Safe Haven Ministries

35th Annual Fall Luncheon
2025-09-23 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Detroit) | JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join Us in Continuing Our Mission
Safe Haven Ministries invites you to attend our annual Fall Luncheon on September 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. This event will celebrate the 35 years of impact we’ve made together and a powerful opportunity to further our mission of ending domestic abuse and human trafficking.
Your presence and generosity will directly support our programs, outreach efforts, and safe housing initiatives.
Please join for a beautiful afternoon filled with:

A delicious lunch and refreshments.
Powerful stories from survivors and advocates.
A message from our CEO Rachel VerWys.
A musical performance.
Opportunities to connect, reflect, and inspire action.

If you are not able to join us but would still like to support Safe Haven Ministries’ efforts, please consider making a donation online or contacting Debbie Murphy at dmurphy@safehavenministries.org for additional ways to get involved.
Register Now

August 2025 Domestic Violence & Anti-Trafficking Seminar (DVAATS)
2025-08-19 13:00 - 16:00
The $25.00 registration fee covers all learning materials.
If you are a staff, active student, volunteer or intern, the fee for training is waived. Please select this option on the registration form.
Please note that this seminar is not the best environment for an individual who is currently experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking. Please call or text our hotline if you would like information on support groups: 616-452-6664
Please contact us at 616-452-6664 or prevention@shmgr.org with questions.
Register Now

Human Trafficking Seminar (HTS)
2025-08-14 10:00 - 12:00

Church Connect
2025-08-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506
Continental Breakfast & Coffee
Join us for a meal around the table, networking, and a chance to grow in this work of preventing and ending domestic violence and human trafficking.
You’ll receive four tools for serving your church community.

Safe Haven Ministries’ Church Certification Testimony video to enable you to share the story of our equipping opportunity.
The new booklet Connecting the Biblical Narrative which will help you and your church community to understand the links to this work in the stories of Abraham, Moses, Rahab, Joseph, and Mary.
Our new one pager, The Role of an Effective Referrer which gives concrete actions to effectively support survivors.
Our Intercession Resource will enable you to regularly join with people of prayer who are lifting up Safe Haven Ministries.

We look forward to you joining us. Register by August 1st.
Click here to register.

Domestic Violence & Anti-Trafficking Seminar
2025-06-25 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-26 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-03 13:00 - 16:00
The $25.00 registration fee covers all learning materials.
If you are a staff, active student, volunteer or intern, the fee for training is waived. Please select this option on the registration form.
Please note that this seminar is not the best environment for an individual who is currently experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking. Please call or text our hotline if you would like information on support groups: 616-452-6664
Please contact us at 616-452-6664 or prevention@shmgr.org with questions.
*** REGISTER HERE ***

Human Trafficking Seminar
2025-05-20 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-12 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-01-17 10:00 - 12:00
The $25.00 registration fee covers all learning materials.
If you are a staff, active student, volunteer or intern, the fee for training is waived. Please select this option on the registration form.
Please note that this seminar is not the best environment for an individual who is currently experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking. Please call or text our hotline if you would like information on support groups: 616-452-6664
Please contact us at 616-452-6664 or prevention@shmgr.org with questions.
REGISTER HERE

Open Space Event
2025-05-07 09:00 - 12:00
Save the date!
Your business can help build communities where families thrive.

When: May 7th, 2025 9am – 12pm
Where: MSU College of Human Medicine Secchia Center, Christman Community Commons
15 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Join us for conversation, networking, and refreshments!

Register Now

Coffee With Our CEO
2025-02-26 08:30 - 09:30
Please join us on February 26th for Coffee With Our CEO!
Coffee & refreshments will be provided from 8:30-9:30am as we invite all interested to join CEO, Rachel VerWys and learn more about Safe Haven Ministries.
“When you work in the space of supporting survivors, you will see the resilience and the strength come through time and time again.”

Domestic Violence & Anti-Trafficking Seminar
2025-01-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506
The $25.00 registration fee covers all learning materials.
If you are a Safe Haven Ministries staff and/or active student, volunteer or intern, the fee for training is waived. Please select this option on the registration form.
NOTE: This seminar is not the best environment for an individual currently experiencing domestic abuse or human trafficking. Please call or text our hotline if you would like information on support groups: 616-452-6664.
For questions, contact Safe Haven at 616-452-6664 or prevention@shmgr.org.
*** REGISTER HERE ***

Human Trafficking Seminar
2024-12-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506

New Entry Training: Nov. 12 & 14
2024-11-12 12:30 - 17:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506
We’re excited to have you at Safe Haven!
All new staff, interns, and volunteers are required to attend “New Entry” training.
This training is held Tuesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 14 from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: Registering for this training registers you for both Tuesday and Thursday training days.
Click here to register.

Domestic Violence & Anti-Trafficking Seminar
2024-11-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506

"For Our Daughters" Community Film Screening
2024-10-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Celebration Cinema Rivertown, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy., Grandville, MI, 49418, United States
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Haven has partnered with Kristin Kobes DuMez – Calvin University professor and producer of “For Our Daughters” – for a FREE community screening, panel discussion and Q&A.
Panelists:
Rachel VerWys (CEO, Safe Haven Ministries)
Kristin Kobes-DuMez (Calvin College, Professor of History & Gender Studies)
“For Our Daughters” is a new 30-minute documentary highlighting the need for abuse reform within the church and beyond (view trailer). Click here to register.
*** [Disclaimer: Film contains detailed descriptions and portrayal of sexual abuse. Please call or text our hotline for information on support groups: 616-452-6664.] ***

Bilingual Church Certification Workshop
2024-10-26 08:30 - 17:00 | Lee St. Church, 1261 Lee St SW, Wyoming, MI, 49509, United States
Bilingual Church Certification Workshop
Lee St. Church; 1261 Lee St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
$100 fee per church team
Click here to register.
Coffee, refreshments, and lunch will be provided.
English Flyer | Spanish Flyer
Safe Haven Ministries’ Church Certification program equips faith communities to prevent and effectively respond to domestic violence and human trafficking. Through training, culture development, and ongoing coaching, churches increase their confidence and capacity to create flourishing Kingdom communities.

