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Brubaker leads Safehouse Crisis Center
This is part of a series of profiles on Bourbon County United Way partner agencies.
Name of United Way agency: Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc.
Purpose/mission of organization: To aid in the reduction of the incidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Southeast Kansas. Agency services include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, victim advocacy, public education and community awareness, statistical analysis, and involvement in legislative reform.
Background/history of your agency: In 1977, interest in protective services for battered spouses was first stimulated locally by a Pittsburg State University class project. On Feb. 16, 1979, Safehouse, Inc. was incorporated by the State of Kansas as a non-profit organization. Until a shelter and office were opened in 1981, shelter was provided by families in the Pittsburg community with the stay limited to one day. Safehouse now operates two shelters, one in Pittsburg and one in Coffeyville and the stay time is 90 days. The administrative office is located in Pittsburg with a satellite office in Coffeyville.
Current number of people served: Safehouse served 780 individuals during the time period July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 through shelter and advocacy services.
Management: Rebecca Brubaker is the executive director and has been with the agency since 2007. Prior to working with Safehouse, she was employed for 15 years in the social service field working with low income and disabled individuals.
Main fundraising activities: Safehouse hosts a ladies night out event in March each year. Next year's event will be held on March 11, 2014.
Our Bags to Riches Extravaganza features a live purse auction with a local television anchor as Master of Ceremonies. The Board of Director's are working on a 5k run for the spring in Pittsburg. 2014 will be the first year for this event.
Key needs: Shelter supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, dishwasher soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, kitchen trash bags, diapers, baby wipes, feminine products, personal care items, towels, children's pajamas, and sweat pants and tops in all sizes.
Other ways people can help: Volunteers are needed for small repair work on the shelter and office buildings, lawn care, painting, janitorial work, office help, and answering the hotlines.
Anything else noteworthy to share or something the public doesn't know: Advocates assist Bourbon County residents with advocacy needs in their community and transport them to shelter when needed.
Contact for more information: Rebecca Brubaker, Executive Director, (620) 231-8692