2023 SAFY Annual Report

Decades of Dedication

BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES & THRIVING COMMUNITIES

Dear Partners and Friends,

As we reflect on SAFY’s 40th anniversary, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. “Decades of Dedication” captures the unwavering commitment that has fueled our mission. Through trials and triumphs, we have stood by our principles, ensuring every youth finds a haven, every family receives the support they deserve, and every community we serve is strengthened.

This year’s annual report reflects on the milestones achieved, the lives transformed, and the challenges overcome. You’ll witness stories of courage, compassion, and collaboration. Each data point, each success, and each challenge overcome is a testament to your unwavering support.

Together, we’ve weathered storms and celebrated victories. Our legacy is etched in the lives we’ve served and the futures we’ve reshaped. Thank you for being part of our journey. As we look ahead to the next 40 years, let us stand united, driven by the same dedication that ignited our mission.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Will Matt Jim Pozy

SAFY President & CEO SAFY Board President

Current Board of Directors

Jim J. Pozy Board Chairman

Ohio

Charmaine Brittain, MSW, PhD Vice-Chairperson

Colorado

Jeffrey A. Crawford Indiana

Elisabeth B. Evensen, PhD Florida

Anthony Gray Kentucky

Gloria Holloway Alabama

Ricardo Perry South Carolina

Francisco Torres Nevada

Our Commitment to Excellence and Inclusion Across the Country

At SAFY, we prioritize equipping staff with the support and specialized training they need to serve families effectively. In 2023 alone, we awarded 720 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to our dedicated team members, ensuring they remain knowledgeable and skilled in the latest practices in child welfare. This commitment to professional development enables our staff to provide the highest level of care and support, fostering positive outcomes and strong, resilient communities.

Beyond professional development, SAFY strives to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. This commitment ensures we understand and address the unique needs of our communities effectively. Diverse representation among our staff fosters inclusivity and enhances the quality of our services.

Locations

OUR DEI STATEMENT

SAFY is committed to the continuous pursuit of a diverse workforce that represents the youth and families in our care. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We will establish systems and apply practices in a fair and equitable manner. As we advance our mission of Preserving Families and Securing Futures for all humanity; we seek justice for all.

A Look Back – 40 Years of Service

1989

SAFY expands to Indiana

1984

SAFY established in Lima, Ohio, as a treatment foster care agency with 44 youth in placement by October

1992

1993

SAFY expands to Nevada 1994

SAFY’s Safe Harbor program for youth affected by homelessness opened in Lima, OH which paved the way for the Youth Drop-In Center (YDC) to open in 2016

1998

SAFY expands to Kentucky and Alabama

SAFY expands to South Carolina

2006

Lima Behavioral Health opened providing outpatient mental health services for over a decade and Intensive Family Services today

2004

SAFY of Ohio begins offering in-home services to families

Evolution of Services

By recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by parents and caregivers, we can break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and adversity.

2014

SAFY expands to Colorado providing Treatment Foster Care and Family Preservation Services

2020

SAFY of CO begins providing Mobile Crisis Services

2022

SAFY of CO offers state’s first Professional Foster Parent Program 2023

2022

SAFY of IN awarded over $740,000 in federal funding to support kinship caregivers through the Opioid crisis

SAFY of NV implemented Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) working to create a “therapeutic web” of support for youth 2024

SAFY celebrates 40 years

OVER THE PAST FOUR DECADES, the landscape of child welfare has seen a profound change. In the 1980s, the predominant focus lay in foster care placement, often necessitated by concerns of neglect or abuse, resulting in the separation of children from their families. While at times, foster care is a necessary option, as time progressed, a pivotal shift emerged, recognizing the paramount importance of family preservation. In the 1990s, the focus started to turn more to in-home services and family-supportive programs, with the overarching goal of safeguarding youth while maintaining their bonds with their families whenever feasible. This transition underscores a deeper comprehension of the multifaceted obstacles confronting families.

