“As a long-time supporter of Someplace Safe, I have found and witnessed countless ways to get involved in supporting their efforts and work throughout the years. Little did I know how close to home the important work of this organization would touch myself and my family.
I first heard about Someplace Safe when I was a student, and an advocate came in to speak to one of my classes about the organization, their work, their services, and their needs. Before that day, I had never really given much thought to crime victim services and the integral role they can play in so many lives.
Growing up, I knew of family and friends who had experienced relationship violence and sexual assaults, but outside of MAYBE reporting to law enforcement, I didn’t hear much about any available support or services. I never knew that that were organizations made up of people who cared and could answer questions and be there during someone’s most difficult times. And I certainly didn’t realize that they were in need of volunteers and supporters who could also help.
That all changed for me that day in the classroom, and I decided to reach out and learn more about what I could do to help others. I met with that advocate and was able to go through training and eventually help answer the 24-hour crisis line and provide support to people who were in crisis and needed someone to listen or help them find resources and information. I did this for 2 years, eventually deciding to make my own career in the helping professions. I wanted to continue to be a listening ear for people going through difficult times, and it was one of the most rewarding decisions I have made.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself in an abusive relationship and in need of that support myself. Experiencing abuse can be a very isolating and lonely thing, but I was so very grateful to know just where I could turn for help and support when I was finally ready to leave. I worked with an advocate at Someplace Safe who helped me navigate some scary, confusing, and life-changing times. I am thankful to this day for the genuine compassion I was shown that helped make my situation just a little bit easier.
I share this now because it is so important for ALL of us to not only support programs like Someplace Safe in any way we can, but understand that any one of us could find ourselves in need of their services and it is important that they are available. I am so thankful for that moment of awareness and education that day in my classroom that opened up my mind, my heart, and my world to the many options of support that exist in our communities, and I encourage you to see how you might be able to help as well!”
-Written by a Someplace Safe Volunteer
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