Resource Center

Safe Haven's Resource Center provides comprehensive services to all survivors of domestic violence through the many programs housed here. Opened under the Family Justice Center model, the vision is to provide a safe location where all the needs of survivors are met, children are protected, violence stops, families heal and thrive, economic justice increases, hope is realized, those who use violence are held accountable and professionals work together.

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Safe Haven programming housed at the Resource Center:

• Legal Advocacy
• Self-Sufficiency
• Youth Support
• Safety planning
• Personal Support & Support Groups
• Drop-in center equipped with a full kitchen, shower, lounge, phones, safe computer access, and laundry facilities

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"One stop shop" for domestic violence advocacy and resources including:

• Personalized safety planning

• Access to 911 emergency phones

• Drop-in support with trained advocates

• Crisis response and emotional support

The Legal Advocacy Program provides services to survivors of domestic violence, whether they are staying in our emergency shelter, or are community members seeking services.

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Services include, but are not limited to:

• On-call advocacy follow-up to all arrest
  
  • Our team follows up with intimate partner domestic violence surviors after an arrest in Southern St. Louis County (Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor and Southern St. Louis County jurisdictions).  We provide them with information about the criminal court process, connect them with the prosecutor and probation, inform them of their civil legal options and their rights as a victim. We also provide information on crime victim reparations and emergency funds, provide victim notification options (VINE Link, CHOICE), assist with victim impact statements and share any information with the consent of the victim that would help increase and improve their safety.

• Assistance with Orders for Protection and Harassment Orders
  
  • Our Legal Advocacy team provides assistance with drafting and filing Orders for Protection (OFP) and Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO). In addition, we provide advocacy through the court hearing process to obtain protection orders. Legal Advocates attend court hearings with and without survivors and inform them of the outcomes if they are not present. During OFP and HRO court, Advocates sit with the petitioner to guide and provide support through the process and may help facilitate an agreement prior to the hearing with the help of Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (DAIP)staff.

• Assistance in gathering and documenting evidence in criminal and civil cases
  
  • We document injuries, threatening texts, and stalking behaviors to use as evidence.

• A communication network linking survivors with probation officers, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement, and resources
  
  • The Legal Advocacy program provides advocacy for survivors of domestic violence seeking civil and criminal court protection for additional safety and provides help and support navigating the complex legal system. The Legal Advocacy team works to keep survivors safe and hold offenders accountable by working closely with the criminal justice system and various public and private organizations which include but are not limited to:
    
    • The Duluth Police Department (both patrol officers and investigators)
    • St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office
    • Duluth City, Hermantown, Proctor and St. Louis County Prosecutors
    • Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs (DAIP)
    • Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
    • St. Louis County Probation
    • St. Louis County Social Services
    • American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO)

The goal of the Self-Sufficiency Program is to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence to gain independence and autonomy by providing assistance with four basic needs:

• Employment

• Housing

• Education

• Childcare

We offer information and assistance in obtaining affordable housing, public benefits, and scholarships.

Safe Haven’s Youth Advocacy Program provides trauma‑informed support for children and teens who have experienced or been exposed to domestic violence. Rooted in the Sanctuary Model, the program centers the question “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?”—creating an environment where youth feel understood, supported, and never shamed for trauma‑based reactions. Across all services, advocates help young people build emotional regulation skills, strengthen self‑worth, and reconnect with a sense of safety and stability.

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Core Services include:

• ‍Mentorship‍
  
  • Youth advocates offer individualized mentorship focused on healing, confidence‑building, and healthy coping strategies. Through creative, trauma‑informed activities and community outings, youth learn to identify emotions, practice coping skills, and build positive connections with safe adults and their community.

• ‍Basic Needs Support‍
  
  • Families receive essential items such as clothing, food, school supplies, and seasonal gear to ensure youth are safe, comfortable, and prepared for daily life. Annual events like Back‑2‑School and Santa’s Closet help families access needed resources with dignity and ease.

• ‍Family Support‍
  
  • Advocates work alongside caregivers to strengthen communication, navigate difficult conversations, and support family routines. This may include supervising children during appointments, offering referrals, or facilitating conversations that help families understand each other’s needs and boundaries.

• ‍Youth Support Group‍
  
  • Weekly support groups blend the Sanctuary Model’s core commitments with art‑based, therapeutic activities. Youth explore emotions, build resilience, and connect with peers who share similar experiences—all within a space where participation is always optional and autonomy is respected. Monthly activity bags extend these conversations into the home, giving families simple, meaningful ways to connect and practice emotional skills together.

• ‍Shine Bright Summer Camp‍
  
  • This four‑day camp offers youth a safe, empowering space to rediscover confidence, identity, and joy. Activities like yoga, paddle boarding, science experiments, horse‑stable visits, and rock climbing encourage emotional growth, peer connection, and positive risk‑taking—all supported by caring adults trained in trauma‑informed care.

• ‍Family Events‍
  
  • Seasonal events—such as pajama movie nights, summer kick‑off celebrations, Halloween activities, and Santa’s Workshop—create opportunities for families to bond, have fun, and build positive memories together. These events foster creativity, connection, and a sense of belonging for both youth and caregivers.

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Resource Center advocates can help you connect with Community Resources.

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On-site Partner Services:

• Two Rivers Therapy
• Justice North
• Professional services for Wellness Day: Reiki Healers, Massage Therapy, Dental and Medical Services
• Salvation Army

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Community Partners that come by request:

• Duluth Police Investigators
• St. Louis County and City of Duluth Prosecutors and Victim Witness
• St. Louis County Probation
• Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
• Families in Transiton

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