Spring 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to come together as a community to recognize the prevalence of sexual violence, honor the strength and resilience of survivors, and recommit to prevention and change.

Sexual violence remains a widespread and deeply underreported issue. Nationally, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.* These numbers reflect not only the scope of harm, but also the continued need for accessible, survivor-centered support and community accountability.

At SafeHouse Center, we witness both the impact of this violence and the strength of survivors every day. Since 2003, we have been proud to serve survivors in whatever capacity they need, ensuring they are met with compassion, dignity, and the resources to move forward on their own terms.

Throughout April, SafeHouse Center is hosting and participating in a range of community events designed to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding. This includes partnerships with local municipalities to display teal ribbons in public spaces as a visible reminder of our shared commitment to supporting survivors and ending sexual violence.

We are also proud to celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19 through 25, recognizing the incredible volunteers who strengthen our work every day. This week highlights “the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, build stronger communities, and transform the world.” At SafeHouse Center, our volunteers are essential to creating safety, connection, and hope for survivors. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the many ways they expand our reach.

We invite you to join us on April 23 for our annual Fresh Start Breakfast, a meaningful gathering that brings together community members, partners, and supporters to learn more about SafeHouse Center’s impact and the role we all play in creating a safer community. Tickets are on sale now.

Moments like the Breakfast and Sexual Assault Awareness Month offer an opportunity for reflection and action, and I truly believe that only together, we can ensure that all survivors are believed, supported, and empowered. So we hope you will join us at one or more of these events and we thank you for being part of building a community that continues to move toward lasting, meaningful change.

* (National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey).

Education Webinar- What is consent?

Monday, April 20 1pm-2pm 
Participants will gain an understanding of consent and sexual assault.
Register at – https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/aa05baed-593d-4162-b3d3-2131bb3da5f5@b0fb6eec-0505-44d3-a3ab-83ca7381ec88

Walk the Walk Friday, April 17, 10am-12pm

Participants will gain insight into sexual assault by engaging in
activities involving movement, role-playing, thinking, and
decision-making as someone experiencing abuse.

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SafeHouse Center Open House

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we are delighted to invite former staff and volunteers to a special open house on May 20 from 3:00–6:00 PM. Join us as we commemorate with the people who have been part of our journey and celebrate this meaningful milestone together.

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There’s something powerful about being wrapped in care, especially in moments of uncertainty. Thanks to the generosity of the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild, every survivor who walks through SafeHouse Center’s doors is met not only with safety, but with comfort in the form of a handmade quilt. Each quilt is a labor of love, stitched with intention and compassion.

We’re honored to partner with this incredible group of artisans, whose work brings warmth, both physical and emotional, to those we serve. This year, the Guild will also be sharing their artistry with the broader community by offering quilts for viewing and purchase at SafeHouse Center events, with proceeds supporting SafeHouse Center’s mission. It’s a meaningful way to give: supporting survivors while taking home something truly special.

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The Road Home

Join us for a new documentary highlighting mental health, housing insecurity, and homelessness in Washtenaw County.

Both screenings are free and open to the public and include panel discussions afterward. SafeHouse will participate in the panel discussion.

Click here to see the trailer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRCf8GeKmKI

Visit the Michigan Theater website to get your ticket for free admission for the April 28rd and May 7th screenings at 6pm. 

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Grateful for our ongoing partnership with Two Men & a Truck, check out their Movers for Moms campaign in support of survivors.

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Congratulations to our interns, Bristol, Morgan, Ramnit Tyler, Asiya, Jeanette, and Wyatt on completing their internship serving survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence from September 2025 to April 2026!

We appreciate your hard work and dedication and wish you luck in the future! 

We are currently accepting interns for the spring and fall/winter semesters.