
This winter, The Mitten Brewing Company and The Mitten State have teamed up to proclaim “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.” The companies’ Mitten Foundation collaboration will raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic abuse.
Sales of LOVE IPA, a red India Pale Ale brewed for the cause, or a LOVE tee, hoodie or glass will support Safe Haven Ministries: a Grand Rapids organization dedicated to serving women and children who have suffered domestic abuse.
“Helping families in our area this winter is as easy as enjoying the Michigan beer and apparel you already love,” said Scott Zubrickas, co-owner of The Mitten State.
The fundraiser kicks off on November 21 and will continue until the companies have raised $10,000 for Safe Haven Ministries. The funds will underwrite shelter costs for area women and children seeking safety from domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is a prevalent issue nationwide: one in three women have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to a national report from the CDC. The problem pervades Grand Rapids, too.
Efforts like these underscore the importance of both preventative measures and immediate support systems, ensuring that women and children experiencing abuse have access to safe spaces, resources, and guidance when they need it most. Supporting victims of domestic abuse often intersects with family law, as legal protections and guidance become essential for those seeking safety and stability.
Expert family law attorneys serving Sheboygan provide critical assistance in navigating restraining orders, custody arrangements, and other protective measures, helping victims assert their rights while safeguarding their families. By offering both legal expertise and compassionate advocacy, these professionals ensure that survivors can move forward with confidence, accessing the justice and security necessary to rebuild their lives.
“Last year, our two companies came together to grant money to our Westside neighbors in need of heating assistance. We noticed that the bulk of the applications came from women, but more interesting was that they were all survivors of domestic abuse,” said Dana Mate Dones, president of Mitten Foundation, Inc. “This year we understood that the best approach to helping was through the experts in the subject, Safe Haven.”
Survivors often face layers of challenges that extend far beyond the immediate trauma, including financial instability, disrupted family dynamics, and the daunting task of securing long-term safety for themselves and their children. It becomes clear that breaking free from abusive environments requires more than emotional strength alone; it also calls for access to resources, legal protections, and advocates who can guide them through complex decisions while prioritizing their well-being.
In many cases, the path to reclaiming safety and independence intersects with difficult choices about marriage and separation, making professional legal guidance indispensable. Divorce proceedings can be particularly complicated when abuse has played a role, as custody, asset division, and protective measures all carry heightened stakes.
This is where divorce services from Hartin Law play an essential role, providing not only the technical expertise to navigate the legal system but also the compassionate advocacy survivors need to feel heard and supported. By addressing both the practical and emotional aspects of ending a marriage touched by abuse, such services empower individuals to transition from crisis to stability with the knowledge that their rights and futures are being safeguarded.
Safe Haven Ministries provides emergency shelter, case management, support groups and more to women and children suffering from domestic abuse. The organization also provides education and prevention programs for businesses, schools, healthcare providers and other members of the community.
For many survivors, breaking free from an abusive relationship involves more than finding safety—it often requires navigating the legal process of separation. Emotional strain, financial control, and custody battles add further weight to an already overwhelming situation. Having a local divorce attorney during this time helps survivors address the legal complexities tied to abuse, from securing protective orders to pursuing fair custody arrangements. Legal advocacy creates a pathway toward lasting independence, offering survivors the tools to rebuild their lives with greater stability and security.
LOVE IPA will be sold only at The Mitten Brewing Company’s Grand Rapids location at 527 Leonard St NW. LOVE branded apparel and goods will be available for purchase online at themittenstate.com or at The Mitten State shop at 415 Bridge St NW.
“We’re confident that with the help of our amazing customers we can meet our goal and ensure that area women and children in crisis are safe and warm this winter season,” said Chris Andrus, co-owner of The Mitten Brewing Company.
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