SAFE Shelter

1. We are here to listen..............Not to work miracles.
2. We are here to help survivors discover what they are feeling...not to make the feelings go away.
3. We are here to help survivors INDENTIFY their OPTIONS...not to decide for them.
4. We are here to DISCUSS STEPS with a survivor...not to take steps for them.
5. We are here to help survivors DISCOVER their own STRENGHT...not to rescue them and leave them vulnerable.
6. We are here to help survivors LEARN TO CHOOSE...not to make it unnecessary for them to make difficult changes.
7. WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR CHANGE.

In September 1978, four concerned citizens met to discuss the problem of spousal abuse in Chatham County.  Realizing the seriousness of this problem and the lack of resources available in our community, they called a public meeting to discuss the issue.  It was determined that there was no existing facility in our community to provide emergency shelter with counseling for as abused women and her children for more than a night.  A group of twenty-five volunteered to form a task force with the goal of establishing such a shelter.

During the next months, the group became incorporated as a non-profit organization known as S.A.F.E. (Savannah Area Family Emergency) Shelter.  Committees were established to conduct a needs assessment in the community, to draw up a program design for the shelter, and to explore funding possibilities.

 A proposal describing the SAFE project was completed and the quest for funding began.  The County and City governments were approached for capital funds for the purchase and renovation of a shelter site.  Two $24,403 grants were secured through Revenue Sharing Funds (county) and the Community Development Block Grant Program (city).  Speaking engagements and media coverage provide sources of revenue on a small scale.  It was obvious that a major fund drive would be necessary to secure adequate operating funds.

In July 1979, an eighteen-member Board o Directors was elected and assumed responsibility for the project.  In the spring of 1980, officers of the Board agreed to spearhead a fund drive to secure the approximately $70,000 needed for operated expenses.  This goal was reached in July 1980 with the receipt of $20,000 in emergency funds from the Governor’s Office.  In the interim, the shelter had become a project of the Junior League of Savannah, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and the Huntingdon Junior Women’s Club.  Substantial donations were received from churches, individuals, foundations and businesses with some commitments for a second year of operation.

In the spring of 1980, the Facilities Committee located a shelter site.  Purchase was completed in May 1980 and renovation began in July.  The Savannah Retailers Association proved the major portion of the furnishings.

August brought the selection of an Executive Director and September 15, 1980 was established as the opening date for the shelter.