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SAFE Harbor says goodbye to executive director, welcomes new

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News from SAFE Harbor

RONAN — Spring is a time of change and fresh beginnings. Flowers dot the landscape. Trees find fresh coats. SAFE Harbor is also going through its own transition, as it welcomes a new Executive Director. After 13 years leading the team, Executive Director DeeAnn Richardson is moving forward to her next chapter. SAFE Harbor is the violence services agency for the Mission Valley, assisting those dealing with domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and dating violence. Richardson will be taking on new opportunities with her husband Bret at Stonefly Financial, while finding ways to express her creative talents and spending time with their nine grandchildren. 

“I’m looking forward to change, I feel like the time is perfect to pass along the responsibility of a healthy, thriving nonprofit,” Richardson explained. “All our grants have been renewed, staff positions are filled with the best of the best in client advocates, attorneys, and outreach positions. The board of directors is engaged and supportive in assisting the new executive director.” 

Since Richardson started leading the organization, SAFE Harbor has grown in a variety of ways.  At the time she took charge, it had only two staff members. Today, it has 18. Over the years, the program has taken on a range of new services, offering a variety of programs to best meet the needs of its clients and to better serve the community.

“When you operate a 24-hour crisis line, you get to hear firsthand the needs of your clients and the community,” she said. “Over the years we’ve tried to address those that fit in with our overall mission to serve survivors. With that growth came legal services, weekly support groups, the thrift store and most recently with the housing shortages, transitional housing apartments. All these services require advocates that understand victim centered services, so the organization continued to grow.”

Under Richardson’s direction, SAFE Harbor became the only provider of free civil legal services. This is an important resource for clients and families as they create boundaries and can hold offenders accountable. A few years back, in an effort to develop a sustainable revenue stream, Richardson took a gamble setting up a large thrift store. After five years, Sister Sallies Thrift Store has proven to be a huge success, generating a solid source of unrestricted funding to support SAFE Harbor’s services.

“The community support for Sister Sallies is better than we could’ve ever hoped for,” Richardson said. “The constant stream of quality donations, the regular customers stopping in daily, and vouchers for clients. I’ve always been a fan of thrift stores and I have no doubt that I will still frequent this one on a regular basis.”

Another vital part of SAFE Harbor’s success has been its volunteers. They have been a part of the organization from day one and continue to help. 

“Without our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to have our hotline, all the great fundraisers and keep the consistent hours at Sister Sallies,” Richardson said. “The store volunteers really have helped to make this venture the success it is.”

As she passes the reins to a new leader, Richardson is happy with SAFE Harbor’s growth and where it is positioned for the future. In addition to the legal program, shelter, and thrift store, SAFE Harbor has recently been able to create transitional housing options for clients with the addition of three small units for clients leaving shelter services. 

“When we purchased the Rosman building and the small duplex behind it seven years ago, the board and staff all had a goal of one day remodeling the duplex to be used for program services,” said Richardson. “That dream came true two years ago when we completed remodeling the spaces. They’ve been a great addition. I know we are helping clients achieve success in managing their own experience while working towards independence.” 

Stepping up to carry on this work is the new Executive Director Brandi Clark. Clark is a Polson High School graduate, a first-generation descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, a mother, a wife, and the proud companion to a perky young golden. Most recently she was the Human Resources Officer for Lake County and prior to that spent a decade as a Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer with the Youth Court Services. 

“I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband and kids that are very supportive of my choices in life,” Clark said. “I keep busy with lots of extracurricular activities with my children, softball, football, two sweet kittens, Willow and Yoda and one very special rambunctious English cream golden retriever, Beau.”

In this new phase of her career, Clark is excited about bringing her experience and knowledge to further SAFE Harbor’s mission.

“My past experiences as a Juvenile Probation Officer and Human Resources Officer have prepared me for this new role as the Executive Director of a great non-profit agency,” she said. “I am excited to be working in this capacity and the chance to provide support and services where the community needs it.”

Clark brings a strong professional background in working with diverse populations. She also understands the challenges facing victims of violence and how to provide them with the support they need.

“In my past, working with high-risk teenagers in New York, as well as with teenagers here on the reservation through Juvenile Probation my awareness grew and my eyes opened up to the need for more services,” Clark add. “Without the support of non-profit organizations those youth would be lost.”

Clark has ties across the community which will aid her in this new role. As she steps into this position, Clark is committed to ensuring that clients will continue to receive victim-centered support that is empowering.

“I look forward to continuing to support our clients and their families.  It is a lot to learn, and I have set goals,” Clark said. “I feel focused and very thrilled to be a part of the work SAFE Harbor carries out for this community.

Considering her new role, Clark sees it as an ideal position with many interesting possibilities. Looking to the future, she is excited about making new partnerships, working with other service providers, and being active with community events promoting a safe and healthy environment.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to make a difference. It will be very big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to working with community members and networking,” she added. “I am proud to say I am the Executive Director of SAFE Harbor and will continue to strive to make this organization great.”

Shifting seasons fill life. As the sun finally re-stakes its position above the Mission Mountains, Richardson reflects on all she has experienced. 

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside some very compassionate and committed advocates. Our Board of Directors, contract therapist, donors, and clients have all confirmed to me what a wonderful place this is to live, work and raise a family,” she said. “I will miss our daily interactions, after all, Dana and I have worked together for almost 20 years now. I do know this is still a small enough community that we will see each other often and most likely get to interact on community projects. I also know with Brandi leading, I am leaving everything in great hands. Until then, to all, be well and take care of you!”

 

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