Dear Friend of SafeHouse:

GLENDA WRITES:

Even though much of the country still shivers in the grip of cold, rain, or even snow, in San Francisco there are many signs of the new life Spring heralds. Of course, new life may bring new struggles; e.g., beautiful blooms have many of us sneezing and coughing. Plants need to be carefully tended.

What a difference it makes when we keep our focus on the gift of beauty...

In This Issue...

A Year of Thanks

As 2009 winds down, we at SafeHouse look back upon its challenges and difficulties with gratitude for what we have overcome and accomplished and hope for the blessings of 2010. We are especially grateful to our generous donors for their support and wish you all a Joyous Holiday Season and an Abundant New Year!

Alumnae Voices

SafeHouse alumnae meet regularly for reunions to share good food, many laughs and a few tears as they reconnect and support each other during their recovery. Here are some of their comments from the last two reunions.

Oh Volunteers!

In 2009, SafeHouse was fortunate to have a group of loyal, energetic and reliable volunteers who came in weekly for an afternoon or morning to answer the phones, write...

In This Issue...

Oh Happy Day!

On July 28, 2009, SafeHouse celebrated anoth- er successful graduation as “Diane” completed almost two years of intense, personal work toward recovery. She is moving on to a very busy life. She found and furnished a studio apartment in the East Bay and will be continuing both her studies at City College, working towards a certificate in addiction treatment counseling, and her part-time job as a peer counselor at Jelani House...

“Into the Woods”

In early August, the SafeHouse women, fearlessly led by Clinical Manager Jori Schlecht, Case Manager Barbra Loza and Peer Counselor Gretchen Richardson, escaped the city for a three day camping retreat along the Russian River...

In This Issue...

Real World

An important part of the SafeHouse mission is to empower our women with the practical skills needed for success in the modern world. We support our clients with computer training, enrollment in GED or college classes, tutoring, money management, etc. We are now able to take the next step - Job Readiness - due to a generous grant from...

Graduation Time

As young people around the country are putting on caps and gowns, "Tess" celebrated her own very special graduation from SafeHouse on June 4, 2009! "Tess" just completed her first year at City College as an honors student, taking such classes as political science, sociology, accounting, and...

In This Issue...

Oh, What a Night!!

On February 9, 2009, SafeHouse celebrated 10 years of success in supporting women to heal, recover and move forward from a life of abuse and prostitution. Its 10th Anniversary Gala, “To the Power of Ten (1998-2008)” attracted a lively crowd of almost 300 people and raised $55,000 for an evening of very successful celebrating...

House Parties – Expanding the SafeHouse Network

We consider our supporters to be part of the SafeHouse “family”, and now we would like your help in making SafeHouse part of your larger community. We need your help to enlarge our circle of friends in the Bay Area...

Words from the Project Director
In the midst of economic turmoil, budget cuts and poor decriminalization policy set forth this year on the November Ballot, SafeHouse staff continue to stay committed to the mission of assisting women who are stuck in a cycle of economic dependence directly related to selling sex as a means for work...

Reflections from Russian River
In late July, SafeHouse was a flurry of activity preparing for our first retreat out of the city and into beautiful nature.  SafeHouse staff and clients sought solace for 4days and 3nights in beautiful Russian River where the redwoods go on and on like a green sky.  Tall and beautiful, like SafeHouse women, these woods have withstood the test of time and each day grow to be even more beautiful...