Road to Independence Event will Help Survivors of Domestic Abuse

The third annual Road to Independence Event, on Thursday, April 5, 2023, has a goal to raise awareness and funds to assist female domestic violence survivors and their families who find themselves homeless in our local community.

This event, presented by Mike McNamara of ProperRate and co-hosted by Milk Money Brewing, will have live entertainment provided by FiddleSticks and will benefit the domestic violence survivor clients of BEDS Plus Care. BEDS Plus helps individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services. Also featured at the event will be a Harley Davidson motorcycle photo booth where attendees can have their photo taken while sitting on a "Harley" in honor of the theme.

This topic is personal for Mike McNamara, a La Grange resident and business owner, who is spearheading this event. Mike is passionate about this cause because it has affected someone in his family.

“My sister was married to an abuser for 19 years and a local safe house program saved her life three different times as she fled with two babies on her hips. I’m on a personal mission to raise awareness of domestic violence, the realities of this abuse in our very own neighborhoods, to help eliminate the stigma and shame associated with this and raise money to help women gain their independence back from their abusers.” A used car donated to Mike’s sister gave her the means to obtain a job and stability for her family.

This year the event will have a Route 66 theme to illustrate transportation needs of individuals that are survivors of domestic violence. One of the largest costs outside of housing that can impede progress for a survivor can be access to transportation. Javon Harris, Director of Housing at BEDS Plus shares, “Our clients are rebuilding and can't afford gas to locate a job or apartment, car repairs, bus passes and Ubers to doctors and therapists. Not having access stalls a survivor’s ability to maintain and gain employment and is a leading expense for our agency.”

Abusers often create an environment of dependence, financially isolating individuals. This is one of the many reasons why women stay with their abusers. Miriam Martinez BEDS DV Housing Development Manager added, “BEDS Plus sees too many women who find themselves homeless when they decide to leave their abuser. We partner with domestic violence agencies and are a direct resource providing assistance for survivors. Your contributions will directly assist women and families with stability through supportive services and housing. It is very common for BEDS domestic violence clients to have little, or no credit and housing is a crucial step to security and transformation.”

The $25 entry fee into the event, 10 percent of sales from Milk Money’s exclusive event beer - The Road to Independence Wheat Ale - and 10 percent of total sales from the April 5th event along with individual donations will assist these vulnerable members in our community. Monetary supporters of this event include Pinnacle Financial Partners, @properties/Christie’s International Real Estate, Ladies of Harley, Harley Davidson of Countryside & the Illinois Route 66 HOG Chapter.

To attend the event, donate directly or find out more about the Road To Independence event go to www.beds-plus.org or contact Erin Molek at molek@beds-plus.org.