SAFE (Services to Abused Families) asks for support this holiday season

October 1, 2009

Dear Community Organization,

Services to Abused Families (SAFE), Inc. provide emergency shelter and transitional housing to victims of family violence, intervention and support for victims of sexual assault, and community education in schools and civic associations. SAFE is the primary provider of these services in Virginia Planning Area 9 inclusive of Fauquier, Culpeper, Rappahannock, Madison, and Orange.

SAFE is preparing for the holiday season. Part of our preparation includes a holiday party for the women and children in our emergency shelter and transitional housing units. The celebration includes a gift exchange between the women residents and their children. Prior to the festivities children are given the opportunity to “shop” for gifts for their mothers and mothers are given the opportunity to “shop” for their children.

This year SAFE is asking religious congregations, community organizations, and schools to donate gifts for either the children or mother’s shopping night. Additionally, we are asking individuals, businesses, or civic associations to adopt a transitional family for the holidays. SAFE owns four transitional units that provide housing for former emergency shelter residents for a two year period. Adopting a transitional family will include purchasing gifts for the women and children, groceries for a holiday dinner, and a tree.

For many of our residents, this will be their first holiday that is violence free. If you or your organization is interested in either participating in the gift exchange or adopting a family, please contact jturnerdcc@verizon.net or 540 364-6240 or George Stockes at gstokes.safe@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your help.

Happy Holidays,

Julie Turner, MSW George Stockes
SAFE, Board of Directors Acting Administrator