Domestic Violence Awareness Month, held annually in October, is dedicated to supporting survivors, uniting advocates, and promoting resources to end domestic abuse. To help raise awareness, Blue Yonder associate Tess Haranda shares her story and how she is supporting victims in her leadership role at a local nonprofit organization.
It’s important to acknowledge that domestic violence affects people of all genders and identities, with certain groups, including those facing mental and physical challenges and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, experiencing higher rates. While statistics indicate that women are often disproportionately affected, domestic violence transcends all cultural, socio-economic, and educational boundaries.
As a survivor of domestic violence, I understand the challenges involved in escaping a dangerous situation, and I recognize that many individuals are not as fortunate. After I was in a healthy place, I volunteered at a local women’s shelter. I was shocked when I read a checklist identifying the most common abuse behaviors—it was like looking at a playbook of my own experience.
While browsing local Facebook groups in late 2024, I saw a post seeking assistance for a new nonprofit. I offered my writing and life coaching skills, thinking I could help with an occasional resume or interview preparation. Although the organization was still in the conceptual stage, the founder had a fiery passion to provide services that addressed unmet needs for survivors of domestic violence. After one meeting, we shared that vision, and we began the work to help survivors in Northern Colorado.
Bettie Bubbles’ executive director, also a survivor, worked at a women’s shelter in Fort Collins, Colorado. In her role, she collaborated with many complementary services in the area. A significant gap in support was a means to help individuals build financial independence. While shelters provide temporary housing and safety, many individuals face barriers such as a lack of job skills, work history, financial resources for child support and transportation, and financial literacy. These factors can make it difficult to achieve independence, which is where our nonprofit provides assistance.
Bettie Bubbles Cleaning Cause, a professional cleaning service, was created to support victims of domestic abuse with employment opportunities and a means to financial independence. We provide job training and supplies, and we coordinate with other support organizations in Northern Colorado as necessary.
We require our board of directors to complete nonprofit leadership and trauma response training. This ensures a consistent knowledge base and awareness of the effort required to help our clients. In my role as Executive Secretary, I am creating back-office processes and project timelines, managing essential financial and legal documentation, and providing technical and business support so Bettie Bubbles can move forward efficiently.
We plan to offer future services such as English language skills, GED tutoring, scholarships for higher education and professional development, childcare services, and transportation. We aim to empower individuals to move into leadership positions within our organization and beyond. As a former educator and instructional designer, I am particularly passionate about these initiatives.
We are currently in the process of filing as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and engaging with other successful nonprofits and support organizations to learn best practices. Hosting informational booths at events like Loveland’s Truce Festival and Denver’s Convergence 27 convention has helped Bettie Bubbles raise awareness and foster discussions on important issues.
I'm proud of our accomplishments and what we will continue to achieve, and I am grateful for Blue Yonder’s support in volunteering initiatives. To learn more about Bettie Bubbles, please visit www.bettiebubbles.org.
If you or someone you know is in a toxic or violent situation, please reach out for help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)
https://www.thehotline.org
800-799-7233
Text BEGIN to 88788
Languages supported: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service
Hours: 24/7
Click here for other organizations that assist victims of domestic violence.
*Please note that while we encourage you to explore these charities, Blue Yonder does not formally endorse or have official partnerships with them at present.