The SAFER Fund (Survivors And Familes Emergent Relief) helps support sexual and domestic violence survivors with costs associated with accessing safety, healing, and security. 

What people don’t always consider about leaving an abusive relationship is just how much it costs: It is not as simple as walking out the door and never coming back. There are many expenses that are not anticipated or affordable. Through our SAFER Fund, Verde Valley Sanctuary provides emergency financial assistance to help victims address needs which might threaten their permanent housing, help them achieve safety, and gain the support they need to move forward with their lives.

Eighty-five percent of women who leave an abusive relationship return. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a significant proportion of women who return to the relationship attribute their inability to deal with their finances as a major contributing factor, which is often enhanced by the fact that the abuser often has all of the economic and social standing and complete control over the family finances. Many victims of domestic violence who summon the courage to leave the abusive relationship eventually return for financial reasons.

It is imperative that the Verde Valley Sanctuary alleviate financial burdens and barriers facing survivors. We can make a difference in their everyday lives by covering the often-unforeseen expenses stated below to keep them on their journey to freedom and healing.

• Attorney fees
• Postage and filing fees for legal documents
• Housing/rent payments
• Essential and safety needs
• Counseling and healing services
• Home security measures
• Costs of lodging
• Utility payments
• Medical care
• Emergency Food
• Relocation costs
• Transportation costs
• Childcare

Donate to Support the SAFER Fund:

With support from individuals like you, the SAFER Fund truly has the potential to save lives. All funding directly supports sexual and domestic violence survivors in the Verde Valley to escape abuse and find healing.

Verde Valley Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible within the limits of the law. Your donation may be eligible for Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, up to $400 for an individual and $800 for a couple filing jointly by April 15. This credit is in addition to the School Tax Credit. 

$25 – help provide a tank of gas for a survivor

$50 – sponsor a survivor’s medical copay

$100 – help a survivor pay their electric bill

$250 – help a survivor pay for veterinary fees

$500 - help a survivor pay for vehicle repairs

$1,000 – support a survivor’s rental deposit

When you make a donation, please designate it for the SAFER Fund in the "Comments" section of the donation form or write SAFER Fund on the "Note" section on your check.

A very special Thank You to the Why Not Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care Sedona/Verde Valley, the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, the Arizona Community Foundation of Sedona, and the Burton Family Foundation for helping VVS establish this essential fund!

Please note that Verde Valley Sanctuary is going paperless to minimize the spread of COVID and minimize the impact on our environment. Online giving is another way to help us help our community. Please consider giving online.

Questions? Please contact Community Development Director Tracey McConnell at (928) 282-2755 or tracey@verdevalleysanctuary.org.