Leaders that identify the needs and innovate solutions light the runway for agencies to create, develop and operate programs that take flight. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to reflect about how the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley (formerly Longmont Coalition for Women in Crisis) originated from the collective strength and resourcefulness of the five remarkable women who, in solidarity, formed a 501(c)3 human services organization in 1978 to help end domestic violence in our community. This valiant effort was the epitome of how individuals united can build safe pathways for each other in times of danger, and often against all odds. The fledgling agency’s success was dependent on volunteers and donations. Trained volunteers took on phone shifts to keep a 24-hour crisis line available or opened their own homes to temporarily house victims of domestic violence. Women volunteers heard the testimonies and saw the emotional and physical traumas domestic violence leaves in its wake. The depth and breadth of resources soon took flight as the original fearless five were successful in obtaining funding to develop a non-profit human services agency with paid staff to grow services to meet the needs in our community.