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.

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.

DEI Statement

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.

Leadership

  • Man in blue glasses and suit smiling

    William Matt

    President and CEO

  • Man in blue suit smiling

    Nathan Leonhard

    Chief of Finance and Business Administration

  • Woman in brown glasses smiling

    Faith Shachter, PHR; SHRM-CP

    Chief of Human Resources

  • woman in glasses wearing yellow printed dress miling

    Tonya Brooks-Thomas, MSSA, LISW-S

    Senior Executive Director of Ohio

  • woman wearing flowery shirt smiling

    Amanda Donnelly, JD

    Senior Executive Director of Strategic Development and Communications

  • woman in purple shirt smiling

    Demetria Parnell-Scott, LCSW

    Senior Executive Director of Alabama, DEI Practitioner

Board of Directors

  • man wearing glasses, button down shirt and blue suit jacket

    James J. Pozy

    Board, Chairperson

  • woman wearing black outfit smiling

    Charmaine Brittain, MSW, PhD

    Board, Vice Chairperson

  • Woman in purple shirt with beaded necklace smiling

    Elisabeth B. Evensen, PhD

    Board, Director

  • Man in suit with blue jacket and orange tie and glasses and has a beard

    Jeffrey A. Crawford

    Board, Director

  • Francisco Torres

    Board, Director

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

    Anthony Gray

    Board, Director

Latest News

News and Resources
Ensuring Connections to Strengthen Permanency
Ensuring Connections to Strengthen Permanency

At SAFY, we believe in the power of strong families. Reunification and permanency, whenever possible, is always our goal. Today, we celebrate Tina, a dedicated foster parent from SAFY of Nevada who embodies this philosophy. Read on to discover how she goes above and beyond to build positive relationships with the families of youth in her care, paving the way for successful reunification and lasting connections.

Read More →
SAFY Emphasizes the Role of Strong Families in Building Strong Communities
SAFY Emphasizes the Role of Strong Families in Building Strong Communities

As we begin April, so does an opportunity for us to come together and work against child abuse and neglect. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, promote education, and, ultimately, support our communities. SAFY is proud to be at the forefront of this vital mission.

Read More →
Championing our Social Workers and their Service to Youth and Families
Championing our Social Workers and their Service to Youth and Families

I am deeply inspired by the dedication of our staff to upholding the core values of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. These values – service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of relationships, and integrity and competence – guide every interaction and decision we make at SAFY. 

Read More →