A Place Where Empowerment Meets Opportunity
SafeHaven Empowerment Center is more than just a community space — it’s a launching pad for young minds and families across Hampton Roads. Founded through the Antoine Bethea Family Foundation, SafeHaven exists to enlighten the community, empower the citizens, and enhance the city by creating access to programs that inspire learning, leadership, and lifelong growth.
Located in the heart of Newport News, SafeHaven serves as a youth empowerment hub where children, teens, and families can find educational resources, enrichment activities, and supportive community networks. Every program — from afterschool meals to financial literacy classes — is designed to help youth build confidence, learn real-world skills, and see their potential realized.
Our Mission: Empowering Futures
At SafeHaven Empowerment Center, our mission is simple yet powerful:
To create a safe, nurturing environment where youth are inspired, educated, and equipped to become leaders in their communities.
Through hands-on programming, volunteer mentorship, and partnerships with local organizations, we’re bridging the gap between opportunity and access for Hampton Roads families.
Our programs are built to foster:
- Education: Tech Week, tutoring, and enrichment.
- Health: Nutrition and fitness through sports and meals.
- Empowerment: Mentorship, leadership, and life skills.
- Community Service: Volunteerism and giving back.
Our Impact So Far
As of September 2025, SafeHaven has proudly supported:
- 63 Youth Registrants
- 42 Summer Camp Participants
- 453 Families Served through Food Distribution (1,549 individuals)
- Over 3,800 meals served through afterschool and summer feeding programs
- 43 Registered Volunteers, contributing
- 134 hours of community service
These numbers represent more than data — they reflect dreams being realized and futures being built right here in Hampton Roads.
Programs That Empower
We partner with trusted local organizations to make learning fun, relevant, and community-driven:
- Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC): Basketball & Tech Camps
- BayPort Credit Union: Financial Literacy for Youth
- THRIVE Peninsula & VA Peninsula Food Bank: Food & Nutrition Programs
- Ferrari Fast & Boards by Q: Sports and Culinary Skills Development
- Alternatives, Inc.: Mindful Parenting Workshops
- City of Newport News Youth Career Program: Job Readiness & Mentorship
How We’re Enhancing Hampton Roads
Every Thursday, SafeHaven’s doors open for weekly food distribution, and every weekend, we host youth-focused Super Saturdays, open gyms, and enrichment workshops.
From back-to-school events to holiday drives, our goal is to create a ripple effect of empowerment that touches every family, neighborhood, and classroom in our city.
When you step into SafeHaven, you’re not just entering a building — you’re joining a movement to build stronger families, smarter youth, and a more connected community.
Join the Movement
Ready to get involved?
- Volunteer with us.
- Enroll your child in our after-school or summer programs.
- Support our mission through donations or partnerships.
Visit us online at SafeHavenEmpowermentCenter.org
757-969-5613
info@SafeHavenEmpowermentCenter.org | 429 Thorncliff Dr, Newport News, VA 23608
Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok @SafeHavenEmpowermentCenter
Together, we can empower the next generation of Hampton Roads leaders — one child, one family, one city at a time.
