Heath moves on, new era to begin at Safeplace

By Staff
Kristy Williams Thompson FCT Intern
After serving almost 26 years as executive director of Safeplace, Inc., and celebrating the organization's 25th working anniversary on July 1, Arneda Heath announced earlier this year that she will retire at the end of December.
Heath was hired by Safeplace, Inc. which serves survivors of domestic violence in North Alabama when it first began operation in December of 1980, and she has helped build Safeplace, Inc. into the institution it is now.
Heath said focus groups were asked in the late 1970's to identify gaps in social services offered to the community, and everyone became aware that little or nothing was provided for domestic violence victims.
"You just didn't talk about domestic violence back then," said Heath.
Heath began her job by renovating shelters and developing policies.
Once the foundation for Safeplace, Inc. was set, she began a long career advocating for support.
"People didn't realize how big the problem was or didn't think anything could be done about it. When they realized we were doing something about it, they were behind us," said Heath.
The main living facility for Safeplace, Inc. opened in 1981 with 12 beds in three bedrooms and was filled to capacity the first day.
Years later Safeplace, Inc. has a supportive housing facility with 36 beds where survivors of domestic violence and their children can live for up to four months while they heal, receive counseling and job training or education, and take time to make their own decisions.
Safeplace, Inc. also has two transitional houses and is currently building a third which are for those people who do not have a place to live after their initial four months but are working toward self-sufficiency.
"We knew when we started Safeplace that we weren't here to just rescue these people and then leave them helpless. This is a long-term process, and it's about opportunities," Heath said, mentioning that many of the women have gone on to receive college degrees after leaving Safeplace, Inc.
Heath now works tirelessly to establish a safety net for women and children in the community by organizing domestic violence coalition meetings each month in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston counties, and also by educating legislators about domestic violence and the things that hinder victims from receiving help.
Because of the advocacy of Heath and several others throughout the state the Law Enforcement Protection Act of 1989 was passed which provided for a warrant-less arrest of those committing acts of domestic violence.
"It was definitely pleasing to see our community and our state take action against domestic violence through legislation," said Heath. "To prevent abuse, you've got to close the loopholes in the system."
"Now domestic violence has been brought out into the light of day. It's no longer that dirty little secret that goes on behind closed doors," said Heath.
She said the ultimate goal of the organization is to end domestic violence, and she wouldn't have kept her job if she didn't believe Safeplace, Inc. made a difference.
She said it hurts her to see some women return to their abusive partners but she doesn't get discouraged because she knows people can change and help is available.
"The first time is the hardest," said Heath. "If they can make the step (to get help) that first time, they can make it again, only the next time they will have more knowledge, and they will know who to call."
As dedicated as Heath is to her profession, she said she looks forward to retiring and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren and working with her church.
Heath said when the time comes she will leave the direction of Safeplace, Inc. in the capable hands that will take her place.
"Safeplace is a good, solid organization that needs to grow into the next 25 years," said Heath.
But right now she still has a job to do, and never one to put herself before her mission for long, she mentions that "volunteers are the real heartbeat of Safeplace, Inc.," and that more are needed. She said they also need donations of the items necessary to sustain a home such as toiletries and paper products.
"After a while I'll probably come back to hold the babies and talk to the women, offer them encouragement, let them know that they are worthwhile and someone does believe in them."
"There are so many successes in these families," said Heath. "That's what keeps me grounded, keeps me going sometimes. I get the chance to say, 'This is right; this is what I need to do.'"
Throughout Heath's tenure as executive director of Safeplace, Inc. she has received numerous local, state, and national awards including two Professional Woman of the Year Awards from organizations in North Alabama and a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Don Siegelman in February of 2000. In March of 2006 she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Shoals Chamber of Commerce for 25 years of service to Safeplace, Inc. and her advocacy to end domestic violence.
Thanks to Ms. Heath and the staff and volunteers of Safeplace, Inc., our community has a way to help victims of domestic violence reach safety and live violence free along with a program that prevents future acts of violence.