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 The term haven is defined as a “sheltered place or a refuge”.
That is exactly what The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc. provides to meet the needs of domestic violence victims. It was established in 1977 and has expanded its base over the years to provide a large number of services to the Central Florida community.
The Haven is one of Florida’s 42 Certified Violence Centers, and in the last two years, has assisted about 25,000 people with domestic violence and sexual assault services. A 24-hour hotline provides immediate crisis intervention where a victim can obtain temporary emergency shelter, food and clothing. Outreach counseling is available, and the children’s services provide counseling, advocacy and referrals for children under 17 years of age who have been victims of domestic or sexual abuse. Transitional living facilities are available for victims requiring longer term healing. A rape crisis hotline is always available, providing immediate response and emotional support for these situations. The Haven provides domestic and sexual violence training to law enforcement, health care providers and students in an attempt to make the public aware of this epidemic of violence.
 The Executive Director of The Haven, Kelly Smallridge, has years of training and experience in dealing with domestic violence situations, and is also an instructor at the Lake Sumter Community College. She has the monumental job of overseeing the many services that The Haven provides, as well as making good use of whatever funds and donations they receive for its operation. Donations of clothing, household supplies, gift cards and food are always needed, as well as volunteers from the community to assist these victims.
For more information, go to www.havenlakesumter.org.
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