Every October, as darkness falls earlier and the air turns cool, thousands of luminary candles begin to glow along sidewalks, driveways, and storefronts across Mercer County. These flickering lights carry a quiet, powerful message:
We see you. We believe you. We stand with you.
Communities of Light is more than a campaign. It is a community-wide movement that raises awareness and funds for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault while reminding victim-survivors that they are not alone.
For 25 years, Communities of Light has brought neighbors, businesses, schools, faith communities, and local organizations together in a shared display of hope, compassion, and solidarity. What began as a small community effort has grown into a countywide tradition rooted in the belief that even small acts can spark meaningful change.
This year, Younity will illuminate Mercer County on Monday, October 26, closing out Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a powerful display of support for victim-survivors and their families. As we prepare to celebrate Younity’s 50th anniversary in 2027, Communities of Light offers an opportunity to reflect on five decades of advocacy, healing, and community action.
Ways to Participate
There are many ways to take part in Communities of Light:
- Purchase and display luminary kits at your home or business.
- Become a sponsor and help expand the campaign’s reach throughout Mercer County.
- Sell luminary kits as a community retailer.
- Organize a lighting event in your neighborhood, workplace, school, or faith community.
- Attend a local lighting ceremony and stand with survivors.
Additional information about sponsorships, luminary kits, participating retailers, and community lighting events will be available later this summer.
Together, we can light the way forward.
Together, we are stronger than abuse.
