Safe Haven
By Prime
We are now accepting applications for our Safe from the Start program for parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 5 who have been exposed to violence on Chicago’s South Side. We provide free, compassionate support to help families heal and thrive, including therapy and counseling, childcare stipends to ease financial burdens, and emotional support to strengthen family well-being.
About Safe from
the Start (SFS)
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Safe from the Start (SFS) is a community-based program designed to prevent, address, and break the cycle of domestic violence and family trauma. Through education, awareness, and direct support services, SFS creates safe spaces for parents and caregivers to access resources, build stronger family bonds, and gain the tools needed to foster healthier homes. The program combines public awareness campaigns, workshops, and supportive services to empower families with knowledge and practical strategies for prevention and healing.
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The program directly benefits parents, caregivers, and families impacted by violence or high-stress environments. By offering prevention education, workshops, and supportive events, SFS equips families with resources that reduce risk factors and build protective ones. Parents gain skills in communication, stress management, and positive parenting, while children benefit from safer, more nurturing home environments. Fathers, mothers, and guardians alike are supported in ways that strengthen family stability and promote resilience.
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Safe from the Start has already launched its public awareness and community engagement phase, which runs now through January 2026. During this time, SFS will host awareness campaigns, community events, and educational activities. For example, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the program will host an event to bring attention to prevention and available resources. Additionally, during the holiday season, SFS will hold special gatherings that include guest speakers, resource sharing, and family support activities. Intake for direct services will begin in January 2026, ensuring families can access individualized support in the new year.
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SFS offers a wide range of events to meet the needs of families and caregivers. These include the Parent Empowerment Workshop Series, which provides training and tools for stronger parenting; specialized Workshops for Fathers to support their unique role in family life; and community holiday drives such as the annual Turkey, Toy, and Coat Drive (TTC) that provide essential items and spread hope during the winter season. Additional community events throughout the year ensure that families remain connected, informed, and supported.
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Yes. SFS is intentionally designed to support fathers as well as mothers and caregivers. Fathers are encouraged to participate in the program’s specialized workshops that address parenting challenges, father-child relationships, and healthy coping strategies. By engaging fathers directly, the program reinforces their role as leaders in the home and equips them with tools to positively impact their children and families.
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Absolutely. Community referrals are an important part of the SFS approach, and we welcome recommendations from neighbors, schools, churches, and community partners. If you know a parent or caregiver who could benefit from workshops, resources, or supportive services, you are encouraged to connect them with the program. Referrals help expand the program’s reach, ensuring more families gain access to the tools and support they need to build safe and thriving homes.
Our Partners & Collaborators…
Supporting Parents & Caregivers…
✨ Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month ✨
A powerful conversation on the impact of violence exposure among young children and how parents and caregivers can foster safety, healing, and resilience on Chicago's South Side.
What you’ll learn:
Recognizing the signs of trauma in young children
Strategies for creating safe, nurturing environments
How to access counseling and family support resources
Tips for helping children heal from exposure to violence
Complimentary lunch provided.
✨ Complete Our Program Interest Form ✨
Get priority access to our free, grant-funded, specialized services designed to help young children heal and thrive after exposure to violence or trauma.
What we offer:
Mental health resources & trauma-informed therapy
Free health screenings & conflict mediation training
Family support services (parenting, yoga, self-care for moms)
Career readiness workshops (résumé writing, job fairs & referrals)
Guest speakers on financial literacy & the path to homeownership
Be the first to experience everything Safe Haven by Prime has to offer — from free resources and workshops to powerful guest speakers and family supports…
Help When You Need It Most…
We partner with local agencies, trauma-informed care specialists, community leaders, and childcare providers to identify and support children in need of healing from the effects of violence. Our services include assessments to understand how violence may be impacting your child, therapy for children, siblings, and caregivers, and parent education on healthy child development and essential parenting skills taught by experts.
Early Childhood Development Screening (ASQ®-3)
At Prime’s Safe Haven Program, we utilize the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ®-3) to assess developmental progress in children from one month to 5 ½ years old. This nationally recognized, parent-friendly tool empowers caregivers to take an active role in their child’s growth while aligning with our trauma-informed, wraparound approach. By identifying strengths and delays early, we help ensure children in Auburn Gresham, Ashburn, and South Chicago have the greatest chance to thrive and reach their full potential.
We Accept Referrals! Refer a Caregiver!
The Benefit…
By combining free childcare, transportation support, and access to trauma-informed mentors with counseling, case management, and professional development, families receive the tools they need to heal and thrive. Participants gain not only immediate relief through health assessments, self-care activities, and stress-relief workshops, but also long-term opportunities with job readiness training, entrepreneurship development, and financial literacy.
Safe from the Start
Program Interest Form
We are providing direct services to parents in need in January 2026. Please fill out all sections of the form completely and accurately. The information you provide will help us better understand your needs. Once confirmed, we will send details about next steps. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Disclaimer: Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Points of view or opinions contained within this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State of Illinois, or the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.