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24/7 HelpLine: 734-995-5444 If you are in immediate danger, call 911. |
Linea de Apoyo de 24 horas: 734-995-5444 Si esta en grave peligro, llame a 911. |
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24/7 HelpLine: 734-995-5444 If you are in immediate danger, call 911. |
Linea de Apoyo de 24 horas: 734-995-5444 Si esta en grave peligro, llame a 911. |
An Update from our Executive Director
Dear Friend,
Summer is upon us and hopefully allowing for a slower pace and enjoyment of the warm weather. At SafeHouse the summer months signals the beginning of our summer camp for our residential children offering days filled with crafts, field trips and a break from homework! We appreciate this ability to create fun filled memories for the children whom we serve alongside their parents, and are grateful to the community partners and members who enrich their experiences through donations of items and/or opportunities. Thank you for enabling us to produce laughter and fun.
Summer at SafeHouse is also a busy time for staff who continue to provide vital supportive services to all who reaches out. As we finish celebrating the month of Pride, it’s also an opportunity to highlight that survivors of intimate partner violence and survivors of sexual assault can be anyone, no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, social class or language spoken.
It is true that historically domestic violence and sexual assault have been rooted in the oppression of women. However, according to the CDC, 1 in 7 men age 18+ in the U.S. has been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in his lifetime. 1 in 10 men has experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner*. DV and SA are also not limited to heterosexual relationships and within the LGBTQ community, intimate partner violence occurs at a rate equal to or even higher than that of the heterosexual community. LGBTQ individuals may also experience unique forms of DV as well as distinctive barriers to seeking help due to fear of discrimination or bias.**
At SafeHouse Center we are proud to be an ally to all survivors in all of our services. Yes, even in our shelter program, which is a common question we get!
We also strongly believe in the power of creating additional ally ships in our community and this year will once again be launching our Men’s Campaign in August.
The SafeHouse Center Men’s Campaign invites men in our community to publicly take a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault, and to share our message that violence has no place here and that together we can transform systems that have enabled abuse to persist for far too long.
We hope you will join this campaign! More information will be releasing shortly on our website and social media.
Thank you for your continued ally ship to survivors, and for your support as we continue our work to raise awareness and promote change.
May you have a wonderful summer.
Christine Watson
*National Domestic Violence Hotline
**NCADV
Helpline Program
The Helpline team remains dedicated to supporting all callers 24/7, offering a listening ear, helping to process their situations, and making appropriate referrals as needed. They also continue to provide around-the-clock assistance to shelter residents and their children for their everyday needs. Recently, we have observed an increase in calls requesting shelter and legal support.
Our Helpline operations depend heavily on our dedicated volunteers. However, we are currently facing a shortage of volunteers. If you are seeing this, please consider joining our next training session in September 2024. Your support can make a significant difference!
Housing Program
On May 31, 2024, we successfully housed our first referral under the new grant for Transitional Supportive Housing (TSH) in partnership with Avalon Housing.
In June 2024, our Rapid ReHousing (RRH) Advocate, Morgan Smith-Davis, resigned from SafeHouse Center to relocate. She will be greatly missed, and we are grateful for her contributions to our team. We are actively searching for a new RRH Advocate to fill this vacancy as soon as possible.
Response Team & Legal Advocacy Program
Over the past quarter, our dedicated volunteers have ensured the Response Team program operates 24/7 by consistently taking shifts. Their commitment means survivors receive empathy and resources during a critical time.
Every month, I am deeply moved by the availability and dedication of our Response Team volunteers. Whether they have been with us for many years or just a few months, their unwavering care for the community is evident.
I want to extend a special thank you to Dale and Angela L. for going above and beyond by taking extra shifts whenever possible.
Meanwhile, our Legal Advocates continue to provide invaluable support to survivors navigating the busy criminal justice and civil systems. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring that survivors receive the guidance and assistance they need.
