Blue Water Safe Horizons plays an important role in our community to care for the women who have endured traumatic abuse situations.  To help support their work the Community Foundation recently granted over $7,000 towards the rejuvenation of their shelter, Carolyn’s Place. The grant was an opportunity to make Carolyn’s Place a more welcoming space for survivors and their families. The funding came from the Foundation’s Emily Bigelow Emergency Services Fund and the Francis P. Wilson Fund.

“The ability to turn what was once a very institutional environment into a trauma-informed space is made possible by the Community Foundation and communicates to the people that they are valued and cared for. It will make a difference,” said Blue Water Safe Horizons Executive Director Rochelle Bannon. “It didn’t feel homey, and a lot of things in the building were outdated. There was nothing that felt updated or welcoming. We are still in the process of redecorating, and it’s already feeling so much nicer. It’s really fun to see everything coming together.”

Blue Water Safe Horizons was founded in 1977, and provides care, emergency shelter, advocacy, and counseling to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse victims and their dependent children. They offer access to community resources, help navigating the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and court systems, and removing whatever barriers exist to someone becoming safe and independent after making the brave choice to leave an abusive situation.

The nonprofit organization has been working with the Community Foundation since 1995 and has received more than $441,000 in total support between competitive grants and support from their endowment fund. The Blue Water Safe Horizons endowment fund provides annual operations support to the organization and allows donors to invest in the long-term sustainability of their work.

Blue Water Safe Horizons previously had two locations, but recently brought their services under one roof. They realized that the space needed some improvements, because for people that have gone through traumatic situations, a secure and peaceful setting can be calming to their nervous system and help them begin the healing process. While there are state and federal dollars to help survivors directly, there wasn’t any assistance to help the organization itself with the facility, so they decided to apply for the grant from the Community Foundation.

“We’ve had an excellent relationship with the Community Foundation. They’re extremely supportive and encouraging and always willing to help out,” said Bannon, who has been a part of Blue Water Safe Horizons since 2017, starting as a sexual assault counselor before becoming director in 2021. “There are lots of little ways that they support us.”

The rejuvenation effort began in December, just before Christmas, and has included updating the furniture as well as adding pleasant touches such as curtains, rugs, and plants to freshen up the space.

Overall, the organization helps more than 400 adults per year, as well as their children. The vast majority of survivors come from St. Clair County, but it’s not uncommon for someone to call from out of county, often because they want to distance themselves from their abuser. Regardless, they can come to Carolyn’s Place for help.

“Services are always free for as long as anybody needs them, whether they have experienced the abuse recently or 30 years ago,” said Bannon.

The impact that Blue Water Safe Horizons and Carolyn’s Place have on the community isn’t limited to the time that an individual or family is taking shelter or receiving services there, either. The ripple effect of breaking the cycle of violence is something that benefits not only the survivors, but the community as a whole – something that the Community Foundation recognizes and embraces.

“Abuse is wrong, and nobody should have to live under those circumstances,” Bannon said. “Domestic violence plays a huge role in overall community homelessness.”

Getting out of an abusive situation also has a strong impact on the children, who can develop complex trauma and carry it forward into their adult lives if the issue is not resolved.

“The longer they’re in that environment, the more they will be affected as adults,” said Bannon.

Overall, Blue Water Safe Horizons and Carolyn’s Place, with the support of the Community Foundation, is creating a judgment-free zone staffed by compassionate individuals who are highly specialized in trauma care. There, people can find solace and finally breathe with the knowledge that they matter.

“We meet every person where they’re at, and value every person for what they bring,” said Bannon.

A safe haven from abuse, knowing that someone has their back as they begin their journey toward healing and independence, that’s what Blue Water Safe Horizons offers through Carolyn’s Place. The crucial work of Blue Water Safe Horizons can be supported through their endowment fund here.