108 Quilts and a Whole Lotta Love for TESSA

On December 11, 2025, Barbara M. and Carol G.’s husband, Bill, delivered a car full of wonderful handmade items to TESSA in Colorado Springs. The delivery included 108 quilts, 114 pillowcases, 61 Christmas stockings, 23 handmade toys, and 14 knitted hats. Lauren B., TESSA Coordinator, was amazed when she saw the overloaded car. She sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone for the beautiful items you continue to make and donate.

TESSA was established in 1977 in Colorado Springs in response to a high volume of calls to local law enforcement from women who were threatened or assaulted by their partners. At that time, domestic violence was considered a private matter, and resources for help were difficult to locate, if they existed at all.

That initial effort has evolved into a multifaceted agency that includes a confidential Safehouse, Victim Advocacy, Counseling and Children’s Programs, a 24/7 Safe Line, and Community Outreach and Education. Through these efforts, TESSA strives to realize a vision of communities free of personal violence for all.

Today, TESSA provides immediate safety at its confidential Safehouse for women, children, and other victims escaping abuse. TESSA empowers survivors through advocacy and counseling programs and works to create a safer future through education and outreach to schools, businesses, and other organizations.

In early 2024, Douglas County launched a domestic violence assessment to identify the needs and service gaps facing survivors and victims. Survey responses, combined with additional research, revealed an urgent need for a safe and anonymous shelter in Douglas County. In November 2024, Douglas County purchased a facility to be used as a domestic violence shelter and, a few months later, formed a partnership with TESSA to increase the number of Safehouse beds available in the county. The new facility opened in August 2025.