voicesfrom Safe Haven Ministries

Winter/Spring 2017

a semi-annual publication from safe haven Ministries “a place of refuge and hope” ps. 46:1

“A place of refuge and hope” Ps. 46:1 | www.safehavenministries.org | 1Give online anytime at www.safehavenministries.org/support

a Word FroM thE ExEcUtivE dirEctor

Earlier this year, staff had the opportunity to walk the property on which we will build our new facility. it is on the corner of two residential streets, tucked away from the busyness of a major

road and the accompanying traffic. At the time the ground was covered with snow, underbrush, and remnants of brown leaves; it is difficult to guess how it will transform over the next few months. Yet, we are so excited to witness that transformation.

this is a time for our organization in which we must have great faith. We are incredibly grateful for the ways in which God has provided for us during our capital campaign; we have raised over $2 million and have formed lasting partnerships with businesses, individuals, and other organizations in the community. Still, we continue to trust that the remainder of the funds will be provided and that we will be able to keep moving forward with this project. time and time again, we have experienced unexpected blessings; and we feel God’s hand on our work as we seek to end domestic violence in our community.

thank you for your prayers and support!

Cindy Sielawa Executive Director, Safe Haven Ministries

talking to a sUrvivor“i can be changed by what happens to me. But i refuse to be reduced by it.” – Maya Angelou

Becoming a survivor of domestic violence is hardly a static overcoming. Healing is not linear, and the sometimes daily challenges of picking up the pieces after experiencing domestic abuse can affect someone to their core. it takes a strength that is immeasurable, and yet, each day at Safe Haven, we are humbled by the remarkable courage and strength of those who walk through our doors.

Erika, a previous residential and nonresidential client, has demonstrated time and time again that the horrible things that she has survived will not define her future. “As a parent, as a mother, coming to Safe Haven was the best thing i could do for my kids. they are in a safe and drama-free environment because of the support we received,” she says.

Shame and negative self-esteem is something many survivors experience. for Erika, participating in support group and being connected to other survivors helped her to rebuild a positive self-image.

“Self-esteem is so important to leaving because so many women stay because of poor self-esteem,” Erika says. “When i started coming to group, i really found that i could relate to the other women. Hearing their stories, and the continuous support we received from the advocates was so important.”

And most of all, Erika is grateful for not having to navigate her journey to healing and safety alone. “When i first came to Safe Haven, i was a mess. Coming out of an abusive relationship, i didn’t know what steps i needed to take,” she says. “i will always be appreciative of the continuous support and nonjudgmental support that me and my children received.”

today, Erika is doing well in her career at farmer’s insurance. Her 8-year-old is excelling in 2nd grade, doing math at a 4th-grade level. “i credit a lot of his progress to i feel Better Now,” she says. “He learned it’s okay to express his feelings and that him and mommy are now in a better situation.” Erika says her 3-year-old is also thriving. “She is a big ray of super powerful sunshine.”

2 | www.safehavenministries.org | “A place of refuge and hope” Ps. 46:1 Give online anytime at www.safehavenministries.org/support

vidEo FEatUrE

nina’s nEW BEginningSafe Haven client Nina bravely shares her journey of healing from domestic abuse. Nina is one example of the many women who have been empowered through Safe Haven’s services. Watch her video story at www.safehavenministries.org/newbeginning

donatE noW

givE a giFt oF a nEW BEginningYou can support victims of domestic abuse on their journey to a new beginning. Give a donation at www.safehavenministries.org/support.

Every gift matters!

MEEt kari stUart Kari Stuart has played a very active role in fundraising and participating with our annual spring fundraiser, formerly running for Jenny and now expanded as team Safe Haven. in fact, this will be Kari’s 7th year fundraising for Safe Haven at the riverbank run and she’s nearing the $10,000 mark for total funds raised!

this year, we are pleased to have Kari as our chairperson for the team Safe Haven Committee. As a personal trainer, endurance coach, and athlete, she brings a wealth of knowledge about running as well as a passion for our organization. “the work of Safe Haven is so dear to my heart. through team Safe Haven, we can not only financially support Safe Haven Ministries, but we can also use running to start a dialogue about domestic abuse. Abuse is an insidious problem, and the more we bring awareness to the issue, the sooner we can put an end to it!”

