Safe Haven hosts open house

Years ago, Gloria Fahie’s cousin suffered from mental illness, she said during an open house held at Safe Haven Transitional Centre as part of activities for Mental Health Awareness Month.

“It’s not a good feeling because she shut down and no one could get to her,” said Ms. Fahie, who was among several visitors to attend the event throughout the day. “People thought she was crazy. Fortunately, she got over it, and she is living a successful life in the United States now.”

Safe Haven works to help people struggling with such issues get back on their feet, according to director Jacqueline Donovan.

“We have people … coming with substance abuse, mental health issues, and we also have some with homelessness and some with medical conditions,” Mr. Donovan said. “Maybe they just need a temporary place to come and relax for a while and to gain some skills before they go home.”
Residents are becoming more aware of the facility’s function since its official name change in January 2016 from the Sandy Lane Centre, the social worker said.

“I think there’s been an increase in the acceptance of the house,” she said. “We are getting more people come into the centre to volunteer their time, monetary contributions. Not too long ago, we had the Rotary Club upgrade our living room and the kitchen area. People are accepting the centre more now.”

See the May 11, 2017 edition for full coverage.

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