By Foresee Foundation
Safe Haven Foundation is a non-profit organization, which offers confidential free shelter, counselling and supportive services to women and their minor children who are the victims of domestic violence.
What does your organization do and who is your target group?
Safe Haven Foundation offers domestic violence survivors and their minor children a safe space for healing under the guidance and care of a compassionate team; we uphold the highest level of integrity. Our clients are welcomed in an environment that supports personal goals and overall emotional and physical wellbeing. The services we provide include, but are not limited to, case management, educational programs, advocacy, community awareness and referrals to social services.
How does your organization contribute to a better St. Maarten for all?
We are the voice that speaks up for those who are suffering in silence and advocate to bring an end to domestic violence. Safe Haven shows not just women and children, but also male survivors, who are exposed to the harmful effects of domestic violence that they are loved and deserve to live a life free from violence and abuse. We provide them with the resources and knowledge to empower their mind and spirit to be victorious in their pursuit to effect change in their personal lives, families and ultimately our community.
What are some activities you host (or have hosted)?
Our programs and services are available both internally and externally, to those seeking to fulfil their birth-right of a happy and peaceful life. We offer several forms of support services. To name a few: Through our life coaching program, persons receive guidance to accomplish specific personal or professional goals. Life skills building through coaching is important to survivors, as it contributes to providing practical, emotional, social and self-management skills that equip survivors with increased confidence to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of life.
In addition, we have our workshops and trainings designed to promote self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness and learning to set boundaries. Functional and healthy family units are the backbone of our community, Safe Haven wants to work together with families and help them restore their fractured relationships.
What is your message to the community?
No matter the circumstances, survivors deserve to be supported in their decision-making and empowered to reclaim control over their own lives, but they need you by their side to follow through. If you want to help someone who is being abused, please be supportive and ready to help when they ask for it. Let them know that there is no need to feel shame or guilt, as abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their background. Let them know that they are not alone and that Safe Haven is here to hold their hand through it all.
How can someone sign up to volunteer or support your organization?
Our website www.safehavensxm.sx has a digital form to register as a volunteer. However, due to the sensitive nature of our work and the high degree of confidentiality that comes along with it, we try to retain our team members. When we do select a volunteer, we single out those individuals that have a natural caring and helping nature, women that reflect the values of our foundation.
While we are funded by the Sint Maarten Development Fund and The Ministry of [Public Health, Social Development and Labour – ed.] VSA, our resources only stretch so far and it is the kindness of our community that allows us to follow through with our mission. Anyone interested in helping our women and children can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or contact us by phone at +1 (721) 547-3561 or 523-6400.
