As a current student at Minnesota State Community and Technical College of Fergus Falls, I chose to complete a service learning project for my Womens Studies course. The site which I elected to volunteer at was the Perham office of Someplace Safe. For those who are not familiar with this amazing agency, SomePlace Safe works with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and general crimes. They rely on private, state, and federal funding to secure their programs.
During my 27 hours of service to SomePlace SafePerham, I was overwhelmed at the amount of work the advocate I teamed with must perform. For example, detailed knowledge of criminal and civil court procedure is required, as well as knowing all community resources for housing, food support, medical services, etc. Aside from working one-on-one with victims, the advocate also facilitates entry to Shelter, provides transportation, is on-call, attends meetings, fundraises, provides community education, sorts donations, and maintains an office. It was truly a great, eye-opening experience.
However, when I inquired about funding sources for this office, I was saddened to learn that the VAWA grant that the office is funded from had been reallocated. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2006-2007, crime victim service providers will no longer be entitled to receive VAWA STOP grants. This move by the legislature leaves SomePlace SafePerham in a precarious situation, as the VAWA grant solely funds the entire Perham program. Potentially, this crucial service could lose its full-time capacity, or, possibly, shut down fully.
I am now calling on the caring citizens of Otter Tail County to support SomePlace SafePerham in any way that they are able. This includes financially, volunteering time, or giving in-kind donations of office supplies or items needed by victims. You may obtain more information on needed items by contacting SomePlace SafePerham at (218) 346-7276.
Please keep in mind that any time you help SomePlace Safe, you may be helping your mother, sister, daughter, or friend.
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Kelly Sullivan
Concerned Citizen
Richville