At SAFY, we’ve embraced this evolutionary trajectory. Our continuum of services has expanded to encompass intensive in-home services, including supportive kinship services, peer-parent programs, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health support — all crafted to fortify families and preempt unwarranted separation. While foster care remains an indispensable recourse, it now has the role of last resort. By recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by parents and caregivers, we can break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and adversity. Our programs are designed to support families in crisis and empower them to navigate and overcome barriers impacting their well-being.

In the past years, we’ve also gained profound insights into the systemic forces that shape the composition of our child welfare system. Issues such as racism, poverty, and inequality have exerted significant influence, often determining who enters foster care. The pandemic also showed how systemic inequalities affected communities, highlighting unequal access to resources, services, and support networks. These structural inequities have resulted in a disproportionate representation of marginalized communities within the child welfare system. SAFY acknowledges and is actively working to address the systemic inequalities our communities face. By centering our response on equity and inclusivity, we aim to create a child welfare system responsive to all families’ unique needs. Through collaborative efforts and community partnerships, we strive to dismantle barriers and create a more just and equitable society for future generations.

As we embark on the next phase of our journey, let us continue to confront systemic inequities and prioritize multi-generational support to ensure the safety, stability, and well-being of all children and families. Together, we can build communities where all families thrive.

Programs

AT SAFY, we work with youth and families to reach their full potential, building the foundation of well-being we all need to contribute to our communities. Driven by our mission of Preserving Families and Securing Futures, SAFY has designed a service blueprint based on research addressing the roots of trauma while effecting lasting change. Our continuum of care includes behavioral health, family supportive services, and, when needed, foster care and adoption services. This solid structure offers the tools to develop and maintain stable mental, physical, and emotional foundations to weather the storms where they are — home, school, work, or community.

Strengthening behavioral health is infused across all services at SAFY. Our Model of Care focuses on permanency and well-being within the context of youth and community. We accomplish this through the delivery of trauma-informed, strength-based services offered within our continuum:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Good mental health is like having a stable foundation for our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It supports our ability to live up to our potential and fully participate in our communities. SAFY’s Behavioral Health services help stabilize mental health when disrupted and build lifelong skills for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Our innovative approach offers evidencebased therapeutic options in the best environments for families and individuals. Trained clinical staff build on each individual’s strengths to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes.

FAMILY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

The storms of life can threaten the stability of any family’s foundation. Preservation Services put families on a path to creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for every member. Working alongside the family, we build lifelong skills, enabling the family to achieve physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the tools needed to develop and maintain strong foundations. SAFY’s services can range from parenting education to anger management, substance abuse treatment, or any short and focused assistance to keep the family stable. We also work with kinship and adoption families to support their unique needs. When youth must be removed from their family, our reunification services address the issues that brought them into care. Our goal is to reunify the youth with a stable family setting as soon as possible.

FOSTER CARE

Experiencing foster care is difficult for youth and families. We work to address underlying issues and build the tools needed to support reunification whenever possible, leading to permanency. Our support includes case management, mental health assessments, person-centered treatment planning, and evidence-based skills teaching. Providing services to parents, youth, and foster families, SAFY works to heal trauma and achieve reunification. SAFY programs throughout the nation offer a variety of levels of foster care, including traditional, therapeutic, treatment, and professional foster parent services, as well as transition-aged youth programming and adoption support.

SAFY Impact

Family currently receiving services through SAFY of Ohio’s Lima Behavioral Health – Empowering Families - Intensive Family Services:

“SAFY has been a lifeline to us during these last five months. They got us in right away when [our child] was discharged from the hospital. Megon has helped [our child] talk through things, including his future! She has been an absolute angel to all of us and working through what life looked like after [our child’s] attempted suicide. Being seen two times a week, both at home and in the office, helped him work through his thoughts and helped us feel more at ease at home. This program has been so important to us. I feel happy to know it will be available to other kids in [our child’s] position. This is a needed program in our area.”

