‘Empowering Angels’: Domestic Violence Awareness mural offers hope, help in city
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LOCK HAVEN -- Though murals can often be seen as simply artistic expression, or maybe even illustrating the key parts of a town, city or municipality, they can also mean much more.
Especially for local resident Angel Rubin, who recently completed a piece in Lock Haven to let those who are suffering through domestic violence know they aren't alone.
A beautiful purple butterfly with white and black accents now graces the wall on Reese's Print Shop along Mill Street in downtown Lock Haven. The butterfly features the words "I'm a Survivor of Domestic Violence" along with the domestic violence hotline -- 800-799-7233 -- and the name of the Facebook group "Empowering Angels."
Rubin said she understands the difficulties of being in an abusive relationship and wanted to make sure others know there is a community that stands behind them.
"My goal is to reach out to as many abused people that I can to let them know they aren't alone," she said, standing near the mural she completed just a few weeks ago.
The mural was born from a need to express herself following a day in court that didn't go well, Rubin said.
"I went home and drew half of a butterfly on Aug. 6," she said.
The idea to place the mural somewhere in town sparked immediately in Rubin's mind. She said she approached Beiter's Home Furnishings -- which owns the building on Main Street -- along with Reese's Print Shop about placing the mural at the location.
Rubin explained she wanted it to be located close to Roads to Peace so those who may be seeking help related to domestic violence can have hope.
"The idea for the mural is to empower victims of domestic violence," Rubin said. "I'm very passionate about this and I really push for what I believe in."
Rubin works very closely with Roads to Peace -- who assisted her and her children in their time of need.
"They have had a big impact on my life and my children's lives," she said.
Rubin works with Roads to Peace often, especially during October which is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The mural was truly a community partnership. Not only has Rubin received support from Roads to Peace, along with Beiter's and Reese's Print Shop, she said Lowe's Home Improvement in Mill Hall donated the paint and brushes and the city's Community Life Director Kasey Campbell and Police Chief Matthew Rickard also offered their assistance.
"There was a lot of community involvement. I want people to come here and feel the community has their back," she explained, noting most abusers often work to take that feeling away from a victim to make them feel cornered and alone.
Rubin's work along Mill Street isn't through either.
"I've been given permission to put up more murals on this wall," she said. "I have some ideas sketched out but I'll need approval first."
She also noted Beiter's is purchasing black lights to have placed on the wall so the paint stands out even in the dark.
Being an advocate for those suffering from domestic violence is very important to Rubin, who is also set to speak at the Roads to Peace Domestic Violence Vigil, scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. in Triangle Park on Friday, Oct. 25.
The event will begin with a hot chocolate social, provided by Avenue 209, followed by introductions by Rayne Burgin, Prevention Education & Outreach Medical Advocate at Roads to Peace. This will be followed by a proclamation read by Leah Borrow and Rubin featured as the guest speaker.
At 6:30 p.m. the vigil ceremony will take place with closing statements planned for 6:50 p.m.