Thanks for the gift of your time

Thanks For the Gift of Your Time

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I've been involved, in 1 way or another, with Safehouse Center in Ann Arbor, a non-profit organization over the past few years. I wanted you to learn more about the organization which is why I prompted the interview with one of their staff members as posted below (completed in 2009). I've been working for businesses for over 20 years, interfacing with thousands, and not one of them benches up to the magic accomplished through the teamwork at Safehouse. I haven't encountered anyone who doesn't have a loving presence there. It really makes my spirit rejoice when I think of what they do and how many lives they change daily. I'm proud to be part of this organization! Who are you helping?

This was posted on the Examiner prior to them closing their doors and removing the content.

Generosity is critical especially when times are tight

For almost 35 years, Safehouse has been advocating support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.  Kathy Winterhalter, Volunteer & Intern Coordinator at the center communicated, “We help empower participants to learn to regain control; make their own decisions and create their own futures.” She said very passionately, “We don’t use the label victim, the service participants are a victim only in the moment of the crime, one moment later they become a survivor!” 

The ripple effect of the economy has impacted this organization as it has many other non-profits; their staff has been cut in half, down to approximately 30 members, making the need for their 150 active volunteers a must.  Last year they logged over 20,000 volunteer hours. The center offers shelter, an on-site clinic, 24 hour immediate on-call response, help-line, counseling, support groups and legal advocacy; last year they helped over 4,400 survivors.    

The compassionate people of Washtenaw County passed the millage that enabled the construction of their building back in 1993. This non-profit organization devotes its efforts towards developing communities free of domestic violence and sexual assault. The 50-bed shelter was designed specifically for the needs of their survivors; deserving souls suffering through unimaginable circumstances. 

Safehouse Center is counting on the community’s generosity, even more so during these trying times.  Kathy remarked, “The powerful teamwork of staff, volunteers and community donors helps us give survivors what they need and deserve!”