THE SAFE PLACE
Official Newsletter of Domestic Violence Project, Inc
Throughout our organization’s history, we have cultivated relationships with stakeholders at every level of government. Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI) has been fortunate to receive grant assistance from several public sector sources over the years, and this has allowed us to continue our programming and grow to meet emerging needs of the survivors we serve. However, every change in governmental leadership, structure, and budget prioritization brings uncertainty to the sustainability of that funding.
Alongside our efforts to secure grant funding, we have also worked hard to connect with local private foundations, corporations, small businesses, and individuals in Greater Stark County that have gone above and beyond to support our mission. And as we continue to address the crisis of domestic violence in our community, serving even more survivors going forward, we are depending on the generosity of our local community more than ever.
Late last year, one survivor stayed at our emergency shelter with her children during a time of crisis. During their stay at DVPI, our residential advocate was able to help enroll her children in a local school district. They assisted her in applying for temporary public benefits and then helped her secure employment. She attended peer support groups, and her family was adopted by a Project North Pole sponsor for holiday gifts. Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) helped provide her first month’s rent and deposit when she secured stable housing, and Habitat for Humanity provided household items and furniture. DVPI secured a donation of a new washer and dryer from a local hardware store, and Soroptimist of Stark County purchased new beds for her and her children. She and her family transitioned out of our shelter in time to enjoy their first Christmas in their new home, free from abuse.
This is a story of the resilience of a survivor paired with multiplied through our collaborations with local agenci so hope and healing can begin.
Will you consider giving financially again to help us in o emergency and supportive services to all those impacte
Any amount can make a difference, and every gift has t change lives for the better.
Thank you for offering hope and healing through your s We are so grateful for your kindness.
JULIE DONANT, CEO
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING RAPID REHOUSING
16
Individuals housed for 5,808 total nights
EMERGENCY SHELTER
115 126 15,914
Adults housed and Kids housed for
total nights
852 Legal Advocacy Clients Served
1,120 Total Hotline Calls
Upcoming Events
49
Individuals housed for 6,989 total nights
323 Community Training Participants
54,570
Total Number of In-Kind Donations
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT PROJECT NORTH POLE
Join DVPI for Take Back the Night on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave N, Canton. This annual event brings the community together to honor and stand with those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and dating violence. All are welcome to attend and show support for survivors. Free admission. RSVP at dvpi.org/take-back-the-night.
TAKEBACK THE
NORTHPOLE
DVPI’s annual holiday gift drive, Project North Pole, supports survivors of domestic violence during the holiday season. Beginning Nov. 3, 2025, community members can “adopt” a family or individual, receive their wish list, and shop for meaningful gifts. All wrapped and labeled items should be delivered to DVPI during the week of Dec. 8–12, 2025. If you are interested in adopting a family, please email Klara Muster at klaram@dvpi.org. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for those in need.
PROJECT
2025
OnJune6,wecelebratedourmostsuccessfulChampionsofHopeyet.The eveningwasfilledwithinspirationasourcommunitycametogetherto honorimpact,sharestoriesofhope,andraisecriticalfundsforsurvivors ofdomesticviolence.Weareespeciallygratefultoourco-chairs,Kristen KempthornHodgeandNikoleBall,whoseleadership,vision,and dedicationhelpedmakethisnighttrulyunforgettable.
Savethedate:OurnextChampionsofHopewillbeheldonJune5,2026 markyourcalendarforanothereveningofimpactandcelebration.
On August 25, we hosted our 21st Annual Putting for Hope Golf Outing, bringing together friends, supporters, and community partners for a day of funandpurpose.
A heartfelt thank-you to our event chairman, Michael Zoldan, whose leadership and dedication helped make this year’s outing such a success. Thank you to the generosity of our golfers, sponsors, and volunteers. The day was more than just a game it was a powerful show of support for survivorsofdomesticviolence.
Thank You, Volunteers!
Since the beginning of the year, volunteers from Amazon have joined us every other month, lending a helping hand with organization, deep cleaning, and a variety of other tasks that keep our operations running smoothly. Faith Family Church spent their Serve Day with us, giving our outdoor spaces a fresh look by pulling weeds, gardening, and trimming trees. Students from Mount Union’s Alpha Chi Omega Sorority also pitched in, helping process donations for our Founding Mothers’ Room to ensure essential items reach survivors quickly and efficiently. The dedication and generosity of these volunteers make a meaningful difference for our community every day.
Life-Giving Donations
Thissummer,wereachedouttooursupporterstohelpusmeetsurvivors’basicneedswith donationsofitemslikefood,cleaningproducts,toiletries,schoolsupplies,andmore.Theresponse wasimmenseandimmediate.WearesogratefultoneighborslikeDiebold,PerryRotary,Blossom MusicCenter,NimishillenGrange,Soroptimist,GirlScoutTroop61067,andAmazonfortheir generousdonations!
WewerealsothrilledtoreceivetwobabycarriersfromHope&Plum,providingcrucialsupportto survivorsastheynavigatelifeinourshelterwithlittleones.
P.O. Box 9459
Canton, OH 44711-9459
www.dvpi.org
Your support provides safety, healing, and hope to survivors every day.
Giving is easier than ever visit dvpi.org/give or scan the QR code.
Check out our refreshed website, thanks to GiveCamp Cleveland! Explore programs, get involved, or donate online.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Randi Smuckler, President
Ed Roth, Vice President
Katherine Gessner, Treasurer
Lucreda Boylan, Secretary
Mercedes Brown
Pedro Chavez
Madison Connor
Adenike Gbadebo
Melissa Hoch
Patricia Johnson
Courtney Johnson-Benson
Kristen Kempthorn-Hodge
Erin Luntz
Nicholas Milburn
Jessica Schering
Michael Watson
Michael Zoldan