Empowering Change: SAAFE House’s Year of Service
In a year marked by significant challenges and remarkable achievements, SAAFE House in Huntsville, Texas, has reported an impressive array of statistics highlighting its commitment to combating domestic violence and sexual assault. From September 2022 through August 2023, the organization provided 20,632 services, assisting 443 clients, including 293 adults and 150 children. Their comprehensive approach included 42 hospital accompaniments, over 5,000 hotline calls, and providing emergency shelter to 216 individuals.
SAAFE House, dedicated to empowering victims of family violence and sexual assault, provides individualized, immediate, and confidential services at no cost. As a multi-faceted agency, it extends beyond crisis intervention, offering resources to help community members live abuse-free lives. The organization emphasizes a tailored safety plan for each individual, serving those in need of a safe living environment and offering outreach to those with a safe environment but in need of services. While its shelters primarily serve women and children, SAAFE House’s support extends to all genders, reflecting its inclusive approach.
The community has rallied around SAAFE House, with local businesses such as Elliott’s Jewelers, Hello Huntsville, and Spirit Radio FM contributing a generous $2,500 donation on behalf of their clients. These partnerships, alongside the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff, have been instrumental in the organization’s ability to expand its reach and enhance its services.
Looking ahead, Community Relations Director Tammy Farkas emphasized the organization’s commitment to increasing awareness and preventive education. “Without our emergency shelters, 128 adults and 88 children would still be living in an abusive situation,” Farkas stated, highlighting the critical nature of the support provided. As 2024 approaches, SAAFE House aims to further its mission, educating communities and striving towards a future free from abuse.
In a year of profound impact, SAAFE House stands as a beacon of hope and support for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in Huntsville and beyond, continually working towards a safer, more informed community
Bill Daugette, a community leader and SAAFE House Board of Directors member, shared why he supports the organization.
Next year, SAAFE House will be celebrating its 40th year of empowering victims of sexual assault and family violence. I have been a long time supporter of this amazing organization and currently serve on its Board of Directors. Some have asked why I am so active in my support, my answer is simple. My mother was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of my alcoholic step father and he was also abusive to me and my siblings. My mother summoned the courage to gather us up one night and we left with the shirts on our backs. We really had nowhere to go, fortunately a co-worker of hers allowed us to stay with her for a few weeks while my mother figured things out. There was no organization like the SAAFE House to help her, she was truly on her own. Somehow, she made it work and we found an apartment to move into, and we slowly rebuilt our lives. Even as a nine year old young boy I could see the stress and sometimes hopelessness in my mother’s face and that has stuck with me my entire life.
I support SAAFE House because family violence hasn’t gone away, in fact it has grown, and I want to help and support others that are having to make the same decisions that my mother did those many years ago. It has a special place in my heart and I will always do whatever I can to ensure anyone looking for help has a place to come.
For those interested in supporting or seeking assistance from SAAFE House, there are several ways to get involved or get help. To donate, learn about volunteer opportunities, or access services, visit www.saafehouse.org. The 24-hour support hotline is available at (833) 858-6265, serving Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker Counties. The SAAFE House is located at 1426 Sam Houston Ave, Huntsville, TX, ready to assist those in need and welcome community members eager to contribute to their vital mission.
