Bridge2Safety OKC Grows Rapidly, But Needs Support to Help Survivors of Violence

Calls for Help Surge Beyond Capacity

A new metro nonprofit offering immediate assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual violence says demand is surging faster than it can keep up with.

Bridge2Safety OKC, founded in July, reports receiving up to 12 calls and messages a day from survivors. In just a few months, the organization has already served nearly 100 families escaping violent and traumatic situations.

Executive Director Nancy Anderson says many survivors arrive in desperate condition.

“They’re covered in blood sometimes. They’re stabbed. They’re bruised. They’re beaten, and emotionally, they’re beaten down as well,” Anderson said.

What the Bridge2Safety Nonprofit Provides

Bridge2Safety OKC provides emergency support in critical moments:

• Placing families in safe hotel rooms

• Providing phones for communication

• Offering care packages, job assistance, and transportation to court dates

• Supporting survivors directly in hospitals after sexual assaults

Anderson says many victims remain trapped in abusive situations because they fear leaving behind pets or children. Bridge2Safety works to eliminate those barriers by providing flexible, immediate solutions.

Funding and Community Support Needed

Currently, Anderson says she is paying out of pocket to place survivors in safe spaces. The nonprofit estimates it needs $34,000 to remain operational through the end of the year.

The group has launched a petition on Change.org to demonstrate community support, which is required to qualify for grant funding. Donations are also being accepted on the nonprofit’s website, Bridge2SafetyOKC.org.

Here’s how donations help:

• $50 = one night of safety in a hotel

• $100 = one night of safety plus necessities

• $250 = three nights plus necessities

• $700 = one week plus necessities

“If somebody out there wants to save a life, you can help us to do that,” Anderson said. “You can save a life. You can.”

How to Help or Get Help

Bridge2Safety is calling for:

• Donations to help fund hotel stays and necessities

• Volunteers to support daily operations

• Community support via its petition drive

For survivors seeking help, more certified resources are also available through the Oklahoma Safeline (1-800-522-7233), which operates 24/7 statewide.

Parts of this story were first reported by Elizabeth Fitz, KWTV News 9. It has been expanded and reformatted for Radio Oklahoma News readers.