HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It started at First Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson. Five Buhler High School students set out to raise awareness and help victims of domestic violence. The students have helped a Hutchinson agency make a difficult situation better.

In February, Maggie McLean, Libby Schultz, Lacie Branscom, Maggie Epp and Bailey Harner were assigned a student passion project. They chose the BrightHouse shelter, which is the safe house for domestic violence victims. With the help of their church and others, the five were able to raise $10,000. That money is being used to make improvements at the shelter.

BrightHouse Director Donna Davis said, “At first they were looking to raise $500.” That changed quickly when the group surpassed that goal. “After that, they thought they might do better. They were hoping to raise $3,000,” Davis said.

The total quickly grew to $10,000. Davis says the money is being used for new carpeting, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, new paint, new window treatment and new bedding, along with other renovations. Davis says it has been amazing. “These girls are phenomenal. Their leadership and their passion and their forward thinking. They’re going to change things for people in the community.”

At Buhler High School, English teacher Greg Froese is equally impressed with the girls’ efforts. “I’ve been so happy with the outpouring of support,” Froese said. “These girls have poured their heart and soul into this.” The student passion project is a requirement of all juniors and seniors at Buhler High School, according to Froese.

BrightHouse, formally known as the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center, began in 1976 as the Rape Center. In 2017, the organization served 415 victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Additionally, BrightHouse sheltered 81 people from abusers — including 33 children — and helped coordinate safe child/parent visitation for 120 children through its Child Visitation and Exchange Center program.