Taller de Certificación de Iglesia Bilingüe
Lee St. Church; 1261 Lee St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
El precio es $100 por equipo de la iglesia.
Hacer clic aquí para registrarse.
Se Provera café, refrescos y almuerzo.
volante en inglés | volante español
El programa de Certificación de Iglesias de Safe Haven Ministries capacita a las comunidades religiosas para prevenir y responder efectivamente a la violencia doméstica y la trata de personas. A través de la capacitación, el desarrollo cultural y el entrenamiento continuo, las iglesias aumentan su confianza y capacidad para crear comunidades prósperas del Reino.

CoC Training: Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking
2024-10-17 08:30 - 12:30
Thursday, October 17 @ 8:30am – 12:30pm
Mel Trotter Ministries (225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
Cost is $10/person (If cost is a concern, waivers are available. Contact rparmenter@hwmuw.org for more information.)
Click here to register.
This training will cover the complex dynamics of domestic violence and human trafficking, particularly at the intersection of homelessness and housing instability. This training is geared toward individuals providing an array of housing services and will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to better understand and recognize indicators of domestic violence and human trafficking, effective strategies for brief screening and short-term support, and key components of effective safety planning and warm referrals.
Through this training, participants will also increase their understanding of confidentiality and privacy considerations for victims/survivors, Category 4 homelessness and other relevant considerations as it relates to HUD regulations and the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA).

Safe Haven Domestic Violence Prayer Vigil
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:00 | The Blue Bridge, Blue Footbridge, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Safe Haven recognizes the power of calling together people of prayer to both lament our current reality and cry out in response to this growing violence as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information, contact Tony Tendero (Safe Haven Ministries) at atendero@shmgr.org.

Coffee With The CEO
2024-10-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Safe Haven Ministries, 2627 Birchcrest Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506
Connect with our CEO, Rachel VerWys for an opportunity to tour our facility and learn more about our mission.
Join community members for learning, networking and light refreshments.
FREE event – click here to register.

Domestic Violence & Anti-Trafficking Seminar
2024-10-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Calvin University Meeter Center Lecture Hall, 1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States

Labor and Sex Trafficking in Kent County: Community Resources & Panel
2024-09-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2500 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join our staff and partners for the Labor and Sex Trafficking in Kent County: Community Resources & Panel (Kroc Center Sanctuary).
Event convened by the West Michigan Human Trafficking Coalition.

2024 Fall Luncheon
2024-09-17 11:30 - 13:00 | JW Marriott Grand Rapids, 235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Together we’ve made incredible strides and are excited to share a meal, stories and thank you for the ways you are helping us put an end to violence and transforming our community.
Here are key details to keep in mind before the event.
Date:
Tuesday, September 17
Time:
11:30 a.m. | Networking
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Luncheon & Program
Location:
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
235 Louis Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dress Code: Business casual
Parking:
Onsite (JW Marriott Grand Rapids Garage): $6 (Hourly) | $41 (Daily)
Offsite: Various parking ramps & metered parking are located in close proximity to the hotel.
*** Parking options may be limited due to “ArtPrize” which takes place in Downtown Grand Rapids. ***
Can’t Attend?
Please email development@shm​gr.org at your earliest convenience.

THANK YOU!
FALL LUNCHEON 2024 SPONSORS

Suzann & Ross Van Klompenberg
Ruth & Ron VerWys
Houskamp’s Auto Services

Rachel & Ryan VerWys

Relationship Abuse Educational Support Group
2024-05-30 18:00 - 19:30
This is the fourth of eight sessions and is open to those who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial, and/or spiritual abuse. Attendees will gain knowledge of relationship abuse and receive support in a safe and confidential environment. Today’s topic is on Characteristics of Abusers. The group meets at Safe Haven Ministries from 6-7:30pm. Snacks and refreshments are offered. Childcare is available.
Group meetings are a safe space for everyone.

Relationship Abuse Educational Support Group
2024-05-23 18:00 - 19:30
This is the third of eight sessions and is for those who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial, and/or spiritual abuse. Attendees will gain knowledge of relationship abuse and receive support in a safe and confidential environment. The topic for today’s session is on Trauma and the Brain.
Snacks and refreshments are offered. Childcare is available. For more information, please call or text: 616.452.6664.
Support groups are inclusive, and all are welcome. The group meets at Safe Haven Ministries from 6pm-7:30pm.

Church Certification
2024-05-18 08:30
Join us for a Church Certification training.
Safe Haven Ministries’ Church Certification program equips faith communities to
prevent and effectively respond to domestic violence and human trafficking. Through
training, culture development, and ongoing coaching, churches increase their
confidence and capacity to create flourishing Kingdom communities. This training will take place at:
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
1025 Three Mile Road
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided. Click on the link below for more information. To register, click here.
Church Certification St. Andrews – May 18th event

Relationship Abuse Educational Support Group
2024-05-16 18:00 - 19:30
This is the second session of the 8-week educational support group for those who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, financial, and/or spiritual abuse. Attendees will gain knowledge of relationship abuse and receive support in a safe and confidential environment. The topic of today’s discussion will be on Emotional and Verbal Abuse.
The group meeting is at Safe Haven Ministries from 6pm-7:30pm. Snacks and refreshments are offered. Childcare is available. For more information, please call or text: 616.452.6664.
Support groups are a safe place for everyone.
