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About SafeSpace Florida

For over 30 years, SafeSpace has been the Treasure Coast's only state-certified domestic violence center — providing safety, healing, and hope to thousands of survivors and their families.

Saving and Changing Lives

"To provide safety and healing to victims of domestic violence, while working to end the cycle of abuse through prevention, education, and advocacy."

SafeSpace, Inc. was founded in 1991 with a singular purpose: to provide a safe refuge for domestic violence survivors on Florida's Treasure Coast. Today, we serve Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties as the region's only Florida state-certified domestic violence center.

Our comprehensive programs — from emergency shelter and legal advocacy to counseling and economic empowerment — are designed to help survivors not just survive, but thrive. Every service is completely free and confidential.

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30+ Years of Impact

3,200+
Individuals served each year
18K+
Crisis calls answered annually
1,100+
Shelter bed nights provided
$2.1M+
In legal remedies obtained
500+
Children's program participants
30+
Years serving the Treasure Coast

What We Believe

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Safety First

Every decision we make prioritizes the physical and emotional safety of survivors and their children.

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Empowerment

We believe survivors are experts on their own lives. We offer support and options — never pressure or judgment.

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Confidentiality

Your privacy is sacred to us. We never share your information without your consent, except as required for your safety.

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Inclusivity

We serve all survivors regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

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Prevention

We invest in community education and youth programs to break the cycle of violence before it starts.

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Compassion

We lead with empathy, treating every person we serve with dignity, respect, and unconditional positive regard.

Our Team

SafeSpace is led by dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors.

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Jennifer Fox

Chief Executive Officer

Jennifer has led SafeSpace for over a decade, growing programs and impact across the Treasure Coast.

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Christine Newman

Chief Operating Officer

Christine oversees day-to-day operations and ensures our shelter and programs run smoothly 24/7.

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Arati Hammond

Director of Advocacy

Arati leads our legal and community advocacy programs, helping survivors navigate the justice system.

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Linda Weiksnar

Director of Development

Linda manages fundraising and partnerships that keep SafeSpace's free services available to all.

Community Leaders Who Guide Our Mission

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Thomas Bakkedahl

Board Chair · State Attorney, 19th Circuit

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Joyce Page

Vice Chair · Community Leader

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Rick McCarthy

Treasurer · Business Executive

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Joanne Willenbacher

Secretary · Nonprofit Professional

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Capt. Adam Goodner

Board Member · Law Enforcement

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Aimee Cooper

Board Member · Healthcare Professional

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Daniel Pimpo

Board Member · Legal Professional

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Nancy Wong

Board Member · Community Leader

Three Decades of Service

From a small shelter to a full-service organization — SafeSpace has grown to meet the needs of our community.

1991

SafeSpace Founded

SafeSpace, Inc. opens its doors as a small domestic violence shelter serving Martin County — providing a safe haven for survivors with nowhere to turn.

1996

State Certification Earned

SafeSpace earns Florida state certification as a domestic violence center, becoming the only certified center on the Treasure Coast — a distinction we hold to this day.

2003

Services Expand to 3 Counties

Programs expand to serve St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, broadening our reach to the entire Treasure Coast region.

2010

Legal Advocacy Program Launched

SafeSpace establishes a dedicated legal advocacy team, helping survivors navigate injunctions, court proceedings, and victim rights.

2016

Economic Empowerment Initiative

New programs address financial abuse — one of the most common barriers to leaving. Job training, financial literacy, and employment connections added to our services.

Today

Serving 3,200+ Survivors Annually

SafeSpace continues to grow, serving over 3,200 individuals per year with comprehensive, free, confidential services across the Treasure Coast.

Awards & Certifications

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Florida State Certified

Only certified DV center on the Treasure Coast

Charity Navigator

Recognized for financial health & accountability

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Community Champion Award

Martin County Nonprofit of the Year

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Purple Ribbon Certified

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence member

GuideStar Platinum

Highest transparency rating

Join Our Mission

Whether you give, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you can help SafeSpace save more lives on the Treasure Coast.

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