30 Years of Changing the Narrative

On Sunday, February 27, 2022, women throughout Coastal Georgia will gather for an afternoon of fun, laughter, bingo, and a chance to win fabulous designer handbags at the second annual Designer Handbag Bingo & Silent Auction benefiting Safe Harbor Children’s Center. Ryan Butler, who is co-chairing the event with Timme Feininger and Alice Selman, says, “I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with friends and supporters of Safe Harbor Children’s Center. The funds raised through this unique special event represent hope and healing for children and youth experiencing trauma and crisis in their lives.”

In 1991, Safe Harbor Children’s Center was a dream that became a reality for Jekyll Island residents, Susan and Bob Hamer, dedicated parents who recognized that children and youth living in crisis had limited opportunities to seek help locally. The Hamers began researching options that were not readily available, or even considered realistic, for children and youth experiencing child abuse and neglect. By building on program models throughout the country and adding their personal vision, Safe Harbor Children’s Center was born.

From those humble beginnings, Safe Harbor Center Children’s Center has evolved into a nationally recognized leader among nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving children, families, and individuals who have been abused, abandoned or neglected, who are homeless or have run away from home, and who are otherwise at risk or feel threatened. Through generous philanthropic support of individuals, family foundations and the local business community, Safe Harbor’s services have grown exponentially, providing a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to meet the individual needs of children and families with the utmost care and compassionate support.

Co-chair Timme Feininger has been a longtime supporter of Safe Harbor. “My husband, Peter, and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to call St. Simons and the Golden Isles ‘home.’ However, we recognize there are tremendous needs in our community and throughout Coastal Georgia. Upon relocating from the Atlanta area, we were often overwhelmed to learn of the many challenges our neighbors face in our community.” She continues, “We share similar values and believe in the power of a connected, giving community. Safe Harbor is a remarkable organization in so many ways. That is why, for nearly 30 years, we have volunteered our time, energy, and philanthropic resources to help Safe Harbor break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and homelessness among our community’s most vulnerable. We simply saw an opportunity to make a difference, and we went into service.”

The mission of Safe Harbor Children’s Center is to provide services that promote security and stability for at-risk families, children, and individuals. That mission is powered by eight dynamic programs:

Safe Harbor Children’s Center is a longterm residential shelter serving children up to age 18 who have been removed from dangerous situations as a result of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The center provides nurturing care, medical and dental services, academic support, and therapeutic counseling in a loving home-like environment.

The Family Preservation Program is designed to help parents and caregivers in crisis to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of their children in a safe, positive, and healthy manner. Services include case management, service coordination, advocacy, transportation, individual and family counseling, home and center-based parent education, and life skills training.

Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive services for youth in need of accessing safety as a result of bullying, suicidal thoughts, homelessness, abuse, and neglect. As a community initiative, the program designates schools, fire stations, libraries, and other youth-friendly organizations as Safe Place locations, creating a safety net for youth throughout Coastal Georgia.

Safe Harbor’s STRIVE Transitional

Living Services makes available the needed supports for youth who are most at-risk to experience violence, trafficking, unemployment, homelessness, incomplete education, drug addiction, pregnancy, and poverty. Services are designed to help

young people make a successful transition to self-sufficient living while providing a safe living environment.

Zach’s Place is an emergency shelter providing for the immediate needs of homeless and runaway children and youth up to age 18 in Glynn County. At Zach’s Place, children and youth receive safe, temporary housing, food, clothing, medical care, counseling, and the encouragement to fulfill their potential and successfully contribute to society.

Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Centers

are safe, child-focused environments for children who disclose sexual assault, physical abuse, neglect, or have observed violence and/ or abuse of another person. To reduce the trauma of victims and their families, the centers utilize a multidisciplinary team approach for the identification, investigation, prosecution, treatment, and prevention of child abuse.

The Connie Smith Rape Crisis Centers

provide valuable services to support the physical and emotional healing of sexual assault victims and their families. With locations in Glynn, Wayne, and Camden Counties, center services include forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, follow up medical services, 24-hour crisis line, crisis intervention, advocacy services, and therapeutic counseling.

Street Beat addresses the needs of runaway, homeless and street youth and their families by providing services that promote safety, well-being, selfsufficiency and permanent connections with caring adults. Street Beat not only helps youth leave the streets, but also assists them in moving and adjusting to a safe and appropriate living arrangement.

For the children and youth who come to Safe Harbor, the first pages of their story have been difficult and discouraging. The children and youth they serve have experienced complex, compounded trauma throughout their lives. This includes rejection by their families, exposure to violence and abuse, sexual exploitation, homelessness, and other hardships. Time and again, they have been discarded and discounted. They’ve been told they aren’t worthy by those who should have loved them unconditionally, leaving behind physical and emotional scars that can linger for a lifetime. But if you’ve ever met them, you know that’s only part of their story. Their goodness, their bravery, and their resilience are truly inspiring. The first pages of their story do not have to be predictive of how it will continue. Safe Harbor represents the start of new pages in their life to bring hope and healing. The hope at Safe Harbor is that, through their time there, the trajectory of their life and the content of their story going forward will be profoundly changed.

Co-chair Alice Selman says, “Without a doubt, the funds raised through our Designer Handbag Bingo and Silent Auction will be a sound investment in the health of our community as it brings benefits to individuals who, through our combined efforts, will enjoy an enhanced quality in their lives.” The event will take place from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Frederica Boathouse. Tickets are $75 per person, and include two bingo cards, light hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine and beverages. To purchase, call 912.267.6000 or visit safeharborcenterinc.org.