April 18, 2006 Findlay Ohio… Attorney General Jim Petro has selected Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services as a 2006 Promising Practice Award Winner. Open Arms was selected for this honor due to the awareness campaign “Another Voice Against Violence”. The award will be presented in Columbus by Attorney General Petro during a ceremony which is part of Two Days In May, Crime Victims Assistance Conference on May 23rd 2006. Open Arms achievements will be highlighted in a video-short viewed at the ceremony

The Another Voice campaign encouraged public support from diverse groups and businesses; recognizing the benefits of positive public support regarding domestic violence issues. This campaign used local marketing mediums such as billboards, newspaper and radio. Coordinating ads were simply designed with brief statements. An easily recognizable title such as “Another Voice Against Violence”, or a similar statement was repeated throughout the campaign. Each ad highlighted a sponsoring business or organization, an impacting local statistic and a photograph of the group showing their support.

Local groups and businesses that participated in and supported the Another Voice campaign included; Charles Construction Services, Blanchard Valley Health Association, Bower Heating & Cooling, Dee Dee Bills; ReMax, Findlay Fire Department, Friends of Open Arms, Garner Trucking, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Lammers Outdoor Advertising, Local Clergy, Open Arms Board of Directors, Pry Professional Group, Putnam Goshe Masonry, Rendoggies, Rowmark, Tall Timbers, and Yates & Young Plumbing & Heating.

Other notable accomplishments received by Open Arms in the past consist of:

• October of 2001; named Outstanding Domestic Violence Project by both Ohio’s state wide Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Coalitions.
• June of 2000; featured in a national study by the University of Chicago
• November of 1999; named Outstanding Organization Statewide by the Ohio Coalition on Sexual Assault.
• June of 1999; Parents for a Drug Free Ohio Award for collaborative prevention and awareness program

Open Arms Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis services is a nonprofit agency supported in part by the Hancock County United Way. Open Arms provides six programs to adults and children living or working in the greater Hancock County community that are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. The six programs include Rape Crisis Services, Child Advocacy, Violence Recovery Project, Outreach Services, the Harmony House, Visitation & Exchange, and Emergency Shelter Services. The 24-hour Crisis Hotline is 419-422-4766.