Safe Harbor Family Services is a foster care agency and we’re proud of our name, both for what it says and what it doesn’t say. First of all, the word “foster” is not in the name. The children we serve have come to dislike that word (sometimes called “the f-word”) because it labels them all together in a group. We use the word “family” in our name. We want children to have families with no other description required. The children we place in homes should be treated no differently than those born into the family. We believe that a true family environment is crucial to help the child heal from the wounds inflicted by the separation from their family of birth.
Our logo includes a lighthouse, which is a symbol of safety and direction. When there is a storm at sea, a wise captain steers the ship to the harbor. The harbor provides a shelter from the storm, and a secure place to rest. Here the sailor can count on a warm meal, a comfortable bed, and medical attention. The harbor is not a permanent stop: repairs are made, energy is recharged, wounds are healed, supplies are replenished, and instruction is obtained. The ship returns to sea when it is properly equipped, and the seas are more suitable. This is obviously a metaphor for the care and guidance we strive to provide for the foster children who come into our care. We bring them into a safe place, allow them to rest, help them heal, give them provisions, and let them go their way when they are able.
At Safe Harbor, we are working to provide a beacon of stability and comfort. We are trustworthy. Any child, whether still in the foster care system, or emancipated, will be welcome at our lighthouse. We will work to provide after-placement assistance and training to help every child reach their fullest potential.
Jesus said, “I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Then He said, “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-40 NAS).
Thank you for your interest in being a part of the call and vision God has given Safe Harbor Family Services.