The SAFE project helps survivors break through barriers and build a bridge to a new life through advocacy, education and employment services.
A collaboration funded through a grant from the Kansas Department for Children and Families, the SAFE project is an outreach program serving survivors of abuse through Harbor House. SAFE case managers in McPherson, Pittsburg, Wichita and Winfield serve the entire 25-county area of South Central and Southeast Kansas.
What to Expect
About the SAFE Project
The SAFE Project focuses on helping each participant find stability through:
Safety: Safety planning, conflict resolution and abuse education
Advocacy: Medical and psycho-social services, responsible parenting, and healthy relationships education
Finances: Financial education, including budgeting
Employment: Career and employment services
Through each participants time in the program, they work closely with their case manager.
How SAFE Project case mangers offer support
A dedicated case manager supports each participant through:
A SAFE plan tailored to your individual needs with the goals of safety and economic self-sufficiency. This plan will include information about warning signs, tips for creating safer environments and safe places to go in dangerous situations.
Referrals for medical and mental health care and other community-based resources based on individual need.
Household budging support, including a realistic budget and plans to stay you on track.
Educational materials on managing and saving money.
An assessment of income and employment status.
Referrals to local workforce centers for enrollment in the Kansas Works program.
Coordination with your DCF EES worker to avoid duplication of services.
Access to educational tools on topics such as conflict resolution, responsible parenting and healthy relationships.
Support with legal processes, including protection orders or referrals to appropriate community partners.
Eligibility
Is the SAFE Project for you
The SAFE Project may be able to help you if past or current domestic violence or sexual assault is affecting your safety or ability to work for any of these reasons:
Living in fear because someone is hurting or threatening you.
Risk danger if the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) pursues child support.
You are overwhelmed by current or past sexual or domestic violence and cannot work.
Your intimate partner keeps you from work or training.
Qualifications to participate in the SAFE Project:
Experience difficulty finding a safe environment and employment due to current or past domestic violence or sexual assault.
Currently live in one of the 25 counties we serve.
At SAFE Project, we meet people where they are at. It is important to create an environment that encourages survivors to determine what they need in order to recover. I have learned that the best way to start is for us to listen, to really listen to what survivors are saying about their needs and their ideas.”
Karlee Goffrier, Director SAFE Project
The SAFE Project is voluntary and confidential. Participants need only share information necessary to develop a plan around safety and self-sufficiency. All information is confidential unless a participant decides to release it.
SAFE Project is a collaborative project between the Kansas Department for Children and Families and Harbor House at Catholic Charities of Wichita.
FAQs About SAFE Project
Good questions
How do you decide who gets client assistance funds?
Our client assistance funds are available to help survivors within the parameters set by our grant: Safety, Advocacy, Finances and Employment.
Can you help me find immediate housing?
Our goal is to help survivors find long-term stability. If your immediate safety is the primary concern in a crisis, we can help find housing. If your situation is not life-threatening, we can help you find the resources you need to begin the path to continued stability.
Do I need a referral?
No, although access to the program is primarily through referrals. Referrals can be made by Harbor House, the Department for Children and Families, law enforcement, the district attorney’s office or other community partners. Individuals seeking support may also contact the SAFE Project directly for assistance and resources.
Do I have to be Catholic?
No. You do not have to be Catholic to participate in the SAFE Project.
