Safelight, which has served more than 46,000 individuals since its founding in 1984, was honored at the Bank of America Philanthropy Forum on November 13 at Blue Ridge Community College. The event served as a community discussion on giving trends and recognized nonprofits, including Safelight, that are leading recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating hurricane.
The Neighborhood Builders program provides Safelight with a $50,000 grant over two years and comprehensive leadership training for its Chief Executive Officer and an emerging leader. This flexible funding and development opportunity is designed to strengthen high-impact nonprofits and empower their ability to meet urgent community needs.
Flexible Funding to Expand Critical Services
The new funding will be instrumental in helping Safelight expand its unique polyvictimization programming, which serves survivors of any violence, abuse, or exploitation witnessed or experienced.
“Safelight stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for survivors navigating trauma and rebuilding their lives, especially as Western North Carolina continues its recovery from Hurricane Helene,” said David Dowd, president, Bank of America Asheville. “Through flexible funding and leadership development, the Neighborhood Builders program empowers Safelight to meet urgent needs and create a stronger future for individuals and families in Henderson County.”
Safelight offers a holistic, multifaceted approach to help survivors transition from crisis to stability. Onsite programs provide access to essential services, including:
Mental health counseling
Medical assistance
Legal advocacy
Housing support
Employment services
Innovative Job Training to Foster Independence
A key component of Safelight's mission is fostering financial stability and independence through job training programs. The organization operates two social enterprises:
Dandelion Café: A local eatery that provides hands-on job training for participants. The Neighborhood Builder funding will allow the café to expand its training opportunities by launching a new product line and offering skills development in areas like marketing and product development.
Safelight Resale Store: Sells donated items, with all proceeds directly supporting services for survivors.
“Safelight is unique in that we offer polyvictimization programming for survivors of any violence, abuse or exploitation witnessed or experienced,” said Lauren Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of Safelight. “By partnering with us, the community helps save lives in Henderson County.”
Safelight is the seventh nonprofit in Western North Carolina to be selected as a Neighborhood Builder, with Bank of America’s total investment in the region through the program now exceeding $350,000 in philanthropic capital since its inception in 2004.
WNCTimes