When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
SafeHouse Center
Why SafeHouse Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SafeHouse Center, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing safety, advocacy, and support to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating violence, and stalking. As a trusted resource in Washtenaw County, the Center offers free, confidential services designed to empower survivors and their families. It operates a 24-hour helpline, as well as walk-in support services during weekday business hours, ensuring that help is accessible whenever needed. The organization emphasizes a survivor-centered approach, allowing individuals to make their own decisions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Beyond direct support, SafeHouse Center actively engages in community education and awareness initiatives to challenge and change the systems and attitudes that perpetuate abuse. The Center also fosters community collaboration and runs various volunteer programs, allowing community members to contribute through roles such as support group facilitation and front desk assistance. This comprehensive approach makes SafeHouse Center not only a safe refuge but also a hub for community action against violence and abuse.
Here's what people think of SafeHouse Center
As of recent, SafeHouse Center holds a 3.9-star rating based on 58 reviews.
User reviews of SafeHouse Center generally recognize the organization’s vital role in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, reflecting its sincere commitment to empowerment and advocacy. Positive feedback often highlights the Center's compassionate staff and the confidentiality maintained in services, appreciating the respectful, survivor-centered approach that facilitates healing and safety. Many reviewers have noted the availability of resources, including a 24/7 helpline, walk-in support, and volunteer opportunities as essential strengths. However, some negative reviews mention challenges such as occasional difficulties in accessibility or communication, and experiences where the support or responsiveness did not fully meet expectations. These critiques suggest areas where the Center might enhance operational efficiency or client-staff communication. Overall, reviews affirm SafeHouse Center’s impactful presence in the community and its importance as a resource, while also providing constructive insights for continual improvement. The balance of supportive and critical comments reflects the complex nature of services in this sensitive field, underlining the Center’s ongoing dedication to providing quality care and advocacy.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sheneil Baez
I was denied help after disclosing I had been abused sexually and physically. I made them aware I fled from Georgia and my son and I have been sleeping in my car for a week. The lady told me I needed to call back in an hour to get the decision. I called back and was declined without any explanation so I asked for the manager and was sent to VM the person who made the decision whose name is Megan or Danielle who is the coordinator. It is cold and snow on the ground and instead of allowing my son and I a place they declined me. I’d like to also add I asked if they had beds, she would never answer she stated it was based on my situation. I let her know o have no family nor friends due to the situation with the abuser. I mentioned i originally was apprehensive about contacting them being the article written about the so I went back to the abuser again but later came back to Michigan and decided to actually give them a try being I was out of resources. There is definitely something up with this place being there is no reason they should have declined me a stay and I’m sleeping in the car with my 5 year old.
De'Shanel Phelps
Wish they hired people who actually care about helping others instead of selling them dreams. Overall I did majority of the things myself which I should have anyways but my advocate was terrible and she Definitely has a lying problem. I asked to switch advocates they wouldn't. She never met with me weekly and I felt as if she didnt care about my needs. She'd schedule to do something with me then just bail on me and act like everything is cool. I just got my apartment and I asked my advocate to help me get furniture and she told me she was too busy! She hasn't helped me with anything she helped me with one major thing that was it a bill other than that she sucked at giving resources and helping. They need to hire people who aren't rude and disrespectful this is a domestic violence shelter they don't know our situation or anything but got the nerve to be rude.
Sara Vos
I have mixed feelings. When I was being financially controlled, they could not help me even pay a $20 phone bill so I wouldn’t lose phone service when I was in UM Emergency Room. I filed a Personal Protection Order through Safe House and after five weeks it had not yet been served to the perpetrator. I’ve sought services through them at various times and in multiple ways over a 15-year period and here’s my overall review: Safe House doesn’t adequately train staff OR support survivors in a trauma-informed way, and has a lot of room to grow.
