The June $1,000 winner of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric’s Caring Community Giveaway is SafeHouse Denver, a nonprofit serving victims of domestic abuse.

SafeHouse Denver has been a leader in domestic violence prevention and services since 1977. The nonprofit organization is the only domestic violence services program in Denver that provides both safe shelter and comprehensive non-residential services.

SafeHouse Denver is working to eliminate domestic violence in our communities by providing shelter and counseling to victims of abuse, working with public and community agencies to improve the way our systems respond to domestic violence; and by offering educational programming to prevent future violence. In a typical year, SafeHouse serves more than 250 women and children in their shelter which has grown to 26 beds plus cribs. SafeHouse also serves hundreds more adults, children and youth through non-residential services including individual counseling, advocacy support groups, legal assistance and referrals to other services.

“We truly value any organization that works to eliminate domestic violence, especially SafeHouse Denver who assists woman, children and youth within our local community,” said John Ward, president of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric.

Last year, the advocates and trained volunteers at SafeHouse fielded over 16,500 calls to their 24-hour crisis and information line. Callers received emotional support, tips on how to support someone experiencing abuse and access to safe shelter. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to both English and Spanish speaking callers. Some callers are victims of abuse themselves; others are reaching out for help for a friend, a family member or an employee.

“The $1,000 donation from Applewood will have a huge impact,” said Shannon Boltz, Annual Giving and Events Manager at SafeHouse Denver. “The money will provide 8 nights of safe shelter for a woman escaping her abusive partner, 4 individual crisis management sessions for a mom and 4 one-on-one sessions with a Family Advocate for her child while they stay at the Emergency Shelter, 5 age-appropriate Children’s Group sessions for a young boy who witnessed his mother’s abuse, 5 Bi-lingual group sessions for one woman at the non-residential Counseling and Advocacy Center,” said Shannon.

Domestic violence crosses all races, cultures, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic groups. The effects of domestic violence are far reaching. From schools and neighborhoods to businesses and communities, its impact and costs are felt by all of us. Should you or someone you know need information, give SafeHouse a call, 303-318-9989.