Annual Report
July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013
SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. exists "to improve the quality of
life for youth and families by providing safe living
environments, crisis support, and community intervention.
1
The Year In Review
Pamala Handrow, Executive Director
SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. remains the only Racine County Agency that provides
voluntary, emergency shelter and services to homeless, runaway, abused and neglected
youth. SAFE Haven serves all youth and their families who are in need of support, crisis
intervention and emergency services. For 43 years SAFE Haven has remained true to
its mission to “improve the quality of life for youth and families by providing
safe living environments, crisis support and community interventions.” SAFE
Haven is also pleased to announce that more than 20 cents of every dollar received
during the year was used to directly serve children and youth.
SAFE Haven, Inc. stayed the course during the 2-13-2014 year. After a tough previous
year, SAFE Haven, Inc. maintained its core programs and secured adequate funding for
them. Due to a generous grant award from the Racine Community Foundation, SAFE
Haven was able to include a Master’s level Social Worker to assist with the assessment
and services provided to the youth in our care.
SAFE Haven SAFE Haven experienced a great loss in 2013 with the passing of long
time board member and supporter David Fox, on February 21, 2013. Dave served on
SAFE Haven’s Board of Directors in various leadership roles for 19 years. Dave will be
greatly missed but his legacy of caring for children will survive.
The SAFE Haven Youth Shelter remains the foundation for services provided to
youth ages 10-17 who have run away from home, have been abused or neglected, are
in crisis and temporarily need a safe place to stay. The Youth Shelter staff continued to
provide the community with services, telephone access, internet access 24 hours a day
and 365 days a year. Youth were admitted to the shelter, were provided with drop-in,
services, groups and home visits. Youth and families were provided supportive and
strengthening experiences during their involvement with the SAFE Haven Youth Shelter.
SAFE Passage the Transitional Living Program designed to provide 18-21 year old
youth who are homeless with opportunities to learn and develop the skills and
resources they need to become independent and self-sufficient is one of the programs
that was forced to close during the past year when Federal Funding for this program
was not renewed. Funding for this program expired at the end of February, 2013. The
2
Federal government did not announce grant recipients until May 3, 2013. In March the
Board of Directors decided that it was in SAFE Haven’s best interests to cease
operations by April 15, 2013. That date was chosen to ensure that the 5 young adults
who were living at SAFE Passage at could find another appropriate place to stay. All
five residents did find alternative housing. Staff were laid off as of that day with some
being offered work in remaining programs. The Bridge to Independence Program
continues to provide stipends for rent or escrow to 18-22 year old youth who work with
SAFE Haven staff to complete the program.
The SAFE Streets program also lost funding in 2012. SAFE Haven learned on October
3, 2012 that it was one of 3 Wisconsin programs that lost Federal Funding for Street
Outreach. SAFE Streets provided services for only three months during this fiscal year.
Street Outreach staff were provided options to continue working with SAFE Haven
following the discontinuation of the program. Despite the discontinuation of SAFE
Streets, Youth Shelter staff continued to reach out to youth and families who are
engaged in street life and who are in unsafe situations. SAFE Streets staff provided
food, clothing, referrals to health and mental health services, and other services needed
by those they encountered.
The Truancy Abatement Program (TAP) offered in conjunction with the Racine
County Human Services Department provided supportive services to youth and their
families who are experiencing truancy from school and related difficulties. As a result of
ongoing evaluation, conversation and assessment, it was determined near the end of
the fiscal year that the program might better serve students and families if it were
revised to target Middle School aged students. Through work with the Racine County
Human Services Department, the sole funders of the program, TAP was renamed the
Middle School Engagement Program. Four youth from each of the five Racine
Unified School District Middle School programs and their families will receive intensive,
supportive services.
Detailed information on all programs is provided in this report.