Quanita Montgomery
I called explaining my situation and I also let them know I was referred by my aunt and they told me they wouldn’t be able to help me at all unfortunately the last suggested other things and it just seem like they didn’t even care about my situation I even explained thag i was 22 pregnant had me do a a hour screening told me to call back at 12:30 and I still wasn’t able to get keep
Daniel Wirth
I can't forgive them. They didn't check for a available room. Gave me a screening. Said no room for me. She dropped the call.
How to reach SafeHouse Center
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Website: None
Why SafeHouse Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at SafeHouse Center with your friends?
Gathering your friends at SafeHouse Center facilitates more than just a social meetup—it offers a meaningful opportunity to unite for a cause that touches many lives. SafeHouse Center is a well-established organization dedicated to providing support and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence. By rallying here, your group can experience a powerful sense of community and shared purpose. The center offers a welcoming environment where friends can learn about critical social issues, participate in volunteer activities, or simply contribute to a supportive network for survivors and their families. With a rating of 3.9 based on 58 reviews, SafeHouse Center maintains a respected presence in the community as a reliable resource and active hub. The location is ideal for groups seeking to combine social engagement with impactful action, fostering deeper connections through empathy and collective support. Whether your intent is to volunteer together, attend awareness events, or support fundraising initiatives, SafeHouse Center provides the platform for a truly meaningful group experience. This makes it an excellent place to rally with friends who are interested in making a positive difference in the community.
What activities are available for groups at SafeHouse Center?
SafeHouse Center offers a diverse array of activities that cater well to group participation, making it perfect for meetups centered on community service and empowerment. One of the most engaging options is volunteering. Groups can join in direct service roles such as assisting crisis response teams, providing shelter facility care, or facilitating support groups tailored for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. These volunteer roles allow groups to work side-by-side offering immediate, compassionate support to individuals in crisis. The center also organizes various support groups that are open to survivors and community members, including sessions specifically designed for women, Black women, Spanish-speaking individuals, and others. Groups can attend or help facilitate these sessions, contributing to a healing environment. Additionally, there are opportunities to participate in community awareness events, where volunteers help by operating information tables, supporting event logistics, and engaging with the wider community to promote SafeHouse’s mission. The flexibility of volunteer time commitments—ranging from a few hours to regular weekly involvement—makes it easy for groups to tailor their engagement according to their interests and availability.
How does SafeHouse Center serve the community and how can groups support this mission?
SafeHouse Center serves as a comprehensive resource for survivors and their families by providing confidential crisis counseling, legal advocacy, shelter, and educational programs. Their services are available to anyone affected within Washtenaw County, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. For groups looking to support the center’s mission, there are multiple avenues to do so beyond volunteering. Hosting events to benefit SafeHouse Center is a popular option—groups can organize fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or community gatherings with the goal of raising funds or increasing public understanding of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. The center also provides resources for those interested in advocacy and education, including training sessions that equip volunteers with skills to assist survivors effectively. By participating in or organizing these activities, groups help amplify the center’s impact while fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility. The center’s open-door policy for donations and the ability to use community programs like Kroger Plus Card donations facilitate ongoing support that groups can promote within their networks.
What makes SafeHouse Center an ideal venue for group meetups?
Several qualities position SafeHouse Center as an exceptional venue for group meetups focused on social impact and community engagement. Firstly, the center’s dedicated spaces allow for confidential discussions, group support sessions, and training workshops, providing a safe and respectful atmosphere for all attendees. The staff and volunteers are experienced in fostering environments that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment, ensuring that groups can meet with purpose and comfort. Moreover, the center’s location is accessible and connected within the community, making it convenient for diverse groups to come together. Beyond physical space, the ideological environment at SafeHouse Center encourages collaboration, learning, and mutual support, which makes meetup experiences especially enriching and memorable. Additionally, groups that meet here can often participate in or learn about ongoing programs immediately, blending social time with impactful action. Whether the goal is to volunteer, raise awareness, or simply support the cause through social engagement, SafeHouse Center offers both the infrastructure and the community spirit that can transform a simple meetup into a meaningful collective experience.
What programs and support groups can groups explore together at SafeHouse Center?
