Safe Home staff members display some of the non-perishable items needed during the Harvest Food and Supply Drive. The donation drive helps support domestic abuse survivors and their children who utilize Safe Home services provided 24/7 by the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. Safe Home staff pictured include front (from left) Angie Linsenman, Chris Krajewski, Lauren Kutzler; back, Jamie Moore, Mackenzie Moore, Kim McQuistion, Jamie Winters and Dar Charlebois.


She came to the Safe Home with her young children fleeing from a violent partner. She considers herself to be one of the lucky ones. She, like other survivors at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) Safe Home, was provided with support, advocacy and a secure residence for herself and her children. As she worked to regain a sense of stability and safety in her life, she began to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She is now a Registered Nurse in the state of Michigan.

“I want to tell you that without your continued support, victims of domestic violence would not have the opportunities that I have had,” this survivor wrote in a letter to the WRCNM. “Thank you for all you do and have done to help stop the violence—YOU DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

One of the most significant ways community members can help make a difference in the lives of local domestic abuse survivors is through a donation to the Safe Home Harvest Food and Supply Drive. This annual donation drive is a way to help offset food and supply costs at the emergency shelter that exceed $25,000, annually. Donations of non-perishable foods, personal care items and household goods are needed, as well as financial contributions which help purchase perishable items like milk and bread.

The Safe Home is operated 24/7 and during fiscal year 2012-13, provided 119 survivors and their children with 3,382 nights of refuge. All of their daily needs, as well as 10,100 meals were provided to these families in crisis. Domestic abuse services are provided to survivors at no cost.

Community members who wish to make a difference in the lives of local domestic abuse survivors may do so by donating to the Harvest Food and Supply Drive. Donations may be brought to the WRCNM administrative office or the Gold Mine Resale Shops in Petoskey, or to agency satellite offices in Cheboygan, Gaylord and Mancelona. A Safe Home Needs List is available at wrcnm.org. For more information, or to arrange for pick-up of items, please call (231) 347-1572.