High schooler helping victims of domestic violence
Personal adversity has led a Hotchkiss High School student, Jordan Belew, and her mother, Trish Belew, to organize "Shine the Light," A Memory Walk in Honor of Melinda Yager. The walk will be this Saturday, Jan. 7, at 4 p.m.
This will be a flashlight walk starting at the Delta Courthouse at 5th and Main Street in Delta. Anyone interested in participating can. The walk will end at Bill Heddles Recreation Center for a presentation and refreshments. Jordan, Trish and a representative from Hilltop Tri-County Resources will speak at the event. They are hoping a member of Melinda Yager's family, who live out of state, will be able to attend.
The walk coincides with the one year anniversary of Melinda Yager's brutal death. Jordan and Trish had met Melinda shortly before she was killed. Jordan and Trish were filing for a restraining order for Jordan's dad and Melinda was getting one for her estranged husband.
Jordan and Trish are knowledgeable about Tri-County Resources as they have stayed at their Safe House. The two of them courageously speak about their own troubles and desiring to help others faced with domestic violence and sexual assault.
Jordan has been raising money to help "Shine The Light On Domestic Violence." She and her mother founded the campaign. She has been giving out "Shine The Light" bracelets at school and elsewhere.
"We were luckier than Melinda so we feel like we have to spread the word," Jordan said.
Through the "Shine the Light" campaign, Jordan has already raised $7,000 for the Safe House thanks to Walmart and other businesses. Trish works at Walmart which donates $5,000 for every 100 hours of community service their employees work. Jordan also made $1,200 from a bake sale at Walmart.
A plaque with Melinda Yager's photograph will be presented to the Safe House Saturday.
Send designated donations for "Shine The Light" to Hilltop Tri-County Resources, P.O. 13, Delta, CO 81416. For more information call Tri-County Resources at 874-6995. Their Domestic Violence 24-Hour Crisis Line is 874-4941.
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