Rep. France Sees First-Hand How Safe Futures are Created in New London

NEW LONDON – In order to better understand the services available to his constituents of Southeastern Connecticut, State Representative Mike France (R-42) recently took a tour of Safe Futures’ New London facilities.

“Thank you so much to Safe Futures Director of Development and Communications Emma Palzere-Rae, Engagement Officer Pam Mandelburg, and Volunteer and Ambassador Manager Jeanie Davidson for not only sharing their very personal and moving stories, but for also showing me how their non-profit organization saves lives, restores hope and changes futures for nearly 6,000 women, children and men each year,” said Rep. France. “Their mission is positive and forward-looking; they are a beacon of hope in our region.”

Safe Futures, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary and has been operating at over 100% capacity for more than six years, received 50% of their 2012-2013 funding from federal, state and local governments, according to their reports. The remainder of their revenue was generated through individual support, grants and United Way. These funds allow Safe Futures to provide free and confidential services for counseling and advocacy, emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, skill building, employment networking and
prevention education to those in need.

According to Safe Futures, each day, three women in the United States die at the hand of a current or former intimate partner and 30% of homeless households in Southeastern Connecticut attribute their hardship
to domestic violence. Children who witness abuse are also twice as likely to become abusers as adults. These are the facts facing Safe Future’s dedicated volunteers and advocates. Their goals to combat these
statistics include opening a secure, full-time walk-in counseling center at the Norwich office (which had been closed for several years but luckily re-opened within the past five years) and acquiring more staff and educator support. Just one educator can reach an additional 1,000 school children and eventually break the cycle of violence.

For more information, please visit www.SafeFuturesCT.org. The New London Administrative office located at 16 Jay Street would also like to share their wish list for holiday donations: any diapers, pre-paid mobile phones, personal care products, clothing, pillows, linens, area rugs, gas cards, or even transportation services, would be highly appreciated.

More Power of Purple tours will be held in the New Year on January 19th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and February 10th from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. You can also call 860-447-0366, x220 to host your own tour. Interested volunteers and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Call Safe Future’s free, confidential hotlines anytime at 860-701-6000 or 860-701-6001.