Safe House of Southeast Missouri director accepts statewide role

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Safe House of Southeast Missouri announced Thursday that Executive Director Jessica Hill will step down at the end of September to become chief public affairs officer with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence.

Hill has led the organization since 2015. She first became involved with the Safe House as a volunteer and later joined its board of directors in 2011. In 2014, she was hired as director of development before being promoted to executive director the following year.

During her tenure, Hill oversaw the Safe Tomorrows Capital Campaign, which funded construction of a $2.2 million, 18,000-square-foot shelter that opened in 2019 with space for 40 adults and children. In 2023, she led the relocation of the organization’s outreach office and thrift store to a larger, more accessible site on Independence Street.

She also established several new services under her leadership, including a certified batterers’ intervention program, a substance uses recovery program and a transitional housing program.

“On behalf of the board, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Jessica Hill for her leadership and dedication to our mission,” said Kara Clark Summers, Safe House board president. “Her passion, vision and hard work have left a lasting mark on our organization and the many we serve. While we are sad to see her go, we are excited for her new opportunity and confident she will continue to make a positive impact in her next role.”

In her new position, Hill will continue to collaborate with the Safe House and other coalition members on public policy and communications. The board said it will announce future leadership plans for the Safe House soon.

The Safe House of Southeast Missouri provides comprehensive services to adults and children affected by domestic violence. More information is available at semosafehouse.org.