Domestic Violence Awareness Month
At a media kickoff event held Thursday sponsored by Gibraltar Construction Inc., the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas officially announced Nichole and Jim Schmidt, the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, as the keynote speakers for the upcoming 3rd Annual Passion for Purple Luncheon.
The Schmidts’ appearance is expected to be one of the most powerful moments of the luncheon, taking place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center. Their presence marks a significant opportunity for East Texans to hear firsthand from two national advocates who have transformed tragedy into a mission for change.
In 2021, the world learned the name Gabby Petito, a vibrant, creative, and adventurous young woman whose life was cut short by domestic violence. Her story ignited a nationwide conversation around intimate partner violence and the lack of resources for missing persons. Since then, Nichole and Jim have channeled their grief into action through the Gabby Petito Foundation, working to improve prevention efforts, support survivors, and advocate for systemic change.
“Nichole and Jim’s story is heartbreaking, but their courage and advocacy are a beacon of hope,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director of the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas. “We are honored to welcome them to East Texas and to learn from their experience and leadership in the national movement to prevent domestic violence and support missing persons’ cases.”
Nichole Schmidt, a devoted mother, artist, former EMT, and teaching assistant, brings a deeply emotional and personal voice to her work. She often speaks about finding strength in the signs of Gabby’s enduring presence and dedicates her advocacy to ensuring her daughter’s legacy continues to inspire awareness and action.
Jim Schmidt, a nationally certified fire officer and training specialist with over 24 years of experience, now focuses on identifying gaps in domestic violence training among first responders. His background gives him critical insight into how prevention and education can save lives before tragedy strikes.
In addition to announcing this year’s speakers, the Family Crisis Center also launched a new monthly giving initiative: The Purple Promise. This campaign invites community members to make an ongoing impact through automatic monthly donations of any amount. Supporters who give $35 or more per month will receive a free exclusive t-shirt upon sign-up.
“The Purple Promise is a way for our supporters to provide sustainable, consistent help to survivors all year long,” said Melissa Wheeler, Development Director at the agency. “Every dollar ensures we can be there the moment someone reaches out for help, provides shelter nights, and access to vital services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.”
The Passion for Purple Luncheon is the agency’s signature fundraising and awareness event, bringing together survivors, advocates, supporters, and community leaders. Proceeds support emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and a range of trauma-informed services for adult and child survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout East Texas. The Angelina College Nonprofit Leadership Center is a gold sponsor of this year’s luncheon, and speaker sponsors are Commercial Bank of Texas and Ellen Temple.
Tickets, sponsorships, and Purple Promise sign-ups are now available. To get involved, visit familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com or contact the administrative office at (936) 639-1681. To buy a ticket to Passion for Purple, go to https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/passion-for-purple-luncheon–2025
Boilerplate
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas (FCCET) is a non-profit organization that empowers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by providing crisis intervention and advocacy services. The FCCET also engages the community through education to build awareness and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault.
Since 1979, the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas (Women’s Shelter of East Texas, Inc.) staffs a full array of professionals specializing in assistance for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. These services included emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, access to food and clothing, information and referrals, legal and personal advocacy, child advocacy, self-sufficiency advocacy, counseling, support groups, transitional housing, prevention services, Battering Intervention & Prevention Program and more.