Hillsdale County, Michigan, February 4, 2026: The Hillsdale County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is partnering with Domestic Harmony to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month throughout the month of February.
As part of the awareness campaign, schools across Hillsdale County joined the effort by wearing purple socks during select varsity basketball games. At four local high schools, the cheerleaders also participated by wearing purple bows, helping to bring visibility to the issue and spark conversations about healthy relationships among teens.
The national theme for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in 2026 is “Real Love Respects.” This message reinforces the importance of respect, communication, boundaries, and safety in teen relationships.
“Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an important reminder that students deserve relationships that are built on respect and trust,” said Danielle Templeton, the Prevention Educator from Domestic Harmony. “We are grateful to the Youth Advisory Council and our local schools for helping us raise awareness and show support for young people across Hillsdale County.”
In addition to the purple socks campaign, Domestic Harmony and the Youth Advisory Council are promoting Domestic Harmony’s Purple Day, taking place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to wear purple to school or work as a visible show of support for healthy relationships and violence prevention.
Domestic Harmony also offers educational programming and presentations for schools and student groups. Schools interested in scheduling a workshop or presentation are encouraged to contact Domestic Harmony directly. More information and educational resources about healthy relationships and dating abuse prevention can be found at loveisrespect.org.
Domestic Harmony provides support and services for individuals impacted by domestic violence and promotes education and prevention efforts throughout Hillsdale County. The Y.O.U.T.H. Advisory Council is a leadership and grantmaking program of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation that empowers local students to address community needs and support positive change.
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation YOUTH was established in October of 1991. The YOUTH Advisory Council has an ongoing program for studying the assets, needs, and concerns of the young people of Hillsdale County. YOUTH has a special endowment fund, initially made possible by a challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to make available grant dollars to benefit and involve young people in Hillsdale County.
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2025-2026 YAC | Camden-Frontier Schools: Alaina Lautermilch, Brandy Neill – Secretary; Hillsdale High School: Aniston Duff, Marissa Todd, Cheyanne Welch; Hillsdale Academy: Iain Gaebler, Eliza Roberts; Homeschool: Eve Goodlife – President, Leo Goodlife; Jonesville High School: Harper James – Treasurer, Julia Mandrelle; Litchfield High School: Noah Eichler; North Adams-Jerome: Carly Beach; Pittsford High School: Brielle Clark, Alivia Hoover; Reading High School: Leah Headley, Ava Potter – Vice President; Will Carleton Academy: Ben Draper, David Maier
Contact:
Mindy Eggleston, Program Director/Youth Advisor | m.eggleston@abouthccf.org
Samantha Meyer, Program Officer/Youth Advisor | s.meyer@abouthccf.org
Hillsdale County Community Foundation
(517) 439-5101