Page 7 - Mecklenburg_Medicine_October-2020

Feature

Safe Alliance Adapts October Breakfast
to Awareness Campaign, Virtual Event

By Karen Parker, President and CEO, Safe Alliance Domestic and sexual How can you get involved?
violence do not go on Become a Champion of Hope.
A daptability has become the unofficial watchword of lockdown, and neither
2020. The pandemic ushered in a period of constant will Safe Alliance. This opportunity to support
and extraordinary change — uprooting our familiar Charlotte-area survivors is open
daily routines and forcing us to reevaluate (and to people who hosted tables
sometimes reorganize) our priorities. This is certainly true for Safe at past breakfast events and to
Alliance, as the COVID-19 outbreak has increased the demand for
resources for domestic and sexual violence survivors. Our focus has newcomers looking to make
shifted to creating a “new normal” that protects Safe Alliance staff and
continues to offer the life-saving resources that Mecklenburg County an impact. Each Champion
survivors desperately need.
commits to raising lifesaving funds for Safe Alliance and providing
The pandemic has had a profound impact on the population we serve,
with victims facing increased danger from abusive partners coupled fun, educational opportunities for people in their professional and social
with reduced resources (like lost or reduced wages and reduced social
supports). Since March, we have seen a marked increase — as high as networks. Champions can participate in Champion fundraising, host a
45 percent — in domestic violence-related calls to our 24/7 Greater
Charlotte Hope Line, a lifeline for Mecklenburg County residents. small, personalized gathering for people in their professional or social
To meet the growing need for resources, Safe Alliance adapted our
programs and services as follows: circles, or host guests during the Hope Is Calling Virtual Event. Safe
• Extended hours for hotline advocates operating the Greater Charlotte
Alliance will work with each Champion to support their preferred
Hope Line.
• Moved 23 adults and their children to a Safe Hotel, which has been model and provide a Champion of Hope packet (pdf) with event

operating as a second shelter facility. ideas, tips and more. Visit our website to learn more about becoming a
• Increased professional cleaning/sanitation in our Uptown Charlotte
Champion of Hope.
location, Domestic Violence Shelter and Safe Hotel.
• Served boxed meals to residents in their rooms (instead of using The Hope Is Calling Virtual Event is set for October 29, 9-10 a.m.

cafeteria-style dining). This Zoom event is free but pre-registration is required. Check our
• Provided remote advocacy and phone-based legal support through our
Facebook event page in October for the Zoom link.
Victim Assistance Court Program and Legal Representation Program.
• Provided telehealth counseling services for existing Sexual Trauma Hope Is Calling also offers sponsorship opportunities. If you have

Resource Center clients. questions about sponsorship or need more information about Hope Is
• Offered remote STRC support for survivors undergoing forensic exams.
Calling, email Tenille Banner, director of Corporate and Community
While we cannot forecast the future of the pandemic, we do know
one thing: Domestic and sexual violence do not go on lockdown, and Engagement at Tenille@SafeAlliance.org, or call 704-367-2706.
neither will Safe Alliance. We will continue to offer the resources
survivors need to achieve safety and healing.

Hope Is Calling Awareness Campaign

Another way we have adapted to meet post-pandemic client needs
is by taking our remaining 2020 events virtual, including the event
formerly known as the Breakfast of Hope in October. This year, we
have shifted our focus from an in-person event to Hope Is Calling, a
month-long campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
(DVAM) in October culminating in a virtual event October 29.
Hope Is Calling will offer safe, socially distanced opportunities for
past breakfast attendees, as well as the Charlotte community, to get
involved with Safe Alliance during DVAM 2020.

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