When Laura Pahulas founded Control Alt Delete in 2019, she had no idea the magnitude of impact her nonprofit would have. A survivor of domestic violence herself, Laura understood firsthand the critical moment when someone decides to leave an abusive situation and how limited the resources can be at that exact time.

Control Alt Delete was born from a need to fill this gap. As Laura explains, many survivors don’t need long-term shelter immediately. They need gas money, a bus ticket, a hotel room, or a lock change. Just one essential resource to help them safely transition. With her background in nonprofit management and technology, Laura designed a system to facilitate escapes virtually, helping up to 50 people per day through rapid digital support.

What started with a laptop freeze and reset (literally pressing “Control Alt Delete”) became a metaphor and a mission: to help survivors reset their lives.

To date, Control Alt Delete has facilitated over 48,000 escapes from domestic violence across all 50 states. Survivors are referred through law enforcement, prosecutors, and crisis teams, ensuring that aid is delivered responsibly and efficiently. With an average cost of $16.35 per escape, the nonprofit proves that saving lives doesn’t take a fortune. It takes intention, speed, and compassion.

A Tangible Symbol of Survival and Strength

While social media has been the organization’s main driver for donations, Laura also hosts an annual fundraising event. This year, “Six Years of Saving Lives” will take place on October 11 at the University of Arizona offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. Attendees can enjoy food, raffles, and community, all while supporting a mission that’s changing lives. Control Alt Delete also partnered with Charity Charms to create custom bracelets, originally intended for donors. But after giving one to a survivor, Laura discovered their deeper impact: each bracelet became a tangible symbol of survival and strength. Now, every bracelet goes directly to survivors, reminding them they aren’t alone and they are strong enough to start over.

Kay recently sat down with Founder and President, Laura to discuss the organization, her passion for empowering survivors, our partnership and more. Listen to the full interview below.