Info

The program was established in 1986 under the name of The Haven in Richmond County. The Haven opened its first door in September in 1987 as a furnished, one bedroom apartment able to house 7 persons from one family. It was run solely by volunteers from the Family Focus Board. Board members from the Department of Social Services provided intake and administration that first year. Additional services were provided by the organizations of other participating board members. The second year of operation, the shelter moved to a large farmhouse owned by the county government. It expanded services to house two families of up to nine individuals and a part time administrator was employed. By the third year, capacity was increased to three families of up to 13 individuals. A second bathroom, which is handicapped accessible, was added and a half time director was employed to administer the program, provide fundraising and outreach activities, and effect intake responsibilities. During the fourth year, The Haven changed its policies to house 13 women and children without specifying the number of families, thereby truly expanding the number of people it could serve. Full time staff, both professional and volunteer were added, and community education and direct services to residents were incorporated into the programs' development. Services were expanded to include court advocacy. In 1997, Sexual Assault services were added to the program and a part time Sexual Assault Program Coordinator was hired. These services have grown considerably, and are now provided by one full time coordinator and a part time advocate. In 1999, The Haven broke away from The Family Focus Board to become an individual entity. A new board was formed and the name of the program was changed to The Haven Shelter & Services, Inc. Currently, The Haven maintains full-time positions for an Executive Director, an Advocacy Director, a Sexual Assault Program Coordinator, a Community Relations Coordinator and two part-time Victims' Services Coordinators. In addition, the Haven also employs one part-time Administrative Manager and five shelter managers.