As is illustrated later in the financial portion of this report, SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc.
was fortunate to be supported in a variety of ways during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The Board sponsored Golf Classic was once again successful and was again held at the
Kenosha Country Club. Tammy Rosenberg and the Board Development Committee
worked hard as usual to make this a success. The revenue from the August 2011 Golf
Classic was $14,068, increasing in 2012 to $15,569. The net income from the 2012
Golf Classic was $6,739.
3
Board Vice President Julie Ogren organized and launched SAFE Haven’s first annual
GALA in February, 2013. The evening at the Hob Nob restaurant was elegant and all in
attendance enjoyed the celebration of SAFE Haven of Racine and the “Rat Pack” era.
Revenue generated by the event was $7410 with net income being $2553.
SAFE Haven was awarded a $9,000.00 grant from the Dominican Mission Fund to
support the Bridge to Independence Program. Additionally, $15,000.00 was awarded
by the Racine Community Foundation to provide Outreach and Group programming that
helped to close the gap left by the closing of the SAFE Streets program. SAFE Haven
received $10,000.00 from Fisk Johnson to support all aspects of programming. A total
of $84,258 in donations, in-kind donations and private foundation funding was received
during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The United Way of Racine County continued to provide support to the Youth Shelter
and Outreach operations and the SAFE Passage program for a total of $87,629.00.
As indicated previously, a highly competitive environment and decreased Federal
Funding contributed to the loss of Federal Funding for two SAFE Haven programs. All
Racine County agencies addressing the problems faced by families and homelessness
are seeing a decrease in government funding. Subsequently, SAFE Haven is working
with the Racine County Homeless Assistance Coalition (HAC) to seek and secure funding
from other sources, including local and national foundations. Through the Executive
Director, SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. sits on the HAC resource development committee.
Much work is being directed at obtaining funding that aligns with the mission, goals and
outcomes of SAFE Haven, without the expectation of onerous reporting and accounting
requirements. Along with decreasing federal funds come an increase in reporting
requirements, and obligations. As HAC members we hope to become part of the larger
collaborative effort to bring private funding into the community, by demonstrating
community need for programs and services. HAC would distribute funds to agencies as
needed and available to meet client and community needs. HAC already is
conscientious about not duplicating services and using resources in a way that has the
greatest impact.
Other government funds come from the State of Wisconsin Emergency Solutions Grant
(ESG) funds (another shrinking pot of money), the City Emergency Solutions Grant
(ESG) funds, and some money from County Emergency Food funding. The Racine
County Human Services Department is the sole funder of the Truancy Abatement
Program.
The Board of Directors remained active and involved in the business of governing SAFE
Haven of Racine, Inc. Board officers for the year included Tammy Rosenberg,
4
President, Julie Ogren Vice President, Sarah Holmquist and Greg Schutz served as
Treasurer and Debra Veenstra was reelected Secretary. During 2012-2013, the
following individuals served on the Board of Directors: Nicala Aiello, Thomas
Christensen, Donte Cosey, Michael F. Cuccia, Janet Exner, David Fox, Sarah Holmquist,
Julie Ogren, Henry Reichenbach, Tammy Rosenberg, Greg Schutz, Amber Soos, Jamie
Vanderleest and Debra Veenstra. The Board worked diligently to stabilize and rectify
agencies financial situation subsequent to the loss of Federal Funding. A decision was
made to bring accounting back in house and Sabrina Gonzales was hired in June to help
us prepare for the audit and to take over the day-to-day accounting and financial
duties.
The board diligently addressed the financial and programmatic concerns facing SAFE
Haven and made several timely and important decisions. The SAFE Haven Board of
Directors revisited its mission when determining that the SAFE Streets and SAFE
Passage program would be discontinued when Federal funding ended. SAFE Streets
operations were brought in under the Youth Shelter. Staff continued to take emergency
calls and find solutions to aid street youth formerly served by SAFE Streets. Although
funding ceased by February 29, 2013, the Board gave complete consideration to the
outcomes for the individuals we serve. First consideration was given to a smooth
transition for residents, making sure all had safe and appropriate living arrangements.
