ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Tri-County Safe Harbor will host its 9th Annual Drive Away Violence 4-Person Scramble Golf Outing on Thursday, July 9. The fundraiser brings together community members, businesses, and supporters for a day of golf in support of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
The event will take place at the Highland Golf Course, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, contests, prizes, food, and opportunities to support Tri-County Safe Harbor’s mission of providing safety, advocacy, shelter, and support services to individuals and families across Menominee, Delta, and Schoolcraft counties.
Funds raised will directly support emergency shelter services, crisis intervention, advocacy programs, prevention education, and supportive services for survivors and their children. During the last fiscal year, Tri-County Safe Harbor provided services to 145 survivors, including 104 women, 38 children, and three men. The organization provided 1,574 safe shelter bed nights and responded to 1,207 helpline calls from individuals seeking assistance, safety planning, and crisis intervention.
According to Tri-County Safe Harbor, providing life-saving services comes at a significant cost. Last fiscal year, the average cost to provide one night of safe shelter for an individual escaping violence was approximately $209. This figure does not include the additional expenses incurred when the shelter reaches capacity, and Tri-County Safe Harbor must secure temporary emergency lodging elsewhere to ensure no survivor is left without a safe place to stay.
“This fundraiser is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of survivors and help ensure that critical services remain available to those who need them most,” said Executive Director Liz Reed. “Every team registration, sponsorship, and donation helps make a meaningful difference.”
Recently, domestic violence agencies across Michigan—including Tri-County Safe Harbor—learned that the state anticipates a 20 percent reduction in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding for the upcoming fiscal year. This projected reduction comes on top of the approximately $70,000 decrease in VOCA funding that Tri-County Safe Harbor experienced before the start of this current fiscal year. While the final reduction percentage has not yet been determined, executive directors of domestic violence agencies throughout the state are expressing concern about the potential impact on services for survivors.
“In speaking with my peers, I know we are not alone in facing significant funding reductions through the state,” Reed said. “As executive directors, we have expressed our concerns to both our state funder and our coalition. Locally, I am working closely with our Board of Directors and the Community Foundation for Delta County, which provides our financial administration services, to identify cost-saving measures while preserving services for survivors. For example, by recently changing the company that provides our required cybersecurity insurance, we expect to save approximately $6,200 annually.”
Community members and businesses are invited to participate through team registration, sponsorship opportunities, prize donations, or volunteer support.
“Domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking affect individuals and families in every community,” said Board President Julia Gudwer. “As public funding becomes increasingly uncertain, community support becomes even more important. We are grateful for the donors, volunteers, grant partners, and advocates who help make our mission possible and ensure that survivors have somewhere to turn when they need help most. We are deeply appreciative of our dedicated staff, whose compassion, professionalism, and commitment provide hope, safety, and support to survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
To register, sponsor the event, or learn more, contact Samantha Clark at (906) 789-9207 ext. 2 or samantha@safe3c.com.
