She believed she deserved a better life.

You believed she deserved a better life, too.

April 2015

This year's Coburn Place graduate speaker at Blue Breakfast, our spring fundraiser, was Jeanette Perkins. If you've been a regular reader, you're familiar with her incredible story - involving a daring escape from a fire set by her abuser, a literal window of opportunity. If not, you can read about it on our blog.

But nothing can compare to hearing her story in her own words.

Jeanette radiates warmth. She's a caring person full of faith and humor. Once she got passed a small case of nerves, she spoke to the sold out crowd of 300+ as if she were speaking to a small group of her besties.

She is extremely grateful for all that Coburn Place has done for her. But before we continue, let's clarify one thing. She might as well have said, everything that you has done for her. YOU are Coburn Place. The work we do is your support in action. And it's changing lives and breaking the cycle of violence. Together we raised $60,000 to empower more victims to live as survivors. We couldn't be more grateful.

And neither could Jeanette. Her words teared up many eyes and prompted a standing ovation. The response was overwhelming. READ MORE

Jeanette Perkins - Coburn Place graduate, DV survivor and Blue Breakfast speaker - touched the hearts of all 300+ in attendance, helping to raise $60,000 to empower more victims.

The Indianapolis Colts and Coburn Place Team Up Against Domestic Violence

As Blue Breakfast host and emcee, Rafael Sanchez of RTV6, said "Football and the Colts are on the off season now, but as we know, unfortunately, there is no off season for domestic violence." The Colts were well represented not only in location but through inspiring words from Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Vice Chair/Owner, and Joe Reitz, #76 Offensive Lineman.

Carlie admitted to being thankful for being forced to talk about domestic violence as a result of the much-publicized domestic abuse incidents within the NFL last year. She offered ways any of us can make a difference - donate time or money to Coburn Place, discourage the objectification of women and seek a more empathetic view of what it means to be a victim.

Watch the brand new PSA that debuted during Blue Breakfast.

Coburn Place PSA featuring: Ericka Flye of RTV6, Kalen Irsay and Carlie Irsay-Gordon of the Indianapolis Colts

Joe Reitz, Indianapolis Colts, Offensive Lineman #76 and Blue Breakfast guest speaker with daughter, Juliana

"The stories and testimony we heard today are very powerful. Coburn Place is so important because it gives the women the resources they need, and it's something we can do to help out," echoed Joe. A father of three, including three year-old Juliana who joined him on stage, he offered this advice, "Our first and number one job is to be a great father, be a good husband. Love your wife and respect her. Your kids see that growing up and will see that pattern of behavior."

Breaking the cycle of violence takes all of us. We're so grateful to have the Indianapolis Colts on Team Coburn!

Check out the buzz about #BlueBreakfast. We collected some our favorite social media posts on our blog.

Thank You to Our Sponsors, Committee, Friends, Partners and YOU!

Supporter Spotlight: Shannon Burdick

Long-time volunteer, mother of two and PowerPoint whiz, Shannon Burdick (left) with her friends, Boomer and Marcia

With an emphasis on Blue Breakfast this month, it's only fitting to highlight super supporter, Shannon Burdick. Shannon has served on the Blue Breakfast committee since its beginning in 2008. In fact, she was pregnant with her first child then. When her daughter, Kaitlyn, decided to arrive earlier than planned, Shannon didn't shrug off her duties. She's such a dedicated volunteer that she finished the Sponsor PowerPoint that's shown during the event, from her hospital room! READ MORE

Get Involved: Calendar

Our friend and volunteer yoga instructor, Candy Irven, has started a crowdfunding campaign to collect donations to buy yoga mats for our residents. The campaign ends 5/24/2015. LEARN MORE

"It's not just a mat...it's so much more.

Donate today.

It's a place to go to let go...dive in...connect...release. It's a place to build strength physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It's not just a mat...and yet it is...with the power that can change a person's entire world. Because we all deserve to feel safe and at peace."

Volunteer Orientation

Meet some of the best people in Indy - Coburn Place volunteers! Please contact Kathy, kathy@coburnplace.org or 923-5750 to sign up.

WHERE:

Coburn Place

604 E. 38th Street

Indianapolis, IN 46205

WHEN:

Thursday, 4/23/2015 | 6-8:30pm

The Gorgeous Ladies of CrossFit (GLOC) are holding their annual competition for all levels of participants. We love their motto, "Empowering Women One Workout at a Time"! Join as a spectator or volunteer. Ticket and merchandise proceeds benefit Coburn Place.

WHERE: Project Gloc 1071 3rd Ave SW Carmel, Indiana 46032	WHEN: Saturday, 4/25/2015 \| 8am-5pm Sunday, 4/26/2015
COST: Tickets - 1 day pass $5 \| 2 day pass $9 \| Buy online

CoburnFest!

The party with a purpose is back at the Lucas Estate!

SAVE THE DATE:

Saturday, 9/12/2015

Wish List: Urgent Needs

Microwaves

Check out the entire wish list.

Small Fleece Throws
Ready-to-eat Soups
Juice
Applesauce

Maureen Gilmer of the IndyStar attended Blue Breakfast. For a final word on the event, read the wonderful article she wrote recapping the morning and telling the Coburn Place story.

Toward the end of her speech, Jeanette shared these words, "I moved on from Coburn Place with a sense of independence. And a sense of strength with something I could hold onto." This is what your support does for each adult and child that comes to Coburn Place. Each will travel their own journey and find their independence in many ways. But one thing they all have in common is your belief in them. Without that, their chance for achieving success declines dramatically. Read our new 2014 Annual Report to see the impact you made. You should be very proud. We are very grateful.

Read our 2014 Annual Report

Believing & Achieving,


Julia Kathary Executive Director Coburn Place	Lara Chandler Vice President of Mission Advancement