Safe Passage Inc. Founder, Executive Director Announces Retirement

A search for a new Executive Director is well underway.

Jane Yorn. File photo.

(Batesville, Ind.) – The founder and executive director of Safe Passage, Inc. is calling it a career.

The non-profit organization announced Friday that Jane Yorn is retiring.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the inception of Safe Passage, Inc. Since 1997, the organization has served over 16,000 individuals, developed an emergency shelter, opened five satellite offices, launched award-winning Primary Prevention programs in schools across six counties, and created the region’s first Rape Crisis Center.

“What a privilege it has been to be part of this story from the very beginning and with a full and grateful heart I am ready to hand the torch to a new leader,” said Yorn. “With every fiber of my being I thank you for coming alongside me and survivors that Safe Passage has served over the past 25 years. The best is yet to come.”

A Batesville native and resident, Yorn isn’t sure where this retirement phase will take her, though she’s certain it will include more time with family and friends and continued pursuit of social justice initiatives. Safe Passage and its mission will always remain close to her heart though, she emphasized.

A search for a new Executive Director has begun.

Whomever is chosen, will inherit an organization that has never been fiscally or programmatically stronger, according to Yorn.

Matt Wessel, Safe Passage board president, released the following statement:

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jane for the tireless work she has done to build and lead Safe Passage over these many years. Jane’s leadership will certainly be missed, but she’s leaving the agency in a position of strength, a key part of which is the continued support and engagement of our many community partners and supporters.

As a Board, we have no greater responsibility than selecting the next leader of this great organization. As Jane prepares for a well-deserved retirement, the process of selecting a new Executive Director is well underway. We are hopeful that this next chapter will involve your continued support and engagement which has been essential in helping us fulfill Safe Passage’s mission each and every day.”

Interested candidates may apply for the Executive Director position by email to Bryan@charitableadvisors.com. The deadline to apply is February 28.

The job link is also posted at www.safepassageinc.org.

The nonprofit serves an average of 1300 clients and their children annually through the shelter, toll-free helpline or non-residential programming. Beyond emergency shelter, they provide legal advocacy, domestic violence education and safety planning, children’s programming, job and housing assistance, counseling, transportation, life skills and further education. The latest service added has been texting, to enable victims another outreach for safety.