Dedicated to the Life and Legacy of
Alina Sheykhet
Helping Free the World from Domestic Violence
Our team began with Yan and Elly, bereaved parents of Alina Sheykhet.
Their world was turned upside down when their only daughter fell victim to the horror that is domestic violence. A loving daughter, supportive sister, proud aunt, devoted friend, talented dancer, and intelligent college student – Alina is far more than a victim and a statistic of domestic violence. Her loved ones vowed to make a difference in her memory. Through the devastation, Elly and Yan turned their grief into motivation to begin something beautiful. They founded Alina’s Light, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
mission, services, and core values
What We Do
Our Mission
Our mission is to honor Alina’s legacy by raising awareness, promoting domestic violence education, and providing emotional and social support to our communities.
Education
To break the silence and raise awareness surrounding domestic violence and its effects, we are educating our communities with presentations at schools and other organizations.
Prevention
We help prevent violence through the sponsorship of life-saving SOS-devices and advocacy for law reform through Alina’s Law, HB 1150.
Support
We stand in solidarity with survivors, victims, and communities through monetary donations, visits to shelters, social support, and a yearly scholarship fund in Alina's name.
Healing
Our team provides support to individuals dealing with the effects of grief and trauma through workshops, counseling, support groups, and an art-based program called Healing Arts Program.
Advocacy
We work to help victims understand abusive situations, linking them to community services and protection or helping them establish safety plans.
Our team is here to support survivors, honor victims, and be a voice for those who have been silenced.
Community
To facilitate community-wide healing we organize family-friendly community events. Our most uplifting summer event is our annual 5K Walk & Run for Love, while, in the winter, we host our heartwarming Lunch with Santa event.
Kindness
We lead our nonprofit organization with kindness as our core value. Honoring Alina’s memory, we spread light through acts of generosity and love.
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our 5th Annual Walk & Run for Love! This event is so special for our organization, and we can’t wait to see the community come together once again.
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us for a day filled with love and unity!
If you’ve registered for any of our Walk/Run events in the past, just log in and you’ll find your previous registration info saved. This makes signing up for this year’s 5K a breeze!
Register now and let’s make this year’s Walk and Run for Love unforgettable!
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Visit our Event Page to start your registration process now: https://alinaslight.com/5k-walk-and-run-for-love/)
#WalkRunForLove #AlinasLight #CommunityStrong)
We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for our 5th Annual Walk & Run for Love! This event is so special for our organization, and we can’t wait to see the community come together once again.
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us for a day filled with love and unity!
If you’ve registered for any of our Walk/Run events in the past, just log in and you’ll find your previous registration info saved. This makes signing up for this year’s 5K a breeze!
Register now and let’s make this year’s Walk and Run for Love unforgettable!
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Visit our Event Page to start your registration process now: https://alinaslight.com/5k-walk-and-run-for-love/)
#WalkRunForLove #AlinasLight #CommunityStrong)
Our Elly wanted to share that It was fantastic to see so many of you at the book signing event this weekend!Thank you for showing your support and getting your copies signed. A special thanks to Cori Wamsley for making this possible – we couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Elly’s booth. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us, and it’s what makes events like these so memorable. Looking forward to many more fun moments with our authors and the community!
#AlinasLight #BookSigningSuccess #CommunitySupport
Our Elly wanted to share that It was fantastic to see so many of you at the book signing event this weekend!Thank you for showing your support and getting your copies signed. A special thanks to Cori Wamsley for making this possible – we couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Elly’s booth. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to us, and it’s what makes events like these so memorable. Looking forward to many more fun moments with our authors and the community!
#AlinasLight #BookSigningSuccess #CommunitySupport
💜A big shoutout to the Montour High School students for carrying Alina in their hearts and minds. It’s heartwarming to see CHS Broadcast class sharing Alina’s story on the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt to the Point Morning Show. Your dedication to spreading the message of Alina’s Light is truly inspiring. To watch the live segment, take a moment to check out the amazing work done by these students at a link below. Great job! Thank you!💜
Catch the full segment here: [Montour Broadcast on Pitt to the Point](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K1ctcby-zM)
💜A big shoutout to the Montour High School students for carrying Alina in their hearts and minds. It’s heartwarming to see CHS Broadcast class sharing Alina’s story on the University of Pittsburgh’s Pitt to the Point Morning Show. Your dedication to spreading the message of Alina’s Light is truly inspiring. To watch the live segment, take a moment to check out the amazing work done by these students at a link below. Great job! Thank you!💜
Catch the full segment here: [Montour Broadcast on Pitt to the Point](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K1ctcby-zM)
A huge THANK YOU to our new friends at Lamar Advertising Company for their support. We had a wonderful meeting with two very kind people yesterday and are looking forward to working with them in the near future! @lamaradvertisingcompany
A huge THANK YOU to our new friends at Lamar Advertising Company for their support. We had a wonderful meeting with two very kind people yesterday and are looking forward to working with them in the near future! @lamaradvertisingcompany
Although the new age of social media has brought more connection and convenience, it has its downfalls when it comes to bullying and dating violence. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, over one quarter (28.1%) of teens who had been in a romantic relationship in the past year have experienced digital dating violence.
