Ronan nonprofit wins crime-prevention award

 The Montana Board of Crime Control has recognized a Ronan-based nonprofit for its outstanding services in regard to public safety-related issues.

SAFE Harbor was recognized at the board of director’s meeting on Wednesday and will receive the 2015 Program Highlight award at the 9th Annual Crime Prevention Conference held in Missoula Oct. 6-8.

The nonprofit organization serves victims of domestic violence with a focus on providing crisis intervention, shelter services, legal assistance, personal advocacy, emotional recovery, and long-term client success.

SAFE Harbor serves tribal and nontribal clients in the Flathead Indian Reservation and Lake County.  

Deb Matteucci, executive director for the board, called SAFE Harbor “the gold standard in community collaboration.”

“They have worked diligently to form relationships across their community for both tribal and nontribal victims, and the agencies that serve them,” Matteucci said in a press release. “The innovative programs created by SAFE Harbor serve the needs of a very diverse client base, with individual needs ranging from crisis intervention to shelter care and legal assistance.  They have worked from a truly victim-centered philosophy and I’m so happy to see them honored in our Program Highlight this year.”