our story

Our mission is to provide safe and secure housing for the victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.

A companion animal can often become a tool for an abusive partner to hold power and control in the relationship. If contemplating leaving a bad relationship, the question of what will happen to a companion animal can become an important deciding factor.

There is a gap in community services which provide care for the companion animals of domestic violence victims. ShelterMe Nebraska is committed to treating every victim and companion animal with respect and dignity by providing rehabilitative services through safe and secure housing.

Featured

Sam Franklin, MBA, Founder and Executive Director

Sam is a business professional with extensive experience in marketing, business management, strategies, and data analytics. She has an MBA in Global Business Management, and a BA in Social Science. In addition, she has personal experience with the cycle of violence, and community resources available.

As a survivor of domestic violence who was forced to leave her dog with an abuser while she got on her feet, Sam understands the stress and hurt of leaving a companion animal with an abuser. ShelterMe Nebraska was incorporated in 2015 as a 501c3 organization with a vision to provide resources for both humans and animals across the state of Nebraska.

65% of domestic violence victims refuse to leave because they fear for their animal's safety. We can change that, and we NEED TO CHANGE THAT. Help us!!! Find us on Facebook at ShelterMe Nebraska. Help us save lives. Together, we can do this!

ShelterMe in the community

“I want to thank you so much for your assistance with our clients and their pet needs. It is imperative that we have community partners that are willing and able to assist survivors with the needs of their pets when they are ready to leave abusive and dangerous relationships. We appreciate your quick response and ability to meet the survivors needs in a timely manner, as these situations often need to be handled quickly for the safety of the survivor and her animals.

We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Shelter Me Nebraska as we assist survivors and their pets with safety planning as they leave abusive relationships.”

Keri W, Group Coordinator/Advocate, Voices of Hope

“Every city, every state, needs an organization like ShelterMeNE. In the toughest and scariest of times, you are someone victims can turn to, be heard and provided with services to save themselves and their dog. So many domestic violence victims are paralyzed with fear for their own lives as well as their pets. So many pets suffer and even die because the abuser uses them to torture and control the victim.

Many of these dogs come to you injured or ill and have not received the medical care they need.

Sadie Dog Fund, a Lincoln Nebraska based 501c3, strives to ‘Keep Dogs Alive & In Their Homes’ by providing veterinary grants for dogs in need. We strongly believe in your mission and we will be here to partner with you to save dogs' lives and provide them the quality of life they so richly deserve.

Thank you for providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their dogs in Nebraska. We wish you the best in fulfilling your dream of building a shelter in our state, for the people and dogs who suffer at the hands of their abusers, in our community. Because of you, there is hope.”

Pam H, Founder/Executive Director of Sadie Dog Fund