Safe House shares year of impact, plans for future at annual luncheon

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) –  The Safe House of Southeast Missouri recognized its partners, donors, volunteers and staff Thursday during its annual luncheon in Cape Girardeau, while also highlighting the organization’s work over the past year and its goals for the future.

The luncheon included an agency update from Executive Director Kim Dixon and the presentation of awards recognizing community partners who support the Safe House and its mission.

The organization provides services to survivors of domestic violence throughout southeast Missouri, including emergency shelter, counseling, case management, court and recovery advocacy, support groups and housing assistance.

According to the Safe House’s 2026 annual report, its residential shelter served 231 clients and received 1,025 hotline calls during the past year. The average residential stay was 31 days.

The organization also served 659 nonresidential clients through its outreach services. Staff reported 987 criminal justice advocacy contacts, 1,015 case management support sessions and 865 adult counseling sessions.

Violence prevention efforts reached 3,902 students at 17 schools across four counties. The organization also reported 53 community awareness education efforts.

Community support continues to play a significant role in the Safe House’s operations. Volunteers contributed 5,064 hours during the past year, while the organization reported $845,892 in in-kind contributions.

The Safe House’s thrift shop also represents a significant portion of its funding. According to the annual report, thrift shop sales accounted for 35% of the organization’s revenue, second only to federal and state grants at 38%. Contributions accounted for another 16%.

The thrift shop accepts donations of clothing, shoes, furniture, housewares, toys, books, jewelry and other gently used items. It also allows Safe House clients to shop for clothing and household necessities at no cost.

Looking ahead, the organization outlined several future goals, including obtaining an agency vehicle to help clients with transportation to job interviews, medical appointments and other activities.

The Safe House also hopes to establish its own child care center. The organization said limited access to child care can delay clients seeking employment. A center could reserve spaces for clients, provide another community child care option and potentially generate additional revenue for the organization.

Other goals include purchasing shopping carts for the thrift shop and paying off the remaining balance on its shelter. The shelter was established through the Safe Tomorrows Capital Campaign.

The Safe House said its new shelter has remained in continuous use since opening in June 2019, with at least one person staying there every night since it opened.

In her annual report message, Dixon said domestic violence remains a serious issue across southeast Missouri as the organization works to respond to increasing requests for services while navigating fewer funding resources.

The Safe House of Southeast Missouri’s mission is to provide refuge and support services to people affected by domestic abuse and violence, provide education and awareness about domestic violence, advocate for social change and public policy, and promote a person’s right to live free from abuse.