SafeHouse Center hosts various specialized support groups that can be explored by friends or family groups seeking to better understand or support survivors of violence. These groups include but are not limited to sexual assault support groups, domestic violence support groups, Spanish-speaking groups, and Black Women Support Groups. Many of these sessions are facilitated by trained volunteers alongside professional staff, and no prior experience is required to participate or help. By attending these groups, your meetup can gain insight into survivor experiences and the healing process, enhancing empathy and awareness. Additionally, groups interested in advocacy can learn from education programs about how to support survivors and what steps to take following an assault. These programs promote a well-rounded understanding of the issues and equip participants with tools to make a difference, both personally and collectively. SafeHouse Center’s 24-hour helpline further supports ongoing engagement, providing immediate assistance where needed, demonstrating the center’s comprehensive approach to survivor support.
How can groups get involved in SafeHouse Center’s volunteer opportunities?
SafeHouse Center offers robust volunteer programs that accommodate different interests and time commitments, making it ideal for groups eager to engage deeply. Volunteers can participate in direct services such as the Response Team that provides crisis support, or assist in shelter facility care, helplines, and children’s programs. There are also non-direct service roles such as front desk reception and community awareness outreach, where volunteers help represent the center at public events and fundraisers. The center provides thorough training for all volunteer roles, ensuring individuals are equipped to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism. Groups can sign up for information sessions to learn about these opportunities together, creating a shared volunteer experience that bonds friends or family through service. The schedule flexibility—weekly shifts ranging from 2 to 4 hours or on-call crisis response shifts—makes it manageable for groups with diverse availability. SafeHouse Center encourages volunteers to commit regularly, but also understands differing limits, welcoming every contribution with gratitude and support.
Why choose SafeHouse Center over other venues for your group’s meaningful meetup?
Unlike typical venues that focus primarily on social or recreational functions, SafeHouse Center provides an environment dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and healing. It serves dual roles—both a sanctuary for survivors and a community resource—creating a depth of purpose for any group meetup that chooses to gather here. The center’s comprehensive support services and focus on educational outreach offer a unique blend of social gathering and impactful activism that few other venues can match. Moreover, your group’s presence here directly contributes to sustaining vital community services for vulnerable populations. By selecting SafeHouse Center, your meetup transforms into a collective statement of solidarity and compassion. This alignment with a reputable, mission-driven organization enhances the meaningfulness of your gathering, providing memories and conversations that extend far beyond the day. It also serves as a gateway to long-term involvement in a critical social cause, fostering personal growth and strong community ties.
What is the overall atmosphere and community impact at SafeHouse Center?
SafeHouse Center fosters an atmosphere of safety, respect, and empowerment, crucial for survivors and supportive community members alike. The center emphasizes confidentiality and professionalism while creating a warm and welcoming environment that invites open discussion and healing. Volunteers and staff maintain a culture of empathy and responsiveness, which resonates positively with visitors and clients. The community impact of SafeHouse Center is profound—it not only offers immediate crisis support but also works toward prevention and education that reduce the incidence of violence over time. Events and group activities hosted here help build awareness, reduce stigma, and connect resources to those in need. For groups meeting here, the palpable sense of purpose and community connection elevates the meetup into a widening circle of care and advocacy, enriching their interactions with meaning and consequence.
How can your group make the most of its visit or volunteer time at SafeHouse Center?
To maximize the benefits of a meetup or volunteering stint at SafeHouse Center, groups should plan ahead by contacting the center to learn about current volunteer openings, support group schedules, and upcoming events. Consider attending a volunteer information session as a group to understand the roles and responsibilities involved. Groups can also coordinate their visit to coincide with special events or fundraising campaigns, enhancing the collective experience. Engaging with staff or volunteer coordinators in advance can help tailor the visit to the group’s specific interests and skills. Finally, reflect together on the experience afterward, discussing what was learned and how your group might continue to support SafeHouse Center’s mission long-term. This creates a sustaining impact that builds bonds among friends while amplifying the center’s vital community work.