The family of Erica Noel Owen are hosting a 5k walk on Saturday at Moreland Park to raise awareness for domestic violence in the community. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the Erica Noel Owen BSN Scholarship Fund and Oasis Women’s Shelter.
The 5k will begin at 9 a.m. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can contact Lisa Greer at 270-316-3822.
OASIS women’s shelter is a Domestic Violence Program for battered women and their dependent children in Daviess, Henderson, Union, Webster, Ohio, Hancock, and McLean counties.
“OASIS addresses the unique needs of victims of domestic violence trapped in the cycle of violence,” according to their website.
Anyone in need of services can call 270-685-0260 or call the toll-free number 1-800-882-2873. Owensboro Times does not disclose the location of the facility in order to help protect the women and children there.
Owen’s family has put on numerous events and campaigns to raise awareness for domestic abuse following Erica’s death in 2018. Erica was 25 when she was killed inside her home by her former boyfriend, who eventually pleaded guilty to murder.
Following the final sentencing in November 2021, Owen’s parents Lisa Greer and Rece Owen said they planned to carry on Erica’s memory, with one fund dedicated to helping women facing domestic violence and another going toward students pursuing a nursing career.
Greer said they also host fundraisers each year to raise money to continue to build Erica’s scholarship fund, including selling T-shirts and memorial bracelets.
In July 2019, nine purple benches were placed at different locations around Owensboro to honor Erica. Most of the benches were placed at locations that were important to Owen.
