What is Safe Embrace?
Safe Embrace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to educating our community and providing services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For over 17 years, they have been committed to ending the cycle of intimate partner violence with innovative intervention and prevention services in Reno, Nevada.
How did Safe Embrace get started?
Founded 26 years ago, Safe Embrace set out to provide specialized services to underserved and marginalized ethnic minority survivors. The founder’s vision was not limited to simply focusing on reaching minority populations, but instead centered on a philosophy – a holistic and therapeutic approach to survivor programming. In 1999, Safe Embrace established a 24 hour crisis hotline and in 2001, we opened our safe house.
What does Safe Embrace offer to clients and/or to the community?
Safe Embrace continues to provide high quality, trauma-informed services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the Reno-Sparks area. We offer the most comprehensive, inclusive and trauma-informed services for primary and secondary domestic and sexual violence survivors in our community. The following services are offered at no cost to survivors and their dependent children:
- Emergency Shelter
- 24 Hour Crisis Hotline
- Advocacy
- Emergency Evacuation Transportation and Emergency Hotel Placement
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling
- Legal Advocacy
- Transitional Housing
- Rapid Re-housing
- Specialized Case Management
- Outreach and Prevention Education Programs
- Kids Klub Program
What has Safe Embrace accomplished, and what are you most proud of?
Safe Embrace is the largest and most inclusive safe house with 32 beds in Reno-Sparks (accommodating male, LGBTQIA2+, and survivors with disabilities). Expanding emergency shelter services to underserved populations has been a top priority for our agency for many years.
Safe Embrace made the determination in February 2019 to explore evidenced based practices in running a domestic violence shelter. After researching the concept of rules vs. rights, Safe Embrace implemented a rule reduction model as a better approach to give power back to survivors. With the implementation of this model, stays at Safe Embrace increased from on average 43 days to 69 days.
Wrap around services provided by Safe Embrace enable survivors to begin a new life of stability, dignity and self-sufficiency. Last fiscal year, 80% of survivors who transitioned out of the Safe Embrace shelter went into a housing program (which includes Safe Embrace and other community housing options) thus alleviating the potential for homelessness and returning to their abuser.
What is great about running a non-profit in Nevada?
It takes a village to support survivors and we are fortunate to partner with some incredible community members to ensure that all survivors receive the best services possible.
What are some ways the Nevada community has embraced your non-profit?
Our #LoveShouldBeSweet campaign has been embraced by more than 45 establishments who are committed to spreading awareness about Domestic Violence.
What would you say are some of the most difficult things you face as a non-profit organization?
Unrestricted funding and the decrease in Marriage License funding which supports overhead and administrative costs.
Are there any Nevada organizations or individuals you would like to give a “shout out to? If yes, please list and explain why.
We are appreciative of our staff, interns, board members, volunteers, community partners, supporters and donors. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of everyone and the collaborations we have with other non-profits!
How can an individual or business assist you in your efforts?
There are numerous ways that individuals and businesses can support Safe Embrace. We are always in need of financial support or in kind donations. While we have had to limit the types of donations we are taking due to COVID, many individuals and businesses have facilitated donation drives for new clothing, gift cards for survivors placed in motels, hygiene items, paper products, food and cleaning supplies.
Individuals and businesses can also contact us if they are interested in volunteering or completing a service project.
Lastly, spread the word about Safe Embrace and all of the wonderful work we are doing. Follow us on social media, share our posts and participate in our awareness campaigns.
Admin Office & Donation Center
780 East Lincoln Way
Sparks, NV 89434
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
775.324.3766
SafeEmbrace.org