Light of

Hope

Year-End Holiday Appeal

Dear Friend,

The most wonderful time of the year is here! Twinkling lights are aglow on neighborhood streets, swags of greens are hung, generosity is flowing, and New Year’s resolutions are on the horizon. Even though the holiday season brings good tidings and wishes of peace, joy, and love, domestic abuse does not go dormant. But, there is HOPE for local children and adults experiencing verbal, emotional and physical violence. There is SAFE in Hunterdon.

It is with gratitude for your past support that I ask for your help once more. Please consider giving a year-end contribution of $10, $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or whatever amount you are comfortable with to keep the Light of Hope shining for women like “Jane,” teens like “Haley,” and children like “Sam.” (their stories are enclosed)

Chances are, someone you know or love is living a very similar story to "Jane," "Haley," or "Sam" right now. That's why your gift to SAFE in Hunterdon is more than just a tax-deductible contribution- it is a personal investment to help assure that the Light of Hope will stay on for your relative, friend, neighbor, co-worker, or child if they ever need us.

On behalf of the over 2,000 child and adult survivors we empower each year, our dedicated staff, and Board of Trustees, I wish you good health and much happiness today and throughout the New Year. Thank you for your continued generosity.
 
Sincerely,
 
Donna Bartos
Executive Director
908-788-7666
ext. 207

“Jane’s” Story

Jane entered our Safehouse with just the clothes on her back and an heirloom family Bible. A victim of sexual assault, domestic abuse and human trafficking since the age of 14, Jane’s first step to independence was July 7th, the day she left her abusive husband and walked through our Safehouse doors at age 39. She came in seeking emergency shelter and left 60 days later empowered to live a life free of abuse.

Recently, Jane called our advocates to celebrate a milestone-her first paycheck, ever. It was for $82. Jane is no longer silenced by shame and is no longer a victim of battering and mental manipulation. She has found an affordable apartment and is continuing her healing process through confidential counseling at our outreach center.  Thanks to Jane’s will and determination and the Light of Hope held high by our Safehouse advocates and outreach counselors, Jane is not only surviving now, but thriving. 

“Haley’s” Story

Haley is a 16 year-old student from a local high school. During her freshman year, Haley was the soccer team goalie, student council president and class fashionista. When her sophomore year rolled around, Haley met a guy named Tyler who swept her off her feet. Within a few months of dating her first love, Haley stopped hanging out with girlfriends, quit the soccer team, and no longer wore stylish clothes to school. She also stepped down from student council.

Last Spring, Haley attended a SAFE in Hunterdon education class on teen dating violence. At the end of the presentation, Haley confided in our prevention advocate: “You know that girl you described in your presentation-the one who has a jealous and controlling boyfriend? I think I am that girl. Am I a victim?” Because SAFE in Hunterdon was there, Haley now knows the red flags of teen dating violence, understands the characteristics of equality and respect in healthy dating relationships, has a safety plan in place and got connected to our outreach counselors.

Sam’s Story

Just after the new school year started, 11-year old Sam’s “normal” was turned upside down. Sam, his mom and three younger siblings were on the run- seeking refuge from a physically and verbally abusive father who threatened to kill them all. They arrived at our Safehouse in the middle of the night. They entered with one shared bag of belongings, hungry and afraid. This was “Independence Day” for Sam’s mom and the first step to lives free of abuse and violence for her children.

During their 61-day stay in our emergency Safehouse, Sam’s mom was granted a final restraining order with the help of our legal advocates. She then filed for divorce and found a job.  Unable to return home and ready for a fresh start, the family moved into our Transitional House. Now Sam and his siblings have a yard to play in, a private bathroom for just their family to share and are enrolled in our art therapy program called PALS. Funded by the NJ Department of Children and Families, PALS is a clinical art therapy program that helps over 40 Hunterdon County children (ages 4-12) each year heal from the trauma caused by exposure to domestic violence.

Donate Online: 

www.lightofhopeappeal/eventbrite.com

Donate by Check by Mail: 
SAFE in Hunterdon
ATTN: Light of Hope Appeal
47 E. Main Street
Flemington, NJ 08822  

Donate by Phone or in Person with a Debit or Credit Card:
908-788-7666
ext. 222