This can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, and other serious consequences. We need to start having conversations with our youth about healthy relationships and safety on social media. 💜
Although the new age of social media has brought more connection and convenience, it has its downfalls when it comes to bullying and dating violence. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, over one quarter (28.1%) of teens who had been in a romantic relationship in the past year have experienced digital dating violence.
This can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, and other serious consequences. We need to start having conversations with our youth about healthy relationships and safety on social media. 💜
We would like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on one of our amazing board members – Nick Amrhein. Nick’s is an avid history buff pursuing his master’s in American history; He is also an educator who shares his passion with his 8th-grade students at Deer Lakes. His favorite writer is H.W. Brands. Nick brings a unique perspective to our team and we are greatly appreciative for his support!
A Montour grad who walked the same halls as Alina, Nick’s connection to her story is personal. They shared good times during high school and college, memories that he holds close to his heart. It’s this personal touch that Nick brings to Alina’s Light, always ready to roll up his sleeves and help out wherever he can.
It’s not just Nick you’ll see at our volunteer events – his family is often right there with him, showing what a family effort truly looks like. His dedication over the years has been nothing short of inspiring.
So here’s a massive thank you to Nick – for the hard work, the heart, and the soul you pour into our cause. Alina’s Light shines brighter because of your commitment. We’re beyond grateful for your support, and we know that together, we’re making a real difference.
#TeamAlinasLight #alinaslight
We would like to take a moment to shine the spotlight on one of our amazing board members – Nick Amrhein. Nick’s is an avid history buff pursuing his master’s in American history; He is also an educator who shares his passion with his 8th-grade students at Deer Lakes. His favorite writer is H.W. Brands. Nick brings a unique perspective to our team and we are greatly appreciative for his support!
A Montour grad who walked the same halls as Alina, Nick’s connection to her story is personal. They shared good times during high school and college, memories that he holds close to his heart. It’s this personal touch that Nick brings to Alina’s Light, always ready to roll up his sleeves and help out wherever he can.
It’s not just Nick you’ll see at our volunteer events – his family is often right there with him, showing what a family effort truly looks like. His dedication over the years has been nothing short of inspiring.
So here’s a massive thank you to Nick – for the hard work, the heart, and the soul you pour into our cause. Alina’s Light shines brighter because of your commitment. We’re beyond grateful for your support, and we know that together, we’re making a real difference.
#TeamAlinasLight #alinaslight
What a turnout we had at the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event! Seeing so many folks come out to support the cause was truly something. A big shoutout to the Pitt Greensburg team for bringing their A-game – your commitment to walking for all the women and girls affected by domestic violence is truly inspiring.
Year after year, this event brings us together to put on those 👠red high 👠heels and take strides down Maple Avenue. Those heels? They’re not just a bold fashion statement – they’re a walk in the shoes of women, a step into understanding the real challenges they face every day.
This year’s theme, “Unity Is Strength,” couldn’t have been more on point. With each step, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re taking a stand. And seeing everyone’s sleeves with Alina’s name was a powerful reminder of why we walk – to remember and to rally against the violence that has touched too many lives including our dear Alina!
Thank you to all who organized, participated, and supported this event. Your presence speaks volumes, and it’s actions like these that build the path to a safer, more understanding world. Let’s keep this spirit alive and continue to stand up against domestic violence, together.
#WalkAMile #EndDomesticViolence #StrongerTogether
What a turnout we had at the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event! Seeing so many folks come out to support the cause was truly something. A big shoutout to the Pitt Greensburg team for bringing their A-game – your commitment to walking for all the women and girls affected by domestic violence is truly inspiring.
Year after year, this event brings us together to put on those 👠red high 👠heels and take strides down Maple Avenue. Those heels? They’re not just a bold fashion statement – they’re a walk in the shoes of women, a step into understanding the real challenges they face every day.
This year’s theme, “Unity Is Strength,” couldn’t have been more on point. With each step, we’re not just raising awareness; we’re taking a stand. And seeing everyone’s sleeves with Alina’s name was a powerful reminder of why we walk – to remember and to rally against the violence that has touched too many lives including our dear Alina!
Thank you to all who organized, participated, and supported this event. Your presence speaks volumes, and it’s actions like these that build the path to a safer, more understanding world. Let’s keep this spirit alive and continue to stand up against domestic violence, together.
