We at Sovereign Global Advisors recently met with some of the amazing employees at The Safe Center, which manages Nassau County's only safe house for victims of domestic violence. The Center also provides services to victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, neglect, and the victim's families. The Safe Center is the product of a successful merger of two former non-profits: the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CADV) and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect (CCAN).

The center itself was impressive to visit- inside its walls are covered in part by sculptural and intellectual art, paintings, engaging murals, as well as some of the children’s own empowering artwork hanging throughout the sectioned hallways. There was a balance of professionalism and cleanliness emanating among the fun, relaxed feel of other rooms and areas; all of which can be assumed to make clients feel safe, well taken care of, providing for them the responsive environment needed to begin their healing journey. The work done within the center’s walls is revered work: heartbreaking, challenging, yet extremely rewarding, as noted by many of the employees we spoke to personally.

The Safe Center Provides:

• 24 Hour Hotline in which counselors, trained in the areas of crisis intervention, sexual assault, rape and domestic violence speak with those who call in: 516-542-0404.

• Services for victims of domestic violence (adults, teens, & children)

• Services for victims of sexual assault, rape, and human trafficking

• Legal services (divorce, restraining orders, prosecution, etc.) for low income victims

• Free individual and group counseling

• Managing Nassau County’s only safe house, which provides a safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families

• Transition services for people moving from the safe house to their new home or directly from a dangerous place to a new home

• Advocacy and education for the community on how to prevent and detect childhood abuse and domestic violence

Part of the services the center provides includes putting together bags of supplies for families and individuals transitioning to a safe place, made up mostly of cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household goods. As part of our philanthropy efforts this year we donated 70 items for this, as well as for use in their safe house. Donations included laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, diapers, and other necessary household items we were told are in highest demand by the clients the center helps.

To find out more information about The Safe Center, to help donate, volunteer, or if you are in need of help, contact them by phone: 516-465-4700. You can also visit their website: thesafecenterli.org