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.

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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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    Jo Watson, LPCC-S

    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

Annual Reports

Latest News

News and Resources
 SAFY Welcomes Gabby Hart to Board of Directors
 SAFY Welcomes Gabby Hart to Board of Directors

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of America, Inc. (SAFY) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabby Hart to its Board of Directors. Ms. Hart’s profound understanding of the challenges youth experiencing foster care face and her professional achievements uniquely position her to provide invaluable insights and perspectives to SAFY’s board.

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SAFY Announces Will Matt’s Election to the Family Focused Treatment Association Board of Directors
SAFY Announces Will Matt’s Election to the Family Focused Treatment Association Board of Directors

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of America, Inc. (SAFY) is pleased to announce that Will Matt, MBA, President and CEO, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA).

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SAFY Announces Promotion of Larry Dancy, MS, LPC to Executive Director of Alabama Programs
SAFY Announces Promotion of Larry Dancy, MS, LPC to Executive Director of Alabama Programs

Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of Alabama, Inc. (SAFY of Alabama) is pleased to announce the promotion of Larry Dancy, MS, LPC to Executive Director. With nearly 40 years of experience serving adults, adolescents, and youth, and 35 years in management and administrative roles, Mr. Dancy’s extensive expertise and people-centered leadership will guide SAFY of Alabama’s programs across the state into its next phase of growth and success.

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