SafeHomes is a Domestic Violence Intervention Center that provides comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence so that they can move forward, heal, and have a safe and happier life. “A lot of people think about our organization as just a shelter, and we certainly do provide shelter for those who need it, but we actually provide a lot of outreach services as well, and you don’t have to be a residential shelter client to participate in them. Everything we do is completely confidential and completely free of charge,” says Jennifer Frantom.
Patty Galvan, owner of Taqueria El Ray, often works with SafeHomes and is a Team Leader this year for Fake It to Make It, a lip sync challenge fundraising event. “When SafeHomes first mentioned it to me, I was very hesitant because it is definitely out of my comfort zone but at the same time, I knew it was for a great cause. I think SafeHomes is a very special organization. A lot of people don’t know about it, but there’s people that need to hear about it who are trying to leave an abusive relationship,” says Patty.
“It was important to me to have an all girls group so that we can empower each other. We all come from different backgrounds and it has worked perfectly for us strategic-wise to raise as much funds as we can. I met them all through a local group called Women in Business, where we focused on uplifting and supporting other women in the area. I thought it would be perfect for us to come together,” says Patty. Her team, named Patty’s Cougars, is made up of five women: Patty Galvan, Emily Ryan, Nichole Tootle, Rose Bennett, and Tiffany Justice.
Patty’s Cougars goal is to raise $20,000 for SafeHomes. To help them reach that goal and to purchase tickets for Fake It to Make It, visit SafeHomesDV.org, click Fake It to Make It and select Patty’s Cougars.