As a proud member of the Board of Directors at SafeNest, Nevada’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, I’d like to share a story about the work we do and why this organization means so much to me.

Daniela and Iris are two friends and former coworkers who unexpectedly found themselves seeking refuge at SafeNest’s shelter last May. Despite facing the challenges of their undocumented immigration status, they were determined to secure a better future for themselves and their families.

During their time at at Shelter, Daniella, Iris, and their families received essential resources like food, clothing, and bus passes. With the guidance of their dedicated Hope Advocates, they worked towards their goals of employment and self-sufficiency. Their unwavering support for each other extended to childcare and collaborative solutions for gaining independence.

One particularly challenging situation was Iris’s lack of access to identification for herself and her children after escaping an abusive situation. With the help of SafeNest’s funding, Iris journeyed to California to meet with her consulate and successfully obtained passports for her and her sons.

In July, these remarkable survivors secured an apartment together, choosing to continue their mutual support during this transitional period. SafeNest assisted them by covering the security deposit and providing gift cards for furnishing their new home.

Even after leaving the shelter, Daniella and Iris remain connected with their advocate, expressing their gratitude for SafeNest’s invaluable assistance. Both are actively collaborating with our partner, the Immigrant Home Foundation, as they embark on the journey of applying for a U-Visa. This visa, designed for victims of crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault, holds the potential to lead to Permanent Resident status after three years.

The heartwarming conclusion to Daniella and Iris’s journey is that they are thriving. They are eagerly anticipating the acquisition of their Visas and work permits, which will open doors to even brighter futures.

Their story exemplifies the resilience, hope, and empowerment that SafeNest strives to provide for individuals and families in need. As a board member of SafeNest, I am proud to have played a part in Daniella and Iris’s journey and countless others like theirs.

* Client names were changed and stock imagery was used to protect client confidentiality.

Please join me this October by “Investing in the NEST” in support of thousands of survivors like Daniela and Iris who turn daily to SafeNest for help, support, safety, and hope for a brighter future. Your investment will provide emergency shelter and housing for individuals and families and ensure there’s always a compassionate voice on the hotline. It will help provide counseling, legal services, resources for employment and parenting, wraparound services for kids, and much more, including funding prevention programs designed to stop violence before it starts. 

Invest in the Nest TODAY and join me in saving lives, empowering survivors, and building a safer community for everyone. #YouMatter