October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for reflection, education, and action at Esperanza Shelter in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For almost five decades, Esperanza has stood as a beacon of safety and hope for survivors and their families. This month reminds us that ending domestic violence requires community awareness, open conversation, and collective commitment. By shining a light on the realities of abuse and celebrating the strength of survivors, we reaffirm our mission to create a Santa Fe where every home is a place of peace, not fear.

Come join us for a fun Open House and Annual Meeting where we'll catch up, share updates, and plan for the future! Open House is 4-6 pm. Come and go as you wish. Annual Meeting is 6-8 pm. Please select your ticket type for either or both parts of the event. Click here to get your tickets!

We invite you to come join us at our signature holiday event, the joyous Trees of Hope, where you create an artificial tree for auction to benefit Esperanza Shelter.

This year we are elated to announce that we are launching a collaboration with the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive at DeVargas Mall! Our trees will be displayed for auction and community members can donate toys to children throughout Northern New Mexico. What a glorious way to engage the community and to share in the holiday spirit!

Here is a link to last year’s trees and videos on our website: Trees of Hope 2024 so you can see how much fun we had last year.

There will be on-premises partner signage on each tree at DeVargas Mall and partner recognition on our website.

Suggested corporate sponsorship $1,500.

New this year is a "Gift Card Tree" that will be filled with gift cards generously donated by local businesses. Inquire within if you'd like to donate a gift card.

For more information, email development@esperanzashelter.org or call Ronelle Shoda, VP of Client Services, 505-490-0235.

Men Against Domestic Violence was born from a conversation between Denise Brown—yes, that one—and Jan McCray, with a shared vision to create a genuine, positive impact in the domestic violence movement. Despite the staggering $8.3 billion annual cost of domestic violence in the U.S., New Mexico continues to experience some of the highest rates of abuse and a shortage of critical resources. This initiative empowers men to serve as allies, ambassadors of Esperanza Shelter, and champions for change. Through awareness, education, and fundraising, Men Against Domestic Violence seeks to drive meaningful progress and inspire community-wide engagement in ending domestic violence.

Our first meeting is November 19th at 6 pm. Please contact Jan McCray, ceo@esperanzashelter.org, 505-365-7629 for more information.

Strangulation is often the “last warning shot” before homicide. A victim strangled even once faces a more than 750% increased risk of being killed, and that risk rises to over 1000% with repeated incidents. Each domestic violence homicide costs a community an average of $17 million, underscoring the urgent need to focus limited resources where they can save lives. In 2022, Jan McCray launched the Las Vegas (NV) Strangulation Task Force, gaining nationwide recognition for this life-saving initiative. In partnership with inspired collaborator Leila Kelly, and key community partners, the Task Force works in greater Santa Fe to coordinate a unified community response to strangulation and reduce domestic violence-related homicides and injuries. Read more about this initiative here.

Stuff our Shelter!

Our shelter is at full capacity for the majority of the year. Many of shelter residents move from our emergency residential shelter into their own home. Help us STUFF OUR SHELTER by providing many of the household good items they need in shelter and also as they transition into their own homes. Shop our Wishlist here.

Purple Thursday

Purple Thursday is important to our mission because raising awareness is an essential part of working to end the cycle of abuse. Our staff showed their support for clients and our community this year.