Half a Century of Hope. A Future Without Violence. |
It's been a busy start to the summer for the team at Esperanza Shelter. We're sharing a few updates, and we hope you'll enjoy learning more about our efforts and impact. Please be sure to share this newsletter with your friends! |
Message from CEO Jan McCray |
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In early June, our community was shaken by a tragic homicide-suicide involving a young couple in the process of separating. Our hearts are with the families, friends, and community members grieving this devastating loss.
While every situation is unique, tragedies like this often prompt important conversations about domestic violence, trauma, and mental health. It is important to recognize that mental illness does not cause domestic violence. Domestic violence is rooted in patterns of power and control. At the same time, trauma, isolation, substance misuse, and untreated mental health concerns can increase risk and make already dangerous situations more volatile. |
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I shared thoughts on these connections in a news release on our website during Mental Health Awareness Month.
At Esperanza, we know that domestic violence rarely exists in isolation. It often intersects with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health challenges, affecting not only survivors but also children, families, and entire communities.
One of the most important realities the public often does not understand is that separation can be the most dangerous time for a survivor. Research shows that when a survivor attempts to leave an abusive partner, the risk of serious injury or homicide increases significantly when the abusive partner senses a loss of control. In fact, studies have found that a victim is at greatest risk of being killed when attempting to leave or shortly after leaving an abusive relationship. Nationally, more than half of female intimate partner homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner, underscoring the critical need for safety planning, support services, and community awareness during periods of separation and transition.
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June is Gun Violence Awareness Month |
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| Every month, an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner in the US. |
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Source: Everytown Research Analysis of CDC data 2019 |
While we cannot prevent every tragedy, we can learn the warning signs of abuse, support those experiencing violence, reduce stigma around seeking help, and ensure that resources are available when they are needed most. Thank you for standing with Esperanza as we work to create a community where safety, healing, accountability, and hope are possible for everyone. |
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A Survivor's Story of Hope |
When she first came to Esperanza, a survivor was hesitant to engage in counseling and unsure about seeking legal protection. Through consistent therapy, she gained a deeper understanding of trauma, learned effective coping skills, and began rebuilding her sense of safety and confidence. Today, she has obtained an order of protection, is able to visit places that once caused overwhelming anxiety, and is reconnecting with friends and family. Her journey reflects the power of support, healing, and resilience. (Shared with permission and identifying details changed to protect confidentiality.)
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Program Highlight: Survivor Counseling Services |
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Healing from domestic violence takes time, support, and a safe space to process difficult experiences. At Esperanza Shelter, we offer free and confidential individual counseling providing survivors with personalized support to address trauma, rebuild confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies. |
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We also facilitate survivor support groups where participants can connect with others who have shared similar experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and find strength through community. Whether through one-on-one therapy or group support, our compassionate, trauma-informed counselors help survivors move from crisis toward healing, hope, and empowerment. Individual and group counseling services are offered in English and Spanish and are free for everyone. Call 505-416-8415 to learn more.
Your support makes these services possible. |
Add More HOPE to Your Feed! |
There's a very easy way to support Esperanza Shelter's mission:
Follow, Like and Share our posts on social media.
Click the links above or scan the QR codes below to add us to your feed. |
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Help us help the victim survivors we serve! |
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A single book can help change a life. Esperanza Shelter is inviting our community to purchase a copy of a special book for our Counseling Department. This resource will be available to survivors working with our counselors as they navigate their healing journey after domestic violence. This book is especially meaningful to our organization because it includes research conducted at Esperanza Shelter and features the work of our Board Member, Jeannette Baca. |
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By donating a copy, you're helping ensure survivors have access to evidence-informed resources that promote healing, resilience, and hope. If you'd like to support our counseling program, you can purchase a book directly from our Amazon Wish List. Thank you for investing in hope, healing, and brighter futures for survivors. Every donated book makes a difference. Amazon Wishlist
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Every day, Esperanza helps individuals and families find safety, healing, and hope. But ending domestic violence takes more than a dedicated staff—it takes a community of champions.
We are seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our Board of Directors and help advance Esperanza's mission. |
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Our board members are advocates, ambassadors, and leaders who leverage their relationships, expertise, and influence to expand awareness of Esperanza’s work, cultivate community support, and help generate sustainable funding to support survivors today, while working toward ending domestic violence in our community. We are looking for people who:
• Believe everyone deserves a life free from violence
• Are willing to actively support fundraising and community outreach efforts
• Can commit time and energy to meaningful board service
• Want to help create lasting change in our community
If you are passionate about making a difference and ready to put your values into action, we'd love to hear from you. To learn more about board service, contact us |
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We are Out and About - Come See Us |
We're excited to be a part of community events this summer to help share information and resources, and we hope you'll join us. You can find our full schedule on the new events calendar on our website. Here are some of the places you'll find us soon: |
PRIDE on the Plaza, Saturday, June 27th |
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| Find Esperanza Shelter at Pride on the Plaza!
We're proud to stand with Santa Fe's LGBTQ+ community and celebrate a future where everyone can live safely, authentically, and free from violence. Stop by our booth to learn more about our services, resources, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support survivors in our community. |
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Los Alamos FREE Summer Concert Series Every Friday! |
We can't think of many things we enjoy more than FREE live music in a beautiful park on a warm Friday night in the summer, and thanks to the Los Alamos Free Summer Concert Series, we're really having fun. We hope you'll join us at the concerts starting at 6:30, Fridays through August 28th at Ashley Pond. Many thanks to Sancre Productions for highlighting Esperanza Shelter as one of four nonprofit partners for the series. Check out the schedule here: Los Alamos Summer Concert Series
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Movies in the Park, July 10 and August 7, 6 pm |
The City of Santa Fe hosts free movies at SWAN Park through August, and Esperanza Shelter will be there with fun giveaways and information to share. The big screen and sound are amazing, and June's feature, A Bug's Life, was so much fun, we can hardly wait to see what's showing next! |
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Believe it or not, it's almost time to start thinking about back-to-school events. Esperanza Shelter is proud to join our community at several big events taking place at the end of July.
Del Norte Credit Union's 5th Annual Back to School Event on Saturday, July 25th at Carlos Vigil Middle School in Española.
Click here for more information. |
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You'll also find us at the La Familia Health Fiesta 2026 on Saturday, July 25th...it's going to be a busy day!
Click here for more information. |
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...perseverance " I believe in hope as an act of defiance." |
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