Hope, Heal, Transform and Thrive

Dear Friends,

Many of us have seen first-hand how domestic violence is a public health crisis, adversely affecting the lives of survivors and their children and communities as a whole. One-third of women’s injuries in emergency rooms are sustained in domestic violence incidents. Approximately 50% of the homeless women and children on the streets are there due to domestic violence. Children who grow up in violent homes often become victims and abusers themselves.

That is why I am asking for your support of Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center’s first-ever *online* Week of Giving, October 5-9, 2020. Safe Haven’s mission is to provide safety, space to heal, advocacy, and empowerment to women, children and all survivors of domestic violence. As the only shelter providing services in northern Minnesota, Safe Haven houses over 500 survivors every year, while more than 1,500 survivors access legal advocacy, safety planning, self-sufficiency guidance and youth support through our drop-in Resource Center. Safe Haven’s comprehensive programming supports survivors through their entire journey from crisis management to lasting freedom from domestic violence.

 Safe Haven’s Week of Giving will include posting a series of short videos throughout the week on the themes of “Hope – Heal – Transform – Thrive.” These will serve to highlight the various components of Safe Haven’s work and comprehensive services.

 Please scroll down and  join me and supporting Safe Haven in these 3 ways:

 1.       Register today to receive updates and inspiring video messages during Safe Haven’s October 2020 Week of Giving | safehavenshelter.org/fallevent

2.       Visit Safe Haven’s social media pages during their Week of Giving to access new content and get involved

3.       Donate now!  Any amount is appreciated and can be done directly on this page.  Let's send a message that the women clinicians of Essentia support the families in our community facing domestic violence.

 Thank you in advance for helping to provide hope to survivors of domestic violence.

Sincerely,

 Betsy Schwartz, MD

Family Medicine

Essentia Health Lakewalk Clinic