Safe Harbor is a domestic violence shelter for seven counties near Aberdeen in northeastern South Dakota. It began in 1977 as a volunteer phone service providing information to women and people in crisis. They soon realized that they had to do more than just offer information; they wanted to offer hope.
Today, Safe Harbor serves adults and children by providing food and shelter, but they also empower people in abusive situations to change their lives. They offer resources for learning to make positive life choices, provide advocacy and supportive services, and educate and motivate the local community to be proactive in eliminating abuse.
South Dakota Community Foundation’s (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator Pat Gallagher sat down with Gina Karst, Executive Director of Safe Harbor, and Danielle Oliver, President of the Safe Harbor Foundation. They discussed the vital work of Safe Harbor and the organization’s partnership with SDCF. The Safe Harbor Foundation established an endowment fund through SDCF’s nonprofit savings account challenge.
In this episode, you will hear:
Safe Harbor’s story and mission
How partnering with SDCF has helped secure a long future for Safe Harbor
The vital support victims receive from Safe Harbor
“We will continue to provide victims services. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, we will be there to help until that person is ready to be done and to move on with their life.” - Gina Karst
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