Safe Haven Behavioral Health Services will open its doors in Port Clinton on Thursday, Sept. 5 with an open house and ribbon cutting for the non-profit agency providing mental health and behavioral health services. Safe Haven, 122 West 2nd St., Port Clinton, will have its ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. and open house from 1-6 p.m.

Denise Kidder, CEO and Executive Director of Safe Haven Behavioral Health Services, has been in the mental health field for over 25 years. Kidder founded Safe Haven because of her experience in losing a brother to the heroin epidemic and seeing first-hand the impact mental health has on families and the stigmatism that surrounds it. She felt compelled to do something to impact communities and the lives of others in an innovative way.

Kidder has a passion to get services to those having difficulty or who otherwise may not have access to services. Services began in Toledo in 2014. In 2015, Safe Haven established community-based services in Ottawa County and opened the Port Clinton office in May 2018. In 2019, the agency became OhMhas certified and is also certified with the State of Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Safe Haven’s Specialized Programs include “Let’s Talk About It,” a series of customizable, educational talks on various topics that relate to mental health and well-being, and “The Wilson Project,” encompassing groups that focus on increasing self-awareness, accountability and self-esteem.

School-based support allows Safe Haven to partner with schools to provide a clinician on site during the school day. Other services include assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, Therapeutic Behavioral Services and psycho-social rehabilitation.

Services can be provided in the home, at Safe Haven’s office or in various other community-based sites dependent upon the individual’s preference or need.

Kidder praised the significant role in which the staff of Safe Haven Behavioral Services has played in setting the standards for its services and quality care. Mary Peter, LSW, was one of its first mental health clinicians to get services to individuals in the Ottawa County area. Her commitment and dedication to Safe Haven’s mission have provided stability and quality outcomes to those she serves. Michael Wilson, LPC, joined the team in February 2018. He is the program manager and one of the therapists for the local area. Wilson has been instrumental in making connections within the community in expanding Safe Haven’s recognition and services.

Lisa Baldwin provides administrative support behind the scenes. She keeps operations running smoothly while promoting quality customer care. Baldwin’s ability to identify and link Safe Haven to community organizations provides the impetus to expand Safe Haven in the area. All of the staff are committed to going above and beyond and have logged over a 100 hours of volunteer services within the community.

Safe Haven is committed to being creative, innovative and solution-focused as well as dedicated to addressing various gaps and needs in the community. The agency is excited about being in the community and will continue to add more resources and access to additional programs and services. For more information contact 419-708-0441.