History of Someplace Safe

1979
Agency Opened
The agency initially opened as Region IV Council on Domestic Violence, operating a regional Shelter for Battered Women located in Fergus Falls.
1990
Community Advocacy offices were established
Community Advocacy offices were established to provide local domestic violence services throughout the service area. Today, Community Advocacy offices are open in Big Stone, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin Counties

1990
1993
Parenting Time Center was opened
A Parenting Time Center was opened to facilitate supervised visits and exchanges between parents and children. This service has since expanded to include locations in Fergus Falls, Glenwood, Morris, Ortonville, and Perham.
2003
Renamed Someplace Safe
The agency was renamed Someplace Safe to reflect a more inclusive mission and vision. This change aimed to better encompass expanded programming and services for all victims and survivors of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, exploitation, human trafficking, harassment, stalking, elder abuse, and homicide.

2003
2010
Thrift Store Opened
A Someplace Safe Thrift Store was opened in Alexandria. This store not only provides sustainable funding for the agency but also offers much-needed clothing and household items to clients.
2012
Implemented a Short-Term Emergency Placement program
The agency implemented a Short-Term Emergency Placement program, allowing victims to access local safe housing. Consequently, the regional Shelter located in Fergus Falls ceased operation.

2012
2013
Specialized services added
Specialized services for child sexual exploitation and human trafficking were implemented throughout the agency’s nine-county region.
2015
Specialized Services for child explotation
Specialized services for child sexual exploitation and human trafficking were implemented throughout the agency’s 9 county region.

2015
2022
A third thrift store opened
A third Someplace Safe Thrift Store was opened in Fergus Falls, further expanding the agency’s presence and impact.
2024
Labor Trafficking Services
Specialized labor trafficking services were added throughout the agency’s service area.

2024

Throughout its history, Someplace Safe has continuously evolved and expanded its services to meet the growing needs of the community. From its origins as a domestic violence shelter, the agency has transformed into a comprehensive provider of support and resources for victims and survivors of various crimes, striving to create safer communities in West Central Minnesota.