Haven Establishes Foundation 
To Fund Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention, & Treatment Programs
(HAVEN Press Release, March 7, 2015)
HAVEN, Oakland County’s center for the treatment and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, now in its 40th year of supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, has established an IRS-approved Foundation.
In conjunction with its 2013 application for the New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Program to support HAVEN’s capital campaign for a new facility, HAVEN researched the establishment of a 
sole supporting organization—a Foundation—as required.
At the July 2014 Board of Director’s meeting Articles of Incorporation were presented and the HAVEN Foundation was approved subject to final Internal Revenue Service approval. As a result, Foundation by-laws and the Board of Trustee role descriptions were created. In addition, it was determined that HAVEN’s current Director of Development would serve as the Executive Director of the Foundation.
The initial slate of Foundation leadership includes: Terry Merritt, Foundation Chair; Beth Morrison, Foundation Secretary and HAVEN CEO; Robbin McCain, Foundation Treasurer; and Carole Winnard Brumm, Trustee. Rachel Decker will serve as the Executive Director of the HAVEN Foundation, as well as continue her role as Director of Development for HAVEN. 
“HAVEN’s Board of Directors and its staff is continuously working to be resourceful in seeking funding sources for its programs and future,” said Terry Merritt, Foundation Chair, HAVEN. “The transition to a Foundation to aid in financially supporting our new facility is the next step in our evolution as an organization.”
Several members of HAVEN’s senior leadership team will work in partnership with the Foundation leadership to strategically build a robust Foundation Board, with a first year goal of six to eight members. While there will be no immediate changes to the manner in which donations are currently accepted, staff and the Foundation board will work to transition all of 
HAVEN’s fundraising functions to the Foundation. Any changes will be communicated via the website and other donation-related materials as appropriate.
“We are enthusiastically committed to act as good stewards of the resources we receive and always make business decisions with our mission in mind,” said Rachel Decker, Executive Director, HAVEN Foundation and Director of Development, HAVEN. “The HAVEN Foundation will help us continue to restore the lives of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and provide needed community education and awareness.”
ABOUT HAVEN FOUNDATION
The HAVEN Foundation exists to raise charitable dollars which fund domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and treatment programs offered by HAVEN.
ABOUT HAVEN
HAVEN is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader, in its 40th year of service to the community, promoting a world of safe, equal and accountable communities where sexual assault and domestic violence do not exist. As Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, HAVEN provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to nearly 30,000 people each year. For more information visit www.haven-oakland.org or for help call the HAVEN 24-hour Crisis and Support Line at 877-922-1274.
