Local Non-Profit Needs $20,500 to Shore up 'Safety Net' Services

Information from Tri-Valley Haven:

After months of tireless fundraising and awareness campaigns, Tri-Valley Haven
is closing in on its goal to raise $125,000 to meet a challenge grant opportunity from a generous anonymous benefactor. The Haven, which has long been the primary provider of safety net services including a confidential shelter for battered women, a family homeless shelter and food pantry, has struggled to maintain its service levels during the recession.

“Our first course of action was to reduce our manager’s hours and preserve services, then when that was not enough, we closed our administrative office on Fridays and only after all other options had been exhausted did we look at reducing direct service staff,” says Ann King, Executive Director of the Haven. “What the challenge grant will empower us to do during a fiscal crisis is allow some breathing room to come up with alternate funding strategies rather that immediately move to cutting staff hours. It is in effect a safety net for the safety net."

The community’s response to the challenge has been encouraging. Events such as the Haven’s Pace for Peace 5K Walk/Run in October and Holiday Craft Fair were successful and donations are up from previous years. What is most moving are the number of modest gifts coming from individuals who previously benefited from Haven services.

“It’s truly touching to see individuals come full circle from making use of our programs to being stable enough to give back so others can be helped”, says King. “We are now in the home stretch with our Safety Net fundraiser and are asking the community to help raise the remaining $20,500 so we can realize our goal”.

To donate to the Safety Net campaign and have your gift matched, please send checks to Tri-Valley Haven 3663 Pacific Avenue Livermore CA 94550. For more information please call (925) 449-5845.

Now in its fourth decade of service, Tri-Valley Haven provides vital shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness. The Haven also provides comprehensive violence prevention education and counseling. For more information about the Haven please visit www.trivalleyhaven.org or call (925) 449-5842.