Letter to Editor – October 2008

October 1, 2008

Dear Editor;

On behalf of the staff, clients and Board of Directors of SAFE Shelter, I want to thank the community for helping us make our Sept. 21 fundraiser, a Red Hot Evening with Paula Deen and Friends, a tremendous success!

This was our first major fundraiser in several years and it could not have come at a better time for SAFE Shelter. As Savannah ’s only shelter designated for victims of domestic violence and their children, we have remained at capacity, 48, for over six months. The needs of our residents are many and as a non-profit agency, we struggle everyday to make ends meet.

SAFE Shelter has had its doors open for almost 30 years. And in that time, has provided services, shelter and hope for over 17,000 victims of domestic violence. In 2007, there were 76 domestic violence related homicides in Georgia, with one occurring in Chatham County. The local victim was not a SAFE Shelter client. Not one victim participating in our services has been killed.

Again, I want to thank the community for supporting us in our first fundraising effort inmany years. And I want to remind everyone that we have to be the voice for those that have no voice. Intervention is critical in breaking the cycle of violence. If you or someone you know is afraid to go home, call 629-8888 24-hours a day for help.

Sincerely,

Cheryl H. Branch

Executive Director

SAFE Shelter