February Mission of the Month: Safe Harbor
LOCAL MISSION: Safe Harbor, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, relies on donations of all kinds (financial support, donations of goods and services). Deb Lee, Community Outreach and Education Manager at Safe Harbor, will be pre-senting to our congregation on Sunday, February 15, 2015 information on Safe Harbor’s services. (Also, Beth Heilman, Prevention Education Specialist, will be present to help answer any questions.) Envelopes and baskets will be available at entrances to the sanctuary for a free-will offering. Mission
Mission:
Safe Harbor provides prevention, intervention, education and outreach services to empower individuals, families and the community to end all forms of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Safe Harbor was established in September of 1990, the only domestic violence shelter in Sheboygan County. Women and their minor children who stay at the shelter are provided with room and board as well as personal needs. Men may also receive services but they do not stay at the shelter. We work with other agencies to find options for men needing a safe place. In addition to the 24/7 crisis line and shelter we offer: abuse assessments, crisis counseling, assistance in obtaining restraining orders, legal referrals, court accompaniment, support groups, advocacy, emergency transportation assistance, financial assistance, child care, and information and referral services. All services are available, at no cost, to anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault. A person is not required to come to the shelter or stay at the shelter in order to receive assistance. Safe Harbor operates with significant support from grants from the State of Wisconsin and other local funding including the United Way. This support covers less than 50% of our total annual operating budget. Because of our limited resources, we rely on donations from community foundations, groups, organizations and individuals. Financial support as well as donations of goods and services is needed in order to meet the needs of those who turn to us for help and for hope.
Services:
Prevention services focus on helping individuals understand and develop attitudes, skills and behaviors to minimize their risk of becoming either victim or perpetrator. The support groups and educational programs are essential to prevention. Prevention programs include presentations about recognizing and developing healthy relationships and tips for sexual assault prevention. Prevention programs are offered for adolescents, teens and adults.
Intervention services provide victims with safety, support, information and resources which empower them to exercise control over their lives. Among these services are a 24-hour crisis line which offers counseling and information and referral services; temporary shelter; peer support groups; court and hospital advocacy; and assistance with emergency needs. These services are available to all Sheboygan County residents.
Education services involve informing the community about the impact of domestic abuse and sexual assault and of the options and services available. Educational programs include presentations about domestic abuse, dating violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment to adults in community groups and organizations throughout the county, to students in schools and youth groups.