Bingham County abounds with community groups that serve others and, in that process, create ripples of connection and spread hope.

Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Ripples spotlight is on the Bingham Crisis Center, a domestic and sexual violence agency that declares, “We are here when you need us.” They are dedicated to stopping domestic violence throughout the county, and to do so, they are located in three cities — Blackfoot, Shelley and Aberdeen.

The Crisis Center can help people understand what abuse is, provide and educate individuals of available resources to help their situation or be someone who cares and will listen. Understanding what abuse is isn’t always obvious. Abuse has many faces, including consistent neglect that negates a person’s value. Personally, I learned of abuse in my life by reading a fiction author’s description of an abused person’s viewpoint and feelings — and wondered why it felt so deeply familiar. Awareness is powerful and an important beginning.

The Crisis Center’s headquarter is located at 288 N Shilling Ave in Blackfoot. At that location they coordinate emergency shelter needs, court advocacy and help with civil protection orders, individual counseling, and finding other resources that may be needed for someone experiencing or leaving domestic or sexual violence situations.

Additionally, they have bilingual services, and their 24-hour hotlines are in Spanish (208-681-8715) or English (208-681-8712). There is also a national hotline at 800-799-7233.

For the community at large, the Crisis Center also has a food pantry to help those needing food on a small scale. Likewise, their Community Closet, that is largely stocked by local store donations, is open to the public. It has a variety of clothing and household items. To access these resources, come during their regular hours. There is also a small give and take pantry outside for anyone to donate to or take what might be needed at any time.

The Crisis Center in Blackfoot is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Tuesday — Thursday from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Their after-hours number is 208-681-8712. The Shelley Crisis Center is located at 101 S Emerson Ave and can be accessed through calling 208-681-7972. The Aberdeen Crisis Center is located at 33 N Main St and assistance is arranged by calling 208-681-8716. More information and ways to volunteer or donate is on their webpage at https://binghamcrisiscenter.org/.

The Crisis Center reminds us all that, “Love shouldn’t hurt.” Are there personal ways we can help others struggling in the net of domestic and sexual violence? How about not judging? Judging about what someone should or shouldn’t do only cuts the vital connection of hope they might need to get to a place of action. Also, awareness may be needed when situations might be escalating and more direct help is necessary to protect lives. In all cases approach struggling friends and family with love.

A different way to help is to keep the Crisis Center stocked with items such as: laundry gift cards; food cards; nonperishable foods; easy meals like mac and cheese, soup or box meals; blankets; new pillows; new sheets for twin, full and queen mattresses; new bath towels; kitchen utensils; can openers; pots, pans and plates; gas cards; storage totes with lids and the very unglamorous but vital item of new underwear for men, women, boys and girls — all sizes.

Hmm, what if we added one item for the Crisis Center to our weekly grocery list? Can such a small action really help? Definitely. Even small ripples can inspire others and bring connection and hope.

Ripples Resource Directory:

Food sufficiency: Community Dinner Table and Blackfoot Community Pantry, https://communitydinnertable.org/.

Emotional support: Domestic and Sexual Violence awareness and assistance: Bingham Crisis Center.