Healing Journeys Built on Safety & Hope
Safely Home opened its doors on May 22, 1995, with a mission that was both urgent and deeply compassionate: to provide safety, healing, and hope for children who had endured abuse and trauma. In less than 12 weeks, the program reached its full capacity of 18 boys, ages 10 to 16, reflecting the immense need for such a sanctuary.
From the beginning, Safely Home embraced a holistic and family-centered philosophy. Our youth—often labeled as “Victim/Victimizers”—were met not as problems to be managed, but as children to be understood, nurtured, and empowered. Through individual, group, and family therapy, combined with expressive modalities such as art, music, and activity therapy, we addressed both the pain of their past and the promise of their future. Central to this work were our highly trained Child Care Workers, whose presence in the daily milieu taught children how to live in a family and in community—not in an institution. Daily responsibilities like gardening, meal preparation, decorating, and shared chores, alongside regular community outings, became powerful, real-life opportunities to learn independence, responsibility, and connection.
For over 30 years, Safely Home has continually evolved to meet the complex and changing needs of children and families. We have:
· Chartered our own school to ensure residents leave at or above grade level.
· Extended therapeutic support into the family home, offering 8 sessions after graduation—a practice that was pioneering at the time and is now a state mandate.
· Expanded our continuum of care to include a Group Home program, day treatment for graduates needing continued support, and residential programming for youth ages 6 through young adulthood.
· Welcomed girls into our programs, further broadening our impact.
Through all of these innovations, our core mission has remained the same: to meet children where they are, restore what has been broken, and equip them with the tools to build healthy, thriving lives.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to providing a sanctuary of safety, healing, and hope for boys who have endured severe trauma. Our mission is to offer holistic care that addresses unique clinical needs, fostering the strength to overcome adversity and build a resilient future.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every youth who has survived hardship can thrive in independence and security. Success for us means seeing our boys grow into confident, healthy adults who lead fulfilling lives defined by hope rather than their past experiences.
11,315+ Safe Nights
Providing 24/7 care and security in a nurturing home environment for healing.
Our Impact
500+ Success Stories
We matter in the futures of youth who are in our care.
1,200 Therapy Hours
Evidence-based clinical support tailored to process and heal deep-seated trauma.
Our Leadership Team
Sherry Gibson MSW, LISW-S
Executive Director
Tandalaya Howard, LSW
Clinical Director
Kevin Thomas
Director of Programs
Candi Joyner
Finance Director
Katie Chase
HR & Compliance Coordinator
Our Shared Values
Safety & Structure
We provide a secure, predictable environment where healing can truly begin. Every child's physical and emotional safety is our non-negotiable priority.
Compassion & Respect
We treat every young person with the honor and respect they deserve, affirming their inherent worth as they navigate their journey toward resilience.
Belonging
Healing happens in community. We foster a sense of family, ensuring that no boy feels alone in his struggle or his successes.
OrganizationalGrowth
We champion continuous learning and personal development, equipping our youth with the vital life skills needed for long-term independence.
Collaboration & Community
We work hand-in-hand with partners, families, and experts to build a comprehensive network of support for every child in our care.
Excellence & Accountability
We are committed to quality care, compliance, and continuous improvement in all areas of service provision.