HAVEN, Inc.

06/05/2026

💜 Friendly Reminder! 💜

HAVEN's Annual Benefit is just around the corner!

Join us June 20 at Normal Park for a day of fun, community, and support.

06/05/2026

Tool of the Week: Keep a Reality Journal

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "Maybe I'm overreacting," "Did that really happen?" or "Am I remembering this wrong?" after repeated conversations with someone, it may be helpful to keep a reality journal.

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that causes a person to question their own memories, perceptions, or experiences. Over time, this can lead to confusion, self-doubt, and a loss of confidence in your own judgment.

A reality journal can help by allowing you to:
• Write down events shortly after they happen.
• Record what was said and how it made you feel.
• Keep track of recurring patterns of behavior.
• Review events later when you are feeling uncertain.

Another helpful tool is talking with a trusted friend, advocate, counselor, or support person who can provide an outside perspective.

Remember: Healthy relationships should not leave you constantly questioning your memory, reality, or worth.

If you would like support or someone to talk to, HAVEN is here to help.

06/04/2026

Resource of the Week: HeadsUpGuys

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health challenges can affect people of all genders.

Many men grow up hearing messages like "be strong," "don't cry," or "handle it yourself." While resilience can be valuable, these messages can sometimes make it harder to reach out for support when it's needed most.

HeadsUpGuys is a resource dedicated to supporting men's mental health. Their website offers information on depression, stress, anxiety, coping strategies, self-check tools, and guidance for finding help.

It's also important to remember that support services are not just for women. At HAVEN, we provide services to anyone affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or abuse,including men. Everyone deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Reaching out takes courage.

Learn more at HeadsUpGuys.org.

Discussion Question: What are some ways we can help create a culture where men feel comfortable talking about their mental health and asking for support?

Leading men’s mental health site with expert-backed tips, self-checks, a therapy directory, free courses, over 100 recovery stories, and more.

06/04/2026

Stop by Culver's today to support Haven!

Bake Sale beginning at 10 AM (while supplies last)
From 4–8 PM, a percentage of food sales will be donated to Haven

Grab a treat, enjoy a meal, and help support survivors and families in our community. Thank you for your support, and thank you Culver's in Merrill 💙

06/03/2026

Why "Just Ignore Them" Doesn't Always Work

When someone is being harassed, one of the most common pieces of advice they hear is, "Just ignore them."

The idea behind this advice is understandable. Many people assume that if the person being harassed doesn't react, the harasser will eventually become bored and stop.

Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way.

Some people engage in harassment because they want attention, but others may be motivated by control, intimidation, anger, or a desire to make someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe. In those situations, ignoring the behavior may not cause it to stop.

This doesn't mean ignoring someone is never helpful. In some cases, limiting contact and refusing to engage can be an important boundary. However, it is important to remember that if the harassment continues, it is not because the person being targeted "didn't ignore it well enough."

Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. If you or someone you know is experiencing harassment, support is available.

Have you ever heard someone say, "Just ignore them"? Why do you think that advice can sometimes fall short?

06/02/2026

Myth vs. Fact: Elder Abuse Awareness Month

Myth: Elder abuse is usually committed by strangers.

Fact: Elder abuse is most often committed by someone the older adult knows and trusts, such as a family member, caregiver, friend, or other trusted individual.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Because it often happens behind closed doors and involves someone the older adult depends on, it can be difficult to recognize and report.

By learning the warning signs and checking in on the older adults in our lives, we can help create safer and more supportive communities.

What are some ways we can support older adults and help reduce their risk of abuse or exploitation?

06/01/2026

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual.” - Harvey Milk

Happy Pride Month :3 🏳️‍🌈

05/31/2026

Thank you Northwoods Community Realty, LLC , Brokaw Credit Union, Ziebell Door Company, Cloverbelt Credit Union, and Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (CM CARES) for sponsoring HAVEN's 2nd Annual Benefit!

05/30/2026

Thank you to Breaman Merrill Ford for their Filet Mignon sponsorship!

05/29/2026

Tool of the Week: Support Groups

One of the most powerful tools people can have is a support group. Support groups remind us that we are not alone and that others understand what we may be experiencing.

Connecting with people who have gone through - or are currently going through - similar situations can provide comfort, validation, encouragement, and hope.

At Haven, we currently offer:
• Family Art Therapy
• Dog Therapy
• Al-Anon

If there is a type of support group you would like help finding, or a group you would like to see offered in the area, let us know. We would be happy to help connect you with resources and support.