ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The primary purpose of S.A.F.E. Place is to:

Reduce domestic violence by providing temporary shelter, crisis intervention and support counseling, advocacy, education, and limited financial assistance by working collaboratively with other community agencies coordinating available resources to assist the victim in breaking the cycle of violence and moving toward self-sufficiency.

Provide training, consultation, and advocacy to community caregivers whose work impacts on the lives of survivors.

Provide and increase community education about awareness and prevention of domestic assault.

Work collaboratively with community leaders and service providers to change existing policies and laws which re-victimize individuals, further perpetuating the cycle of violence, to ensure that domestic violence is treated as a crime, and to develop appropriate systems interventions which hold assailants accountable and ensure the safety of women and children. Clients receive counseling services to enable them to make informed choices about their situation in an environment of security and support.

The agency operates on a philosophy of self-determination and empowerment, remaining non-judgmental toward clients, their values, lifestyles, and life choices.

HISTORY

In 1979, Family and Children's Services of Battle Creek opened the first shelter for victims of domestic violence. About a year later, it was closed due to insufficient funds.

A S.A.F.E. Place Board of Directors was organized in 1981, and the Miller Foundation donated a building. After hundreds of volunteered hours were spent cleaning and furnishing the shelter, S.A.F.E. Place opened on September 6, 1983. The original shelter had a capacity of only 18 beds. In 1988, 224 women and 414 children were served at the agency, but another 142 women and 318 children were turned away because the shelter was full.

On January 19, 1989, S.A.F.E. Place moved into its newly renovated facility with 54 beds - at the time, the largest Michigan shelter outside the Detroit area. Financial support from foundations, State and Federal Government agencies, individuals, businesses, service clubs, and church groups enabled the organization to acquire and renovate this new facility.

The agency provides temporary shelter, crisis intervention services, including counseling, advocacy and public education in Barry, Eaton, and Calhoun Counties.

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