The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for survivors of domestic violence, it can be a deeply challenging time. Memories of past trauma, financial strain, and the pressure to maintain holiday traditions can weigh heavily. However, at Empower Yolo, survivors are finding hope, strength, and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Through the voices of our clients, we’re reminded of the resilience and courage it takes to start over. Their stories highlight the importance of creating safe and supportive environments, especially during the holiday season.
For many survivors, the holidays magnify the difficulties they face. Maria (names have been changed to protect privacy), a survivor who found refuge at Empower Yolo, shared: “I was living in a tent with my kids until a police officer told me about Empower Yolo.”
This heartbreaking reality is one faced by countless families. Without a safe place to call home, the warmth and joy of the holiday season can feel impossibly out of reach. For Maria and others, finding a shelter not only provided safety but also gave them a foundation to restart their lives.
Supporting survivors during the holidays begins with understanding and empathy. Their stories offer insight into how your actions can make a profound difference.
Create a safe space for conversation. Survivors often need someone to believe in them. One client shared how a simple comment from her advocate changed her perspective: “My advocate said, ‘I wish you could see you through my eyes because I see a strong woman who is capable of anything.’” Words of encouragement like these can empower survivors to see their own strength.
Offer victims practical support. Financial stress is a common challenge for survivors. One mother explained while at the safe house, “I was able to save money and get a place of my own.”
By donating to organizations like Empower Yolo, you can help provide resources that allow survivors to rebuild their independence.
Survivors often draw strength from small victories. A shelter resident shared,
“When the shelter staff told me I was doing good and trying my hardest, it gave me encouragement to make it through tough times.” Recognizing their effort can be a powerful motivator.
Despite the challenges, survivors find moments of hope and healing during their time at the shelter. One client reflected, “I became more independent at the shelter, and now I can do things my own way.”
For others, the stability provided by a safe home has a ripple effect on their families.
“Being in a safe home gave my children a sense of peace,” shared one mother. Another added,
“This is the first Christmas I’ve felt safe in years. I don’t have to walk on eggshells, and my kids are finally seeing me smile again.”
When asked what they would share with others in similar situations, one survivor said,
“Call for help. Don’t be scared, because I was for a long time, and it’s not worth your mental health. You don’t need to be abused.”
Another survivor offered a message of strength, “We are only getting stronger.”
This holiday season, Empower Yolo is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where survivors can find peace and joy. Your support—whether through general donations or spreading awareness—makes this possible.
As one survivor put it, “Knowing people care gave me hope again.” Together, we can help more families experience the comfort of safety and the promise of a brighter future.
This holiday season, make a difference in the lives of those in need by partnering with Empower Yolo. There are many meaningful ways to give back and support survivors and families in need.
Holiday meals: grocery gift cards (Grocery Outlet, Safeway, Nugget, Davis Food Co-op) of any denomination are always needed for warm meals at the shelter during the holidays.
Giving Tuesday & year-end giving: financial donations are one of the most important ways to help clients and their children, especially with needs that grant funding cannot cover. Generous donations help survivors like Maria change their lives. Donate in honor of or in memory of a loved one or survivor you know. Encourage your employer to make donations in recognition of their employees or match an employee donation. Support Empower Yolo this Giving Tuesday by donating on December 2–3, 2024. Your donations will support critical services for survivors and families in need in our community. Donate on Giving Tuesday or make a year-end gift at empoweryolo.org/donate/.
Adopt a Family: Each holiday season, Empower Yolo’s “Adopt-A-Family” program invites community members to brighten the holidays for families in need by purchasing gifts from personalized wish lists. To participate, email [email protected] and let us know how many individuals you would like to adopt. This program brings more than gifts—it delivers hope, joy, and a powerful reminder of community support.
General giving wish lists: we have general lists for moms and teens in the safe house, Santa’s playroom in the shelter, and Rooms to Go. This is a great way to give with your family, friends, book club, officemates, scout troop, or sports team while offering a lot of giving options and flexibility. These wish lists are available at empoweryolo.org/wish-list/.
For questions about any of our holiday programs contact [email protected], or call (530) 661-6336. Holiday donations can be dropped off at 175 Walnut Street in Woodland, or 441 D Street in Davis during office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information about holiday giving visit empoweryolo.org.
Thank you to all the community members and groups that have already given or who are planning holiday drives, adopting families, or making year-end gifts. Together, we can bring joy and hope to our community.