With more than 30 years of helping others through nonprofit leadership under her belt, Safe Connections’ CEO Susan Kidder will retire at the end of April 2021.
And while her decision to retire wasn’t easy, she is confident that the next CEO will continue to lead and grow Safe Connections into the future.
Kidder joined the organization in 2007, relocating to St. Louis from Chicago. She grew up in Springfield, Illinois, earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She holds a certificate in business management for nonprofit leaders from Washington University Olin Business School and is a graduate of Leadership St. Louis.
Through the years, she has been a frequent presenter on domestic and sexual violence, human rights, social justice and nonprofit leadership, and is involved in numerous organizations, including the St. Louis Forum, the St. Louis Ending Violence Against Women Network, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the St. Louis Children’s Service Coalition Leadership team, the Behavioral Health Network board of directors, the Better Business Bureau nonprofit advisory committee and the United Way of Greater St. Louis Women’s Leadership Society cabinet. In 2017, she was honored by the Missouri Women’s Network for her leadership in advancing women’s equality.
Kidder said that domestic and sexual violence are two of the most unreported crimes because people are afraid to tell; there is a fear of being blamed for what happened; and a fear of not being believed. But, she stressed, this type of treatment or assault is never the victim’s fault, no matter what. Around 90% of the victims of these crimes are women and girls; 10% are men and boys, and those identifying as LBGTQ.
Founded in 1976, Safe Connections’ name was changed a few years ago – under Kidder’s leadership – from Women’s Self Help Center to Safe Connections, to better reflect its services and clientele. It holds the distinction of being the oldest, largest and only nationally accredited nonprofit in the region dedicated solely to preventing and ending domestic and sexual violence.
Safe Connections is known for having an open and approachable culture, which was achieved, Kidder said, by working as a collective with the staff, the board and donors focusing on humanity, honoring and respecting survivors, and letting them know that the organization is that “safe place.” It is totally inclusive of all genders and sexual orientation, and the staff is unified, finding solutions together and focusing on the well-being of clients, while also supporting one another.
A national search is currently underway for Kidder’s replacement at Safe Connections.
In 2019, Safe Connections helped 20,000 people, serving the entire St. Louis metropolitan region – in both Missouri and Illinois. There is a 24-hour crisis helpline available at (314)531-2003 for those who need help or know someone who does.
Safe Connections is located at 2165 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139. For more information, visit safeconnections.org.
