Times-Call, Nov

Dear ______,

“It took nearly five years, but Dana Pechin's killer was brought to justice Friday when a Boulder County jury found her boyfriend George Ruibal guilty of second-degree murder.” Times-Call, Nov. 16. 2012

Domestic violence flourishes when we are silent. When the actions of an abuser stay hidden, in a subtle but powerful way, those actions are made somehow acceptable. Somewhere along the way domestic violence victims, like Dana Pechin, may lose their voices, or we in their communities fail to hear them. Their voices are strong when they are born; they cry loudly to get their needs met and giggle with joy when they feel loved. When they begin to talk, they tell everyone who will listen about the way they see their worlds. They use their voices in school classrooms and on neighborhood playgrounds. Then that powerful voice is silenced. Too much being told to ‘shut up’; that they are nothing. Too much isolation from those who would hear them. Too much intimidation and fear. Too much pushing, smacking, punching, kicking. Too much waiting for things to get better—too many promises. Too much hurt; too little hope. People who are being abused begin to believe that they have nothing to say, and that it wouldn’t make a difference if they did speak. No one would listen.

“I was so scared to come, so scared that I was wrong, or that I was abusive and all of the other lies that I had come to believe from years of abuse. The advocates have helped me be more confident, find myself again, fight for my realities and have given me the tools and support for a better, stronger, positive future for my self and my children.” –client referred by friends

The silence that feeds abuse is broken everyday by the work of Safe Shelter advocates and volunteers who help victims of abuse to rediscover their life’s purpose and strength.

“I’ve been and am being encouraged and helped to look at myself and my situation. I am so glad I came here. I am having an awakening of and about myself – isn’t it about time? I’m 72 this year. Thank you all for everything”. – client referred by a counselor friend

You are part of the community that helps survivors to reclaim their voices—and their lives. It is your contribution that makes Safe Shelter a vital member of Colorado’s anti- violence community. Thanks to you, Safe Shelter has touched the lives of thousands of adults, youth and children, supporting them as they face family crises, experience devastating loss, overcome complex challenges and move from intimidation and abuse toward independence, self-sufficiency and peace.

Safe Shelter exists to serve you, your loved ones and your community – to provide hope, healing and recovery from domestic abuse. “The support that Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley provides and the educational opportunities that it offers to our community are essential factors in preventing domestic violence and in raising awareness. Lives are being saved thanks to the wonderful staff at Safe Shelter.” –client referred by her teacher

In this uncertain economic time, Safe Shelter counts on your support more than ever. Your gift is extremely important, because it provides resources that make an immediate impact – resources that help victim/survivors through their most trying times. Your gift can make all the difference to our clients and to those who serve them—to the emergency shelter staff, outreach advocates, children’s counselors, legal advocates, housing specialists, crisis line workers, and community educators. As promising practices emerge, Safe Shelter is committed to staying at the cutting edge. Please help to make this possible with your generous contribution.

Your donation will make a world of difference.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers of Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley, thank you so much for your support.

In Peace & Justice,

Jackie List Executive Director