residents, and business partners Terri Fenelon and Lloyd O'Dell have pledged to match gifts up to $25,000.

The Hidden Lake community members made substantial donations to LACASA at the recent "Lead the Way" event. Contributions continue to arrive daily through the mail or via the agency's website.

If you would like to learn more about donor naming opportunities for LACASA's new forever home, contact LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt on her personal line at 734-478-3255, or email her at bschrandt@lacasacenter.org.

To donate, visit LACASA's website at www.lacasacenter.org. 

Special "Within These Walls" tours of LACASA are scheduled for Hidden Lake residents this summer. Our next public "Within These Walls" tour is set for Thursday, June 23, at 6 p.m. To register for either a Hidden Lakes tour or a public tour, reach out to Gerie Greenspan at ggreenspan@lacasacenter.org or call 517-548-1350.

You also can support LACASA in other ways. Attend a fundraising event, volunteer, or donate gently-loved items to the organization's charity boutique, the LACASA Collection in Howell. 

LACASA'S upcoming fundraising events include Garden Tour Weekend on July 9 and 10, Denim & Diamonds on Sept. 17, and Bordine's Holiday Extravaganza in November. 

Cheers to how Hidden Lakers create impact and solutions for a better world!