2025 Safe Haven Benefit
Safe Haven is a community program offered by WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging (WellWise Services) in Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee counties, Michigan. Safe Haven is a community-based, noninstitutional service delivery model that provides immediate and ongoing safety support services for older adults who have been victims or are at risk of being victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction
Join us for the 8th Annual Safe Haven Benefit Dinner and Fundraiser—an inspiring evening uniting elder abuse prevention advocates and WellWise Services supporters to raise vital funds for life-changing support services.
Enjoy a meaningful night with a silent auction, live music, and a delicious meal, all to support safety, healing, and hope for survivors, and those in need.
- Keynote Speaker on Preventing Elder Abuse
- Silent Auction
- Live Music by Ian Stewart
- Meet Abuse Prevention Advocates!
- Catered meal by Sylvia’s
Our Speakers
Scott Ehlfeldt
Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
Scott Ehlfeldt has over 20 years working as an assistant prosecutor. He began working in 2001 at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, handling all types of cases from drug offenses to homicides. After completing various courtroom and other special assignments, he began serving in the Elder Abuse Unit, which focused on the prosecution of cases involving Financial Exploitation, Physical Abuse, or Murder of Vulnerable Adults. Scott remained in that unit until 2013, when he accepted a position with the Livingston County Prosecutor’s office. He continued to handle cases involving vulnerable adult victims, in addition to managing a full caseload of various other offenses. He also served as a member of the Livingston County Elder Abuse Coalition through Livingston County Catholic Charities. Scott has served as the Elder Justice Director for P.A.A.M. since February 2021. He is a 1998 graduate of Western University of Michigan University with a BA in Political Science. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 2001.
Kelsey Guernsey
As a career prosecutor, Kelsey Guernsey focuses on special victim cases. Helping hundreds of vulnerable adults and children through a system not designed for them continues to be a source of pride for Kelsey. She has worked closely with law enforcement agencies to help curb gang and gun violence on our streets, “I will continue to do so while protecting and respecting the Second Amendement rights of all citizens.”
Kelsey is a lifelong Jackson County resident. “I was born here; I was raised here. I am raising my son here. My family lives here. This is my community. I have always felt called to this position to continue my work to protect this community, our community. I am from Jackson, for Jackson.”
Dinner by Sylvia’s Catering with:
- Hearty Green Salad
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken breast
- Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
- Yeast Rolls with Smoked Sea Salt Butter
- Chef’s Choice Mini Desserts
- Unlimited Non-alcoholic Beverages
TO SAFE HAVEN
Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction Sponsorship Opportunities
6-Complimentary Event Tickets. Your Name/Logo is included in social media posts, website, and virtual signage at the event. Your name/logo is printed in the event program. As “Presenting Sponsor” you will have top placement on the event signs. Your name/logo is printed on one exterior 4×6 welcome banner displayed at the event. In 2026, you, or your company, will receive a 12×12 display in our main lobby for one year. Logo/Name on Table Tents! Plus, your organization can set up a table at the event to distribute marketing materials.
Your name/logo is printed in the event program. Your name/logo is featured on the event indoor and virtual signs. Plus, your name/logo will be on the event banner. In 2026, your company name will be displayed in our main lobby, on the donor wall, for one year. Your Logo/Name is printed on table tents! Plus, your company receives 1-Facility Rental (good for one year).
4-Complimentary Event Tickets Name/Logo included in social media, on our website, and is included in the event program. Your name/logo is displayed at the Food Serving Area. Name/Logo is on indoor printed or virtual signs at the event. In 2026, your company name will be displayed in our main lobby, on the donor wall, for one year. PLUS: Your Logo/Name is featured on event table tents!
4-Complimentary Event Tickets Your Name/Logo is included in social media and on the website, in the event program. A sign will be displayed at the Music Station with your name(s), or your company’s name/logo. Your name/logo is on indoor printed or virtual signs during the event.
2-Complimentary Event Tickets Included in social media and your name/logo is featured in the event program.
Your name/company name is included in the event program.
Community Impact
Individuals Served
On average, Safe Have services 35 survivors annually. Participants are aged 60 or older, or if under 60, have a disability and some type of care need. Additionally, they must have needs related to suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Current Funding Status
Safe Haven is primarily grant funded. These grants are short term funding and once the grand period ends, the funding stops. This can leave Safe Haven without the resources needed to continue. Additionally, grants have conditions and restrictions for fund usage, limiting Safe Haven’s flexibility and adaptability.
Urgency & Timeline
Elder abuse is a critical public health issue affecting approximately 1 in 6 older adults globally. It encompasses physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect, leading to severe physical injuries, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and even premature death.
The economic impact is substantial, with healthcare costs estimated at $5.3 billion annually and financial losses due to exploitation reaching $2.9 billion each year. Socially, elder abuse often results in isolation and cognitive decline. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts in prevention, intervention, and public awareness to protect and support vulnerable older adults.
The number of elder abuse cases is rising, partly due to the growing elderly population. This increase necessitates more resources to protect and support elderly victims. Safe Haven is already underfunded and overstretched. Without additional funding, Safe Haven will struggle to meet the increasing demand for services.
Support & Partnerships
Locally, Safe Haven chairs the Elder Abuse Task Force and membership includes Adult Protective Services (APS), law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, a variety of social service agencies as well as medical and behavioral health organizations.
At the state level, Safe Haven has regular engagement and support from the Michigan Director for the Division of Adult Services, State Administrator Manager, and the Adult Services Resource Coordinator.
Additionally, the Elder Justice Project Director with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan has been actively engaged in our monthly meetings offering insights, trainings, and feedback
Take Action. Advocate for Our Community
It is necessary that we come together to advocate for the necessary funding of this public health issue. We need your voice to make this happen. Reach out to your local representatives, attend budget meetings, and spread the word about the importance of this funding. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our community thrives.
(517) 592-1974 
107 Chicago Street, PO Box 189, Brooklyn MI 49230 
(517) 592-1975 
Info@WellWiseServices.org