SAN ANTONIO — A nonprofit's opening has been pushed back because of a costly break-in. Bluebird's Hope, which helps survivors of trauma, is opening a location in Seguin.
Bluebird's Hope CEO Crystal Schwerdtfeger said a thief recently busted their way in to their new facility in Seguin, which was supposed to be open on Oct. 1.
"It not only hurt our pocketbook, it hurt our hearts," she said.
Seguin nonprofit break-in.
She said several items were stolen like an encrypted computer system, ring cameras, EpiPen's, and other stuff.
"My feeling was sadness for those that we serve, because that's who they took from," she said.
The nonprofit serves survivors of trauma like people who have experienced sexual assault, strangulation, domestic violence, or human trafficking.
"All of the services are free," she said.
Schwerdtfeger is also a forensic nurse. The organization conducts exams for their clients and provides care. They're located in rural areas.
"We wanted to go to these areas so patients didn't have to travel hours, wait for hours to be seen. "The rural areas either have no services that specialize in this prior to me coming to the area, or they have minimal services."
The clients are predominantly women, and she said the majority of them are college age or older. They do also see children.
Schwerdtfeger also revealed to KENS 5 that she is a survivor.
"I am a survivor of both sexual assault and domestic violence's," she said. "I come from generational domestic violence and sexual assault in my family."
She wants her clients to know they're not alone, and that she is an example, of what's possible.
"I want every person that comes in to Bluebird's Hope to know that they just don't have to survive what happened to them," she said. "But, that they can thrive in life."
The opening of the Seguin location is now expected to open on October 15. Seguin Police told KENS 5 they're investigating the burglary. The non-profit relies on donations, if would like to help click here.
The hotline is 830-316-3926.