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Dear Friends,
This past year reminded us how deeply national policy decisions impact the lives of survivors. Changes at the federal level—shifts in funding priorities and reductions in housing and food assistance—created real hardships for families already in crisis. These challenges tested our resolve and reaffirmed why our work is essential: when systems fail, survivors turn to us for safety, stability, and hope.
In the face of these obstacles, we leaned into our core values and tapped into our resilience. Guided by our mission, we strengthened our Board of Directors through a renewed commitment to policy governance—ensuring accountability and strategic oversight that empowers leadership and staff to deliver with clarity and confidence.
Community resilience has been our greatest source of strength. Time and again, we’ve seen neighbors, volunteers, and partners step forward to ensure survivors are not alone. From holiday gift drives to emergency housing support, our community has shown that compassion and solidarity can overcome even the toughest challenges. This spirit of collective care reminds us that healing is possible—and that together, we can create lasting change.
As we look ahead, we anticipate continued challenges at the federal level in 2026—but we are ready to move boldly forward. Our commitment to survivors is unwavering, and our vision for the future is clear: to lead with courage, innovate strategically, and ensure every individual has access to safety and hope.
We also want to take a moment to highlight Tara Peterson, our Executive Director, as she enters her third year of leadership. Tara has elevated this organization in remarkable ways—bringing in new resources, engaging new donors, and shaping a strategic vision that positions us for long-term impact. Her vision to build and uplift leaders was instrumental in creating a senior leadership team that is aligned, empowered, and ready to lead boldly. This team reflects our commitment to resilience and innovation, ensuring we can meet the challenges ahead with strength and creativity.
Thanks to your support, we’ve accomplished incredible things:
• New Website Launch: In partnership with Mission Minded, we’ve created a modern, user-friendly site that ensures survivors have quick access to resources, community partners can easily find tools, and donors have clarity on our purpose and impact. Visit centerfordomesticpeace.org
• New Legal Support: With new funding, we’re adding a staff attorney to meet the growing demand for legal system support—elevating our ability to provide justice and safety for survivors.
• Annual Appeal Success: We exceeded our fundraising goal thanks to your generosity!
• Inaugural Purple Ribbon Awards: We proudly launched this new initiative to recognize outstanding community members from our Coordinated Community Response Network who are leading efforts to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence. Their dedication reflects the power of collaboration and the shared vision of a safer community.
As we celebrate these milestones, we also honor and say goodbye to one of our long-term board members, Toni Nies, whose dedication and leadership have shaped our journey. Toni, thank you for your years of service and unwavering commitment to our mission.
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