MARICOPA - Imagine being a victim of domestic violence, mustering up the courage to break the cycle of abuse and leave the relationship, only to find there is nowhere for battered women to turn for a safe haven in Maricopa.

While local churches and outreaches have tried to help domestic violence victims, they just aren't equipped with the mechanisms to provide a safe place for long-term change. Seeing a need for something more, a group of local women is banding together to provide what they hope will be a permanent solution to a growing program.

Their goal: to build a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Maricopa. This February, they will take their first step with the Seeds of Change Gala, Maricopa's first formal affair. All proceeds from the event will go toward the building of a local shelter.

According to Pinal County Sheriff's Lt. Scott Elliott, a Maricopa shelter would be a "much welcomed resource" for his department. Officers in Maricopa responded to 33 domestic violence calls in the month of November alone.

Torri Anderson, wife of Mayor Kelly Anderson, is spearheading the effort, which is a collaboration with Against Abuse Inc., a private program that has been assisting victims of domestic violence in Pinal County for over 25 years. Against Abuse currently has shelters in Casa Grande and Apache Junction, with a second shelter planned to open soon in Casa Grande.

"It's not just a crisis shelter," Anderson said. "It's a long-term program for when women are actually ready to make a change. They provide counseling, education and the momentum for these women to change their lives and walk through the door to positive change."

Once they walk through the door of Against Abuse, those women are provided with counseling and education and a safe place to live.

"They bring in people to teach them about money, how to balance a checkbook. They teach them how to sew. They do arts and crafts," Anderson said. "There's a playground in the back yard for the kids and sometimes even a gardening area. It's a very basic, very safe and secure environment for these women and children."

The house also comes with on-call counselors and 24-hour security.

"It's a very warm place for these women to feel safe. There are counselors available to talk to. It's very safe and secure. When you walk in, you know you're going to be OK."

It's that kind of place that Anderson and nearly a dozen other Maricopa women hope to get started with the Seeds of Change Gala. The event is scheduled for Feb. 4 at the Province Community Center and includes dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions and a casino night. Tickets are $65 each, must be purchased in advance and are going quickly for this formal affair.

"It's going to be a simple and elegant event so all of the money will go directly to the house. It's going to be real nice and real special."

Anderson suggests using the gala as a Valentine's sweetheart dinner, as couples will have the opportunity to get dressed up and enjoy a night on the town.

The gala committee is still seeking sponsorships and donations and offers various rewards for different levels of sponsorship. For example, a $500 sponsorship (either cash or in-kind) includes two tickets to the event and a plaque, as well as sponsor recognition.

Several local groups have already stepped up to be Platinum-level sponsors ($5,000 or more), including Global Water, Province and Ramsey's American Grill, which will be catering the event. Whether it's providing something as simple as a $25 gift card to the silent auction or large financial donations to cover operating expenses, Anderson hopes more will come on board not only for the event, but once the house is under way as well.

Those interested in volunteering, donating or purchasing tickets should contact Anderson at 568-2627 or tanderson@cgmailbox.com. Anderson says people who are interested in attending the event should send an e-mail to her address in order to receive an invitation and RSVP card. The gala is expected to be a sell-out and the deadline for purchasing tickets is mid-January.

"It's going to be the place to be. The social event of the year for Maricopa."

©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2005