Healing hands
SafeHaven’s 2023 Volunteer Impact Report
“The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”
A message from Katey Pirot | Volunteer Manager
Whether helping with children’s programs in the shelters, sorting donations at Berry Good Buys, or providing and serving meals, it’s abundantly clear that every SafeHaven volunteer has a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The measure of this commitment is impressive— hundreds of people and thousands of hours, but so much richer is the genuine partnership in the important work to end domestic violence and support survivors. As the Volunteer Manager, I say this often, but it’s true every time: your mission-driven commitment and generosity makes the work of SafeHaven possible! So many programs and services depend on the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, and for this I want to say, ‘Thank you!’ Thank you for the depth of your commitment, for making a difference in the lives of survivors, and for partnering in SafeHaven’s vital mission.
Providing a Mutual Impact
Time and time again, volunteers have expressed that they often feel they “get” more than they “give” when they spend time volunteering at SafeHaven. Hear from a few of our volunteers about their personal experiences.
Jeanine feels recharged
“I have been serving dinner once a month at the FW shelter for the past 9 years. My job can be stressful at times and as of late, dealing with elderly parent challenges, so on many occasions, the day I’m scheduled to serve dinner, I feel overwhelmed. And every time I interact with the residents, I’m so awed by their resilience, kindness and caring, I feel completely recharged. The staff is wonderfully supportive, and serving SafeHaven has been an ongoing gift!”
- Jeanine Werberig | SafeHaven Volunteer
Kathy saw her help in action
"I volunteer in the SafeHaven donation room, receiving donations of items for both shelters. Groups from all over the metroplex will send boxes of new clothes, medicines, toiletries, handmade items such as blankets - it is truly amazing. I met a young woman once who was dropping off a donation, and she started visiting with me. She shared that she was a survivor herself. We talked for a bit and on her way out she stated, ‘If it had not been for SafeHaven I am not sure if I would be alive today.’ She hugged me on her way out as we both had tears. It was such a moving moment for me and I knew then that I was exactly where I needed to be."
- Kathy Grabowski | SafeHaven Volunteer
Jessa entered emergency shelter after being brutally beaten by her intimate partner - all while she was pregnant.
The abuse left her with partial paralysis on her left side, from her waist down, but SafeHaven provided her safety and support through the birth of a beautiful baby.
Jessa elected to never leave the shelter because she was so afraid her partner would find her, but because of a volunteer who provided in-shelter yoga classes, Jessa was able to start rehabilitative exercises. Jessa was so thankful and saw incredible improvements to her overall physical and emotional health.
Volunteers continue to be lifelines to survivors of intimate partner violence. Their gifts, talents and skills are often the bridge that allows a woman to fully embrace becoming a survivor and no longer a victim.
- SafeHaven Shelter Team