Safe Haven’s CEO Reflects on Our Growth and Prepares for Retirement

Joyce Lavery, CEO On June 1, 2009, I began my official duties as Executive Director of Safe Haven Family Shelter. Flexibility, compassion, insight and wisdom, being able to see the organization from 35,000 miles above, and being a connector were capacities I hoped I brought to Safe Haven and served as a catalyst for its tremendous growth.

When I started, along with Rachael and Jennifer, there were only a handful of other staff. Families stayed in shelter for months, and the homes we owned in the community served as transitional housing where families lived for one to two years. Annually, we served around 35 families. The building (now known as the basement) had a leaky roof, communal bathrooms, resident rooms next to our offices, and a children’s play area in the middle. Our budget was $500,000, and we had significant fundraising challenges. While I do not miss that building, I do sometimes miss writing a report with a resident’s child in my lap. Times have changed.

We now serve over 300 families each year, focus on housing-first, rapid rehousing, have around 40 full-time staff (and growing), a budget closing in on $4 million, and Safe Haven has been recognized for its excellence from many foundations, companies, and organizations. I know I have been a part of that growth. I know our board has been part of that growth. I know our volunteers have been part of that growth. I know our community has been part of that growth. And I know that compassionate, passionate, committed, creative staff have been an important part of our success. I offer gratitude to the volunteers, board, donors, and staff who allowed me to serve and helped to make Safe Haven a strong organization.

Safe Haven is still growing. We have significant opportunities in the journey ahead. I am still a part of that work. My role now is not only to help sustain Safe Haven but also to ensure that the new CEO will have the information and support needed to be a catalyst for growth and help Safe Haven deliver on all of its promises.

As I transition into a new life of retirement, I get both weepy and excited. I will continue to work toward making the world a better place not just for some, but for all. I will continue to grow my own heart, mind, and soul to be a better citizen and person. However, I will be spending a lot more time with loved ones and perhaps finish a book in a reasonable amount of time. I have plans for travel and for taking up new interests such as photography. I am so blessed to have been a part of Safe Haven, and I have had a rare privilege to make a felt difference in the world. I thank all of you for being a part of my journey, too. I am a better leader and person for having known all of you. I think about all that was before, all that is now, and I cannot wait to see all that Safe Haven will become.