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 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, Chief Executive Officer
Bard Way, Director of Finance
Kathryn Autry, Director of Development
Danyell Wright, Development Assistant (Part-time)
Daisy Hernandez, Director of Domestic Violence Services
Latisha Davis, Shelter Case Manager
Sakerra Green, Shelter Manager
Sheryl King, Follow Up Case Manager
Jessica Scott, Child Advocate
Hailey Thorpe, Child Advocate
T’erra Ross, Community Resource Specialist
Imani Ajanku, Legal Advocate
Dorkese Davis, Legal Advocate
Tamaress Alvis, Office & Volunteer Manager
Doris Bias
Cynthia Bostick
Antoinette Green
Tonya Johnson
Louise Joshua
Terry Kelly
Mary Lockett
Lydia Williams
Sara Wright
Eva Alvis
Ashley Birdon
Tabitha Smith
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, Melony Zarafonetis
Vice President, Ginger Johnson
Secretary, Agnes Cannella
Treasurer, Jennifer Maddox
Past President, Toni Marwitz
Ex-Officio, SPD Major Robert Gavin
Board Members
Wanda Andrews
Candace Blyden
Sergeant Chad Bote
Suzanne Cooler
Gretchen Eichenlaub
Dennis T. Jones
Dr. Anne McDaniel
Ramona Minter
Arnold Rose Muñoz
Wayne Noha
Jennifer Parker
Quinn Peterson
Diane Tracy