#WalkAMile #EndDomesticViolence #StrongerTogether
Last night we came together, lighting 212 candles( each representing a victim ) and sharing a moment to remember those we’ve lost to domestic violence. Big thanks to Woman’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for organizing this event, and to our Mayor for standing with us. Seeing everyone there, with all those names and a sea of candles, really was a surreal experience. It’s tough that we have to meet like this, but it matters more than you know. Your support means everything—as a community, we’re making sure none of these amazing people we’ve lost are ever forgotten. Together, we remember and honor all the beautiful souls lost.
Thank you all so much for joining us in this beautiful memorial night despite the downpour!
#EndDomesticViolence #CommunityUnited @wcs_pittsburgh
Last night we came together, lighting 212 candles( each representing a victim ) and sharing a moment to remember those we’ve lost to domestic violence. Big thanks to Woman’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh for organizing this event, and to our Mayor for standing with us. Seeing everyone there, with all those names and a sea of candles, really was a surreal experience. It’s tough that we have to meet like this, but it matters more than you know. Your support means everything—as a community, we’re making sure none of these amazing people we’ve lost are ever forgotten. Together, we remember and honor all the beautiful souls lost.
Thank you all so much for joining us in this beautiful memorial night despite the downpour!
#EndDomesticViolence #CommunityUnited @wcs_pittsburgh
“I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence”
– Lupe Fiasco
Join us tomorrow for a night of remembrance and unity. @wcs_pittsburgh is holding a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost to domestic violence. It’s their 50 year anniversary! Wow - 50 years of serving those experiencing partner violence in Allegheny County! Let’s stand together: 6pm-7pm at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
Wear purple to show solidarity, and bring the names of those you wish to honor. Our Wall of Dolls will be there to remind us of each precious life. Together, we’ll light the night with hope and remembrance. See you tomorrow!
#CandlelightVigil #EndDomesticViolence #AlinasLight
Join us tomorrow for a night of remembrance and unity. @wcs_pittsburgh is holding a candlelight vigil to honor lives lost to domestic violence. It’s their 50 year anniversary! Wow - 50 years of serving those experiencing partner violence in Allegheny County! Let’s stand together: 6pm-7pm at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
Wear purple to show solidarity, and bring the names of those you wish to honor. Our Wall of Dolls will be there to remind us of each precious life. Together, we’ll light the night with hope and remembrance. See you tomorrow!
#CandlelightVigil #EndDomesticViolence #AlinasLight
In life’s quiet moments, we don’t always grasp the value of time until it’s gone. Today, on Crystal Leschner’s birthday, her family isn’t celebrating – they’re preparing for a trial, seeking justice for her life that ended too soon. Her legacy of love and strength inspires us to act.
We honor Crystal with our Alina’s Dolls project, where each doll stands for a life lost to domestic violence. As her family faces the court, we stand united with them. Crystal’s spirit and the love she spread endure in our hearts.
If you’re struggling with domestic violence, please know you’re seen and not alone. Crystal’s story is a call to reach out, support, and educate. We aim for a world where love is safe, and home is a refuge.
We hold Crystal’s memory close and support her family as they step into the courtroom next week with her bravery in their hearts. 💜 #JusticeForCrystal #EndDomesticViolence #AlinasDolls
In life’s quiet moments, we don’t always grasp the value of time until it’s gone. Today, on Crystal Leschner’s birthday, her family isn’t celebrating – they’re preparing for a trial, seeking justice for her life that ended too soon. Her legacy of love and strength inspires us to act.
We honor Crystal with our Alina’s Dolls project, where each doll stands for a life lost to domestic violence. As her family faces the court, we stand united with them. Crystal’s spirit and the love she spread endure in our hearts.
If you’re struggling with domestic violence, please know you’re seen and not alone. Crystal’s story is a call to reach out, support, and educate. We aim for a world where love is safe, and home is a refuge.
We hold Crystal’s memory close and support her family as they step into the courtroom next week with her bravery in their hearts. 💜 #JusticeForCrystal #EndDomesticViolence #AlinasDolls
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Only 25 out of 100 of those perpetrators will be convicted and end up in prison for their crimes. Sexual violence is another tool often used by a users to control their victim. It is incredibly important that we, as a society, validate victims, both women and men. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, you are not alone, and help is available. We believe you. 💜 (statistics provided by RAINN)
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Only 25 out of 100 of those perpetrators will be convicted and end up in prison for their crimes. Sexual violence is another tool often used by a users to control their victim. It is incredibly important that we, as a society, validate victims, both women and men. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, you are not alone, and help is available. We believe you. 💜 (statistics provided by RAINN)