Bay Students Collecting Supplies For Tri-County Safe Harbor

The students and staff of the Bay College TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SS) program are continuing their longstanding commitment to giving back to the community through service learning.

This year, the program is partnering with Tri-County Safe Harbor to host a supplies drive for both the shelter and Bay students at a crucial time, the holiday season, on Thursday, November 18, from 11am to 6pm ET.

Bay College TRIO-SSS will be taking donations to help Tri-County Safe Harbor gather household items, gift cards, and food supplies to help satisfy the needs of domestic violence survivors. Additionally, this drive will help support students at Bay who are in need of some basic items to assist them in their academic journey. Participants can drop off their donations at the circle drive in front of the Besse Center at Main Campus in Escanaba. To celebrate the spirit of giving, there will be snacks, music, and a give-away for donors.

Tri-County Safe Harbor provides a safe shelter and help for domestic and sexual abuse survivors. Their services are free and confidential. In 2021, Tri-County Safe Harbor served 117 women, 24 children and one man. They had 1277 bed nights and 744 crisis calls throughout the year. In 2018, in Delta, Dickenson, Marquette, Alger, and Menominee Counties there was 427 reported domestic violence cases (MICR, 2018).

“There is a great need in our community for services that help those affected by domestic violence,” says Erin Viau, the Executive Director of Tri-County Safe Harbor. “This is an issue that can affect anyone; there is no ‘demographic’ that this affects more than another. Tri-County Safe Harbor, Inc.’s mission is to serve victims of domestic and sexual violence, to raise awareness, educate and involve the communities we serve. Our vision is to provide a safe location where all the needs of victims are met, children are protected, violence stops, families heal and thrive, economic justice increases, hope is realized, batterers are held accountable, and all professionals work together. We cannot carry out this mission without the continued support of our community and are grateful for their continuous generosity.”

TRIO at Bay is a federal grant-funded, non-profit Student Support Services program whose mission is to help students who are underrepresented in higher education persist, obtain an associate’s degree, and/or transfer to a 4-year institution by providing them support, guidance, and opportunities. One aspect of the program is to provide positive community service opportunities for students. This year’s project is spearheaded by TRIO student intern, Erin Wery, a human services major. “One consistent quality I find among our students, year after year, is their selflessness. Even with their busy academic schedules, there is always a group of students who are ready and willing to help others, even when they may need help themselves.” says TRIO Assistant Director, Erica Mead.

“The unfortunate reality is that there are students at our college who are unable to afford some basic necessities, both personal and academic items. By providing students with these supplies, we are creating a path of hope, and ultimately aiding in their journey toward success,” says TRIO Director, Amy Gibbs.

Please, join forces with Bay College TRIO-SSS and Tri-County Safe Harbor to help our community fight domestic violence and help those who are impacted, as well as support college students in need. For questions regarding donations, call 906-553-7357. For Tri-County Safe Harbor’s assistance, call their 24/7 helpline at 906-789-1166. For more information about TRIO, and how you can support their mission or get a student you know involved, please contact TRIO by phone (906) 217-4133, or by email at trio@baycollege.edu.

Located below is a detailed list of recommended items for the drive:

Tri-County Urgent Needs

AA Batteries

Elmer’s Gift Cards

Meijer Gift Cards

Hand Sanitizer

Anti-Bacterial Soap

Wipes

Lysol

Food Items:

Ravioli

Canned Fruit