SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. is a private non-profit agency celebrating over 40 years of service to the Racine Community. 

SAFE Haven is run by a Board of Directors and operates the SAFE Haven Youth Shelter, and the Bridge to Independence service.

 SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc., formerly known as Innovative Youth Services of Racine, Inc. (IYSR) incorporated in 1971, operating out of the First Congregational Church in West Racine. Racine Underground  House (RUSH) was subsequently adopted as the street name. Services were provided over the telephone or in person, free of charge to anyone in need of assistance. The 1970’s introduced programs and services, such as the Racine Hotline and Parents Helpline.

 IYSR became a member of Racine Area United Way in 1980. IYSR merged with Racine Runaway and the name “RUSH” was discontinued. The agency moved to a three story Victorian house and a “warm” line (PhoneFriend) was established for home alone children. Also during this decade Peer Counselor Training was incorporated into the agency and the public school system.

The 1990’s brought Drug Abuse and Prevention (DAPP), A Parent Connection, SAFE Kids, and Independent Living Skills.

Many of SAFE Haven’s recent programs are direct descendants of Racine Runaway, created when staff identified a need for services that were previously unavailable to clients. The new millennium has brought the agency into Middle School Engagement, Gang Crime Diversion, and Pathways to Success.

Services that focus on basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter will always be in the forefront of SAFE Haven’s efforts. In addition it is our goal to continue to help youth achieve results beyond these boundaries in education, self-esteem, employment, problem-solving and life skills.

GIRLS GROUP

SAFE Haven holds a girls group called Sisterhood every Thursday from 4:30 until 6:00 pm at the C.O.P. house located at 1900 16th Street. Girls aging from 5-11 will focus on fun activities such as painting, reading, writing, coloring, and completing projects. Pizza and punch will be served.

Girls aging from 12-17 will meet every Thursday at SAFE Haven of Racine (1030 Washington Ave) from 5:00-6:00pm. Girls will focus on independent living skills, building self-esteem, anger management skills, how to develop healthy relationships and various fun activities. Pizza and punch will be served.

Please note that only those that are registered with parent consent will be allowed into this group.

• Your form must include parent’s contact information for emergency or group cancellation notice.
• Forms may be dropped off at the C.O.P. house OR at Safe Haven of Racine (1030 Washington Ave).
• Contact Myah Pazdera at mpazdera@safehavenofracine.org with any questions.

GUYS GROUP

SAFE Haven holds a boys group called Brotherhood on Tuesday’s from 5:00 until 6:30 pm at the C.O.P. house located at 1900 16th Street. Boys are welcome from ages 5-17, and dinner will be served. This program builds self-esteem, creates healthy relationships between peers and staff, discusses violence, race, independent living skills, and emotional intelligence.

Exit by 6:30 pm

• Please note that only those that are registered with parent consent will be allowed into this group.
• Your form must include parent’s contact information for emergency or group cancellation notice.
• Forms may be dropped off at the C.O.P. house OR at Safe Haven of Racine (1030 Washington Ave).
• Contact Ron Hemlick at rhelmick@safehavenofracine.org with any questions.

SAFE Haven holds a youth advisory board meeting the first AND third Monday of every month at 5:00 pm. Youth are to discuss and plan community events, outreach, after-school projects, and discuss youth issues. This advisory board is team oriented. Youth show respect, kindness, and acceptance towards each other and those in the community.

Requirements include:

• Must be between the age of 10-17
• Attending School
• Active in the Community
• Positive Attitude
• Responsible

Please Note:

• Only those that are registered with parent consent will be allowed into this group.
• Your form must include parent’s contact information for emergency or group cancellation notice.
• Forms may be dropped off at Safe Haven of Racine (1030 Washington Ave).
• Contact Myah Pazdera at mpazdera@safehavenofracine.org with any questions.