Providing staff with sufficient notice of program elimination allowed some staff to be
integrated into other existing SAFE Haven programs and others to obtain other
employment. Programming for and offering services to the 18-21 year old population
remains an area of interest and concern for the SAFE Haven Board.
SAFE Haven looks to the future by engaging in ongoing planning and strategizing to
ensure that we provide the best quality services to the children and families in Racine
County. We will continue to target youth ages 10-17 to ensure that they have all the
support and resources they’ll require to be safe, strong, secure and confident in their
own futures. SAFE Haven will not forget the 18 – 21 year old youth who are in need of
services. SAFE Haven continues to work with all youth ages 10-21 to assist them in
accessing information, resources and referrals for the services they need. SAFE Haven
remains a vital part of the Racine social service delivery community and collaborates on
a regular basis with other community agencies to make sure that all Racine youth and
families are served and that precious resources are used to maximize the impact they
can have.
5
SAFE Haven, Inc. thanks the Racine Community for the ongoing support
given to us and trust that is placed in us. We will continue to serve to the
best of our ability.
Program Information
Youth Shelter
2012/2013 Shelter Programs Director: Yolanda Windham
2012/2013 Case Manager/Supervisor: Angie Flores
The Youth Shelter provides emergency shelter, food, clothing, case management and
referral services to youth, ages 10-17, who have runaway, are homeless, abused or
otherwise in crisis. The Youth Shelter is an 8 bed, State licensed, group foster home.
Youth may reside at the shelter for up to two weeks while they work with their families
and staff to resolve the issues that brought them into shelter. Parental consent is
required for youth who stay at the shelter. Resident youth attend school when
possible, abide by rules and assist with household chores. Youth establish individual
action plans, work in groups and learn ways to develop their strengths. Upon leaving
the shelter, youth are welcome to return alone or with their families for additional
services and groups. Families are also referred to other community services and
programs. All services are confidential and offered at no cost.
Staff continue to provide youth with an environment that is safe, secure, friendly, and
inviting. The SAFE Haven Youth Shelter continues to develop program components that
are designed to have a positive, lasting impact on youth. Staff encourage youth to visit
the shelter and spend time even if they do not stay at the shelter. There has been a
substantial increase in the number of youth served at the shelter during the last year, a
trend that continues. More and more youth return to the shelter to visit staff, to attend
groups, or to volunteer. During the year, four former residents became active in the
Youth Advisory Board. Members of the Youth Advisory Board who are interested will
become trained Peer Advocates giving their work as YAB members greater meaning.
This year, Outreach services were folded into the Youth Shelter programs with the
closing of the SAFE Streets Program. Youth Specialists conducted Outreach in area
schools, Community Centers, and other venues where youth congregate. Although it is
often hard to determine exactly how many youth are reached in group outreach efforts,
6
it is estimated that 438 youth were seen in these settings. Topics for group discussions
always include information about the Youth Shelter, ways to reduce risky behaviors,
and ways to reduce exposure to harm for themselves and peers. In addition to
reaching out to youth, staff made greater attempts to engage parents/caregivers in the
program and process as early as possible so that problems and concerns are addressed
long before the youth leaves the shelter and returns home. Parents are offered
additional support and are encouraged to return to the shelter for supportive aftercare
services.
As indicated in the data section below, numbers of residents increased during the past
year. In reviewing the data the number of residents is based on unduplicated
residents. There were 114 separate stays by residents in the Youth Shelter. We will
continue to increase outreach efforts as there remain periods of time when we could be
seeing more youth.
A total of 73 youth participated in the Sisterhood and Brotherhood Groups. These
sessions are available to any community youth who wish to participate. All Youth
Shelter residents participate in groups.
During the past year, all SAFE Haven staff were trained in Trauma Informed Care. Not
surprisingly, most of the Youth that seek our services have experienced numerous and
frequent traumas beginning at an early age. The key to helping traumatized youth is
asking them what happened to them and developing individualized plans that will help
youth cope and help them heal. A Trauma Informed Care Approach requires a peaceful
and supportive environment. Staff have learned a variety of techniques and strategies
to best help traumatized youth and families.
