Safe Harbor of Chester County’s new Executive Director Jessica Chappell is adjusting to her role as she fulfills Safe Harbor’s mission of providing shelter, food, and support to those who need it.

A Chester County native, Jessica Chappell has a passion for community service and is dedicated to helping those who are disenfranchised and marginalized.

Helping Safe Harbor transition to its new director were board members Catherine Friedman and nonprofit consultant Wendy Kershner, who served as Co-Interim Executive Directors during the transition period.

A Two Birds Café Thanks!

Long-time supporter, Two Birds café, held a successful Dine & Donate event to benefit Safe Harbor in late May.

Co-owner and Board Member, Jessica Minchak presented a check for $912 to Executive Director Jessica Chappell.

New Staff

Indira Venero hit the ground running on her first day, May 22 as the new case manager at Safe Harbor. She brings extensive experience, including serving in a similar role at the Friends Association.

Chaleena (pronounced Ka-leena) Boggs started this week, June 14, at Safe Harbor as a new volunteer manager.

Boggs will earn her BA in psychology in July. She brings positive energy and previous experience to her role as a Team Leader at Target.

Safe Harbor’s Hiring

Safe Harbor is looking for a full-time development manager and a part-time resident support/evening and overnight shelter staff member.

If you or someone you know is, interested in joining the Safe Harbor team and supporting its mission, contact them at jessica@safeharborofcc.org

Established in 1992, Safe Harbor was created to respond to the heightened number of people sleeping in the downtown area of West Chester.

 Starting out as a traveling shelter until securing a permanent facility in 1995, Safe Harbor now operates as a “low demand” shelter, assisting anyone, as long as they have space.

Today, they serve 40 residents at a time, 20 men and 20 women, and Safe Harbor is the only area shelter for single women.

Residents are provided with food, shelter, and structured support in a secure environment. This includes providing interview opportunities, training, transportation, and more for residents to secure work and ultimately permanent housing.

Safe Harbor also provides daily bagged lunches for the wider community with its many partners.

For 31 years, Safe Harbor has been dedicated to serving the homeless population of Chester County.