Standing Together: Why Pledge to Protect Matters to All of Us- A Word from Aaron Steed, CEO

This October, during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m asking businesses everywhere to join Pledge to Protect: a movement inviting companies to stand with survivors through concrete actions like free services, safe housing, and employee volunteerism.

This is more than a campaign or a hashtag, it’s a call to action. I’m inviting businesses not only in our local communities but across the United States to join this movement. Whether you can donate services, offer safe nights, fund essentials, or empower employees to volunteer, your commitment can change lives.

One of my favorite examples of this ripple effect is Veterans Moving in Fort Worth, Texas. They were inspired by what we’re doing here at Meathead Movers but didn’t have the budget to donate full moving services. I suggested they ask their team to volunteer one day a month. Several employees immediately stepped up, and now they provide free moves for survivors without needing a large cash budget. That’s the kind of creative, community-driven impact we need everywhere.

Since the beginning, Meathead Movers has provided free moves to help survivors of domestic violence reach safety. We began doing this because we believe that domestic violence is not just a personal issue, it’s a community issue, and businesses are part of the community.

This commitment isn’t something we’re willing to negotiate.  Free moves for survivors remains a core part of who we are and the last expense we’re willing to cut, even with rising inflation and a housing market facing its worst conditions in decades.  Supporting survivors is not dependent on market conditions; it’s a promise we intend to keep. This isn’t charity for us; it’s a responsibility we gladly shoulder. No matter how tough the economy or our own challenges may be, we will not scale back our support for survivors.  We are not just a moving company.  There is so much more purpose to what we do. Our incredible team is behind every move and every pledge. From our athlete movers and dispatchers to our office staff and community coordinators, each person plays a part. All of October, we’ll keep this conversation front and center on our social channels by:

• Spotlighting pledges from businesses that join the movement.
• Sharing behind-the-scenes updates from each Meathead Movers location- San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Fresno, Orange County, Bakersfield, and Temecula.
• Providing resources and action steps so others can learn, volunteer, and make their own pledges.

Every branch will also be stepping up locally, partnering with shelters, hosting supply drives, and creating special donation opportunities, so that together we build safer exits and fresh starts for survivors.

My Challenge to You

To every business leader reading this: you can help. Whether you have a national platform or a single storefront, whether you can give money, services, or just time, every pledge matters.

Visit MoveToEndDV.org to make your pledge and connect with resources and local shelters.

Will you join us? Make the move, message us today and be part of the Pledge to Protect. Supporting survivors is not just something we do at Meathead Movers, it’s part of who we are. No matter what the economy throws at us, we will continue to move people to safety.

Once you’ve identified how you’d like to get involved, reach out to your local domestic violence shelter to schedule a conversation and explore ways to offer support. There’s something powerful about bringing your entire team together to stand with survivors and contribute to the healing process. Your partnership can help restore hope where it’s needed most.

With hope and resolve,
Aaron Steed
Co-Founder & CEO, Meathead Movers

Ways Your Business Can Join the Pledge to Protect Movement

• Offer Your Core Service Free or at Cost- Movers, cleaners, locksmiths, storage facilities, mechanics, and others can provide no-cost or reduced-rate help to survivors and shelters.
• Provide Safe Space or Shelter Nights- Hotels, vacation rentals, or property managers can donate a night or a block of nights for survivors in transition.
• Donate Security and Technology- Security companies can give alarm systems or monitoring; telecom and tech companies can donate phones, prepaid plans, laptops, or software to help survivors stay safe and connected.
• Support Employment & Career Rebuilding- Offer job interviews, remote roles, professional attire, mentorship, or skill-building workshops to help survivors regain independence.
• Give Gift Cards or Essentials- Restaurants, grocery stores, and retailers can provide meal vouchers, gas cards, clothing, or home basics to families starting over.
• Sponsor Transportation- Auto shops, rideshare providers, or public transit systems can offer free rides, vehicle repairs, or fuel cards to assist with urgent relocation.
• Organize Employee Volunteer Days- Encourage team members to give a day each month to assist local shelters, packing welcome kits, helping with logistics, or even offering their professional skills pro bono.
• Offer Professional Services- Legal firms can provide pro bono counsel for protective orders or custody cases; accountants can assist with budgeting; marketing agencies can help shelters with outreach.
• Amplify Survivor Resources- Dedicate a portion of your company’s website, newsletter, or social media to sharing helplines, shelter information, and educational content.
• Match Donations or Host a Drive- Pledge to match employee donations to local DV shelters or run internal drives for clothing, household items, or holiday gifts.
• Create a Standing Pledge Wall- Feature your company’s commitment in-store, on your website, or in your office to inspire customers and partners to get involved.
• Share the Story- Feature the Pledge to Protect campaign in your own marketing channels and encourage partner businesses to join in.

Community Partnerships Across Our Branches

Our commitment to survivors is strengthened by incredible partners who work on the front lines of domestic violence response and prevention. Each of our branches partners with local organizations that deliver critical services and resources to survivors:

• San Luis Obispo – Lumina
• Ventura – Domestic Violence Solutions, Interface Children & Family Services, Good Shepherd Shelter
• Fresno – Marjaree Mason Center
• Orange County – Human Options
• Bakersfield – Open Door Network
• Temecula – Safe Family Justice Centers
  

By working side-by-side with these agencies, Meathead Movers can provide more than a free move, we help connect survivors to counseling, legal resources, safe housing, and long-term stability. These partnerships are at the heart of Pledge to Protect, ensuring that every pledge leads to real safety and a true fresh start.