Indiana ranks fifth in the country for domestic violence against women: 42.5% of women and 27.9% of men here have experienced physical violence, sexual violence or stalking from an intimate partner at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Children and the elderly can also be victims of domestic violence, and the emotional toll can extend to families and communities. Where can those who suffer turn to for safety and support?

To you. From Monday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 28, proceeds from the Checkout Challenge Round Up will benefit domestic violence resources, St. Jude House, Haven House and The Caring Place. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping at all Strack & Van Til stores with those extra funds split among the three organizations.

According to its website, St. Jude House in Crown Point “Provides residential and non-residential services to survivors — adults and children — of domestic violence … without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or other status applicable by law. Shelter and crisis intervention services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All services are provided free of charge.” Founded in 1996, the vision of St. Jude House includes helping to prevent, educate and create awareness of domestic violence and serving as a resource for transformational, compassionate and comprehensive programs and services to those affected by abuse.

Executive Director Anna Schoon adds that last year the organization served 1,166 people across all of their programs, which include a crisis line, shelter, mobile advocacy and transitional housing.

Per Schoon, Round Up proceeds will go directly to meet client needs — whether a welcome basket of basic necessities when they arrive, assistance with legal fees, transportation, housing or other critical requirements.

“We are incredibly grateful to Strack & Van Til and their generous customers for supporting domestic violence organizations through the Checkout Challenge Round Up,” says Schoon. “Every penny rounded up represents hope, healing and safety for adult and child survivors of domestic violence. This partnership not only raises critical funds but also raises awareness in our community — and that impact is critical to our mission.”

When clients arrive at Haven House in Hammond, they often arrive with just the clothes on their backs, a common situation for those seeking shelter from domestic violence. Proceeds from the Strack & Van Til Checkout Challenge Round Up will fund essential items for the residents of the shelter, notes Executive Director Carrie Greer. This includes food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula — everything a person uses  daily, provided free of charge.

Haven House, founded in 1983, provides temporary emergency shelter for around 170 survivors and their children each year. In addition, they offer crisis intervention and support services, case management and advocacy, community referral services and life skills groups. 

Greer appreciates the Checkout Challenge opportunity. “We are excited and grateful for the support provided by Strack & Van Til and their customers during our 40-plus years of offering shelter and services to domestic violence survivors and their children in Northwest Indiana.”

The Caring Place, in Valparaiso, has the only 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Crisis Line and emergency shelter in Porter County, and serves women, men, children and the elderly who experience domestic violence. The organization, founded in 1977 by volunteers in Hobart,  also provides community education, support groups, legal counseling and case management and independent living planning — all free and confidential.

According to President and CEO Jessica Luth, the Round Up proceeds go directly to services for domestic-violence survivors and their children, including emergency shelter and safe housing navigation; support groups and individual counseling; legal advocacy, such as protective orders and court accompaniment; community advocacy, which is composed of safety planning and resources; and children’s services, which include trauma-informed support and activities.

Luth says there is an urgent, ongoing demand for comprehensive services across Northwest Indiana, and the numbers tell the story. In July 2025, The Caring Place provided safe shelter and advocacy to 36 residents, 18 of whom were children. This is reminder that domestic violence deeply affects entire families. Of the adults, 15 were survivors of domestic violence and three were in recovery. Beyond the shelter, advocates responded to 120 crisis calls and 20 jail calls and supported 111 community clients through new intakes and continuing services. Staff wrote protection orders, developed 59 safety plans and delivered 441 advocacy services. In total, more than 429 calls for information and referrals were answered.

“The Strack & Van Til Round Up is an amazing way to educate the community about the services we provide and about the neighbors we serve both inside and outside the shelter,” says Luth. “We are deeply grateful for Strack & Van Til and their ongoing support; it truly makes a difference for survivors and their children.”

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 95-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

Strack & Van Til President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of the Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“We are incredibly grateful to our customers. They are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to give to some of their favorite local organizations,” he explains.

Information on 24-hour crisis hotlines, programs, to volunteer or to donate to any of the three organizations can be found on their websites. Visit St. Jude House at stjudehouse.org, Haven ousHouseHouse at havenhousedvs.org and The Caring Place at thecaringplacenwi.org. To learn more about how Strack & Van Til gives back to the communities they serve, go to strackandvantil.com/community.