Safe Shelter is here for you.

Welcome to Safe Shelter

Safe Shelter Inc. was founded in 1976 in a grassroots campaign to provide services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Beginning simply as a 24-hour crisis line for women immediately in need, the Safe Shelter board worked to obtain a shelter building where housing could also be provided to survivors of DV and sexual assault. In 1988 the doors to Safe Shelter were opened. Since that time, Safe Shelter has housed domestic violence survivors in four different facilities in Berrien County.

The current north Berrien County facility was donated to Safe Shelter by a benefactor. Safe Shelter operates its programs from that location. Safe Shelter also has office space for the legal advocate in the County Courthouse in Niles. Children's education and support services were established in 1994 and a liaison to the community was added in 1995 and funded by STOP. In 1998, through VOCA funding, a Volunteer Coordinator and Outreach Advocate were added. In 2005 an Emergency Response Team was formed in partnership with local law enforcement. In December 2006 a management agreement was negotiated with Child and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan, Inc.(CFS) in order to provide financial management for Safe Shelter. Safe Shelter has a governing board of 8 members and a staff of 9.

The Reverend Paula Durren, President Episcopal Church of the Mediator	Megan Yore, Vice President Lakeland HealthCare
Katie Berry, Secretary Bosch Corporation	Amanda Morgan Treasurer, Whirlpool Corporation
Tochi Adimiche Whirlpool Corporation	Betsy Clark Whirlpool Corporation
Cheri Martin RN, CCM	Laura Goos Whirlpool Corporation