SafeHouse Denver is entering an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Sarah Marx Poulain as chief executive officer. A seasoned nonprofit leader and licensed marriage and family therapist, Sarah brings over 20 years of experience advancing programs that strengthen families, support vulnerable communities, and expand access to essential services. “We have far more in common than we realize,” Sarah shares. “Whatever it is we’re experiencing—grief, anxiety, trauma—it’s deeply human. When we understand that we're not alone, things become more manageable. That belief is what drew me to SafeHouse Denver.”
Sarah began her career providing home-based therapy and case management services to families with young children experiencing domestic violence. Reflecting on her arrival at SafeHouse Denver earlier this year, she describes the opportunity as a return to the work that first inspired her career. “I felt an immediate connection to SafeHouse Denver's mission,” she says. “This role feels like a return home—like coming full circle.”
Over the past two decades, Sarah has held leadership roles across a range of nonprofit organizations focused on early childhood development, family support, mental health services, and community wellness. She spent more than 12 years at StarVista, advancing from clinician to department director. There, she led a handful of programs, managed over 60 people, and oversaw a $4.5 million budget.
She then served as executive director of Family Connections, an early childhood organization in the San Francisco Bay Area, before relocating to Colorado, where she continued her work in nonprofit leadership and organizational development at Denver Kids. In this role, Sarah’s focus was on human resources, finance, data systems, change management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion work
“I never really left direct service work—it simply became part of a larger picture,” Sarah explains. “Everything I do centers on creating community-based support for vulnerable populations. The work has always been about meeting people where they are and being fully present with them,” she says. “I work especially hard to help organizations provide services at no cost to clients through grant and funding support. Access is critical.”
Sarah’s philosophy aligns closely with SafeHouse Denver's mission to support survivors of domestic violence through emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and supportive services. As she became acquainted with the organization, Sarah was particularly inspired by the dedication of SafeHouse Denver's staff, and the organization's longstanding impact within the community.
“This organization is deeply committed to its community,” she says. “As the only agency in the city and county of Denver that offers a full continuum of care to survivors of domestic violence, the organization fills a unique and essential role. The staff care deeply about survivors, and there is a strong foundation already in place.” In her new role, Sarah sees opportunities to strengthen SafeHouse’s community partnerships, increase awareness of available services, and continue expanding support for survivors. She is also committed to ensuring that staff members have the resources and support they need to sustain this critical work.
With Sarah’s leadership, SafeHouse Denver will continue to navigate challenges related to housing affordability and resource availability. Sarah recognizes the impact these issues have on survivors seeking safety and stability, while also viewing them as opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
“What matters most in this work is remembering the thread that connects all of us. We all have needs. We all want to be seen. We all want to belong,” Sarah says. “At SafeHouse, we offer support during some of the hardest moments in people's lives. Sometimes we're able to provide resources, sometimes we're able to provide safety. And sometimes we're simply a soft place to land. In all of it, there is enormous potential and tremendous hope.”
