SAFE in Lenoir County

SAFE in Lenoir County, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1985 to meet the critical needs of victims of domestic violence. In March of 1986 SAFE opened its first shelter doors and since then, the organization has grown substantially. In 1990, SAFE purchased a home in Kinston, which is located in Lenoir County and serves as emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence in our three county service area (Lenoir, Greene, and Duplin).

SAFE not only assists victims of domestic violence but we also work with victims of sexual assault. When the sexual assault program was added in 1988 to the already established domestic violence program, SAFE was able to offer to the tri-county area in which we serve a more comprehensive organization that addresses two of the critical issues facing females today. In July of 2010, we became the official provider of sexual assault services for Greene County.

SAFE strives not only to improve its shelter program but also continues improving on the quality of services offered. In the early years of the organization the Board of Directors, an Executive Director, and a few volunteers operated the small organization. SAFE has now grown to include twelve paid staff under the direction of ten extremely competent Board of Directors. SAFE also has 15-trained volunteers, which we call on to do hotline services, crisis aide and assist in fund-raising. These volunteers receive a complete training in hotline and crisis work. We also offer workshops and volunteer meetings to help insure that our volunteers are up-to-date on changes in our program and state laws. This allows current, as well as, accurate information to go to our clients in order for them to receive the best possible help in the community. Our volunteers work very hard having donated more than 75,000 hours of service since inception. We recruit volunteers at every public service program and fundraising event we have.

SAFE in Lenoir County has been a United Way Agency since 1987. We receive funding from the Department Of Administration, Dept. of Human Resources Family Violence Prevention, Department Of Crime Control and Public Safety VOCA and Rural Domestic Violence funds. We also receive Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA), and local funds from the City of Kinston as well as other occasional foundation funding throughout North Carolina. Since 2000, we have collaborated with the Lenoir County and the Greene County Departments of Social Services to work with and expend funds on Work First victims of domestic violence.

In 1997, SAFE added to the organization an outreach program that places a staff person in the Greene areas. This program continues to exist in Greene County and has an office space in the Department of Social Services with regular office hours daily. In 2016, SAFE added an outreach program that places a staff person in the Duplin areas. This program also has an office space in the Department of Social Services with regular office hours daily. The Outreach staff provides the same services that the organization has always provided but in a more effective manner to a smaller population. This program is an essential part of the SAFE organization.

SAFE offers services in Lenoir, Greene, and Duplin Counties and feels that we are able to provide greater services each day through the support that we receive from the community. Being a part of SAFE means that you have an opportunity to give back to the community and to individuals that have a need. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are in a state of crisis and the services that we provide means that SAFE in Lenoir County is poised to help 24/7/365.