The
Mission of The Safe Haven Project:
Safe Haven is a non-profit, international outreach organization
dedicated to confronting the global need for knowledge, truth and compassion
for children and teens living with HIV/AIDS. To effect positive and
lasting change in children's lives, Safe Haven is committed to providing
multi-faceted service forums, and programs that focus on self-empowerment,
communication, and the recognition of similarity of experiences with their
peers.
Vision
Statement:
The vision of the Safe Haven Project is to reform misconceptions
about people living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS and transform ignorance into
understanding, judgment into acceptance, and limitations into growth. The
Safe Haven vision also encompasses it's ability to educate and inspire the greater
community of young people to become pro-active in service and to turn
their passion into action.
Safe Haven values:
Spirit Enlightenment Respect Volunteerism Integrity Community Encouragement
Goals
The Safe Haven Project will continue to:
ENGAGE children from all over the United States in activities which will promote in them a sense of community and well being in spite of their infection. These activities will be of no cost to any family or child who is infected or affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. All funds will be raised by and provided by the Safe Haven Project Inc. through their on going fund raising efforts.
CREATE opportunities for children to interact with others who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
- These activities include but are not limited to:
- An annual camp on Martha's Vineyard in April
- An annual camp in Maryland in August
- Development of outreach programs in Ghana
- Service learning opportunities for the greater community of young people.
- Various other activities involving those members of the community who wish to provide positive experiences for children and families infected and affected by the HIV virus.
PROVIDE opportunities for young people to become involved in compassionate service opportunities.
- These opportunities include but are not limited to:
- Volunteer counselor opportunities at our camps
- Opportunities to create activities for HIV+ youth
- Opportunities for HIV+ youth to travel and speak to other young people through our SPEAKOUT program.
- Opportunities to assist Safe Haven in its on-going program development through interships and other such concepts.
EDUCATE communities and schools nationwide through our SPEAKOUT program.
- Presentation topics include:
- The nature of HIV infection and pathology.
- The need for prevention of the spread of HIV
- The power of compassionate service and the need for young people to become active in service work.
- The need for positive support and acceptance of those infected and affected by HIV
- The power of the individual to create profound change in their world through compassionate service
(SPEAKOUT PRESENTATIONS offer an opportunity where uninfected teens can hear a clear message from HIV positive teens about prevention. Safe Haven Directors will also speak about the power of the individual to affect profound and positive change in the community at large through service.)
DEVELOP international connections and partnerships with programs that work with children and young people living with HIV in developing nations such as Ghana and Uganda. Partnerships would also possibly include educational programs for uninfected populations from these and other nations. Focus will be on empowerment of local individuals and groups that are indigenous to these nations as a means of assisting in a self sustaining and on - going locally managed program with encouragement and support of The Safe Haven Project and partnering organizations.
PARTNER with hospitals, clinics, funding organizations, and local community groups and individuals from across the US to continue the grassroots community nature of Safe Haven programs and activities, thereby assisting in the reduction of the stigma and prejudice so often associated with HIV infection.
Click here to view or download a copy of our IRS final letter of approval (501c3)
PDF Format.