Shermeka Hawthorne, LMSW, SAFY of Alabama Treatment

Director:

I absolutely enjoy the work that I do in making sure children in our program are receiving quality services. One thing I have learned is that you never stop growing. Each year, I have grown as a social worker through my various experiences with youth and staff!

SAFY’s attention to customer service is a standout for me. We want to be there for our families and youth and go through great lengths to ensure our families, youth, and stakeholders have the best experience with us. I also think our commitment and emphasis on clinical innovation sets us apart from other organizations. Come prepared to work hard and you will be supported with all the tools you need to succeed.

Veronica, SAFY Foster Parent for over 10 years:

“I made the plunge [to foster] while working as a Special Education Teacher. I thought my training and education would make me an important advocate for youth. I love the support SAFY offers [and] helping parents learn [techniques to work with] difficult behaviors to help them be successful at parenting [upon reunification].”

2023 OUTCOMES 5650 Lives Impacted in 2023 Foster Care

2,441 youth served 95% of youth served reported feeling more optimistic about their future

51.2% of youth achieved permanency (13.1 percentage points higher than the federal benchmark of 38.1%)

97% of those served feel SAFY is helping them achieve their goals

Family Supportive Services

410 families served 78 .5% of families experienced a positive discharge from the program

97% of caregivers reported feeling more optimistic about their family’s future due to SAFY services

Behavioral Health Services

2,495 served 96% of caregivers were satisfied with the services they received

97%of caregivers were more optimistic about their family’s future after receiving services

97% feel their family’s beliefs and values were respected throughout treatment

As we look back over the past four decades, SAFY is at a pivotal moment of transformation and possibility. We recognize that the challenges facing the child welfare field are complex and multifaceted, yet we remain steadfast in our determination to be catalysts for positive change. From addressing disparities to embracing emerging best practices, we are working towards a more equitable and inclusive child welfare system — one that honors the inherent worth and dignity of every youth and family we serve.

DISPARITIES IN CHILD WELFARE

In the field of child welfare, disparities persist, casting shadows over principles of fairness and opportunity. These inequities take various forms, from marginalized communities being disproportionately represented in the foster care system to unequal access to essential services. At SAFY, we recognize the urgency of addressing these disparities and strive to champion equity and justice for all youth and families.

Our approach centers on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive, equitable child welfare system. We acknowledge that disparities stem from multifaceted factors like poverty, systemic racism, and historical trauma. We actively address these inequalities through targeted interventions, culturally responsive practices, and community partnerships.

By implementing our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for both staff and foster parents, commencing our DEI Council representative of staff from across SAFY, and advocating for reforms, SAFY is building a culture of inclusiveness to advance the SAFY mission—to Preserve Families and Secure Futures. We strive to exemplify a culture that represents the diverse communities we serve and is inclusive of all humanity. Our focus is to educate, celebrate, and apply what we learn to advance equity, opportunity, and understanding among our workforce and the families and children we serve.

BEST PRACTICES

SAFY is committed to excellence and innovation in all aspects of our work. As we look to the future, we recognize the importance of staying at the forefront, continually refining our approaches to ensure the highest quality of care and support for the youth and families we serve.

From trauma responsive care to family engagement strategies, we are leveraging the latest research and insights to inform our practice and drive positive outcomes for those we serve. Below we highlight two of our latest initiatives:

Parent Partners

In partnership with the Ohio Department of Juvenile and Family Services, SAFY of Ohio is piloting the Iowa Parent Partners program, an evidence-based practice supporting parents involved with children’s services to reunify with their children. Our Parent Partners serve as peer mentors helping others navigate the child welfare system. Integrating their voices and sharing their lived experiences with other parents put families on a path to creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for every member.

