Introducing Dr. Yerusalem Lanier- The Latest Addition to Safe Haven Family Shelter’s Board of Members

Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee -

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Safe Haven Family Shelter welcomes a new addition to their team as Dr. Yerusalem Lanier is announced as a board member for 2024. The organization is excited to have the expertise, talents, and deep community knowledge the new members bring to the table. With these qualities, Safe Haven continues to make a positive impact in the community by advocating for and providing support and housing to families experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Yerusalem Lanier, the founder of Cutting Edge Foot and Ankle Clinic, completed her studies at Kent State Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and a residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her unwavering commitment, empathy, and devotion to podiatry and her patients have earned her the distinction of being one of Nashville's "Three Best Rated" podiatrists.

Passionate about positively impacting her patients' lives, Dr. Lanier is dedicated to healing the world through her expertise in Podiatry. Her efforts focus on alleviating pain, improving function, treating infections, and preventing life-threatening complications. As our bodies are temples, it's crucial to have a solid foundation, and Dr. Lanier has devoted her life to ensuring the health and wellness of the foot and ankle. With five operating locations, she has established herself as a leader in her field. Dr. Lanier looks forward to bringing her leadership and expertise to the board to help achieve Safe Haven’s mission.

It was over three decades ago when two non-profit organizations, Safe Haven Shelter and the Nashville Family Shelter, came into existence. Both shared the same belief that keeping parents and children together is essential for their security, success, and self-sufficiency. In 2003, both non-profits merged into one to form Safe Haven Family Shelter. The organization's origins can be traced back to the efforts of Winnie McKenzie, who founded the first shelter for homeless families in Nashville at St. Patrick Church in South Nashville. She envisioned a place that provided families in need with more than just a roof over their heads.

In a booklet outlining the 1990 capital campaign to build a new shelter, she wrote, “Families need more than just a roof over their head and St. Patrick’s Shelter gives them food, clothing and someone who cares about them, their children, their hopes and dreams.”

Safe Haven Family Shelter, formerly housed in St. Patrick’s, underwent significant changes over the years. The organization has moved to a new location, expanded in 2013, and added various programs and services to assist families in securing permanent housing and stabilizing their lives. According to Joyce Lavery, the current executive director of Safe Haven, McKenzie’s vision remains at the heart of the organization.

The Board of Directors is composed of leaders from the Nashville community who support and lead overarching policies of Safe Haven through a variety of committees. The Safe Haven staff team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to offering families a safe and secure place to call home. They lead the shelter's programs, events, and services. The shelter can serve 30-35 families at any given time, including those who need housing and support from other programs. Annually, Safe Haven assists between 75 and 100 families, according to Lavery.

The Safe Haven has received invaluable support from volunteers for 39 years, who have helped achieve their goals and further their programs. There are several volunteer positions available; choose the one that you are most interested in. Please note they have a mask-wearing policy for all volunteers who participate in Safe Haven and Safe Haven-sponsored events. If you are interested in volunteering, click here to complete the volunteer application form. After submitting the application, they will be in touch to discuss training and other volunteer opportunities. For any other questions or concerns regarding volunteering, please reach out to the Safe Haven Shelter via email.