Organization bids farewell to Richardson, welcomes new ED

Spring is a time of change and fresh beginnings. Flowers dot the landscape. Trees find fresh coats. SAFE Harbor – an organization that assists those dealing with domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and dating violence – is going through its own transition as it welcomes a new executive director.

After 13 years leading the team, DeeAnn Richardson is moving forward to her next chapter. She’ll be taking on new opportunities with her husband, Bret, at Stonefly Financial, while finding ways to express her creative talents and spending time with their nine grandchildren.

“I’m looking forward to change, I feel like the time is perfect to pass along the responsibility of a healthy, thriving nonprofit,” Richardson said. “All our grants have been renewed, staff positions are filled with the best of the best in client advocates, attorneys, and outreach positions. The board of directors is engaged and supportive in assisting the new executive director.”

Since Richardson started leading the organization, SAFE Harbor has grown in a variety of ways. At the time she took charge, it had only two staff members. Today, the staff numbers 18. Over the years, the program has taken on a range of new services, offering a variety of programs to best meet the needs of its clients and to better serve the community.

“When you operate a 24-hour crisis line, you get to hear firsthand the needs of your clients and the community,” Richardson said. “Over the years we’ve tried to address those that fit in with our overall mission to serve survivors.”

As the organization has grown, it’s added legal services, weekly support groups, the Sister Sallies thrift store and most recently, transitional housing apartments.

“All these services require advocates that understand victim-centered services, so the organization continued to grow,” said Richardson.

Under her direction, SAFE Harbor became the only provider of free civil legal services. This is an important resource for clients and families as they create boundaries and seek to hold offenders accountable.

A few years back, in an effort to develop a sustainable revenue stream, Richardson took a gamble setting up a large thrift store. After five years, Sister Sallies, located on Round Butte Rd. in Ronan, has proven to be a huge success, generating a solid source of unrestricted funding to support SAFE Harbor’s services.

“The community support for Sister Sallies is better than we could’ve ever hoped for,” Richardson said. She credits the store’s success with a constant stream of quality donations, regular customers, and vouchers for clients.

“I’ve always been a fan of thrift stores and I have no doubt that I will still frequent this one on a regular basis,” she added.

Another vital part of SAFE Harbor’s success has been its volunteers, who staff the hotline, organize fundraisers and enable the thrift store to keep consistent hours.

As she passes the reins to a new leader, Richardson is happy with SAFE Harbor’s growth and where it is positioned for the future. In addition to the legal program, shelter, and thrift store, SAFE Harbor has recently been able to create transitional housing options with the addition two years ago of three small units for clients leaving shelter services.

"I know we are helping clients achieve success in managing their own experience while working towards independence,” said Richardson.

Introducing ED Brandi Clark

Stepping up to carry on this work is new Executive Director Brandi Clark, a Polson High School graduate and a first-generation descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Most recently, Clark was the human resources officer for Lake County and prior to that spent a decade as a deputy juvenile probation officer with the Youth Court Services.

“I am very blessed to have a wonderful husband and kids that are very supportive of my choices in life,” Clark said. “I keep busy with lots of extracurricular activities with my children, softball, football, two sweet kittens, Willow and Yoda, and one very special rambunctious English cream golden retriever, Beau.”

In this new phase of her career, Clark is excited about bringing her experience and knowledge to further SAFE Harbor’s mission and says her previous work experience has helped prepare her for this new role.

“I am excited to be working in this capacity and the chance to provide support and services where the community needs it.”

Clark brings a strong professional background in working with diverse populations. She also understands the challenges facing victims of violence and how to provide them with the support they need.

“In my past, working with high-risk teenagers in New York, as well as with teenagers here on the reservation through juvenile probation my awareness grew and my eyes opened up to the need for more services,” Clark said. “Without the support of non-profit organizations those youth would be lost.”

Clark has ties across the community which will aid her in this new role. As she steps into this position, she's committed to ensuring that clients will continue to receive empowering, victim-centered support.

“It is a lot to learn, and I have set goals,” Clark said. “I feel focused and very thrilled to be a part of the work SAFE Harbor carries out for this community.

Clark believes her new position offers opportunities to develop new partnerships, work with other service providers, and be active with community events promoting a safe and healthy environment.

“It will be very big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to working with community members and networking,” she said. “I am proud to say I am the executive director of SAFE Harbor and will continue to strive to make this organization great!”

As she steps away from the job, Richardson expressed appreciation for “some very compassionate and committed advocates,” including the board of directors, contract therapists, donors, and clients, and says she’ll miss the daily interactions.

“I also know with Brandi leading, I am leaving everything in great hands. Until then, to all, be well and take care of you!”