Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Jacob.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kathryn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Chicago and was fortunate that my parents prioritized service work – they truly drilled this into me that we have a responsibility to care for our neighbors in this world.
After studying social work in college, I was gratefully accepted into the United States Peace Corps. I worked in Turkmenistan, between Afghanistan and Iran, with women on issues that rang true to them. It was definitely a unique experience living there during and in the month following September 11th.
Upon returning to America, I immediately began work with the Appalachia Service Project, an incredible organization serving those living in central Appalachia. Certainly issues of intimate partner violence were prevalent – as they are everywhere. Following my time in coal country, I went to graduate school in New York City, and eventually moved to Texas with my husband. I worked briefly at The Salvation Army before accepting an Executive Director position with Housing Crisis Center in Old East Dallas.
After six years there, I was humbled to be offered the role as CEO of SafeHaven of Tarrant County. I have been here slightly over three years now and truly enjoy every day. I have years of experience working with victims and offenders of intimate partner violence and am so pleased my career has led me to this point. It remains a perfect fit.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is it ever a smooth road?
I have probably had the same struggles as many young executives – I am under no illusion the challenges I have faced are unique or more difficult than others. But that might be the best part of leadership: problem solving. I am grateful to have held positions that are not easy and keep me engaged.
SafeHaven of Tarrant County – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
SafeHaven of Tarrant County is the largest, oldest, and most comprehensive domestic violence service provider in Tarrant County. We manage the only shelters for victims in the county, one in Arlington and one in Fort Worth.
I could not be more proud of the work we do. What we offer for victims and for offenders is based in evidence. While yes, we are motivated by compassion and thoughtfulness, we are an agency who looks at historical practices and outcomes, evidence-based service delivery, and the scientific method to determine how best to solve the societal issue of intimate partner violence. Why are women dying at the hand of an abuser? Why do offenders do what they do?
Essentially, SafeHaven is strategic and thoughtful and so, so intentional about the application of theory to practice and I am proud of that. This means progress. This means moving the needle. This means a safe community for all of us.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success specific to the work of ending intimate partner violence means at least one year without a victim dying at the hands of her abuser. A 12-month stretch. We have to get there.
More broadly, success is laying your head on the pillow each night knowing you’ve tried your very best and gave it your all. This is what my husband and I tell our children we expect of them. It’s not perfection, it’s not a life free of mistakes, it’s knowing that you tried your best.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1100 Hemphill Street, Suite 303
Fort Worth, Texas 76063 - Website: www.safehaventc.org
- Phone: 817.502.7160
- Email: kjacob@safehaventc.org
- Facebook: @safehaventc
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