Indiana’s Kinship Program

With funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Opioid Impacted Youth Initiative SAFY of Indiana’s Kinship Program is supporting kinship families impacted by substance use. When parents are unable to care for their children due to substance use children often move in with family members, who may be unprepared to manage the needs of youth who have experienced trauma. SAFY’s kinship program is working through a trauma-informed response to help kinship families stabilize their foundations. Working alongside the family, we build lifelong skills enabling the family to achieve physical, social, and emotional well-being.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS OF YOUTH

Another notable trend that has emerged over the past several decades is the significant increase in behavioral health needs among youth. As societal pressures, economic disparities, and adverse childhood experiences continue to impact families, the prevalence of mental health issues has risen. This rise underscores the importance of a holistic approach to child welfare that prioritizes mental health promotion, early intervention, and access to quality behavioral health care. SAFY has witnessed this increased need for services firsthand. As a response, SAFY programs are adapting to the needs of the communities we serve. For instance, SAFY of Ohio’s Lima Behavioral Health has transformed from primarily serving youth and families in an office setting to in-home evidence-based services in response to community needs. They are also working with community partners to enhance the services provided at the Youth Drop-In Center which has seen a dramatic increase in participants and severity of needs over the past several years.

Behavioral health is seamlessly integrated into all our services, recognizing its pivotal role in comprehensive well-being. SAFY understands behavioral health intersects deeply with experiences of trauma and our approach is rooted in providing support tailored to individual needs, fostering healing and resilience.

We recognize that the challenges facing the child welfare field are complex and multifaceted.

2023 FINANCIALS* 2023

Consolidated Revenue - $64,407,777

Percentage by Service Line *Represents the year-end unaudited report.

Grants

In 2023, SAFY received grant awards totaling $1,286,817.

Grantors

Blue Grass Community Foundation

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Colorado Department of Human Services

Crime Victim Services –

Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost

Dabo’s All In Team Foundation

Dayton Foundation

Indiana Department of Child Services

Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund

Nevada Division of Child & Family Services

Orphan Society of Greater Lexington

Realities for Children Charities

Speedway Children’s Charities of Las Vegas

Starbucks Foundation

Susan Mott Webb Charitable Trust

Toyota TMMK

Walmart #2729

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

WHAS Crusade for Children

Giving Back

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

By giving to SAFY, you are investing in the preservation of families, and strengthening our communities. In the 2023 Making Waves Annual Giving Campaign, we achieved remarkable success raising over $124,000 in support of our mission to secure futures for families nationwide. Through your generosity, we made significant strides in providing essential resources, supportive services, and advocacy efforts ensuring every youth we serve thrives in a safe and nurturing environment.

SAFY FOUNDATION

The SAFY Foundation is dedicated to advancing SAFY’s Mission through investments in programs and services to support staff and foster parent development and retention and capacity building. In 2023, the SAFY Foundation completed its first round of grant awards, providing nearly $200,000 to SAFY state programs to help support staff development, improving clinical services through evidence based practices, and building community through staff and foster parent conferences.

Donors

Thanks to the generosity of our community members and employees, SAFY raised $124,572 in donations. 100% of our Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team, and Senior Management Team donated to SAFY in 2023. Donated funds provide flexibility to help achieve SAFY’s Mission for needed costs, such as youth enrichment, foster parent recruitment and retention, celebrations, family support, and staff development and retention.

Althea Avery

Lisa Barham

Randi Barnes

David and Amy Barnett

Mary Berg

Meredith and Jay Bonham

Charmaine Brittain

Bennie Brooks

Kristy Brown

Zelma Brown

Donna Bryant

Stephen Burrow

Velma Burton

Brian Carnahan

C3 Church

Chapel of the Cross UMC

Children’s Dentistry PLLC

Chipotle

Chuck E Cheese Corporate Headquarters

Carley Clark

Marcia Clark

Wendi Cobb

Jenna Coleman

Columbia Fireflies

Comfort Cases

Commercial Printing

Copeland

Tim Copella

Costco Warehouse

Jeffrey and Pamm Crawford

Michael Crome

CT Marketing

Melissa Davis

Natasha Davis

Ina De Mattos

Christopher DePiero

Cathy Desenberg

Amanda Donnelly

Brian and Renate Dopp

Duke Energy Business Services LLC

Anya Earl

Elevance Health, Inc.

