If you're reading this, you probably have some
connection to Hampshire County. You grew up here, or you live here now,
or did at one point. Here's the thing I want you to know: Safe Passage
helps people you know and care about. Your classmate,
coworker, or cousin. Your friend, neighbor, or sister. Your kid's
friend. Your student. Your teacher. That waitress or retail worker or
barista you say hello to every week. I know this because in nine years, I
have seen many, many people I know come here for help--people from
elementary school, high school, college, and from around town.
It's
because domestic violence happens to 1 in 4 women. 1 in 4! This is not
something that happens to "other people" or people you don't know.
Adults and kids you know are living in unsafe situations right now. Safe Passage is the only organization in our area
that offers the wrap-around support, practical advice, and resources
that people need when they're in abusive relationships. And we can't offer that help to anyone
without YOUR help. Please make a donation to support our work! THANK YOU! xoxo
Here we go...it's the 10th annual Hot Chocolate Run!
My favorite day of the year is coming up on December 8! I'm so proud of what our tiny little event committee has accomplished since 2004: one of the biggest and best events in western MA, raising an incredible amount of money for Safe Passage.
I love my job as Safe Passage's Development Director because I see how much good is done with every dollar we raise. My coworkers--our counselors and advocates--change lives every day, helping families affected by domestic violence build safety, justice and hope. The changes I see in our clients' lives motivate me to work hard. I want to raise as many dollars as possible to create as much change as possible!
Please consider sponsoring me in my work with Safe Passage. We've accomplished a lot over the past 9 years, but there is so much more work to be done.
Here are some ways we'll put your gift to work:
$25: Resources, support and hope for a woman calling the 24-hour hotline
$75: Safe transportation for a family traveling to Safe Passage’s emergency shelter
$140: Education for parents on talking with their kids about domestic violence
$500: Healing counseling for a child who has witnessed violence
I work so hard on this event every year, but I couldn't do it without so many of my friends and family who have helped. My mom volunteers her time every year at the event and in the weeks leading up to it. My good friend Tina (aka Dairy Queen) joined the event committee and has never looked back. My boyfriend husband Tom has contributed lots of fancy graphic design and participates in endless hours of dinnertime brainstorming.
And many of you have donated.
It's simple: the more money we raise, the more people Safe Passage can help. I hope you'll consider a gift this year! All contributions are tax-deductible, and you’ll receive an emailed receipt immediately after you donate. Thank you so much!
Hot Chocolate Run 2013: Step Up for Safe Passage!
Every day, Safe Passage helps women and children take steps towards a brighter and safer future. Some of these steps are easier, and some are harder. Every step is important.
Take a step towards helping families affected by domestic violence. Make a donation to a participant who is
Stepping Up for Safe Passage!
Safe Passage is the organization in Hampshire County building safety, hope and justice for families who have lived with domestic violence. Adults and kids come to Safe Passage for a variety of programs: an emergency shelter, counseling and support groups, legal advocacy, and so much more. We also work to prevent domestic violence before it happens through our community engagement programs. We hope you'll join us in our work by making a donation! Learn more at our
website.