Our Mission

To partner with the community to provide the resources, support and education necessary for every individual to become empowered and live a life free from domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness.

Our Vision

To Eliminate Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Homelessness.

Organizational Values and Guiding Principles

Safe Horizons has organized the development and delivery of its services around some core values. These values are designed to help establish and maintain the highest degree of professionalism and service to consumers.

Respect for Individuals

Safe Horizons cannot succeed without people. It is people who give this agency its meaning and it is people who will make it work. Safe Horizons believes in the idea that treating people well – with dignity, respect, and with expectations of growth and development – is fundamental to the achievement of a satisfying work experience and essential to assuring consumers are treated with the highest degree of professionalism.

The Importance of Innovation

Safe Horizons believes that it can demonstrate new, creative, and innovative ways of supporting, serving, and assisting people. Innovation, creativity, and inherent risks involved in doing things differently, but responsibly, are the hallmark values of Safe Horizons.

The Importance of Teamwork

Despite the requirements of running an agency with various programs and lines of authority, those connected to Safe Horizons believe that everyone affiliated with the agency can offer perspective, insight, and input into improving what we do, how we serve and support people, and the quality of our efforts. To that end, important and creative ideas may originate at any level within Safe Horizons.

Continuous Improvement

The aspiration of excellence is also an important value. Excellence is grounded in the quality of our efforts to serve, support, encourage, and recognize one another as important contributors to the overall success of Safe Horizons. Improvement requires continual work in monitoring and, as necessary, modifying our policies, procedures, and practices.

Community Commitment

Safe Horizons sees itself as a valued and integral part of the communities it serves. Safe Horizons seeks meaningful ways to provide human services in response to under-met or unmet community needs. Safe Horizons believes that accountability to and responsibility for the local community is essential.

Summary

These values will define the character of Safe Horizons only if we put them into practice. Putting them into practice offers a challenge to all of us. Putting them into practice helps position Safe Horizons for durability and competitiveness in a rapidly changing human services environment.

These values must fuel the work of Safe Horizons, its activities, services, and programs.
They should guide our interactions with one another.
They should guide our staff development and training programs.
They offer a way to evaluate the services, supports, and opportunities which are offered to our consumers.
They serve as a means of holding ourselves accountable.

Safe Horizons offers shelter and support services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or homelessness. The services and support programs are delivered to the community in a variety of formats ranging from shelter and housing to support groups and legal assistance.

All Safe Horizons facilities operate a 24 hour crisis line, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Trained operators provide crisis counseling, information and referral for individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and/or homelessness.

Case management for domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness
Domestic violence and sexual assault counseling
On-going educational/support groups for both residential and non residential clients
School based education program on dating behavior and sexual harassment.
Hospital emergency first response and court system advocacy.
Crisis line available 24 hours/7 days per week
Homeless shelter and support services
Transitional Supportive Housing

OUR HISTORY

The agency began in 1977 as a volunteer program dealing with sexual assault and child sexual abuse. It was known as St. Clair County Rape Task Force. The Task Force found themselves dealing with numerous victims of domestic violence.

Due to duplication of efforts, in 1978 it was decided to incorporate with committees focusing on separate issues and become known as St. Clair County Domestic Assault and Rape Elimination Services Task Force [DARES].

From 1978 through 1981 DARES was funded through small local donations. In November 1981, DARES received its first major funding from Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

On December 1, 1983 DARES opened its first shelter facility and offered temporary shelter along with 24-hour crisis support counseling by telephone or in person.

Pathway Shelter Home opened April 8, 1991 at 511 Union Street, Port Huron. This facility provides shelter and support services to men, couples and families.

Carolyn’s Place, a 20 bed facility, was dedicated on December 14, 1995 in memory of former Executive Director, Carolyn Superczynski.

DARES became Safe Horizons in the year 2000 with a new direction and mission.

Safe Horizons received the first Supportive Housing grant in 2002 consisting of 10 slots for mentally ill clients. Currently 75 slots are involved with the Supportive Housing Program.

Safe Horizons has provided more than 70,000 nights of stay for the benefit of the residents of St. Clair County.