Events

February 3 to February 20: The art gallery at Polk State College will feature a National Juried Art Show of work devoted to One Billion Rising themes. Gallery hours are Monday thru Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be a reception on Thursday, February 6 from 5:50 to 7:30 pm.

Monday, February 10: Flash mob at Polk State College at the Student Center.
Time: 12:00 noon
Resource materials and persons will be available providing information for assistance in abusive situations. 

Tuesday, February 11: Program at Winter Haven Library
Time: 5:00 to 6:30 pm.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Domestic Abuse presented by Winter Haven Police Chief Gary Hester. Resource materials and persons will be present.

Wednesday, February 12: Winter Haven Library Book Review.
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 am.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn will be reviewed by Chuck Warren. Also Meena Mohan, LCSW at Winter Haven Hospital, will present Shakti: the women's empowerment movement in Asia. Refreshments served.
  

Thursday, February 13: Educational Program providing information on how to leave a dangerous situation.
Rita Smith, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Abuse will speak.
Time: 5:00 to 6:45 pm
Jane Waters-Thomas, founder of Boxing for Life Program and others will be presenting. Demonstrations and practice of self defense and a discussion of developing an escape plan. Resource materials and persons will be available.

Friday, February 14: Program at Central Park in downtown Winter Haven including an incredible flash mob. Music begins at 4:30 pm.
Time: 5:00 to 6:15 pm.
Rita Smith is our featured speaker. She is currently the Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she has been working since late 1992. She has been interviewed by hundreds of newspaper reporters, appeared on many local and national radio and television news shows, including the Washington Post, USA Today, People Magazine, NPR, Today Show, Good Morning America and Oprah Winfrey Show. In December of 2010 she was invited to the Oval Office along with a small group of other national leaders to join President Obama as he signed the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act into law. In December of 2011 she was named Distinguished Alumnus of Polk State College and in 2013 the Association of Florida Colleges chose her for the LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award.
Resource materials and persons will be available.