LAS VEGAS – Southern Nevada’s most trusted domestic violence organization, S.A.F.E. House, announces a new children’s book as part of their resource and shelter libraries. Created by 14-year-old Talia H. Kasinski as part of her Girl Scout Silver Award, The S.A.F.E. Den was written and designed to help young shelter residents feel more comfortable and informed during a difficult time.
“When Talia first came to us with the idea of creating The S.A.F.E. Den, we knew it was something we needed to add to our resource libraries,” said Beth Flory, CEO at S.A.F.E. House. “She recognized that children arriving at our shelter are scared and unsure of what to expect, and she wanted to give them something that would make them feel safe and understood. Her book is already becoming a comfort to the families we serve.”
The story follows four young animals – Ruby the rabbit, Kip the squirrel, Amber the fox, and Fawn the deer – in an enchanted forest, each experiencing uncomfortable situations and stressful home environments.
- Ruby the rabbit lives in a house where her parents constantly fight, and the yelling upsets her.
- Kip the squirrel is bothered by her overbearing, controlling father, even though squirrel tradition says the mom should raise the kids.
- Amber the fox has a father who yells and calls her names anytime she wants to go outside, making her feel like she can’t do anything without being scolded.
- Fawn the deer gets poked with antlers by her father whenever she makes a mistake, until one day she’s finally had enough.
When the four unexpectedly meet one night, they find comfort in realizing they aren’t alone in what they’re facing, and together they create The S.A.F.E. Den, a safe space in the forest where they and other animals can share their feelings openly and support one another.
“I wanted to create something that would help kids feel less scared when they first arrive at the shelter,” Kasinski said. “That moment can be confusing and overwhelming, so I wanted them to have a story that reminds them they’re safe, that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling, and that they’re not alone.”
A limited amount of hard copies of The S.A.F.E. Den will be at S.A.F.E. House’s main office on American Pacific, the shelter for its residents, and online at http://www.safehousenv.org/safety-resources/.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or needs help, call S.A.F.E. House’s 24-hour hotline at 702-564-3227 to speak confidentially with an advocate. For more information about S.A.F.E. House and its comprehensive programs and services, visit http://www.safehousenv.org.