Posted on

Social Media Scavenger Hunt Brings Positive Message to Teens

(DESTIN, Fla.) February 9, 2017 – Shelter House and Project Respect kicked off Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by hosting Quest 4 Respect, a social media scavenger hunt for teens. Dozens of young people dashed around Destin Commons last Friday snapping pictures on Instagram. The pictures were based on clues that carried messages about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by a dating partner each year in the U.S. Add in those who are emotionally and verbally abused, and the numbers are staggering,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House executive director. “It is happening here, and we want teens to know how to identify red flags early in the relationship before the abuse begins.”

Adrian Hamilton, a sophomore at Fort Walton Beach High School, was the first to complete the scavenger hunt and won a prize pack that included a Destin Commons gift card, passes to Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill and a Shelter House t-shirt. All other teens that completed the scavenger hunt were entered into a drawing for additional prizes.

All Quest 4 Respect attendees received a Dating Bill of Rights wallet card and glow jewelry. DJ 30A contributed to the party-like atmosphere by spinning tunes throughout the event.

Follow Project Respect and Shelter House on Facebook and Instagram for more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and future events.

Posted on

Social Media Scavenger Hunt to Educate Teens on Healthy Relationships

(DESTIN, Fla.) January 23, 2017 – One in 10 high school students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. As we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, Shelter House and Project Respect present a fun new event that will teach local teens about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

Quest 4 Respect is a social media scavenger hunt starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3 at Destin Commons. Cards with clues will take teens on an Instagram scavenger hunt throughout the shopping center where they will snap pictures for a chance to win prizes. Teens that finish the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a big prize pack with numerous items donated by Destin Commons restaurants and retailers. The party continues until 8 p.m. with DJ 30A, a photo booth, glow sticks and more.

“Many parents don’t realize it, but teen dating violence does happen right here in our community,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Shelter House and Project Respect work to educate teens about red flags in relationships and stopping the cycle of violence before it even starts. It is our hope that the positive messages teens receive at Quest 4 Respect will set them up for success in future healthy relationships.”

Quest 4 Respect is a free event for all teens. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found on the Project Respect Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProjectRespectOW.

Posted on

Walk 4 Respect Attendees Pledge to End Violence

Youth vow to stand up for respect and kindness

(DESTIN, Fla.) November 10, 2015 – More than 100 people turned out for the 2nd Annual Walk 4 Respect at Morgan Sports Center in Destin on Halloween morning. The walk brought together youth from Okaloosa and Walton counties during National Bullying Prevention Month to talk and learn about healthy, non-violent relationships and treating everyone with kindness and respect.

The event kicked off with a proclamation by Destin Mayor Mel Ponder. The proclamation read in part, “Let this Walk 4 Respect be the start of a unified commitment to the education and prevention of violence within our community, and to recognize the need for raising awareness of the prevalence of abuse affecting our youth.”

Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley challenged the crowd by asking, “If kindness was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” He then presented a check for $1,500 from the Sheriff Star Charity to Shelter House, the domestic and sexual violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. Shelter House, along with Project Respect, produced Walk 4 Respect with additional support from Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.

Ponder and Ashley led off the walk. At the conclusion of the one-mile walk, everyone stopped off to sign an anti-violence pledge wall then enjoyed a free fall festival. Adults and youth alike enjoyed music from Horizon Entertainment and sampled tasty food from three food trucks. Bogarbecue, Cajun Meat Train and Rainbow Frost ice cream truck all turned out to show their support for the anti-violence movement.

“The community support for this event has been outstanding,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House Executive Director. “Young people right here in our community are dealing with teen dating violence, bullying and cyberbullying. It is important to show them that there is help and that it is good to talk about it with friends or a trusted adult.”

Several community agencies had booths with information and festival games. Partners in attendance included COPE Center, Boys and Girls Club, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Junior League of the Emerald Coast and Shelter House.

Youth and parents lined up to sign the pledge to stop violence.
Posted on

Walk 4 Respect Promotes Kindness, Anti-Violence

Middle and high schoolers are invited to the fall festival with a message

(DESTIN, Fla.) October 26, 2015 – Walk 4 Respect brings together teenagers from Okaloosa and Walton counties during National Bullying Prevention Month to talk and learn about healthy, non-violent relationships and treating everyone with kindness and respect. In addition to a one-mile walk, the event will feature a proclamation by Destin Mayor Mel Ponder, fun festival games, food trucks, music and trick or treating.

The 2nd Annual Walk 4 Respect will take place on Saturday, October 31 from 10am to 1pm at Morgan Sports Center in Destin. Walkers are encouraged to wear non-violent Halloween costumes or something orange, the color of the anti-bullying movement.

“Walk 4 Respect is going to be a fun, fall festival, but it also carries a serious message,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Teens, and even tweens, are dealing with bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence. The purpose of Walk 4 Respect is to bring everyone together to talk about how we can all foster a community of kindness and respect.”

Walk 4 Respect is presented by Project Respect, Shelter House and Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Several community agencies will have booths with information and festival games. All ages are welcome to attend this family friendly event, however, the focus of Walk 4 Respect is middle and high school students.

For more information, call 850-243-1201 or visit the Project Respect Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProjectRespectOW.