To the editor,

Domestic abuse, sexual assault and chemical dependency are topics that are hitting the news more lately. We recently lost one of our own and people are starting to talk about this often hushed topic. Education and awareness are key to changing the cycles of abuse.

Friends Against Abuse, in collaboration with Rainy River Community College and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, is bringing a one day training to town to provide education, awareness and empowerment to our community on these deadly topics. The training is scheduled for Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Rainy River Community College Theater. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m..

MAMAS stands for My Awareness of Molesting and Abuse lead me to Sponsor someone. We are asking for the community to help a fellow community member by sponsoring them to attend this training. The cost is only $20 and the benefit could be helping someone break the cycle of abuse. This will result in a healthier International Falls for generations to come. Participants of this one day training will be entered in a special drawing. We will be drawing for a “star quilt” and other products donated by sponsors of this one day training. We hope you will join MAMAS and help to educate, empower, and encourage our community through awareness.

A film crew with independent film maker David Sutherland and PBS will be documenting this training. It is up to you to let the world know that a small little community like International Falls in Borderland is making a strong, courageous effort to effect change through awareness through sponsorship. Please stop by or call 285-7220 to sign up and to say “I want to become a sponsor.” Together we can make a difference.

LeeAnn Meer
Executive Director
Friends Against Abuse
International Falls, MN