Christian Appalachian Project - On August 14, 2003, members of the Harlan County (Kentucky) community took a huge step forward in the prevention of domestic violence with the announcement of the Safe Site Program. Harlan County was the first county in the state to adopt the program. Community law enforcement, domestic violence survivors and political figures were in attendance at the event.

The Safe Site Program provides safe sites for domestic violence victims to use the phone to contact a domestic violence program or the police. Businesses and organizations that take part in this program are provided with a safe site sticker that indicates their involvement with the program and provide brochures that explain domestic violence and what one should do in a violent situation. Businesses that take part in the Safe Site Program will be trained in workplace violence and the effects of domestic violence on the workplace. The Safe Site program was begun by Christian Appalachian Projects Family Life Abuse Center. The two ladies that were instrumental in the development of the program were Sandy Owens and Shana Goggins who work for the abuse center.

Amanda Colton who is the Chairperson for the Harlan County Family Violence Prevention Counsel was the key player to begin the program in Harlan. Ms. Colton also is involved with Harlan Countyians for a Healthy Community and has been spending time in the community to find organizations and businesses for the program. There are around 30 businesses and organizations already signed up and many more are welcome. If you are a business in Harlan County that would like to take part in the program, please contact Amanda at the Harlan County Family Violence Prevention Counsel.

The Christian Appalachian Project is a non-profit interdenominational organization serving all people of all faiths. The Family Life Abuse Center, a program of The Christian Appalachian Project, opened its doors in October 1984 to provide shelter for victims of domestic violence. The center serves the Cumberland Valley Area Development District (consisting of Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockastle, and Whitley Counties) as well as other counties throughout the state. If you have any questions about the Safe Site Program, please contact either Sandy or Shana at (606)-256-9511.