7
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20
Youth Shelter Client Data
7/1/2012 6/30/2013
7/1/2011 6/30/2012
Increase (Decrease)
Residents
114
90
24
Non-residents
52
58
(6)
Total
166
148
18
Minority clients
96
98
(2)
Female
103
82
21
Male
63
66
(3)
Positive Dispositions
154
136
18
Abuse and neglect
11
13
(2)
AODA/Alcohol Issues
4
9
(5)
Household Dynamics
141
139
2
8
160
Youth Shelter Client Data
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
7/1/2011 6/30/2012
7/1/2010 6/30/2011
Increase (Decrease)
Residents
90
68
22
Non-residents
58
41
17
Total
148
109
39
Minority clients
98
67
31
Female
82
78
4
Male
66
31
35
Positive Dispositions
136
91
45
Abuse and neglect
13
10
3
AODA/Alcohol Issues
9
1
8
Household Dynamics
139
54
85
9
120
Youth Shelter Client Data
100
80
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
7/1/2010 6/30/2011
7/1/2009 6/30/2010
Increase (Decrease)
Residents
68
52
16
Non-residents
41
32
9
Total
109
84
25
Minority clients
67
57
10
Female
78
50
28
Male
31
34
(3)
Positive Dispositions
91
72
19
Abuse and neglect
10
18
(8)
AODA/Alcohol Issues
1
25
(24)
Household Dynamics
54
44
10
10
SAFE Passage
2012/2013 Shelter Programs Director: Yolanda Windham
2012/2013 Case Manager/Supervisors: Karrie Vobeda and Delaney Booker
As indicated previously in this report, SAFE Passage was forced to close its doors on
April 15, 2013 as a result of losing the federal funding it required to continue
operations. SAFE Haven administrative staff and the Board of Directors continue to
explore options to serve the 18-21 year old homeless population that is effective and
affordable.
During most of the fiscal year SAFE Passage, located at 1600 W. Sixth Street in Racine,
operated as an 8 bed, community-based program for homeless young adults, ages 1821, who needed housing, education and life-skills training.
Each resident was assigned a case manager. The case manager works with the youth
to establish an individualized plan that addresses the needs and desires of the youth.
Plans spell out the action steps needed to obtain or complete educational goals,
employment goals, finance goals, health and fitness goals, or anything that the youth
determines will assist him or her in becoming a self-sufficient and productive member of
the community.
Bridge to Independence, a service of SAFE Passage, offers $600.00 rent/escrow
stipends to those who complete the course, have employment, and find suitable
housing. Residents may live at SAFE Passage for up to 18 months while they develop
skills and find employment. While residing at SAFE Passage, food, clothing, and
confidential case management are provided. Aftercare is available to former residents
who desire it. This program continues thanks to funding from the Dominican Mission
Fund.
