About Project 2026

Meet our sponsored shelter in the spotlight for 2026: the Rape/Domestic Abuse Program in North Platte, Nebraska

RDAP was selected due to the extensive free and confidential resources that they provide for various counties within the west-central portion of the state, including Lincoln, Logan, Hooker, Thomas, Cherry and McPherson. This also includes North Platte, Wallace, Wellfleet, Hershey, Maxwell, Brady, Sutherland, Thedford, Stapleton, Tryon, Valentine, and Mullen. To say the least- they have their hands full with the amount of ground that they're covering.

Looking at a map, you might say that North Platte is in the middle of nowhere; but RDAP also needs assistance just like any other big-city shelter. Their program provides emergency shelter to families facing domestic violence and sexual assault in a confidential location to keep survivors safe. Not only do they house survivors that need it, but they also take the steps to help get them back on their feet with financial education, life skills training, and more.

In addition, survivors have access to medical advocacy with advocates readily available to accompany victims to doctor's appointments so that they're not alone. Transportation is provided to appointments, school, and work for those residing in the shelter. Legal advocacy is another area they offer to help file protective orders with the court, referrals to local attorneys, and also advocates ready to accompany survivors throughout the legal process. Last but not least, they have support in a group setting or one-on-one.

Outside of the shelter, the program provides education to schools by using a stair-stepper approach to teen dating violence and prevention. Starting at age 10+ or fifth grade, students can learn how to protect themselves and report unsafe behavior. Education is also available in the workplace, which can sometimes be an easy target for abusers. Large groups, small groups, management- any and all groups are welcome to take advantage of their informative sessions.

Significant funding cuts have led the program to fundraise within the community to continue to offer necessary victim/survivor and shelter services. It's because of this that Illuminate: Lighting The Way Against Trafficking & Abuse is working hard to gear up and secure donations through monthly gifts and candle store sales. No donation is too small. Our fundraising campaign is currently open, with the candle store opening on November 1st.

How Does It Work?

100% of donations are used to further the Illuminate initiative. $10,000 of funds raised will go to the Rape/Domestic Abuse Program via in-kind gifts. As the fundraiser wraps up on November 30th, we announce our grand total on Giving Tuesday and begin to purchase many multiples of everything on the shelter's wish list. Typically, this is clothing, food, toiletries, bedding, baby formula, car seats, etc. In addition, we also provide holiday gifts for families living in the shelter.

Following the conclusion of Project 2026, RDAP will receive $500 of in-kind donations every year going forward.

To donate now: https://givebutter.com/illuminateltw2026

To learn more about RDAP:

Website: Rape Domestic Abuse Program | We can help. Facebook: Rdap | North Platte NE | Facebook

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Meet Stephy's House Crisis Center

As part of our mission, our secondary sponsorship will go to Stephy's House in Lancaster, Ohio. We have been lucky enough to have them publically speak about their impactful experience with domestic violence. This vital haven provides survivors with essential tools and guidance needed to heal, while building a safe future through heartfelt community and education.

$1,000 of funds raised will go to Stephy's House for continued advocacy.