Courtesy photo A teal ribbon is painted on the window at the Alcona Coffee Co. to show the businesses support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

ALPENA — Join Hope Shores Alliance (HSA) this April in bringing awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) through connection, community, and awareness.

Throughout the month of April, HSA has partnered with businesses across the five-county service area of Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency and Presque Isle to “Paint the Town Teal”, engaging the community in a visible show of support for survivors. At the start of the campaign, HSA painted teal ribbons at participating locations and provided informational flyers featuring a QR code for additional resources. This visual campaign offers the community an opportunity to come together and raise awareness.

HSA is launching its “Start by Believing” campaign this month, a public awareness and action initiative developed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI). The campaign aims to end the cycle of silence and transform how communities respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and child sexual abuse by promoting a supportive, survivor-centered approach.

As part of this effort, HSA will host a “Start by Believing Pledge” event on April 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center in Tawas City, MI. Open to the public, the event will bring together community partners who will take the pledge to “Start by Believing.” More than a personal commitment, the campaign calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to share a unified message with survivors: “We hear you, we support you, and we will Start by Believing.”

On Wednesday, April 29 from 1- 2 p.m. in Granum Theatre, Alpena Community College, Alpena, MI there will be a discussion panel event among law enforcement, legal representatives, ACC staff, and HSA members for students to attend. In this discussion panel we will explore the connection between Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Alcohol Awareness Month. Following the discussion panel, there will be engaging activities for students to participate in.

Hope Shores has also teamed up with Omega Electric & Sign Company for a special shirt-shop fundraiser supporting Hope Shores Alliance and survivors in our community. A portion of every purchase goes directly toward helping local survivors access the support and resources they deserve. There are three powerful designs and multiple colors to choose from on three styles of shirts. You can find the link to buy shirts on the Hope Shores Facebook page.

Mikayla Ranger, an Advocate at HSA said beging active and supporting Sexual Assault Awareness Month helps victims in several ways.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important opportunity to show survivors that they are not alone. When you Start by Believing, you are breaking down generational barriers that have prevented survivors from coming forward with their truths, and their stories. At Hope Shores Alliance, we are committed to creating a community where survivors are heard, validated, and empowered. Through education, community partnerships, and accessible services, we strive to provide hope and healing to all who need it.”

Some content related to sexual violence may be triggering or upsetting to some. For more information about SAAM 2026 events, how you can get involved, or for any additional accommodation needs, please visit the Hope Shores Alliance Facebook page or contact Mikayla Ranger at mranger@hopeshores.org