Yesterday, Savannah Philanthropic Partners, a giving circle founded in 2021 by four Savannah women, presented SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services, the region’s only domestic violence shelter for women, with a check for $50,000, in support of its many programs for survivors of domestic violence and their children. 

The check was presented by SPP to Shannon Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Shelter on February 6. 

“We are so grateful to receive this generous grant from Savannah Philanthropic Partners,” said Shannon Bates, Executive Director of SAFE Shelter. “This grant is so special to us, as it is given by an organization founded by four local women who wanted to help their community. In 1979, SAFE Shelter was also founded by four local women who wanted to make a difference by providing a place for survivors of domestic violence and their children.”

In 2001, the current SAFE Shelter facility opened. SAFE Shelter is available to answer questions, provide support, safety planning, and referral services to women in need with its emergency hotline which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. SAFE Shelter also offers confidential, secure, temporary housing for survivors of domestic violence and their children. All shelter services are provided at no cost.

“SAFE Shelter is an organization which has an immediate and positive impact on the lives of local women and their children, at a time when they are most in need,” said Lorraine Boice, a founder of SPP. “This grant demonstrates the power of a giving circle focused on the health and well-being of underserved people in Savannah. 

Recently, Savannah Philanthropic Partners (SPP) received a $25,000 grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for their work improving the mental health and well-being of women and children in the Savannah area. The Foundation, based in Atlanta, was created by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, who has granted more than one billion dollars through the Foundation and family giving.