Dear Friends,
The unprecedented health crisis caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of a caring community dedicated to the well-being of others.
As an agency that serves the needs of those facing the immediate trauma of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and trafficking, our response must focus on making their safety and security paramount. We must also take steps to protect the well-being of our dedicated staff, volunteers and the communities we serve as we face the threat of COVID-19.
As best we can, we will be moving towards a streamlined system of providing crisis services focused on minimizing community exposure and flattening the curve of disease spread.
After much consideration by our Senior Staff and in consultation with local public officials and our state coalitions, we are taking the following steps effective immediately.
These steps will remain in effect at least until April 17th
CRISIS SERVICES
- Our 24/7 crisis hotlines will remain fully operational and staffed.
- Hotline numbers: 860-701-6001 and 860-701-6000.
- Our emergency shelter Genesis House will remain open and staffed to protect clients who have left abusive relationships.
- We are temporarily suspending all support groups and programs that serve those not in immediate crisis.
- Our headquarters at 16 Jay Street New London will remain open and our Norwich office will operate out of 16 Jay Street as well, but we will restrict walk-in clients to those in IMMEDIATE crisis and refer all others to engage with their advocates by telephone – only if not in immediate danger. Our team will triage clients to assess their needs and continue to see crisis clients.
- We are also instructing our Direct Services Team to conduct ongoing one-on-one counseling sessions by telephone when possible.
- Our Court Advocates in New London and Norwich Criminal and Civil Court Advocate will continue operations.
- We are temporarily suspending our Essential Donation Center program and will no longer accept in-person or drop-offs of any items. However, our Direct Service Staff are available to fill the needs of“ our clients” at all times through our Essentials Donation Center.
- We have instructed our community partners to not hold office hours here.
- We have temporarily suspended our Volunteer and intern program.
Community Engagement & Events
- In keeping with Governor Ned Lamont’s directives, we are working on alternate plans for our annual Light The Way Breakfast, previously scheduled for Friday, April 24th in Mystic. We have tentatively changed the date to Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at the same time and location. Subject to change.
- We have instructed our staff to cancel any in-person meetings, trainings or participation in off-site events until further notice
How YOU can help!
It remains imperative we meet the immediate needs of our clients experiencing domestic, sexual violence stalking and trafficking. Inevitably, our ability to hold community events that help us raise the funds and collect donations critical to providing these services will be impacted.
You can continue to support the adults and children we serve during this critical time by doing the following:
- Donating gift cards in small denominations to stores such as Target, Walmart, CVS & Stop & Shop. These gift cards will help our clients access things they need as our donation program is temporarily suspended. You can send gift cards to the attention of: Melissa Zaitchik, Director of Development & Communications at our New London headquarters, 16 Jay Street New London, CT 06320 Please do NOT deliver them in-person.
- Please review our Amazon Wish List and order much needed supplies and necessities which will be delivered directly to Safe Futures.
- Visit our website at www.safefuturesct.org and click on the donate button.
- Please follow us on Facebook for continued updates.
Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank our dedicated staff who continue to work to keep our clients safe and secure during this challenging time.
Wishing everyone continued health and well-being,
Katherine Verano
Chief Executive Officer