Our History:
Kalyn Risker, Founder and Executive Director of Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE) is a survivor of domestic violence. In 1998, she was beaten until her eye socket required reconstructive surgery. Kalyn Risker immediately left the situation with her four-year-old daughter, having only a part-time job and needing additional income and health benefits. Prior to her doctor releasing her back to work, she received a full-time position at a payroll company and began building her career. While working full-time, Ms. Risker obtained a Bachelors Business Administration in Human Resource Management. As a Human Resource Manager, she received job applications from women who were missing many of the necessary components to seek employment. Kalyn Risker also supervised many employees that lacked adequate resumes for successful career advancement. Additionally, she met with several workers seeking her department to explain reductions in their productivity, request time off work and other resources to help deal with abuse in their homes. As stated by Kalyn Risker “My experience as a survivor of domestic violence and as a Human Resource Executive led to the idea for SAFE. Although I show no readily visible signs of scarring, I use my personal victory over circumstances to help inspire others into action”.
Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE) has an accomplished background of actively providing services to survivors of domestic violence in the Southeastern Michigan community since its first Executive Board meeting held May 11, 2006. SAFE has expanded its impact to the community by enlisting volunteers who are experts in the area of the training delivered. SAFE is a part of several anti-violence initiatives within Southeastern Michigan including, Wayne County Council Against Family Violence and Transformation Detroit. SAFE has also participated in rallies and community outreach initiatives to raise the awareness of domestic violence in the Southeastern Michigan community. Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment was granted its 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status effective August 8, 2006.
