October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to raise awareness about domestic violence and remind people experiencing abuse that support is available. It is also a time to recognize the community members, businesses and organizations that show up for survivors.
This October, Vertica Fitness is supporting SPAN and survivors of domestic violence through a shelter drive, bringing their members and community together to provide needed items for people staying at SPAN’s emergency shelter.
For Vertica, supporting survivors is a natural extension of their commitment to creating a community where every BODY feels safe, supported, valued and like they truly belong.
A fitness community showing up for survivors
Domestic violence affects people in every community, including the Vertica Fitness community.
“We have members in our own community who have experienced domestic violence, including some who are still navigating those situations, so this is something that hits very close to home,” the Vertica team shares.
That connection is part of what inspired Vertica to partner with SPAN during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Honestly, this partnership with SPAN was a no-brainer. Vertica’s mission is about so much more than fitness, and we want our studio to be a place where every BODY feels safe, supported, valued and like they truly belong.”
Vertica’s commitment to supporting survivors also extends through the Every Body Belongs Foundation, their nonprofit supporting survivors of abuse and trauma. Their partnership with SPAN provides another way for Vertica to use its community to support people experiencing difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances.
“If we can use our studio and our community to provide even a little bit of support to people going through incredibly difficult situations like these, we absolutely will.”
Supporting domestic violence survivors starts with community
For Vertica, supporting SPAN means more than a shelter drive. It means helping create a community where people experiencing domestic violence know they are not alone.
“Supporting SPAN means supporting a cause that hits very close to home for our community. It means believing in people and helping them find strength during times when they may not be able to find it for themselves.”
SPAN offers free, confidential support for people experiencing domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, including safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy and emergency shelter. Support is available without pressure or judgment, and each person can decide what comes next for them.
Vertica sees its own work through a similar lens.
“One of the things I love most about Vertica is watching people discover how strong they really are, and that goes way beyond the physical. Supporting SPAN feels like an extension of that.”
Sometimes support starts with simply knowing someone is in your corner.
“Sometimes people just need someone in their corner, believing in them and helping them take that next step, whatever that may be. If we can be even a small part of that for someone, that would mean the world.”
Creating a space where every BODY belongs
Vertica Fitness is built around the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcome and valued.
“I’d want them to know that Vertica is a safe space for everybody. Our whole mission is built around the belief that every BODY belongs, and that isn’t just words—we mean it.”
For Vertica, that means creating a space where people can walk through the door exactly as they are—whether they want to build physical strength, rebuild confidence, connect with community or simply have an hour away from everything else.
“I want people to know they can walk through our doors exactly as they are and be welcomed, supported and valued.”
Showing up for SPAN this Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Community partnerships make it possible to build a wider, stronger safety net for people experiencing domestic violence. During DVAM and throughout the year, businesses like Vertica Fitness help create opportunities for people to learn, connect and show their support.
Thank you to Vertica Fitness for standing with SPAN and supporting survivors of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, SPAN is here. Our 24/7 Resource Hotline is 303-444-2424. You can call to talk, ask questions, explore options or simply start a conversation. You don’t have to know what comes next.
