2019 is set to be an exciting year for
SafeHouse as we celebrate 30 years of standing against domestic violence and
sexual assault in Shelby, Clay and Coosa counties. Each year we have grown in
ways we did not think were possible. Yet we are reaching further into our community and are even out growing our office space!
This past year, SafeHouse made a difference
in the lives of the 541 people who received 7,173 services from us. A majority of those clients (435 folks) received
services from us for the first time. Of those 541 clients, 407 were adults and
134 were children.
SafeHouse is overwhelmed by the generosity of
our supporters in 2018! We received considerable donations from Hoover Kiwanis
Club as well as grants from HSN and the Mary Kay Foundation.
In the spring, Talk 99.5 chose us to receive profits
from their Jawbone Jam event at Iron City. Not only was it a fun night of dancing and
great music, Talk 99.5 raised significant funds for us.
After our community partners gave us so much,
it was only right to give a little bit back. In November, staff visited police
departments, churches, doctors, dentists, other non-profits and friends who helped our clients throughout 2018.
It was a small gift, but we hope
everyone knows how much we appreciate our partners standing with us against
abuse!
SafeHouse knows how to throw a good party as
well! Shelter staff planned several fun events for residents. All staff came
together for the 2nd Annual Southern Cookin’ Showdown at Summer
Classics in Pelham. We cannot wait to see what the teams cook up this year!
Another great event was Dear Survivor.
Interstellar Brewery in Alabaster hosted us in April for this Sexual Assault Awareness
Month event. Survivors shared their stories and encouraging words to one
another, and everyone was welcomed to decorate a wooden heart for the Wounded
Heart Project.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
This year we set up informational tables at over ten events throughout our
three county service area, including National Night Out events in Montevallo,
Pelham, Alabaster and Chelsea. (All on the same night, by the way! J)
Each Wednesday in October,
all staff wore their best purple clothes and posted on social media to promote #WeWearPurple.
Another milestone in 2018 was hosting a male survivor
group. We saw an increase in male survivors seeking help with 63 men receiving services
from us.
As we enter our 30th year, please
consider joining us in our efforts to end abuse. Make a donation on our website
(https://safehouse.org/donate/),
and mark your calendars for our upcoming events. We would love to see you at
the 3rd Annual Southern Cookin’ Showdown on April 27th
and the Moonlight Masquerade 30th Anniversary Gala on August 17th.
Share how SafeHouse has changed your life by emailing
us at safehouse@safehouse.org.
Your story might be featured at our gala this fall!