staFF intErviEW

sarah WEstoByWhat is your position at safe haven?

sarah Westoby (sW): i’m the Shelter Coordinator, and what i do a lot of is the health and safety aspects of the shelter — ensuring that we create a safe environment and providing health education, providing trainings to staff on different topics like fire drills and tornados, and creating policies.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

sW: At the shelter, we say we always live in crisis. the shelter truly is living in crisis. You just never know what that day’s going to look like, you never know what exactly is going to happen — if somebody has to come into shelter, what calls you’re going to get. that part is the hardest part, especially crisis calls. one of the toughest calls i’ve had was somebody who was asking me, “Why does he do this to me? Will he stop?” And i just don’t even know what to say. You can’t tell them, “Well, all the statistics say...” You can’t get into that. it’s really hard.

What do you love about your job?

sW: i really love being able to educate people. i love adding in teachable moments, around food, around health, around safety.

What does providing a “safe haven” look like for you? in your position in particular, how do you try to provide that for people?

sW: When you come into a shelter, you hear all these negative things about shelters and how you could get bedbugs or this or that. And i think that’s so important that we create that safety of being in the shelter as well, making sure that we’re following through on all of those food aspects or cleaning aspects that create the safety.

Team Safe Haven

“A place of refuge and hope” Ps. 46:1 | www.safehavenministries.org | 3Give online anytime at www.safehavenministries.org/support

saFEr, sMartEr tEEnsin february, Safe Haven rolled out its new curriculum for middle school students at Grand rapids Christian Middle School. Students focused on understanding appropriate boundaries with peers and adults, including teachers and coaches, and the personal power they have to speak up when something doesn’t seem right. Below is some feedback Safe Haven received from the school social worker:

Partnering with Safe Haven Ministries was imperative to the emotional health and development of our students at Grand Rapids Christian Middle School. They were as invested as we were to create a curriculum that best fit our student’s needs... When it came time to present, the facilitators gracefully breached uncomfortable topics by allowing room for questions and validated student’s questions or concerns. Speaking on behalf of school staff, we were grateful Safe Haven Ministries was able to inform and empower our students on how to navigate the scary and isolating terrain of sexual abuse and harassment, and most importantly, to know they never have to experience it alone.

– Casey, School Social Worker, GRCMS

UpoN CoMplEtioN of tHE trAiNiNG:

Board oF dirEctorsAngela Burke, President

Nick Hopkins, Vice PresidentJessica Conway, Secretary

Stephen romanella, TreasurerCurt Kuiper

Monique Elliottryan Blackburn

Jodi rothenthalerDenise Evans

Shannon Blackmon-Gardner

As of February 2017

connEct With Us

3501 lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Suite 335 Grand rapids, Mi 49546

p. (616) 452-6664 | f. (616) 452-1168 e-mail. info@safehavenministries.org

www.safehavenministries.org

2016 prograM stats

99% 76%

CapiTal Campaign

of students agreed that they could identify one potential red flag of danger in a relationship — a 30% change from pre-testing.

of students agreed that being asked by an adult to keep a secret could be an example of a red flag — a 134% change from pre-testing.

capital caMpaign UpdatEWe have been so blessed by your response to our capital campaign. You can help us spread the word and reach the $3 million mark required to begin construction on our new facility. Visit www.safehavenministries.org/capital-campaign to learn more!

women & children served

nights of safety provided to women and children in our emergency shelter

individuals received domestic violence training & education

individuals received case management & emotional support

individuals received support & safety planning through 24/7 free & confidential hotline

647

6,896

4,583

229

2,496

NoNprofit

US postage paid

Grand rapids, Mi

permit #17

EvEnts & training UpdatEs

tUEsday

March 28Domestic Violence

Seminar

satUrday

May 13Team Safe Haven with

5/3 River Bank Run

Friday

april 21 Noto’s Charity

Wine Fest

WEdnEsday

JUnE 21Elk Brewing

Summer Fundraiser

tUEsday

May 2Uniting Against

Abuse Conference

thUrsday

sEpt 14Annual Fall Luncheon

Stay involved wi th Safe Haven al l year long and at tend our events ! V is i t www.safehavenminis tr ies.org/events for more in format ion.