History of Safe Havens for Little People

Over the last 6 years the development of Safe Havens has been a journey unto itself. In the process learning to "let go and let God", has been the biggest learning experience of my life. Learning to believe in my purpose, my passion and my vision has been a long, tumultuous and invigorating journey. In the end the results have always reflected the need to "Keep Showing Up" for myself, the foundation and for the little people (the children and their mothers).

I would like to enlighten you on the process of our journey.

In 1999 Safe Havens became an official 501c3 non-profit.
In April 2000 we received our partnership with Varian Analytical who gave us an opportunity to make our vision a reality by giving us a cafeteria. Over the next year Varian built a wonderful corporate kitchen, which they spent $100,000.00 to build, this was to fill the needs of Safe Havens employment training.
In October 2000 we opened a store/factory for manufacturing of our products with a resource center in Concord (thanks to General Electric Supplies in Hayward). This was used for training purposes as well.
In December 2000 UPS picked Safe Havens to receive a $100,000.00 Region/District Grant, which was only granted to 11 organizations. We were the only recipient in CA. We then used the grant to create our educational program in order to become a certified welfare to work program in Contra Costa County. We launched that program in April 2001.
In May of 2001 Golden Rain Foundation accepted our bid for the first restaurant in Rossmoor, which made history by being the only restaurant to ever be asked to open business in Rossmoor.

I know that God had a hand in this. 30 years before, my grandmother catered the opening events at this very same community. Who would have believed that they would have chosen us to open this business, only God!

We began to have full catering service teaching women to do catering and open their own businesses. This was the rise but let me tell you about the fall; Kim and I were working 90 to 100 hours a week with running the businesses, the promoting of Safe Havens, catering and creating.

Our children were suffering; they were in their teens now. We began to suffer and our businesses were suffering. Without taking these women out of the environment that had brought them to our program we really weren't helping to change their lives at all. Our lives had changed drastically (not necessarily for the better either) but these women were staying the same lying, cheating, stealing, no self-esteem and everything they came to us with they kept.The need to take them out of their home environment became even more apparent. We needed to redefine. I found it necessary to step back and take an honest look at where we were and what we had to look forward to at this rate.

Kim and I needed to get our lives back on track. How would we be able to give it away when we no longer had anything to give? We went out and got a job. We became mortgage bankers for Amvest Mortgage, Inc. This freed up our time and gave us the ability and income to take care of our children and ourselves emotionally, physically and financially.

At the same time the chance to redefine Safe Havens, which gave birth to A Sister's Love Products and Services, a for-profit company. Kim and I realized that our purpose was to be role models helping survivors of any form of abuse and their families with our experience.

Our clients come from prison, drug programs, shelters and women's facilities for domestic violence. In the past year 150 women have gone through our Safe Havens program and we now have 5 group homes that house the women and their children who have no where else to stay.

In December we will open our Safe Havens Center which includes daycare facilities, retail store, computer lab, counseling services, product manufacturing and job skills training programs.

A Sister's Love Products and Services Mission Statement is as follows:

Kim and Karen are dedicated to helping survivors (of any form of abuse) and their families with their Experience, Strength and Hope through their products, services and educational programs.

Especially designed for Safe Havens for Little People and organizations that provide daycare facilities, homes and jobs for these families through their spiritual, financial and emotional transition.

Women helping women, community to community: WOW... Women Off Welfare... A Sister's Love will provide these families a fresh start with your support.

Ask us about our business opportunity. We hope you will enjoy our products. Let us know.