11
12
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
-15
SAFE Passage
Residential Client Data
7
3
6
1
(1)
(2)
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012
7/1/2010- 6/30/2011
Increase (Decrease)
Residents
18
17
1
Non-residents
3
7
(4)
Bridges to Independence Service
completions - Residents
8
2
6
Bridges to Independence Service
completions - Non-residents
2
3
(1)
Total number of unduplicated clients
15
14
1
Male residents
11
10
1
Female residents
7
6
1
Transgender resident
0
1
(1)
Residential Clients:
Caucasian
7
7
0
African American:
8
8
0
Hispanic
1
1
0
Multiracial
0
1
(1)
Employed time of intake
4
3
1
Employed during their residency
6
8
(2)
Residents with High School Diploma
or equivalent at intake
12
10
2
Residents enrolled and regularly
attending school during stay
6
7
(1)
Residents Completed High School or
its equivalent during stay
1
3
(2)
Group sessions
221
295
(74)
Individual sessions
549
732
(183)
13
30
25
SAFE Passage 25
Residential Client Data
20
17
17
14
15
10
11
10
9
10
7
6
5
2
5
4
3
1
1
8
7
5
4 4
0
8
7
5
3
2
11
10
9
2
0
2
0
2
0
2
1
0
1
0
(1)
(1) (1)
(2)
(2) (2)
(3)
(3)
(4)
-5
(7)
-10
(11)
-15
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011
7/1/09 - 6/30/10
17
17
0
Non-residents
7
11
(4)
Bridges to Independence Service
completions - Residents
2
3
(1)
Bridges to Independence Service
completions - Non-residents
3
5
(2)
14
25
(11)
Residents
Total number of unduplicated clients
Male residents
Increase (Decrease)
10
8
2
Female residents
6
9
(3)
Transgender resident
1
0
1
Caucasian
4
5
(1)
African American:
10
10
0
Hispanic
1
2
(1)
0
2
Multiracial
2
Employed time of intake
5
7
(2)
Employed during their residency
4
11
(7)
Residents with High School Diploma or
equivalent at intake
9
8
1
Residents enrolled and regularly
attending school during stay
4
7
(3)
Residents Completed High School or its
equivalent during stay
0
2
(2)
14
SAFE Streets
2012/2013 Program Coordinator: Sammy Rangel
2012/2013 Program Assistant: Denise Rangel
Although SAFE Streets ceased operating as a separate program of SAFE Haven on
October 1, 2012, outreach efforts continued through the Youth Shelter for the
remainder of the year as a result of funding from the Racine Community Foundation.
SAFE Streets provided services to youth and young adults, who were living on the
streets, were in unsafe environments or were in otherwise unsafe situations that placed
them at risk for sexual abuse and/or exploitation. SAFE Streets staff provided streetbased outreach, individualized assessment of personal health and safety, food,
emergency assistance, prevention education, information and referral, crisis
intervention and follow-up support. Trained personnel were available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. There are no costs for services.
The SAFE Haven Youth Shelter remains available to all Youth who need services
through our phone line and through our web based “live chat.” SAFE Haven Youth
Shelter staff visit schools, community centers and other locations where street youth
congregate to make certain that they are aware that there is help available to them.
SAFE Haven is able to provide youth in crisis with food, clothing, hygiene products
During the past year, SAFE Haven has become aware of the increase in incidents of
sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth in the Wisconsin area. Staff have attended
training in this area and have been in contact with local law enforcement agencies and
the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make certain that we are prepared to assist
these youth in getting safely off the streets and into safe living environments. Last year
we worked with Milwaukee to house a youth who was in a victim witness program due
to criminal acts perpetrated against her and her family. SAFE Haven sees that serving
these vulnerable youth is of vital importance.
15
SAFE Streets Client Data
3000
2750
2500
2250
2000
1750
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
-250
7/1/20126/30/2013
7/1/2011 6/30/2012
Increase
(Decrease)
Large Presentations
2
25
(23)
Individual Assessment
78
319
(241)
Survival Item Distribution
2
379
(377)
Personal Hygiene Items
0
240
(240)
Referrals to Youth Shelter
0
8
(8)
Counseling
23
1324
(1301)
HIV/STD
23
1324
(1301)
AODA
23
1324
(1301)
Literature
26
823
(797)
Referrals
0
45
(45)
Crisis Intervention
21
66
(45)
Street Follow-up
23
67
(44)
Aftercare
0
22
(22)
Outreach Events
5
76
(71)
Home Visits
11
29
(18)
Food & Drink
50
1217
(1167)
16
SAFE Streets Client Data
3000
2750
2500
2250
2000
1750
