Safe Harbor Boys Home

Building young men of character and integrity

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Safe Harbor is unique because of the waterfront aspect of our program; this is an important part of regeneration of the individual boy. Sailing and boating and going to sea is often romanticized (and it can be romantic) but it also requires knowledge, respect, self-reliance and perseverance. Knowledge of the ocean and river and the boat and its equipment. Respect for the elements and your equipment; its strengths and limitations. Self-reliance because out there no government agency, parent or friend is available to bail you out of problems. And finally, perseverance because out there if you quit or give up, you die and there isn't someone else to do it for you.

These are the same principles and qualities that help hurting or troubled youth get back on track. These youth need a broader view of the world (i.e. one that isn't self centered). They need knowledge; respect for authority, themselves, and others; self-reliance instead of government or social agency dependence; and perseverance to change and overcome challenges that we all face in life.

All of these qualities require character and integrity. Character - built action by action and Integrity - doing what is decent and right and adhering to a standard even if it bears a cost.  This is what boys at Safe Harbor learn and practice day in and day out for the length of their stay.

Safe Harbor releases a boy, not at the end of a time period, but when they are ready. When they are men of character and integrity. Once the boys have an "I can and will" attitude, they naturally branch out into caring for others. Therefore community service is an important part of Safe Harbor's program. Learning to give into a community makes it your own and what we claim as our own we take care of and have pride in. This is why each donor, sponsor, volunteer makes a real difference at Safe Harbor; it becomes their own. Thank you for helping these young men "Learn the Right Course for Life".