Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties Inc.

06/09/2026

Empowering Change Together: The Lasting Impact of Harbor Hills Ladies Charity on Haven's Emergency Shelter

Every year, thousands of individuals face the harsh realities of domestic violence and sexual assault. For many, finding a safe place to heal and rebuild is the first step toward reclaiming their lives. Haven’s emergency shelter program plays a critical role in providing that refuge. Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of supporters has made a profound difference over the years: the Harbor Hills Ladies Charity. Their ongoing commitment has helped transform the shelter into a place of hope and healing.

The Harbor Hills Ladies Charity started their partnership with Haven many years ago, driven by a shared desire to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Recognizing the urgent needs of the shelter, they focused on practical ways to improve the living conditions for residents. Their efforts included fundraising events and donation drives aimed at providing essential household items.

Haven's administration, staff, volunteers, and participants are SO very thankful for the amazing dedication and hard work from all of these Ladies of Harbor Hills. The support they have provided over the years has been immeasurable.

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

Only 4 days until Haven's Awareness event -- we wanted to send a BIG THANK YOU to our event sponsor AdventHealth Waterman.

04/23/2026

Don't forget to come out to Haven's event next week!

04/02/2026

PLEASE SHARE THE WORD WITH YOUR COWORKERS, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS.

04/02/2026

Join us for Denim Week this April as we raise awareness and support survivors!

What began as a moment of protest has grown into a global movement, and Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties is proud to stand with communities worldwide in raising awareness and supporting survivors.

Created in April 1999, Denim Day began when the women of the Italian Parliament protested a high court decision that overturned a r**e conviction because the victim was wearing tight denim jeans. This act of victim-blaming sparked international outrage and ignited a movement that continues to this day. Now recognized each year on the last Wednesday of April, Denim Day is a powerful reminder that what someone wears is never consent.

While the events that sparked Denim Day are decades behind us, the need to challenge harmful narratives and support survivors remains as important as ever.

Haven invites you to wear your denim on Wednesday, April 29, as a visible statement of solidarity and support. Stand with survivors. Start conversations. Be part of the movement.

Together, we can create a community rooted in respect, support, and action.

03/24/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Come out and visit Haven's newly renovated Forensic exam facility and meet advocates and learn about services available to sexual assault survivors.

Lake Sumter Children's Advocacy Center will also be present to provide information and talk about services.

02/20/2026

Join the Lauren’s Kids foundation and thousands of walkers across the state for the 2026 Walk in My Shoes 1,500-mile trek across Florida – beginning at the Southernmost Point of the United States in Key West and ending in Florida’s Capital City. Whether you’re able to walk for a block, a mile, or more, every step counts in the fight to prevent child sexual abuse and help survivors heal.

: Together, we’re walking during the month of April – National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month – to raise awareness, educate communities, and empower survivors.



The Voices Project

Launching as part of the 2026 Walk in My Shoes this April, the Voices Project is a new Lauren’s Kids awareness initiative dedicated to centering survivors — by capturing their stories and messages in their own words and their own voices through anonymous audio recordings. This living history project is designed to raise awareness, empower survivors, and educate the public about the realities of sexual violence: that anyone can be a victim or a perpetrator, that it’s okay to tell, and that healing is possible with access to free, confidential support services.

Survivor recordings will be preserved on LaurensKids.org as part of our Survivor Stories portal and will also be woven into a powerful end-of-walk art installation focused on survivorship and healing.

Survivors who wish to participate can record anonymously in our mobile recording unit on site at the Walk, available one hour before each day’s start time. More information coming soon.



Family Safety Fair

To close out the 2026 Walk in My Shoes, we’ll come together in Downtown Tallahassee for a free, fun Family and Community Safety Fair, held immediately following the final leg of the walk. This family-friendly celebration is designed to bring prevention, protection, and healing into a welcoming, empowering space — featuring interactive booths with safety education and support resources, local nonprofits and advocacy partners, kid-friendly activities and giveaways, live demonstrations from law enforcement and fire rescue, and plenty of fun for families, including face painting, a bounce house, snow cones, and therapy animals.

As we mark the end of our 1,500-mile journey, the Safety Fair is a powerful reminder that prevention works, help is available, and together we can create safer, stronger communities for children and families.



You can see where the walk is headed and register for it here: https://laurenskidswalk.org/

Mark your calendar: the Walk returns April 2025 during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

12/02/2025

It's GIVING WEEK!! Mount Dora Community Trust kicked off their 6th annual Giving Week event yesterday. Anyone can donate until 3pm on December 8th. Haven needs your help to win the daily challenges. Today's challenge is to get the most individual donations of $25 or less. You can drop off donations (checks made payable to Mount Dora Community Trust/Haven on the Memo line) or cash at their office in Mount Dora or online donations at the link below. Every little bit helps provide services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community.

MDCT Giving Week 2025 Return to Site How It Works 2025 Prizes & Leaderboards Daily Contests Stay Connected FAQs Return to Site How It Works 2025 Prizes & Leaderboards Daily Contests Stay Connected FAQs Ready to Give? Giving Week 2025 — Our 6th Annual Celebration of Local Generosity December 1–8,...

12/01/2025

We are thrilled to announce an incredible women's event that will benefit Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties! Join us and be a part of this amazing journey. Learn more: https://wix.to/2mQrwug