Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center

Allegan County, Mich. is home to more than 29,000 kids. It's also home to 600 reports of child abuse each year.

One organization is working hard to bring this number down while providing a safe place for children to report abuse. Safe Harbor is a nationally accredited children's advocacy center that collaborates with Child Protective Services, law enforcement and social workers to help children who have disclosed abuse they've endured and provide counseling and medical examinations.

But that's not all. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates program (CASA), volunteers are trained to work with children who have been removed from the home and speak in court on their behalf. And, through its prevention program, two dedicated employees and numerous volunteers speak to children in schools, teaching them how to keep their bodies safe and teaching adults that it's their job to protect the community's children.

"Our work can change a child's life rather than having nowhere to go to share their story," shares Executive Director, Lori Antkoviak, J.D. "We actually provide relief to these children and a place to find healing. We do our part to help the community."

Antkoviak had always hoped that her staff and volunteers would become Allegan County's face for child abuse and prevention, and looked for a way to make them recognizable while they were out serving the community's children or educating its members on prevention.

Through a grant provided by 4imprint®'s one by one® Program, Safe Harbor became one step closer to this goal.

"Because of 4imprint®, we were able to get polo shirts with our logo on them," said Antkoviak. "In the past, we had these T-shirts that were pretty tacky. Now, with these polos, we're especially proud and confident and look professional when we're out in the community or events handing out information."

These events often include parent resource nights at schools, business expos open to the community, Miranda Park parties for more than 3,000 children and their families and women's expos. Practically leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a safe and happy community.

Antkoviak says the shirts have been hit, "We're just very thankful to be chosen for this grant and to be able to benefit from 4imprint®'s generosity. Small nonprofits like ours really struggle, to be able to offer our staff and volunteers something like this is thrilling."

For more information about Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center, please visit http://www.safeharborallegan.org/ opens in new window