Combi Center seeks permission for awareness ribbons, lists October events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

April Jordan of the Combi Center, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in six South Carolina counties, briefed Aiken City Council on Monday about Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities and requested permission to place awareness ribbons and information cards along downtown posts.

Combi Center services and requests Jordan said Combi Center provides a 24/7 safe house, a 24/7 crisis hotline, case management including housing and employment assistance, counseling and outreach; services are free. She asked the city’s permission to hang ribbons and information cards along Lawrence Street and other downtown posts in October, as the center has done in past years.

Jordan also announced an Oct. 2 public conference and an Oct. 18 chili cook-off at Odell Weeks to raise awareness and connect residents to services. She said the Aiken Public Safety department, the Aiken Sheriff’s Office and the Highway Patrol planned to participate in the chili event and that information flyers and tear-off cards can be provided to city clinics and centers.

Council response Council members asked about sharing materials with local health centers and the Clyburn Center; Jordan said the Combi Center would provide flyers and tear-off cards for distribution. Council did not take a formal vote on a written request during the meeting but staff indicated prior permissions for similar past display requests.

What’s next Jordan said Combi Center staff will coordinate distribution of materials and follow up with city staff and council members who requested copies for local health centers.