Dear Altrusan’s;

On Behalf of all at the Safe Haven Project, I write to thank the Altrusa International Foundation, Club 21, local chapters, and individual members for your generous support over the past 13 years to Camp Safe Haven. Over these years, Safe Haven has seen many victories and areas of growth, as well as our share of difficult times ranging from illness and deaths of our campers, to very difficult financial times. All of us are blessed and grateful that Altrusa has been there by our side through it all!

We have come to think of Altrusa as our “God Mothers” and the love and care you provide to our kids whether it is through the financial contributions, gifts in kind such as quilts, activity supplies, and other treats, definitely makes a tremendous impact directly on the kids at our camps.

This past April 2009 was Safe Haven’s 15th anniversary camp on Martha’s Vineyard. We celebrated the lives of many who are still with us, and sadly, many who are no longer with us. We participated in activities ranging from fishing, beach combing, basketball, volleyball and other sports activities. The 40 campers also experienced many fun times with arts and crafts, creating drama skits, learning from musicians and artisans, and many other wonderful opportunities.

Due to the difficult economy our world is facing, it is amazing that we were still able to operate this most important program. The generosity and flexibility of Altrusa International Foundation to Safe Haven has been outstanding. Without the open communication and willingness to support, we would not have survived these trying times.

As noted from Boston Children’s Hospital, Camp Safe Haven is the only HIV/AIDS program that is open to adolescents for them to refer. Many of the programs are not open to youth past the age of 14 for various reasons, but Safe Haven remains open to them as campers until they are 18, and then they are welcome to participate by serving as young volunteers if they so choose. Without the support of Altrusa, these young people would have lost on the one opportunity still available to them.

Our next program will be from August 10-16, 2009 in Arden, NC. This will be our second year in North Carolina, and we are sure to replicate our past programs with providing the campers with one of the most memorable weeks of their year! Once again, on behalf of all of us at the Safe Haven Project, you have our deepest and sincerest gratitude and we hope for a continued relationship over the years to come!

Sincerely,

David P. Butler
Founder & CEO
Safe Haven Project, Inc.
www.safehavenproject.org