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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. |
When Childhood Is Interrupted: Summer at SafeHouse Center
At SafeHouse Center we see firsthand what the statistics can only begin to reveal.
More than 1 in 15 children in the United States are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90 percent of them are eyewitnesses to that violence (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Children who grow up in homes where abuse is present often carry invisible burdens such as chronic fear, disrupted development, difficulty trusting others, and trauma that can echo into adulthood.
But when children come to SafeHouse Center we see something else too.
We see resilience. We see laughter returning to small faces. We see the transformation
that begins when a child feels safe again.
This summer our team is creating moments of joy for the children staying in our shelter.
Through arts and crafts, water play, roller-coaster rides, and time in nature, we offer
space for children to be children again. These simple, intentional experiences help
interrupt cycles of trauma and give children the chance to build new memories rooted
not in fear but in hope.
And while these moments may seem small, they matter. Research shows that safe,
stable, nurturing relationships and environments are key to helping children heal from
trauma (cdc.gov). With each activity, each kind word, each art project proudly displayed
on our walls, we are offering more than fun: we are offering healing.
We do this work because we believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and
cherished. Even in times of funding uncertainty our commitment remains, and we will
continue to do all we can, with what we have, to support every survivor who walks
through our doors, including the smallest among them.
We are deeply grateful to you, our community, because your support makes these
summer moments possible. And if you’d like to help make more moments like these
possible, please consider making a gift or sharing our mission with others.
Together we are making SafeHouse Center not just a shelter, but a place of possibility.
With appreciation and hope,
Christine Watson
Executive Director, SafeHouse Center
Upcoming Events:
Purple Run
Lace Up for the Annual Purple Run on October 11!
Join us on Friday, October 11 at 9:00 AM for the Annual Purple Run, a powerful community event that brings awareness to Domestic Violence and raises critical support for survivors.
This inspiring 5K run/walk is a dynamic partnership between the University of Michigan Police Department, the Ann Arbor Police Department, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, and SafeHouse Center, all united in the fight against domestic violence.
Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, your presence makes a difference.
Sign up today and be part of the movement!
With more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, Sara brings a deep-rooted passion for strengthening communities through philanthropy and education. Her career has been marked by leading successful fundraising campaigns, securing transformational gifts, and nurturing meaningful donor relationships, all in support of programs that uplift vulnerable children, adults, and families.
Sara is driven by a steadfast commitment to improving health and well-being, and she is inspired by mission-centered work that delivers tangible, lasting impact. She believes deeply in the power of community, shared purpose, and diverse voices to shape a stronger and more compassionate future.
Recently relocated to Michigan from Alaska, Sara brings fresh perspective and warm energy to our team. She moved with her husband, Karl, their high school senior, Ky, and their two adventurous dogs, Bailey and Rex. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors and discovering new places to explore.
We are so excited for the vision, heart, and leadership Sara brings to SafeHouse Center. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome and feel free to reach out to connect, learn more, or simply say hello. Sara looks forward to meeting and working alongside our vibrant community!
Sara can be reached at 734.973.0242 ext. 40226 or saras@safehousecenter.org
Volunteer at SafeHouse Center: Empowering Communities and Supporting Survivors
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.
Volunteer Program:
2025 SafeHouse Center CORE Training
Fall Training- 9/18-9/21/2025
https://www.safehousecenter.org/volunteer-information-2-2
SafeHouse Center is currently accepting applications for our HYBRID Fall 2025 CORE training. Applications are due by . Anyone interested in volunteering must complete training.
Join us at our next Volunteer Information Session! We host monthly information sessions every first Monday at 10 am or 6 pm. You can register for the best date at https://www.safehousecenter.org/volunteer-info-sessions/.
We have two volunteer umbrellas that community members can apply for: Direct Services and Non-Direct Services. Please review the volunteer descriptions and expectations to find the one that is right for you.
To apply for the direct service volunteer program, click on this link
To apply for the non-direct service volunteer program, click on this link
If you need a different training date or program, please join our September 2025 waitlist.
The Sexual Assault Services Gazette—titled On the Other Side of Drowning—has been published quarterly over the past year by the SAS program. It was developed to keep our community informed about available services, upcoming events, and to raise awareness around sexual assault.
See the latest issue HERE and sign up HERE to stay connected.
Call for Art: Submit to On the Other Side of Drowning
We are excited to announce that our next issue of On the Other Side of Drowning will be released at the end of August!
As always, this publication centers and uplifts the voices of survivors, and we are inviting submissions of art, writing, poetry, music, or other creative work made by survivors. We welcome all forms and mediums, and contributions can be anonymous or credited, whatever feels most empowering and comfortable for the artist.
If you or a survivor you know would like to submit a piece, we would love to include it in our next release.
Thank you for helping us continue to amplify survivor creativity and resilience through this powerful publication.
Deadline: Submissions due by July 15th Submit to this LINK
Join our team! Check out our website to see what opportunities we have available!
Thank you to our donors and volunteers for your continued support! Your contributions allow us to continue to offer free and confidential services to survivors.
A special thank you to all who sponsored and/or attended out Fresh Start Breakfast.
Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Help us make our newsletter even better by sharing your feedback and thoughts here.
24/7 Helpline
(734) 995-5444
