Our mission is to prevent domestic violence, protect victims and promote change in lives, families, and our community.
Since 1979, SAFE Shelter has been Savannah’s only shelter dedicated to victims of intimate partner violence and their children under the age of 18. Open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, the Shelter provides safe, confidential services to all victims of domestic violence.
In the 1970s, SAFE Shelter was a dream shared by four local women, Lucy Brannan, Norma Brewin, Harris Lentini and Caroline Armstrong. There were shelters in Savannah, but no one place for victims and their children who had to leave their homes to escape the violence. Through their hard work and determination, SAFE Shelter was established in 1979.
In 2001, the current SAFE Shelter facility opened. With 48 beds, it is one of the largest emergency domestic violence shelters in the state of Georgia. Safety, comfort and healing describe the shelter’s atmosphere. State-of-the-art security surveillance equipment, partnerships with local law enforcement and a dedicated staff keep our families safe. SAFE Shelter is certified through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and is a United Way Agency. Shelter services provides all at no cost to the victim.
SAFE Shelter does not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability. If you believe you have been the target of discrimination, you have the right to file a civil rights complaint. Information on how to file a civil rights complaint can be found on the Office of Justice Programs website. to learn more on filing a civil rights complaint.
Shannon Bates, CEO
Kathryn Bostwick, Director of Development
Dorkese Davis, Legal Advocate
Latisha Davis, Lead Case Manager
Rosalyn Hagan-Blige, Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Raven Hall, Assistant Shelter Manager
Daisy Hernandez, Director of Outreach and Community Education
Samone Johnson, Legal Advocate
Cydnie Kaplan, Administrative Community Liaison
Abigail Ramirez, VIP Outreach Liaison
Tamaress Schwartzfisher, Administrative Operations Manager
Shanique Smith, Outreach Coordinator
Kathryn Thompson, Finance Manager
Hailey Thorpe, Child Advocate
Latisha Ulmer, Shelter Manager
Tia Wallace, Case Manager
Andrea Wilson, Child Advocate
Jalissa Hagood
Debreka Hall-Woods
Courtney Hargrove, Residential Advocate Kitchen Manager
Shenita Jackson
Louise Joshua
Sheila Johnson
Tricia-Ann Keitt
Mary Lockett
Jessica Manning
Jessica Williams
Lydia Williams
Sarah Wright
The SAFE Shelter Board of Directors is a voluntary organization. The Board oversees the administration of the Shelter, and is dedicated to supporting the Shelter through Fundraising and Community Awareness campaigns.
President, Suzanne Cooler
Vice President, Dennis T. Jones
Secretary, Agnes M. Cannella
Ex-Officio, Major Robert Gavin
Board Members
Wanda Andrews
Candace Blyden
Heather Coleman
Gretchen Eichenlaub
Julie Hayes
Detective Constance Hogan
Mary Anne Hogan
Sarah Holland
Naekeisha Jones
Dr. Anne McDaniel
Ramona Minter
Greg Mortimer
Gabrielle Nelson
Wayne Noha
Quin Peterson
Zach Thomas
Kayla Williams