Meet Our Chapter

Our founder, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Dave Anderson, was running a foster care agency when he discovered the need for parents to have support before getting to the point of state involvement. His “Aha!” moment happened when a mom came to him asking for help and he realized he was set up only to help after something bad happens.
Safe Families for Children began in 2003 in Chicago with a goal to engage families via faith communities to open their homes to care for vulnerable children and surround families facing crisis with a caring, compassionate community. In 2013 and 2017, Safe Families launched in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, respectively, by several Christ-followers wanting to make a difference in their community. The two chapters combined into one Southwest Ohio Chapter in 2025.
We desire to help families before a major crisis hits with the hope that we can keep families intact, minimize children entering foster care, and reduce abuse and neglect. We seek to engage and equip churches and volunteers to connect with vulnerable families in providing Biblical hospitality and genuine friendship.
Follow us on Instagram: @safefamiliessouthwestohio
Join us on Facebook: Safe Families of Southwest Ohio