A Haven for Anyone: Supporting Survivors on the Seacoast

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kathy Beebe, executive director of Haven, as part of the podcast's continuing look at local nonprofits. Haven is the Seacoast's domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and support agency. It was formed through the merger of A Safe Place and Sexual Assault Support Services. Beebe explains that the new name was chosen deliberately to make clear its services are for anyone affected, including men, teens, adult survivors of childhood abuse, and family members. Haven offers a 24-hour support line, court and hospital accompaniment, support at the Child Advocacy Center, a transitional shelter and a federally funded rent subsidy program. Its educators reach about 13,000 students a year in kindergarten through 12th grade with age-appropriate lessons on body safety, bullying and healthy relationships. Beebe describes staff as "navigators" who connect clients with partner organizations when their needs go beyond Haven's own services. Haven has a $3 million annual budget, about a third of which comes from fundraising, and has more than doubled in size since its merger 10 years ago. A capital campaign is now underway to move its Portsmouth office and build a new shelter at an Episcopal church on Route 1. The project is a partnership with the Portsmouth Housing Authority, the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire and a child care provider, with occupancy targeted for late spring 2027. Beebe also highlights volunteer opportunities, from outreach events to board service. In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the September 1849 opening of the Cochecho Railroad, which carried passengers about 18 miles from Dover through Rochester to Farmington. The line later extended to Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, helping make Dover an important rail junction between northern New Hampshire and Boston.