Nonprofit opens first crisis center in Johnson County
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Residents in Johnson County have a new place to go if they’re experiencing a crisis as Safe Haven Ministries Inc. opens its Safe Haven Crisis Center.
“It helps keep me humble and grounded,” said Amber McClure, who was in addict recovery for seven months through the Safe Haven Ministries Inc.
After dealing with addiction and getting arrested multiple times, she’s glad didn’t do the transition alone. It’s with the help of Safe Haven Ministries Inc., a nonprofit that assists those in crisis.
“That’s the important part. They understand and there’s a sense of unity here that’s unparalleled, anywhere else I’ve ever been,” said McClure.
As she continues her recovery, she works as the executive director’s assistant and volunteers at events. Now with the new Safe Haven Crisis Center, she can help connect Johnson County residents with her story.
“All the ugliness and things that we have on the inside, people still love me, and that’s the same thing that I try to show to the new ladies and other people,” said McClure.
“Now, it’s like a readily available resource that we actually can, help people and not just it be so difficult,” said Sharon Garrett, executive director for Safe Haven Ministries Inc.
She says after noticing the lack of crisis resources in Johnson County, she decided to open a crisis center location.
“We realize there’s no drug and alcohol counseling, addiction counseling going on, and then we realize there’s a major shortage of treatment for children,” said Garrett.
For years, the nonprofit was able to help residents with bills, transportation, and limited resources. But now with its new center, it plans to offer temporary overnight shelter, food, beds, showers, and assistance.
“We offer parenting. We offer anger management, domestic violence, budgeting,” said Garrett.
It will also offer mental health counseling. But most importantly, Garrett says it will continue to help give another chance to those in need.
“The hope for the future is that maybe just more people will be aware and there be a greater utilizing of what’s available because if people don’t know it’s there, they can’t use it,” said McClure.
The center had its soft opening back in December. The grand opening for the Safe Haven Crisis Center is February 15 in Clarksville.
