SAFE Haven of Racine Information

Mission Statement SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. exists "to improve the quality of life for youth and families by providing safe living environments, crisis support, and community intervention." Description & History SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc. is a private non-profit agency celebrating over 30 years of service to the Racine Community. SAFE Haven is run by a Board of Directors, and operates the SAFE Haven Youth Shelter, the 211 Racine program, the Bridge to Independence service, the S.A.F.E. Streets Street Outreach program, the Gang Crime Diversion Task Force, and the SAFE Passage Transitional Living program. SAFE Haven of Racine, Inc., formerly known as Innovative Youth Services of Racine, Inc. (IYSR) incorporated in 1971, operating out of the First Congregational Church in West Racine. Racine Underground House (RUSH) was subsequently adopted as the street name. Services were provided over the telephone or in person, free of charge to anyone in need of assistance. The 1970’s introduced programs and services, such as the Racine Hotline and Parents Helpline. IYSR became a member of Racine Area United Way in 1980. IYSR merged with Racine Runaway and the name "RUSH" was discontinued. The agency moved to a three story Victorian house and a "warm" line (PhoneFriend) was established for home alone children. Also during this decade Peer Counselor Training was incorporated into the agency and the public school system. The 1990’s brought Drug Abuse and Prevention (DAPP), A Parent Connection, SAFE Kids, Independent Living Skills and S.A.F.E. Streets Street Outreach. Many of SAFE Haven's recent programs are direct descendents of Racine Runaway, created when staff identified a need for services that were previously unavailable to clients. The new millennium has brought the agency into Truancy Abatement, Gang Crime Diversion, Pathways to Success and SAFE Passage.