Candle Light Vigil

Hope’s Door & New Beginning Center Victim & Survivor Candle Light Vigil
Sept. 7, 2016, Plano, TX – Newly-merged domestic violence agencies, Hope’s Door and New Beginning Center will host their annual Candle Light Vigil at Lakeside Market, 5801 Preston Road, Plano, September 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm.

The Vigil will honor victims who have lost their lives at the hands of their abusers as well as celebrate those who have overcome their abuse as survivors. There will be special performances from Macy Herrera and Jeff Stewart, as well as a presentation by severe abuse survivor Carmen Coreas. Ms. Coreas was sexually assaulted by a family member thousands of times and married into an abusive relationship all before the age of 23.

Every 2.7 days in the state of Texas, a woman is murdered by her abuser. Last year alone, 239 children were left behind when their mothers died and more than 130 of those children were witnesses to their mother’s death. The age of the victims ranged from 16-90, according to the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Macy Herrera, an up and coming local vocalist, is a teen volunteer for New Beginning Center and Hope’s Door and recently completed the SHERPA Teen Program, a program that helps to highlight teen dating issues and healthy relationship skills in local high schools. Jeff Stewart is a recording artist and lead worship pastor at Cornerstone Church in Rockwall and a longtime supporter of the shelter.

The Vigil will take place outside in the open space in front of Weir’s Furniture store near the shops and eateries. Local tenants are hosting activities in their stores and restaurants in honor of the event. Lakeside Market Plano Marketing Director Kim Lovett was instrumental in bringing the vigil to the property.

To learn more about this event, obtain interview(s) or event visuals, please contact Erin Kincaid, Director of Community Education at EKincaid@NewBeginningCenter.org, or by phone at 972-834-9322 (direct).