December 31, 2003

Letter to the Editor:

As we at A Safe Place reflect on the joys of this past year, we remember a child traumatized by witnessing domestic violence, who now can stop trying to protect her mother and who can laugh freely and play the games of childhood again;

We remember the fear and hesitation of a non-English-speaking woman who needed an order of protection, and the relief that flooded her face as our bilingual, bicultural staff guided her through the court process to obtain one;

We remember the courage and the pain of women who have left everything behind in fleeing the violence, but who find their inner strength and new hope for a life free from fear in their own homes.

During this holiday season, as individuals and organizations, employee groups and entire communities stepped forward to bring warmth and a feeling of belonging to those who in many cases have dreaded family-centered celebrations this year, more stories have found their voice as the women and children of A Safe Place have responded to your care and compassion:

A postcard from a client who had to flee the area for her safety conveyed her gratitude and her joy at being able to watch her children play safely by the seaside, no longer in fear of their abuser, saying they were “free…no one can hurt them anymore”;

A survivor struggling to gain self-sufficiency for herself and her children who choked back a sob of relief when offered an array of gifts donated by the community for herself and her children to share, knowing that otherwise they would have no holiday;

The excitement in the eyes of a child, worried because she had no money and no way to shop for her mom, who instead could pick out the ‘perfect’ gift from the ‘holiday shop’ set up in the shelter and stocked with gifts from generous donors;

Our children in shelter who gathered around the dining room tables to fashion construction paper cards of thanks for individuals and groups who not only helped them celebrate the season of sharing but who let them know that their lives and their futures do have value in the hearts of strangers.

We at A Safe Place are thankful for the dedication and commitment of our many friends, volunteers and supporters who join us in the promise to fulfill our mission to eliminate domestic violence in the communities we serve.

Our best wishes for a safe and prosperous New Year.

Phyllis A. DeMott
Executive Director
A Safe Place/ Lake County Crisis Center

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