Helping women and children fleeing domestic violence is a calling for Safe Passage Heals Founder Trish Steele, born in October, Domestic Violence Annual Awareness Month.
“This is why God called me to be the trailblazer for domestic violence,” says Trish, who suffered as a victim of domestic violence as a child. Now a “Victorious Woman and forerunner for many… Success and miracles do happen when you believe and fight the good fight of faith.”
Founded by Trish in 2000, Safe Passage Heals provides hope, opportunity, pride and empowerment to abused women and their children, leading them to a new and better life. The organization evolved out of Trish’s “Women Crowned in Glory” ministry in the early 90s, which encouraged women to fulfill their calling in life. With locations in Los Angeles and Thousand Oaks, Safe Passage Heals continues to reach women and children on their journey to a productive and happy life, boasting a 95% proven track record of helping survivors and serving more than 1,900 women and children.
Services include health and nutrition classes, counseling, medical exams, reconstructive surgery, self-defense classes, job and computer training, clothing and supplies, transportation, children’s activities, mentorships and more.
Passionate about bringing hope to people who have suffered trauma and emotional issues, including those due to Covid, Trish has ensured Safe Passage remains open during the pandemic so that anyone who needs help can find it. A grand opening ceremony celebrating Safe Passage Heals as an established nonprofit in the Conejo Valley last September featured a ribbon-cutting and festivities that included providing over 300 evening wear dresses, donated by Macy’s, to children, young ladies and women who may have missed a prom, graduation, wedding, birthday or other “life event” due to the Covid restrictions. Trish also handmade special masks with the Safe Passage logo for all in attendance.
In October, Safe Passage Heals presented “Healing through Movement” in conjunction with Domestic Awareness Month, featuring celebrity fitness trainers Angelina Margo, Holly Zee, Traci Cowan and Jennifer Silverstein.
“I believe in movement to heal the soul and mind of this year’s quarantine times,” says Trish. “Get out and enjoy this community of beauty that we have all been fortunate to live in.”
The organization commemorated 20 years of service to those affected by domestic abuse at a private holiday supported by community patrons, philanthropists and sponsors for holiday merriment last month.
“We are so passionate about the Conejo Valley residents joining our charity for future events and participation in making a difference in many lives,” says Trish, who knows firsthand about overcoming abuse and hopelessness.
Thanks to the help of experts who gave their time and services, Trish was able to rebuild her life and break the cycle of abuse. Driven to use her experience to help others suffering from domestic abuse, she initially began sheltering women in her own home before raising the funds to establish a permanent safe house residence in Sherman Oaks. Trish has been a trailblazer for over 50 years.
Recognized for her dedication to helping others, Trish received the “President’s Volunteer Service Award” in April 2011 for her efforts in addressing the most pressing needs in her community, as well as awards from Southern California Motion Picture Council, Beautiful People Awards, Amazing Woman’s Advocacy and Mi Amor Gala “Kindness is Cool.” Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Controllers Ron Galperin and Wendy Gruel and Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine have also honored Trish for her service.
Safe Passage Heals invites community members to partner with the organization, located at 790 Greenwich Blvd, in Thousand Oaks. Call 818.232.7476 for more information.safepassageheals.org.