Shelter & Children’s Program
Summer Camp: Holding summer camp three days a week. Some events/trips we have completed/upcoming:
Volunteer Projects in shelter:
Struggles:
Crisis Support Program
We are excited to announce the development of a collaborative support group for survivors of domestic violence at Dawn Farms. Additionally, we are hosting a monthly book club where survivors meet to read “It’s Not You” by Dr. Ramani Durvasula. This month, we are also offering a Sound Bath Meditation workshop, facilitated by instructor Lisa Harthun.
In other news, we recently had the opportunity to train three new support group volunteers. They will be joining our domestic violence, sexual assault, and Huron Valley support groups later this month. We are looking forward to their contributions and the positive impact they will have on our community.
Sexual Assault Services Program
In April, SafeHouse Center actively raised awareness about sexual assault. Together with The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, we relaunched the Start By Believing campaign, and many community partners took the pledge. The overwhelming support for survivors from our community partners was both astounding and deeply appreciated!
We are currently developing a curriculum for a 5-week group specifically for sexual assault survivors who identify as men and are undergoing treatment at Dawn Farm. This group is set to start in July, and we are excited about this collaboration with the recovering community.
June was Pride Month! While we focused on celebrating the lives, accomplishments, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, our Sexual Assault Services team at SafeHouse Center is eager to build connections with service providers to better support LGBTQ+ survivors. If you or your organization are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to our Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, Amy Merkle, at amym@safehousecenter.org.
If you are an LGBTQ+ survivor or work with LGBTQ+ individuals, you deserve to be seen, heard, and affirmed in your full experience. If you are looking for a supportive space to connect with others, please contact us at supportgroups@safehousecenter.org to join our LGBTQ+ support group. We would love to have you with us!
Left to Right: Washtenaw County SART Team, Eastern Michigan Public Safety, Ann Arbor Police Department wearing denim to support survivors on Denim Day, Pittsfield Township SAAM display, Ross Business School donation of survivor care kits, University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security (Ann Arbor and Dearborn Campus), Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, Pittsfield Township PD and UMDPSS.
Volunteer, Intern & Speaker Bureau Program
New Programs
Welcome to Helen, Kayla, Robin, Cheyanne, Elizabeth, Dominique, Mikayla, Emma, Mays, Riya, Ana, Lexi, Aleksandra, Katherine, and Charlene who completed our spring 2024 volunteer class!
Volunteers Needed
If you would like to join our Volunteer Program, we are now accepting applications for direct service volunteers for our Fall 2024 Hybrid CORE Training:
Thursday, September 19, 6 pm-9 pm (Virtual)
Friday, September 20, 6 pm-9 pm (Virtual)
Saturday, September 21, 9 am-5 pm (In-Person)
Sunday, September 22, 9 am- 5 pm (In-Person)
Additional Mandatory Program Training Required
Applications are due September 4 and please click here for more information and program training dates.
Hear more about volunteering at SafeHouse Center from our volunteers!
Speaker’s Bureau Program
Recent Events
SafeHouse Center was chosen by U of M Ginsberg Center’s Story Telling for Change Program. Volunteer, Intern and Speaker’s Bureau Coordinator, Laura Hoehner-Dane has been working closely with Garrett, Tessa and SJ on marketing materials and presentation slide decks. “This was a great opportunity to collaborate on updating materials with a fresh perspective and utilizing design skills.”
Thank you to community partners for having SafeHouse Center at your events!
Upcoming Events
Find SafeHouse Center in the Community!
We are looking forward to leading a training with SOS staff on Domestic Violence and Safety Planning!
SafeHouse Center has a Speaker’s Bureau program, and we would love to be at your next event!
SafeHouse Center can provide a free speaker or information table representative at your next event.
Contact Laura at speakerbureau@safehousecenter.org or click here to learn more.
