Safe Harbor friends,
After much contemplation and with a myriad of feelings, I have decided to step down from the position of Executive Director for Safe Harbor. The timing aligns for me to be able to pursue new opportunities while creating space for new and innovative leadership. It has been the greatest privilege to have had the opportunity to walk alongside victims and survivors of domestic violence for the past 22 years, and to serve as Executive Director for 13 years. My last day at Safe Harbor will be May 31, 2022.
During my tenure, we have centered the experiences of domestic violence survivors, leveraging opportunities and growing our programs and services to live out our mission. We have moved beyond just providing emergency shelter services by integrating community-based services, transitional housing, prevention, outreach, and systems advocacy to respond to deeper causes of domestic violence.
I will always be proud to have led Safe Harbor during this season of critical growth and social change.
The future of Safe Harbor is in excellent hands: We have a strong and committed Board of Directors led by Jennifer Gosnell, President, Nola Wood, Vice President, Carrie Silver, Secretary, and Doris Haley, Treasurer. For the past couple of months, we have been working together to assure that this transition of leadership is made as seamlessly as possible. An announcement about Safe Harbor’s Interim Executive Director will be shared soon.
Our staff includes some of the best in the non-profit sector. Our leadership team are experts in their work. They are committed to centering the voices of domestic violence survivors and providing trauma-informed services while using a lens of anti-racism and multi-culturalism to provide prevention, intervention, and community outreach related to domestic violence. Collectively, they have decades of experience managing our programs, shelters, fund development, and administrative functions at Safe Harbor. They will continue to do this important work after my departure.
While my feelings about leaving Safe Harbor are bittersweet, I am hopeful and excited for the future of Safe Harbor. With the inspiration of our survivors, staff, and Board of Directors, Safe Harbor is poised to achieve bold goals through innovative services, social and racial justice efforts, and community partnerships that will influence a culture where everyone feels safe and valued.
Here’s to new beginnings!
Best,
Becky Callaham
