Founded on Belief
in a Better Way Forward.
At the very core of Safer Foundation is our belief in an unobstructed road to reentry. From our start in 1972, our mission has been to pave that road with stabilizing support, employment, education, and advocacy that empower justice-involved individuals to achieve their true potential.
Here, we know opportunity is key—to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating a better way forward for all. Clearing the landscape of systemic legal and societal hurdles is no small task, and one we’ve spent over half a century working toward.
1972
Bernie Curran and Gus Wilhelmy establish Safer Foundation in Chicago, IL
1973
Safer Foundation serves its first 2,000 clients
1976
Safer Foundation Quad Cities opens with the launch of its foundational Employment Services Program in Rock Island County
1983
Safer Foundation opens/operates the Crossroads Adult Transition Center (ATC) on behalf of the IDOC
1986
The PACE Institute launches in Cook County Jail
2000
Our second ATC opens in North Lawndale
2001
The Council of Advisors to Reduce Recidivism through Employment (CARRE) is established
2003
The Ready4Work program launches throughout Cook County
2004
Pre- and post-release services expand to Sheridan Correctional Centers in LaSalle County, IL
Partnership with Illinois Senator Barack Obama to create the Certificate of Good Conduct and Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
2008
Partnership with Representative Danny Davis in passing the Second Chance Act
The Safer Return program launches
2011
Former Safer Foundation President Diane Williams earns the White House Champion of Change Award
2015
The Safer Demand Skills Collaborative (SDSC) launches
2016
Completion of the Illinois Occupational Licensing Reform Bill draft
2019
Launched Safer Counseling & Wellness Center
2020
Safer launches ASCEND: an evidence-based, holistic client services model delivering a standardized suite of employment and counseling services
2021
Launched Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative
Today
Serving over 5,300 clients annually, 3,200 of whom obtain employment
Bernie Curran and Gus Wilhelmy establish Safer Foundation in Chicago, IL
Safer Foundation serves its first 2,000 clients
Safer Foundation Quad Cities opens with the launch of its foundational Employment Services Program in Rock Island County
Safer Foundation opens/operates the Crossroads Adult Transition Center (ATC) on behalf of the IDOC
The PACE Institute launches in Cook County Jail
Our second ATC opens in North Lawndale
The Council of Advisors to Reduce Recidivism through Employment (CARRE) is established
The Ready4Work program launches throughout Cook County
Pre- and post-release services expand to Sheridan Correctional Centers in LaSalle County, IL
Partnership with Illinois Senator Barack Obama to create the Certificate of Good Conduct and Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
Partnership with Representative Danny Davis in passing the Second Chance Act
The Safer Return program launches
Former Safer Foundation President Diane Williams earns the White House Champion of Change Award
The Safer Demand Skills Collaborative (SDSC) launches
Completion of the Illinois Occupational Licensing Reform Bill draft
Launched Safer Counseling & Wellness Center
Safer launches ASCEND: an evidence-based, holistic client services model delivering a standardized suite of employment and counseling services
Launched Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative
Serving over 5,300 clients annually, 3,200 of whom obtain employment
Today, we serve over 5,300 clients annually
We continue to impact change at the individual-, community-, state-, and national-level, and our track record has earned us recognition by Charity Navigator as an organization worthy of clients’ and donors’ trust and confidence. Above all, we remain focused on turning our vision into a reality: Equal opportunities for people with criminal records thereby improving the socio-economic well-being of the individual, their families, and their communities.
Learn MoreOur Locations
Main Office
Community Office
Belmont Cragin
South Holland
Quad Cities
Crossroads ATC
North Lawndale ATC
Safer Southside Office
Main Office
We’ve been headquartered in Chicago, IL since our start over 50 years ago. As we continue to open locations throughout the Midwest, our main Chicago office remains the hub of Safer Foundation’s reentry services and operations as we implement new programs, expand our reach, and strategize future initiatives.
Our Leadership
Our leadership team is responsible for strategizing and launching programs and services across each of our locations. They’re committed to serving the justice-involved community by setting our culture of service, empowering our teams, and securing the resources to succeed.
Meet The Team
Victor B. Dickson
President and CEO
Harry Alston, Jr., Ph.D.
General Manager, Safer Policy Institute
Henrietta Mason
Vice President, Human Resources
Shelbie Luna
Chief Legal Officer
Sodiqa R. Williams, ESQ.
Chief Program Officer
Mark Yates
Chief Administrative Officer
David Gianfrancesco
Vice President Strategic Development
Anthony Lowery
Associate Vice President, Property Management
Ervin Robinson
Vice President, Community Corrections
Rochelle Perry
Associate Vice President, Systems and Analytics
Sophia DeLeon
Associate Vice President, Human Resources
Chris Rooney
Chief Technology Officer
Paul Sajkiewicz
Associate Vice President, Technology
Rucha Shastri
Associate Vice President, Behavioral Health Services
Marketer Ash
Associate Vice President, Community Reentry Services
Andre Martin
Associate Vice President, Community Corrections
Board of Directors
Officers
Cecily Mistarz
Chair, BMO Financial Group
Arnold Siegel
Secretary, Siegel & Callahan
Allen Kanter
Vice Chair, Kanter & Morgan
Anthony Madonia
Treasurer, Anthony J. Madonia & Associates
Ethan Erenberg
Vice Chair, Retired, Chairman and CEO W. Braun Company
Directors
Isaac Akridge
Comed
Ronald Owens
Ronald C. Owens & Associates
Victor L. Bridgeman, Sr.
GE Healthcare
Coy Pugh
Retired, United Methodist Minister
Robert Carlson
Retired, Bronson & Bratton, Inc.
Anthony J. Riccio
Chicago Police Department
Andrea Davenport
Meridian, A WellCare Company
Kemi Solade
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Deepika Batra DiGiovine
Randolph Stone
Retired, University of Chicago
Robert Jordan
Retired, WGN-TV
Alfonza Surrett
King Jr. Inc.
John Levin
Retired, Attorney at Law
Micah Swansey, PsyD
CEO, Consulting Professionals, Inc.
Steven G. Lisa
Lisa & Lesko, LLC
Steve Watts
Fifth Third Bank
Frank Nicholas
Nicholas Art Direction
Our Partner Network
"I work for Safer because, sometimes, all it takes for a new beginning is someone who supports you, encourages you, and reminds you of all the things you can be. I want to be that person."
- Jordan B.
Program Manager, Quad Cities
“It’s important to me that my professional career is aligned with the fight for social justice, and Safer allows me to do that.”
- Benjamin O.
Senior Director Research, Chicago
“One way to create safety in our society is to protect and empower our most vulnerable community members. At Safer, we do just that!”
- Erica L.
Director, Quad Cities
"I am honored to be a part of the Safer family, making a positive impact by creating synergy between individuals and organizations working toward something bigger than ourselves."
- Angel J.
Outreach Coordinator, Chicago
“I enjoy working with the population at the Cook County Jail. Yes, it is a different environment. However, I have never felt so motivated and empowered to teach. It's amazing to see students take pride in learning, and even if briefly, forget their current circumstances."
- Christayl R.
Instructional Facilitator, Chicago
"Interacting with clients doesn't feel like work. I see the impact we make in every smile, small win, and major milestone."
- Christopher G.
Client Services, Chicago
Careers
Many hands make light work. We’re always looking for new team members to join our mission of removing the barriers to reentry and enabling and empowering the justice-involved community. Learn more about our open positions.
View Openings