Sustainability Programming

Sustainability Programming

Addresses the gap in financial stability through housing financial independence and linkage to services. Safe and stable financial planning with groups and paid onsite job training (Dandelion Café, Resale Store, Product Line), and housing search and payment resources. Survivors are supported through redeveloping and building skills they need to obtain lasting employment and financial sustainability.

Housing Program

Since January 2024, Safelight has been operating a Rapid Rehousing and Housing program for survivors to help them find safe, independent, and secure housing. Safelight clients are eligible for housing counseling, navigation, and at times, financial assistance to secure and stabilize in their new homes. Housing counseling looks different for each household with the goal of finding and maintaining safe, affordable housing.

Safelight has established relationships with local landlords and can help complete applications, search for suitable properties, and do inspections before signing a lease. Safelight funding helps to ensure that up-front costs, such as deposits or finding furniture and household goods, are not a barrier to moving safely. Once in their new homes, clients can opt into ongoing case management for up to two years.

Job Training Program

In 2013 we opened our Dandelion Café to address the gap in employability for clients, helping them develop the skills they need to enter the workforce and provide for their families. Dandelion is a full-service restaurant and caters for a wide range of events as well as offering weekday lunch; breakfast for groups of 6 or more may be arranged.

The program is designed to assist clients in building skills and the experience to obtain lasting employment and financial sustainability. Training opportunities are also available in the Safelight Resale Store for those interested in retail rather than food service training options. Our Resale store was the first in Henderson County, opening in 1990.

In 2025, we launched a dry mix edible product line in our café. This product line is part of our paid onsite job training. Our job trainees receive financial stability classes, case management and onsite job training in an educational, safe and supportive environment. Participants gain job experience, emotional self-sufficiency and financial stability while receiving additional services for themselves and their families. This product line offers a safe place for clients to work while building workforce development in our community around product creation, sales, promotion and marketing.

Paid opportunities available at our Resale Store, Dandelion Café & Product Line

Onsite safe employment opportunities
Supportive educational environment
Personalized onsite job coaching
Individual job support case management
Interpersonal skill development
Budgeting assistance for increased financial stability
Community workforce development

To learn more contact info@safelightfamily.org.

“I came to Safelight with nothing. They gave me all the resources that I needed and a space where I could find myself again. They embraced me. I was able to overcome my fears with counseling and build a foundation to begin to piece my world together. Safelight does so much to empower survivors, with many resources and community partners, some you are not aware of. I am so grateful to some of these partners, including Safelight’s giving circle, First United Methodist Church, Pisgah Legal Services and Hendersonville Police Department. I appreciate finding a safe space where I can lead a normal life. One thing I would tell other people in my situation, is about the importance of resources to help with financial independence. During my time at Safelight, I had a beautiful experience with Safelight’s Job Training Program, had a tutor, got my GED, became a qualified CNA, and am now working on completing my college prerequisites. I encourage women to go for their college education to help break the cycles of abuse and violence. My financial independence has helped me break the cycle and soar. I fell and now I have risen.“

–Safelight survivor, now thriver

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