{"id":8562,"date":"2025-01-15T13:26:02","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T18:26:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safehousecenter.org\/?page_id=8562"},"modified":"2025-01-16T16:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T21:19:42","slug":"safehouse-center-winter-2025-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.safehousecenter.org\/safehouse-center-winter-2025-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Safehouse Center Winter 2025 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy new year! I hope this holiday season brought you an opportunity of rest and time with loved ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holidays can be particularly hard for survivors with increased feelings of isolation and opportunities for abuse, and stresses about lack of resources can be exacerbated. That is why at SafeHouse we never fully close, even on a holiday! Because we know that it is important for survivors to be able to access informational, emotional and logistical support as they need it 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I want to extend a big thank you to all our staff who made sure that survivors needs were met. And I want to extend a big thank you to all of you; our community members and partners who ensured that survivors had food, toiletries and a safe place to fall asleep. Your very generous financial contributions and in-kind donations of household items, food and toys for the children made sure that survivors didn\u2019t feel alone during this holiday, and that they were able to celebrate with their children in a safe and meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we enter this new year, our commitment to maintaining a safe space for survivors to thrive remains our top priority. But we are also entering a year of uncertainly, especially as it relates to our federal funding. I will be keeping the community informed as we navigate these unknowns, and I appreciate your thoughtful and on-going financial support. Your contributions are needed and do make a difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What also makes a difference are the robust relationships we enjoy with so many of our fellow service providers and community partners, including elected officials. I want to give a special shout out to Mandy Grewal who recently retired as the Pittsfield Township Supervisor. Many people don\u2019t realize that SafeHouse Center is located in Pittsfield Township, but it is something we are very proud of not least because of the great advocacy and support that Ms. Grewal\u2019s office has provided us during her lengthy and impactful tenure. Thank you, Mandy for your service and for your support, we wish you only the best! And with retirements come new relationships and we are excited to welcome many newly elected officials across the county including our new Sherriff, Alyshia Dyer, our new Pittsfield Township Supervisor Trish Reilly, and our new Pittsfield Township Chief of Police Patrick Gray. We look forward to working with all of you and hope you will join us in our mission to support people impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In gratitude,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join our team! Check out our website<\/a> to see what opportunities we have available!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteer at SafeHouse Center: Empowering Communities and Supporting Survivors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SafeHouse Center is dedicated to offering critical services to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. A key part of our mission involves engaging with the community through volunteer opportunities, education, and internships. Below are some of our upcoming programs and initiatives that you can join.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 Safehouse Center CORE Training:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter Training: January 30 – February 2, 2025
Spring Training: May 15 – May 18, 2025
Fall Training: September 18 – September 21, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested individuals can attend one of these training sessions to become part of SafeHouse Center\u2019s compassionate and skilled volunteer team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteer Information Session:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us for our next Volunteer Information Session on January 6, where you can learn more about SafeHouse Center’s mission and volunteer opportunities. We host monthly information sessions, and you can register for the upcoming ones at SafeHouse Center Volunteer Info Sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how you can contribute to helping survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Volunteer Spotlight: Faith Watkins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019d like to shine a spotlight on Faith Watkins, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student intern from Concordia University. Faith shares, “I really enjoy creating fun memories for kids and watching their joy when it is time for playroom.” Her dedication to creating positive and safe environments for children at SafeHouse Center is invaluable, and we are grateful for her commitment and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Internship Program:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SafeHouse Center is pleased to welcome two new interns from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work: Avery Northrop<\/strong> and Jeanette Ringer<\/strong>. These talented individuals are joining our intern program to help strengthen the services we provide to survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Additionally, we have three other interns who will be hosting survivor workshops until August 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of their work, they will be hosting these workshops and we are seeking sponsors to assist with providing snacks, drinks, and craft items for these events. If you’re interested in supporting their efforts, please reach out to us for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community Engagement Program:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SafeHouse Center is actively involved in the local community and can be found at several upcoming events. We offer free information tables and presentations on intimate partner and sexual violence, and we encourage you to stop by and learn more about our work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upcoming community events include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n