Sandra Ellis

Elisabeth Evensen

Everhart Advisors

Rose Fawcett

Jill and Jack Ferguson

Mark and Virgie Fietsch

Sandra Fischer

FISH of Shelby County, Inc.

Foster Kinship

Jacki Francis

Kassandra Fuchs

GBQ Partners

Robert and Brittni George

Joseph and Amy Golian

Anthony Gray

Melissa and Scott Grimes

Judy and Gregory Grozdits

Kelly Hackworth

Kimberly Hemmelgarn

Valerie Hicks

Dean Hodge

Janet Hodge

Paul and Donna Hoffman

Amanda Howard

Hurt Farm Bureau

Insurance Agency

In-N-Out Burger

Andra Jackson

Deanna John

Julierie Designs

Kemba Credit Union

Keith Kessler

Raymond Lynn Kidman

Mark Koenig

Kroger

Deena Lakes

Catherine Landers

James Landers

Kimberly Langford

Jacob Langston

D.M. and S.D. Lauver

Lazar Scientific, Inc.

Nathan and Megan Leonhard

Patricia Loerke

Patrick and Victoria Losinski

Courtney Lucas

Steve Mansfield

Marathon Petroleum Company

Martha Marquardt

Mather & CO CPA’s LLC

Carrie and Fred Matt

Eliza Matt

Francis and Pamela Matt

J. Kemper Matt

Peter and Robin Matt

Sebastian Matt

William and Natalie Matt

Lillian Duffy Matt

Philip Mauney

Alisha McIntosh

Tina Mehl

Benjamin Miller

Miller, Mayer, Sullivan & Stevens, LLP

Stacey Mitchell

Woodruff Molly

Elaine Moore

Faith Morehouse

Joesph and Amy Morton

Northeast Christian Church

Oak & Addies Hair Studio

Obsidian Digital Designs LLC

Daniel O’Connor

OsGood Foundation

Kim Page

Daniel Pappas

Demetria Parnell-Scott

Payroc

Nicole Pedego

Samita Pendse

Gerald Polivka

James Pozy

Jeanne Pozy

Kirsten Prasopoulos

Quality Systems Consultants

Victoria Ramirez

Rebecca Rein

Kristy Robertaccio

Angelina Rodriguez

Roo’s Wish

Gary Rubin

Run Toledo, Inc.

Mark and Sarah Ryan

Daniel Sadler

Nancy Sampson

Sandy Valley Schools

Tyler Sebenoler

Sedgwick Managed Care Ohio

Serenity Foundations, LLC

Faith and Matt Shachter

Silent Guard Security

Christi Smith

Julia and Ryan Smith

Rita Spencer

Tony and Ruth Stevens

Joanne and Thomas Streacker

Jaime Surber

Jordan Sutton

Betsie Sweet

Robbi Taber

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Cindy Tarrant

Texas Roadhouse

The Blackbaud Giving Fund

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties

The Goodfriend Family Fund

The Unknowns Black Pitmasters

Jennifer Thrasher

Robin Timpe

Francisco Torres

Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc.

Sanjaya and Rajalaxmi Una

United Way of Greater Lima

Amy and Mike Underhill

Janice Urey

Teresa Warfel

Weddle Enterprises

Christina and Michael Wessinger

Westminster Presbyterian

Church of Munster

Camron Whitacre

Jill Wigdahl

Jennie and Mark Wilson

Janna Wood

VISION

To create thriving families and communities where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can reach their full potential.

Invitation to Give

SAFY understands that nurturing well-being is at the core of unlocking the full potential within our communities. With the unwavering support of generous donors like you, we provide vital resources to empower youth and families in cultivating and sustaining good mental health, strong relationships, and a brighter future. Each year, we walk alongside over 6,000 youth and families, and your invaluable contributions make this possible. Your generosity enables us to continue our mission, reaching even more families and forging resilient, united communities. When we join hands in this collective effort to rebuild, we not only restore the well-being of youth and families but also fortify their future, ensuring a thriving community where everyone can flourish. Thank you for being an essential part of SAFY’s journey.