Winter 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Recently, we were reminded of the lasting impact of SafeHouse Center’s work when we heard from someone we supported years ago. As they marked a meaningful milestone in their own life, they reached out to share how access to advocacy, safety planning, and compassionate support helped them move forward. Their story reflects the resilience of survivors and the long term impact of survivor centered care.

Every day, SafeHouse Center works alongside survivors and their children as they navigate moments of crisis and transition. Through advocacy, emergency shelter, legal support, and crisis intervention, survivors are met with dignity, choice, and respect, and are supported in identifying what safety and healing look like for them.

As we enter 2026, SafeHouse Center is also marking 50 years of service to this community. For five decades, survivors have turned to SafeHouse Center as a place of safety, connection, and hope, and our commitment to this work remains grounded in the voices and needs of survivors.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes survivors deserve safety, healing, and justice. We are honored to begin this new year, and this milestone year, together.

Wishing you all the best in the new year,

Christine Watson

Executive Director

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Funding Update

As we enter the new year, the broader political landscape and the funding sources that
support survivor services remain volatile and uncertain. We continue to monitor
potential impacts closely and with concern. Even when SafeHouse Center is spared
direct reductions, funding cuts across our community affect partner organizations,
systems, and ultimately survivors who rely on a strong and coordinated response.

In recent months, we shared updates about anticipated reductions to federal VOCA
funding and the need for the State of Michigan to help bridge the resulting funding gap.
Ultimately, the state allocated $35 million of a $75 million request. MDHHS was able to
reallocate additional funding, and as a result, SafeHouse Center’s VOCA funding has
been maintained for the current fiscal year, October 1, 2025 through September 30,
2026.

Unfortunately, we have been advised that even deeper reductions may be possible in
the next fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, meaning instability and uncertainty
continue. In response, SafeHouse Center will remain engaged in advocacy efforts led
by our state coalition, MCEDSV, urging the state to fully bridge the funding gap created
by reductions in federal VOCA funding through a $75 million allocation for domestic
violence and sexual assault services. This advocacy reflects our commitment to
ensuring survivors across Michigan are not left without critical support.

We are grateful for your continued support as we navigate this uncertainty together and
remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors.

Celebrating 50 Years of SafeHouse Center and the Community That Built It

Last October marked the beginning of SafeHouse Center’s 50th Anniversary year. Founded in 1975, SafeHouse Center began when a small group of volunteers came together with compassion, courage, and a commitment to speak up when others remained silent about domestic violence. Officially incorporated in 1976, the organization has since grown into a lasting movement and support network that has strengthened safety and hope for survivors for five decades.

Throughout this anniversary year, we are taking time to reflect on our history, honor the resilience of survivors, and express deep gratitude for the people who have sustained this work across generations. We will commemorate our 50th year through a series of events leading up to a special anniversary celebration this October.

As we plan, we want this milestone year to be thoughtful, inclusive, and reflective of the many individuals who have helped build SafeHouse Center. If you know someone whose connection should be recognized, including a former staff member, volunteer, survivor, or supporter, please email saras@safehousecenter.org or christinew@safehousecenter.org.

We are also collecting stories and memories from across our 50 years, and we would love to hear yours. Please share reflections that highlight how SafeHouse Center has touched lives and how, together, we continue to work toward a stronger, safer community.

Thank you for standing with SafeHouse Center then, now, and always. We hope you will celebrate with us. Please save the dates below and watch for more details soon.

SafeHouse receives a Congressional Record from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. 

We are honored to share that SafeHouse Center was recognized in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in celebration of our 50^th anniversary. A Congressional Record is created when a member of Congress rises on the House floor to formally speak about an issue or organization. In her remarks, Congresswoman Dingell highlighted SafeHouse Center’s decades of service and impact, lifting up our commitment to empowering survivors and strengthening our community.

Congresswoman Dingell has been a steadfast supporter of survivors and survivor serving organizations for many years, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and advocacy. We appreciate having elected leaders who truly understand the importance of mission driven, survivor centered work and who show up in meaningful ways to support agencies like ours and the survivors we serve.

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Volunteer Training coming up. Join us!

 2026 SafeHouse Center CORE Training

Winter Training: February 5-8

Spring Training:  May 14-17 

Fall Training: September 17-20 

Interested in Volunteering? Register for Volunteer Virtual Information Sessions – 1st Monday of the month. https://www.safehousecenter.org/volunteer-info-sessions/

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Community Engagement

SafeHouse Center provides free information tables and presentations. Planning something in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Connect with us at https://www.safehousecenter.org/community-presentation-request/. We would love to be there! 

You can find SafeHouse Center at the following events: 

WCC Wellness Event: Feb 4 1-3p 

UMICH Nonprofit Fair: Feb 19 2-5p

WCC Welcome Day: Feb 21 11am-1pm 

EMU Nursing Students are hearing about SafeHouse Center in their class! 

Your support allows us to provide free and confidential services to survivors.