(910) 259-8989

About Safe Haven

Providing food, clothing, shelter, services, and referrals to victims of domestic violence.
Our ServicesContact Us

Our Mission & Vision

As an agency we seek:

  • To serve as a center for which groups and individuals can address the concerns for victims of Domestic Violence.
  • To empower victims of domestic violence.
  • To ameliorate domestic violence.
  • To enhance available services and systems for victims including, but not limited to, emergency shelter, food, and clothing, crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, medical and mental health concerns.
  • To heighten the public awareness of domestic violence through community education.
  • To hold the abuser accountable for his/her actions.

Our purpose is to:

Empower and teach self-sufficiency to the victims of domestic abuse. The restoration of a survivor’s power and control over their own lives is the driving force behind our services.

Our History

In the spring of 1988 a group of volunteers, concerned with the growing number of reported (and unreported) rapes in the Pender County area pursued training on how to respond to rape calls and a rape hotline. Acknowledging this effort, the Pender County Commissioners awarded the group $500 to implement a pager system. In 1989, due to a lack of dedicated volunteers and the absence of calls, the pager program was canceled. The desire to provide resources for these victims was not diminished, however.

Services Modification 2019:

In an effort to respond effectively to the increased volume and needs of domestic violence victims and survivors, Safe Haven became a sole domestic violence shelter and services agency. Safe Haven continues to partner with the sexual assault agency to provide shelter beds for victims.

Agency Expansion 2019:

Safe Haven expanded shelter and services into Duplin County. Safe Haven currently serves Pender and Duplin Counties.

Our Beliefs & Values

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated, or dating. Domestic violence is a crime and there are legal protections available to you. You can get help. Leaving a violent relationship isn’t easy. We understand. Victims stay because of money, family pressure, concern for kids, fear of their partner, or a number of other reasons. If you leave or stay, you can get help by reaching out to us as Safe Haven of Pender.

Safety

Although you can’t control an abuser’s use of violence, you can plan how you will respond to future abusive or violent incidents, prepare for the possibility of an incident happening, and plan how to get to safety. We can help with your safety plan and help end the pain, abuse, and even shame, that you are suffering.

Empowerment

Although violence is manifested differently, women (and men) of all ages, nationalities, economic classes, and ethnic groups are affected. We proudly use an empowerment approach, which places the Safe Haven advocates with victims, to help them cope with abuse, plan for safety, and develop self-esteem.

Freedom

Since 2011 an increasing number of local government bodies across the country have adopted resolutions or proclamations recognizing that freedom from domestic violence is a human right. We believe in that right and we believe in freedom from abuse, violence, and oppression.

Hope

We often hear how Safe Haven feels more like a home than what someone normally thinks of when they hear the word “shelter.” It provides safe, emergency housing for survivors and their minor children in a confidential location. Above all though, it provides hope. Residents not only receive food, clothing, and hygiene items, but also case management, resources and referrals, peer counseling, and additional support in achieving their goals.

“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

~ Brené Brown

Our Team & Leadership

Deciding to end an abusive relationship and remain free of unhealthy connections is not always easy. Our team understands your struggle and we are here to help. Our collective group of professional, empathetic, and compassionate staff members will partner with you to ensure the safety of you and your children. You can trust that your safety, anonymity, and healthy transition are our priority. It would be our honor to serve you!

Dr. Tracey Ray, Executive Director

Felicia Greene, Chief Operating Officer
Lorie Winn, Grants Program Manager
Tania Miller, Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program Coordinator
Crystal Martinez, Duplin Bilingual Advocate Coordinator
Margarita Lira, Shelter & Services Director
Megan Shunk, Thrift Store Assistant Manager

Carol Stewart, Finance Manager
Lori Kirkpatrick, Communications Director
Darrius Garey, Safe at Home Program Director
Jillan Spencer, Lead Shelter Advocate
Debbie Mitchell, Thrift Store General Manager