Raising Awareness, One Meal at a Time: Local Eateries Unite for Domestic Violence Victims

Photo byJoseph Dits

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — As October unfolds, a unique opportunity arises for South Bend residents to savor local flavors while supporting a vital cause: raising awareness for domestic violence victims. Announced on October 3, a collaborative initiative by local eateries and bars seeks to shed light on this pressing issue during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Among the poignant moments of the announcement was the heartfelt recollection of Matt Lentsch, who shared a tragic memory that underscores the importance of the cause. In 1989, Lentsch was working at The Salvation Army in Mishawaka when he befriended Lisa Bianco, the director of the Elkhart County Woman’s Shelter. Their routine interactions took a harrowing turn when, just hours after their last conversation, Bianco was murdered by her ex-husband during an eight-hour prison furlough. “I’ll never forget the day,” Lentsch reflected, standing outside the YWCA North Central Indiana shelter, emphasizing the urgent need for societal change. “We need to work so that what happened to Lisa Bianco never happens again.”

A Call to Action: Raising Awareness Together

YWCA CEO Susan Tybon echoed Lentsch’s sentiments, emphasizing that domestic violence often remains hidden in plain sight. “You know someone dealing with domestic violence,” she stated, reinforcing the community's responsibility to stand together against this issue.

Throughout October, various local establishments are stepping up to support the YWCA’s mission. Navarre Hospitality Group has pledged $10,000 to the cause, showcasing the collective effort of our community to fight against domestic violence. Participating eateries will offer special menu items and cocktails, with a portion of proceeds going directly to the YWCA. Local favorites in St. Joseph County include Howard Park Public House, Ironhand Vineyard, and Cafe Navarre, while Elkhart County establishments like The Vine and Jackson Rooftop also join the movement. For a complete list of participating businesses, visit YWCA North Central Indiana.

Educating and Honoring the Legacy

In addition to dining out, community members are encouraged to educate themselves and others. Local businesses can request posters to display in their facilities, raising awareness about domestic violence and providing access to the YWCA’s 24-hour hotline at 866-YES-YWCA for victims seeking help.

The YWCA will also host its annual Tribute Awards Fundraiser dinner on October 10 at the Hilton Garden Inn, honoring community leaders and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi for their dedication to this cause.

As Lentsch poignantly recalled the moment he stood paralyzed at Bianco’s visitation, he remembers the strength of her 5-year-old daughter, Amber, who reached out to him with a spray of flowers. “You can be caught in that grief,” he stated, “or you can do something about it.”

This October, let’s come together as a community not just to remember Lisa Bianco, but to ensure