Numbers for Quarter:
Volunteer Spotlight
“As a Spanish Speaking Support Volunteer, I have had meaningful moments hearing a survivor share “SHC saved “me and my child’s life” or “I never thought I would be able to do this but now I am”. I am thankful for the opportunity to help their healing journey.” Ericka Walkowiak
“As Response Team member, direct contact with victims is most satisfying. They are often effusive in their relief that there is a comprehensive Safe House Center intervention team at their disposal, 24/7.” Gwen Hejna
“I decided to volunteer with SafeHouse Center as I was immediately drawn to the philosophies that SHC is founded on, particularly the feminist ideology. It’s one of the most inclusive philosophies, in my view. I also saw the SHC offered a myriad of opportunities for growth and experience.” J’Mae Ferguson
Tips
Society focuses on the questions – why the survivor does not leave or why the survivors stays?
Lundy Bancroft talks about the mind of abusive men in “Why does he do that? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men.”
Interested in reading more, checkout his book here.
10th Annual Purple Run
The Purple Run is a 5K walk/run to raise awareness of domestic violence and stand up in support of survivors. All proceeds from the event go to Safehouse Center and allow us to fulfill our mission of providing free and confidential services to survivors of intimate-partner violence and sexual assault. We are so grateful to all in the community who have shown their support and we look forward to meeting you all at this year’s Purple Run!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00AM Race Start
Location: Duderstadt Center, 2281 Bonisteel, Ann Arbor MI 48109
We’re running domestic violence out of town.
We are currently seeking sponsors. For any questions about sponsorships, please email Rhonda Parker at rhondap@safehousecenter.org.
Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild Show
Join us at the GAAQG’s bi-annual show with all proceeds going to Safehouse Center. The show includes vendors, a gift shop, and a plethora of beautiful hand-made quilts on display. The public is invited to vote for their favorite quilts. “Viewers Choice” ribbons are announced at the end of the show and posted on the GAAQG website.
Date: July 27 – 28, 2024
Time: Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Morris Lawrence Building on the Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Major Donor Campaign
Every year, thousands of individuals in our community face the devastating impacts of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA). These survivors often experience physical, emotional, and psychological trauma that can have lasting effects on their lives. SafeHouse Center is the only comprehensive agency in Washtenaw County providing these critical services.
Without us, survivors would have nowhere to turn for the support and resources they desperately need. Our services, including temporary emergency shelter, crisis support, legal advocacy, and support groups, are essential to the well-being of survivors and the overall safety of our community. However, the demand for our services continues to grow, and we must secure our ability to meet this critical need. To sustain our services and provide for the daily needs of survivors, we are launching a campaign to raise $30,000. The campaign goes through September 15, 2024.
Our Services
The Impact of Your Support
Your generous contribution will enable SafeHouse Center to:
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to join us in our mission to empower survivors and promote social change. Your major gift will have a profound impact on the lives of those affected by DV and SA, providing them with the daily necessities and support they need to reclaim their lives and thrive. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate community.
SafeHouse Center has been a beacon of hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for almost 50 years. However, the need for our services has never been more urgent due to the high cost of living, limited or no income, and lack of affordable housing faced by many survivors. All of our services are free and confidential, ensuring that no one is turned away in their time of need. With your generous support, we can continue to provide these essential services and ensure the sustainability of our operations to help even more individuals in need. Please consider making a major gift to SafeHouse Center and be a part of a transformative journey for survivors in our community. Your immediate action can make a crucial difference.
If you would like to set up a time to meet in person to further discuss this campaign and/or our services, you can contact our Resource Development Director Rhonda Parker at rhondap@safehousecenter.org.
Thank you for your commitment to making a difference.
Men’s Campaign
Our 2024 Men’s Campaign will be launching shortly. Domestic abuse permeates all types of intimate partner relationships, including same-sex partnerships. Disturbingly, statistics reveal that 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 7 men in the United States alone become victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives. To confront this issue, we must firmly establish that abuse is unequivocally unacceptable.
Please check our website for more information once the campaign becomes active!
Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors. Because of you, we can do what we do!
