About Us

Founded in 1984, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) provides family-based services across seven states, including Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio, and South Carolina. Driven by our mission, we construct solid support structures to help families maintain stable mental, physical, and emotional foundations to weather the storms where they are - home, school, work, or community.

A group of people standing on stairs, most wearing matching green "be seen" T-shirts, smiling in an indoor setting.

Mission

Preserving Families, Securing Futures

Vision

At SAFY, our vision is to create thriving families and communities where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can reach their full potential.

Our Commitment to You

SAFY is committed to the continuous pursuit of a diverse workforce that represents the youth and families in our care. We are dedicated to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging within our organization and the communities we serve. We will establish systems and apply practices in a fair and equitable manner. As we advance our mission of Preserving Families and Securing Futures for all of humanity; we seek justice for all.

Organizational Leadership

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    William Matt

    President and CEO

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    Nathan Leonhard

    Chief of Finance and Business Administration

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    Faith Shachter, PHR; SHRM-CP

    Chief of Human Resources

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    Tonya Brooks-Thomas, MSSA, LISW-S

    Ohio Senior Executive Director

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    Amanda Donnelly, JD

    Senior Executive Director of Strategic Development and Communications

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    Christi Wright, MA, LPC, LPC/S, CACII

    South Carolina Executive Director

State Leadership

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    Larry Dancy, MS, LPC

    Alabama Executive Director

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    Gloria Whitcraft, M.S. Ed, LMFT

    Indiana Executive Director

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    Sarah Braun

    Kentucky Associate Executive Director

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    Anya Earl

    Nevada Executive Director

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    Carley Clark, LCSW

    Colorado Associate Executive Director

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    Nicole Cochran, LCSW

    Colorado Associate Executive Director

Board of Directors

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    James J. Pozy

    Board, Chairperson

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    Charmaine Brittain, MSW, PhD

    Board, Vice Chairperson

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    Elisabeth B. Evensen, PhD

    Board, Director

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    Jeffrey A. Crawford

    Board, Director

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    Francisco Torres

    Board, Director

  • Man wearing glasses, blue jacket and tie with a white dotted shirt

    Anthony Gray

    Board, Director

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    Gloria J. Holloway

    Board, Director

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    Ricardo Perry

    Board, Director

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    Gabby Hart

    Board, Director

  • Brian Mathias, man wearing shirt and jacket

    Brian Mathias

    Board, Director

Annual Reports

Latest News

News and Resources
Child Safety Tips Every Caregiver Should Know
Child Safety Tips Every Caregiver Should Know

Caring for youth involves not only love and support, but it also means making sure their world is as safe and secure as possible. Whether you’re a foster parent, grandparent, caregiver, or anyone who plays a role in a child’s life, keeping them protected from harm is a responsibility we all share.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers expert guidance on how to prevent injuries and create safe environments for children of all ages. Below, we highlight some essential safety tips along with AAP resources to help you take simple steps in your home and community.

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What is Purposeful Parenting?  Supporting Caregivers with Compassion and Intention 
What is Purposeful Parenting?  Supporting Caregivers with Compassion and Intention 

July is Purposeful Parenting Month, a time to recognize the impact that intentional, nurturing parenting can have, especially for youth who’ve experienced trauma, loss, or disruption. Purposeful parenting focuses on building safe and stable relationships through consistency and positive guidance. 

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SAFY Announces Appointment of Brian Mathias to Board of Directors
SAFY Announces Appointment of Brian Mathias to Board of Directors

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of America, Inc. (SAFY) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Mathias to its Board of Directors. Mr. Mathias brings over twenty years of experience in the utilities sector, specializing in evaluating, designing, and implementing work management systems to enhance productivity, system reliability, customer satisfaction, and safety.

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