Those in abusive domestic situations may often feel invisible.
Because those who suffer often do so behind closed doors, physical and emotional abuse can take a heavy toll on its victims. Because these situations affect the victim’s self-esteem, abuse often causes people to doubt their own agency—or fear for their own lives, in more severe circumstances. Sometimes it can take a special opening or opportunity for a change to happen, and it may require additional help from the outside.
That was what happened in one incredible story out of San Luis Obispo, California.
It all started when Aaron Steed and his brother Evan started a moving company called Meathead Movers in 1997.
While the business was still in its infancy, Steed noticed that he would frequently get calls from women who were in bad living situations. The phone calls would usually be from women who sounded frantic and panicked, saying that they needed to move out of their homes immediately and in some cases weren’t sure how they could cover the costs.
After noticing this trend, the Steed brothers were determined to help out.
As the name of their company suggests, Meathead Movers is composed mostly of athletic, muscular men.
Many of the company’s employees are student-athletes, just as the Steed brothers themselves were. As such, the team of movers serves as an intimidating presence in these tense situations where a woman’s health or safety may be at risk. To offer even more help, Meathead Movers has officially made it a policy to provide their services to women in these situations, free of charge.
The Steed brothers’ efforts have also not gone unrecognized by the women they’ve helped.
One woman wrote them a letter that getting their help was like “winning the lottery,” and that the movers had helped pave the way for her and her daughter to lead a new life. Her daughter even painted a picture for them to express her gratitude. In all, this story is a great example of how we can make a huge difference in other people’s lives, even in the smallest exchanges. While it’s easy to only be concerned with ourselves and our own problems, there is an entire world of people around us who want to connect with us—and who may need our help.
Thanks to the Meathead Movers for their inspiring work!
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