SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments) hosted its first Open Doors event of 2013 on January 24th. We had a full house with 40 guests who gathered to learn about domestic violence and SAVE's community work.
Open Doors is a free community education and outreach presentation that SAVE holds quarterly. Our January 24th event included presentations by SAVE staff about our agency's history and basic facts about domestic violence. Staff also provided information SAVE's array of free programs, including our emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline, counseling, COPS (SAVE's police-department based advocacy program) and our innovative teen dating violence and awareness program, "Loves Me, Loves Me Not."
The highlight of Open Doors was SAVE's guest speaker, Cindy. She shared her experiences, illustrating how devastating abuse is, not just for the victim but for entire families and communities. While Cindy ultimately found the strength to break free of her ex-partner's abuse and control, she knows all too well that there are many who do not know that help is available. Cindy inspired us all because she is not only a survivor; she is an advocate for victims and a dedicated SAVE supporter.
SAVE thanks all those who attended, including Acting Fremont Police Chief Clarise Lew and representatives for Congressman Mike Honda, Assemblymember Bill Quirk, and Supervisor Scott Haggerty. SAVE was honored to also have as guests staff from Alameda County Social Services, New Horizon Center, Centerville Junior High, and members of Fremont's First Christian Church and Shelley Bartley's Friends of SAVE, and concerned community members. SAVE also thanks Danielle London, SAVE Board member and Alameda County District Attorney, for joining us.
SAVE's next Open Doors will take place on April 25, 2013, from noon to 1:30 pm at the Nakamura Clinic in Union City. This event is free and lunch is included. Please note that registration is required. For more information, contact Tina Fernandez at (510) 574-2266 or email tina@save-dv.org. Ready to register? It's easy via Eventbrite.com: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4122093292
SAVE is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tax ID # 94-2520559.
