Walk into Sanctuary Inspired Goods in Old Colorado City and you’ll likely be greeted by one or both of the owners, Lori Vafiades and Sarah Joy.
A mural of wings — stand before them, and you’ll look like an angel — is just one of the whimsical, colorful works that fill the space, along with a multitude of paintings, drawings, wood workings and other artful pieces from about 30 artists.
The Courageous Hearts Affirmations of Freedom card deck is a recent addition to their shop. Vafiades, Joy and a handful of the shop’s core artists created each card with an original work of art and an inspiring phrase and, discreetly placed on one side near the bottom, the National Domestic Violence Hotline number.
Vafiades said the idea to put the hotline number on the cards came out of a conversation she had with Joy and Wendy Oliver, the founder and leader of Colorado Springs-based nonprofit Arise to Freedom, which supports and guides women leaving abusive situations. Joy said that Oliver and Vafiades helped her and her children escape domestic violence.
You are not alone. – Sarah Joy
The deck costs $30, $5 of which is donated to Arise to Freedom. On all other sales, 5 percent goes to the nonprofit.
Vafiades explained that the cards are designed for those interfacing with the public, such as drivers, teachers and nurses.
They can have the cards handy for when they encounter someone who appears to be in a tough situation, but is with someone who might not be a safe person for them. They can hand them the card as if it is just an affirmation card, showing kindness and discreetly sharing the hotline number at the same time.
“These are cards with a secret weapon,” said Vafiades said.
Joy shared a similar sentiment, describing each card as “a key that can help unlock somebody’s freedom.”
She said the quotes deal with hope, self-worth and expecting respect in relationships — all messages someone in an abusive situation needs to hear. The hope is the quotes might “get the wheels turning” about what a healthy relationship should be.
“Every step I take is a step towards freedom, liberation and self-discovery,” reads one card featuring a realistic pencil sketch of a girl walking in a fantastical watercolor world, holding a yellow balloon.
“I am worthy of love, respect and freedom in every aspect of my life,” states another card that depicts a butterfly hovering over flowers.
Joy said her message to anyone experiencing domestic violence is this: “You deserve love that feels safe. There are people out there who can help you find safety. You are not alone.”
Sanctuary Inspired Goods offers classes and workshops, as well as henna body art, a nontoxic, temporary design drawn on the skin.
TO FIND HELP
Domestic violence affects people of all ages and genders. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
IF YOU GO
Sanctuary Goods is at 2506 W. Colorado Ave., Suite B (though the shop will be undergoing some changes at the end of the summer, including a change in location, with details still to be determined). It’s open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Information: SanctuaryInspiredGoods.com, the Sanctuary Inspired Goods Facebook page or 719-360-2764.