SafeHouse Denver has entered a season of renewal under the guidance of interim CEO Michelle Wiley. With more than two decades of experience leading organizations through times of change, Wiley brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role, ensuring that SafeHouse Denver is poised to thrive during this important transition.
For 48 years, SafeHouse Denver has been a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence, supported by strong partnerships across the community. That legacy, Wiley emphasizes, is the foundation on which this next chapter is being built. “The fact that SafeHouse Denver’s board chose to bring in an interim CEO was really smart,” she says. “It gives the organization an opportunity to assess needs and create a thoughtful plan for the future.”
About Michelle Wiley
Wiley leads with steadiness and vision while creating space for all voices to be heard. “I'm a leader who likes to link arms with people and ask, ‘What are our strengths? How can we put them together for broad impact?’” she says. “My strengths are in analyzing business models and tracking client outcomes and using data to inform decisions, but in order to create an equitable, egalitarian organization and society, we have to link arms and bring everyone’s skills to the table.”
A licensed professional counselor with deep experience in behavioral health and nonprofit management, she specializes in guiding organizations through large-scale transitions. At SafeHouse Denver, that means taking the time to listen closely to staff and the broader community. “We’re using this moment not only to respond to change, but to make any improvements the organization needs,” she explains. “We want to better support our staff so they can provide better services in the community.”
SafeHouse Denver Key Objectives
Internally, SafeHouse Denver is re-focusing on staff cohesion, strengthening collaboration across teams, and reestablishing the sense of connection that fuels impactful work. Externally, the organization is recommitting to its long-standing community partnerships, ensuring that survivors receive seamless support through a continuum of care. Plans for all-staff meetings, retreats, and renewed engagement with donors and partners are underway.
Financially, SafeHouse Denver is strong. The organization owns its facilities and maintains a stable foundation. At the same time, leadership is proactively preparing for the loss of government funding by diversifying revenue streams and inviting the community to deepen its support. “This isn’t about scarcity or fear, it’s about being smart and forward-thinking,” Wiley shares.
Looking Ahead
As SafeHouse Denver looks ahead to welcoming its next permanent CEO next spring, the message is clear: the organization is stable, focused, energized, and ready to meet the moment. By realigning and strengthening its mission, and implementing new and adapted operational structures, SafeHouse Denver is actively creating a healthy and resilient organizational environment that mirrors the work they’ve done in the community for nearly half a century.
