A Recognized Leader in Providing Domestic Violence Services
BY VALERIE CHILEWSKI
Celebrating its 41st Anniversary next month, SafeHouse Denver is the only agency in the City and County of Denver that provides a full continuum of care for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Founded as an Emergency Shelter for battered women in 1977, this well-respected organization has kept pace with the growing need for domestic violence prevention and intervention services over the years, adding programs and services to meet its mission of helping adults, children and youth reclaim lives free from domestic violence. The agency works with over 1,200 survivors through direct services each year and reaches hundreds more through outreach and education programs.
An Emergency Shelter provides safe housing, basic necessities, counseling, and comprehensive support services to adults and children fleeing from domestic abuse. The Non-Residential Counseling and Advocacy Center offers crisis intervention, safety planning, trauma counseling, emotional support and systems advocacy to survivors in need of assistance but who have safe housing. SafeHouse Denver’s newly opened Extended Stay Program (ESP) offers Shelter residents who are out of acute crisis, safe, independent, apartment-style housing for one to three months. ESP gives survivors the additional time and support needed to access transitional or permanent housing, employment, childcare and other resources essential to rebuilding their lives free from abuse. A 24 Hour Crisis and Information Line completes the agency’s core services. Callers receive emotional support, learn how to access services and are provided with referrals to other community resources. Professional Advocates and highly trained volunteers also provide guidance on how to best support someone they know who may be experiencing domestic abuse. Community members can call the Crisis Line at 303-318-9989 if they or someone they care about needs SafeHouse Denver’s services.
In addition to their core services, SafeHouse Denver offers Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Intervention Services, Children and Youth Services and Community Education and Outreach. Through education and outreach efforts, Advocates reach populations at high risk for domestic violence, working closely with dozens of partner agencies in the community. Children and Youth Services help young people to process the abuse they have witnessed and begin to heal, as well as understand the components of healthy relationships.
According to Victoria Mc Vicker, SafeHouse Denver’s Chief Executive Officer, the agency never charges clients for services and raises its more than $1.8M annual budget through a diverse fundraising plan. More than 1,700 donors and funders help ensure that financial goals are met each year. “We know that domestic violence continues to be a difficult cause for many people to embrace,” notes McVicker, “and are very grateful to our community of supporters who’ve chosen to share their time and resources with us.”
McVicker notes that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encourages the community to learn more about SafeHouse Denver’s often lifesaving work and consider investing in our mission. The agency’s signature Hope Gala is set for Saturday, October 13, 2018 at The Art Hotel. This annual event raises awareness of the issue of domestic violence, as well as funds to ensure that services are always available to those who need them. During the month, the agency will also sponsor a giving campaign with the goal of raising $20,000 which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by three generous anonymous donors who’ve already committed to donating the $20,000 match.
In addition to monetary gifts or attending the Hope Gala, the community can help by making in-kind donations of the basic necessities listed on SafeHouse Denver’s website www.safehouse-denver.org. The continually updated “Wish List” provides the items of greatest need and explains the process for delivery to our receiving location.
To learn more about SafeHouse Denver services, volunteer or other giving opportunities please visit our website at www.safehouse-denver.org or call 303-302-6126.