FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 1, 2016 S.A.F.E, Place Executive Director dismissed from duties. At last Friday's meeting of the S.A.F.£, Place Board of Directors, discussions and a vote held led to the dismissal of Executive Director Jennifer Fopma from the Agency. This separation became effective 2/29/16. Itis the responsibility of the S.A.F.E. Place Board of Directors to govern thoughtfully and efficiently to ensure long-term goals of the Agency are met, and to assure Executive Director accountability. Ms. Fopma had been on paid administrative leave since 2/12/16 while the Board investigated concerns raised over grant accounting and reporting practices. During a regularly scheduled monitoring review, the State of Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board identified grant- related findings. The S.A.F.£. Place Board is working to quickly remedy the grant-related findings as well as put a corrective action plan in place to ensure ongoing compliance. Information gained during the investigation led to broader discussions and the Board's conclusion that a change in key leadership was necessary in order to meet their expectations of conduct and financial oversight, and to ensure S.A.F-E. Place’s future success for our community and the families we serve. S.A... Place is committed to helping victims of domestic violence and their families in Barry, Eaton, and Calhoun County. Since 1983 the agency has been providing temporary shelter and crisis intervention services, including counseling, advocacy and public education. With 54 beds, itis the largest Michigan shelter outside the Detroit area, serving nearly 1,900 victims of domestic violence per year. The shelter relies on financial support from foundations, State and Federal Government agencies, individuals, businesses, service clubs, and church groups. According to Board President Scott McDonald “It really does take a whole community to reduce domestic violence, and the S.A.F.E. Place Board appreciates and looks forward to these continued partnerships as we move quickly to find new leadership.” More information about S.A.F.£. Place can be found at: http://www.safeplaceshelter.org. ‘The State of Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board have been requested to assist in the appointment of an Interim Director of SAFE. Place, as well as to assist in finding a new permanent Director. The State of Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and ‘Treatment Board will also provide assistance to the S.A.F-E. Place Board during this transition. Contact: Scott McDonald ~S.A.F-E. Place Board President ~ Phon smedonald@safeplaceshelter.org 169-965-7233; Emall