Safe Exit 
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Holiday Giving Program 2025
Adopt a Family
The holidays are a joyful time for many, but for survivors of domestic violence, this time of year can bring tremendous stress. Many are actively fleeing abuse, rebuilding their lives, or working hard to create stability for their children after leaving an unsafe situation.
This year, survivors in our community are facing increasingly complex challenges. Along with the impacts of rising living costs, limited access to legal services, and the ongoing housing crisis, we are seeing a sharp rise in food insecurity. Reduced SNAP benefits and higher grocery prices mean many families are struggling to meet even their most basic needs. For survivors working to keep their families safe, these added pressures can make the holiday season feel overwhelming.
To help bring warmth, dignity, and joy to families during this difficult time, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is once again hosting our annual Holiday Giving Program.
We are accepting online donations (below) on behalf of participating families. All funds raised will be used to provide gift cards, empowering survivors to choose holiday gifts—and essential items—for their children and loved ones. This program has gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from those we serve over the last several years, offering families both flexibility and a meaningful sense of autonomy during the holiday season.
Our goal is to raise $100 for 100 individuals.
Total goal: $10,000 to provide to families this holiday season.
Meet one of our families that your donation can support this holiday season:
When Elena first reached out to the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, she was a new mother living in fear. Her partner’s abuse had escalated, and she wanted to create a safe life for herself and her infant daughter. With courage and support found at the Center, Elena took the first steps to leave.
In those first difficult weeks, Elena began working with an advocate, and with assistance from the Center’s legal program, she obtained a restraining order. Donations of a Thanksgiving basket and gift cards for gas and groceries supplied by the Center helped Elena cover essential needs while she began rebuilding her life.
After immense pressure from her partner, she returned to the relationship, but she stayed connected to her Advocate. This continued support created opportunity to build on Elena’s strengths. Through individual therapy, support groups, and the survivor-led Creative Expression Group, Elena learned more about the dynamics of domestic violence and rediscovered her confidence and voice.
Deciding to end the relationship after an assault, Elena focused on her future. Funds were provided through the Center to help pay off Elena’s car loan and utility bills, and she participated in financial literacy and empowered parenting classes. Retainer funds were secured by the Center for a lawyer to respond when motions were filed for visitation with her daughter by her ex-partner. With transitional housing assistance funds, she found a safe home for her family—and even enrolled her daughter in dance lessons, a joyful reminder that healing and hope are possible.
Today, Elena and her daughter are thriving. She secured her own home, qualified for a mortgage, and earned a promotion and raise at work. Elena and her daughter now live in safety, stability, and hope—proof how resources truly transform lives.
More Ways to Support
Help us provide books to families in need!
Donate a Jabberwocky Bookshop Gift Certificate this holiday season.
Gift certificate donations will allow us to purchase books that will help heal, offer education and bring joy to our families in need.
Gift certificates can be left at Jabberwocky Bookshop (50 Water St #22 in Newburyport) for later pick up by our staff.
Visit a local business to participate in a gift card drive!
The generous businesses listed below are hosting drives for gas and grocery store gift cards. These will be given to survivors we serve throughout the year to help meet urgent needs.