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
-250
7/1/2011 6/30/2012
7/1/20106/30/2011
Increase
(Decrease)
Large Presentations
25
108
(83)
Individual Assessment
319
0
319
Survival Item Distribution
379
529
(150)
Personal Hygiene Items
240
527
(287)
8
24
(16)
Counseling
1324
2975
(1651)
HIV/STD
1324
2975
(1651)
AODA
1324
2975
(1651)
Literature
823
1946
(1123)
Referrals
45
83
(38)
Crisis Intervention
66
134
(68)
Street Follow-up
67
103
(36)
Aftercare
22
27
(5)
Outreach Events
76
86
(10)
Home Visits
29
40
(11)
Food & Drink
1217
1413
(196)
Referrals to Youth Shelter
17
SAFE Streets Client Data
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
-1000
7/1/2010 6/30/2011
7/1/009 6/30/10
Increase
(Decrease)
108
73
35
Large Presentations Attendees
5332
2283
3049
Individual Assessment
529
543
(14)
Survival Item Distribution
527
761
(234)
Personal Hygiene Items
12
160
(148)
Referrals to Youth Shelter
24
2
22
Counseling
2975
2033
942
HIV/STD
2975
2033
942
AODA
2975
2033
942
Literature
1946
991
955
Referrals
83
79
4
Crisis Intervention
134
108
26
Street Follow-up
103
100
3
Aftercare
27
42
(15)
Outreach Events
86
73
13
Home Visits
40
52
(12)
Food & Drink
1413
152
1261
Client Data
Large Presentations
18
Truancy Abatement Program
TAP
(This program is now known as the Middle School Engagement Program)
2012/2013 Attendance Specialist/Supervisor: April Harris-Kyle
SAFE Haven offers this program in partnership with the Racine County Human Services
Department and Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin. Staff assist parents and
caregivers in engaging and motivating their children to achieve success at school. TAP
staff work with students, parents/caregivers and school personnel to develop plans and
approaches to get and keep youth in school.
During the past year, 184 families were referred to the program for intervention. Staff
offer families home visits, school visits, referrals to additional services, emotional
support, parental support through groups provided by SAFE Haven and other services
that may provide families with what they need to turn things around. When
appropriate, TAP students and families are referred to other SAFE Haven programs and
services.
In an effort to serve additional students and families, TAP made its services available to
the Honorable Mark Nielsen who presides over the community’s truancy court. Judge
Nielsen was pleased to have additional resources available for families and a better way
to monitor progress. Judge Nielsen refers students to the program who are appearing
before him for the first time and those who are already adjudicated providing them with
an opportunity to decrease the severity of the penalties ordered. Staff accompany
families to court and report on the student’s progress in the program.
As a way of making the greatest impact, TAP staff in conjunction with the Racine
County Human Services Department, and the Racine Unified School District has decided
that the greatest efforts should be spent with the youngest referrals. Subsequently,
students who are not progressing are discharged from the program when they reach
the age of 17. The focus on younger students was also instrumental in refocusing the
program to serve Middle School students through the Middle School Engagement
program for the 2013-2014 school year.
19
Truancy Abatement Program (TAP)
Client Data
200
150
100
50
0
-50
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2013
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012
Increase (Decrease)
Total unduplicated clients
184
172
12
Males
98
90
8
Female
86
82
4
African American
72
70
2
Bi-racial
5
7
(2)
Caucasian
56
53
3
Hispanic
51
41
10
Truancy Abatement Program (TAP)
Client Data
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
7/1/2011 - 6/30/2012
7/1/2010- 6/30/2011
Increase (Decrease)
Total unduplicated clients
172
108
64
Males
90
57
33
Female
82
39
43
African American
70
39
31
Bi-racial
7
3
4
Caucasian
53
37
16
Hispanic
41
29
12
20
Truancy Abatement Program (TAP)
Client Data
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
7/1/2010 - 6/30/2011
7/1/009 - 6/30/10
Increase (Decrease)
Total unduplicated clients
108
39
69
Males
57
24
33
Female
39
15
24
African American
39
14
25
Bi-racial
3
1
2
Caucasian
37
17
20
Hispanic
29
7
22
Fiscal Outcomes
The following pages reflect an encapsulation of the financial status of the organization
for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Complete financial information is available in the
agencies audit completed and presented by Gordon J. Maier & Company, LLP.
21