S.A.F.E Tomorrow Campaign, (S.A.F.E Center, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and work together to end abuse.
It is why we wear purple ribbons, share survivor stories, and talk openly about domestic violence. It is why The S.A.F.E. Center continues to advocate for survivors, educate the community, and work to prevent violence before it happens.
In April, a fire damaged The S.A.F.E. Center’s emergency shelter, rendering it unusable. Since then, the organization has been housing survivors in hotels, which is not economically feasible, sustainable, or a healthy plan for survivors in our community.
The S.A.F.E. Center is taking the next step to restore this critical resource by launching the S.A.F.E. Tomorrow Campaign to raise $250,000 to prepare a new, safe, and trauma-informed shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and human trafficking. Funds will support the down payment, renovations, fencing, security, utilities, and other essential needs to create a safe haven for survivors and their children.
“Safety can’t wait,” said Nikki Gausman, Executive Director of The S.A.F.E. Center. “Every survivor deserves a safe place to begin again. With the community’s help, we will make that possible.”
Community members can support the campaign through several upcoming events:
- Fried Green Tomatoes at The World Theatre- Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
- Comfort & Joy Raffle – Tickets on sale Oct. 11 (250 available, $20 each) Must be purchased online at: safecenter.ejoinme.org/comfortandjoy
- Runza Night – Kearney North Runza on 39th. Oct. 14, 5–8 p.m. 10% of sales benefit The S.A.F.E. Center.
- Purple Thursday- October 16, Wear purple and show your support for survivors.
- All In Boutique Stuff-a-Bag Fundraiser – Oct. 19, 1–3 p.m. in downtown Kearney.
Donations can be made online at: https://safecenter.org/shelter-campaign/, in person at The S.A.F.E. Center, or by mail to 620 E 25th Street, Suite 14, Kearney, NE, 68847.
The S.A.F.E. Center is a non-profit organization in Kearney, Nebraska that provides free and confidential support and resources to empower those affected by dating violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and stalking while engaging communities through awareness and prevention education in our five-county service area.
