May Wellness Day Brings Survivors to A Safe Place for Fun and Relaxation

A Safe Place Family Justice Center, where multiple public and private agencies offer coordinated services for survivors of violence, is typically closed over the weekend. Last Saturday morning was an exception. A team of staff and volunteers turned on the lights and opened the doors of A Safe Place for a special purpose: our second ever Wellness Day for survivors!

All those receiving services from A Safe Place or CWS were invited to participate in a day of rest and relaxation. The schedule for this kid-friendly event was packed with fun activities,
including cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, guided meditation and chair yoga.  Every guest was invited to join us for a pizza lunch, participate in a self-care raffle, and to take home a potted plant to enjoy in the summer months.

Wellness Day also included services provided by generous volunteers. Sarah Schlamp from Massage Solace provided hand massages to attendees and Jenni Jackson, a leader and trainer with BeautiControl, gave expert advice during her afternoon makeup demonstration. Marilyn Daum, CWS’ longtime volunteer yoga instructor, led both the relaxing meditation session and the chair yoga class. Seven additional volunteers helped out with Wellness Day activities, including Dena, cupcake decorator extraordinaire.

Donations from area businesses, including Ace Hardware, Albertsons, Bi-Mart, Costco, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, and Safeway, supported every aspect of the day’s programming.

The first Wellness Day, which took place last October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, brought 42 women and children to A Safe Place. With last week’s event, we began a tradition of twice-yearly self-care events that we hope will continue long into the future.