The Haven celebrates 10 years of support, advocacy, and empowerment

During Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, The Haven marked 10 years of supporting students impacted by gender-based violence with a brunch open to the William & Mary community. As a confidential, welcoming, and inclusive resource center, The Haven celebrated its community impact and honored their student volunteers—past and present. 

“Seeing familiar faces alongside new ones, all celebrating the 10th anniversary of a program that has been transformative for many, was exciting and heartwarming,” said Connie Ryu ‘25, a peer advocate alumnus. “I was reminded that meaningful service is only possible when the community serving others wholeheartedly believes in their shared purpose and care for one another.” 

The Mission  

Founded in 2015 through student-driven advocacy and faculty support, The Haven is a resource center for those impacted by gender-based violence, which may include sexual violence and harassment, relationship abuse and intimate-partner violence, stalking, and other types of discrimination. Since its creation, The Haven welcomes anyone who may have questions or concerns, need support and resources, or seek guidance and connection. Through trained peer advocates and professional staff, the program fosters a culture of care and empowers survivors to make informed decisions about support, resources, and safety options under university policy. 

“Just as no two visitors or their stories are the same, no two paths to healing and recovery look alike,” said Ryu. “This individualized approach to addressing a broader issue is the beating heart of The Haven’s role on campus.” 

Through this dynamic trauma-informed resource center, The Haven fosters empowerment, autonomy, connection, and healing for all students.  

The Impact  

Since its establishment, The Haven has served 1,855 students and trained 153 peer advocates. To support students in choosing their next steps and preferred path to healing and recovery, The Haven developed a range of services. Support groups offer several unique opportunities for survivors to connect with those sharing similar experiences, including trauma-informed yoga, LGBTQ+ healthy relationships, and trauma-informed self-defense classes. Other resources include information on time-sensitive health and safety resources and support through university Title IX and sexual misconduct policy and procedures.  

Out of all these accomplishments, Liz Cascone, inaugural director of The Haven, said, “I believe our biggest success has been our ability to serve ALL students who have requested our services and be a trusted office on campus for students.” 

Through years of building connections and resources, The Haven strives to support each student who seeks confidential services. Often, students who experienced violations, betrayals, or harm feel anxious about sharing their story. Peer advocates create a safe space to explore next steps without any pressure to disclose information. 

“Meeting with survivors and seeing a weight lifted off their chests by sharing their stories is a constant reminder of how impactful it is to know you have someone to tell,” said peer advocate Mary Catherine Slagle ‘26. 

Through the program’s confidential services and resources, survivors are empowered to make the decision that best suits their needs and desires.  

10 Years in Review 

• 2015-16: Established through student-driven advocacy, in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs. 

• 2016-17: Hired a professional director to oversee development and growth.  

• 2017-18: Measured trauma-informed principles through feedback survey, established an art therapy group, and created a Sexual Misconduct Response Protocol. 

• 2018-19: Co-launched “Let’s Get Consensual Campaign” and hired a graduate assistant to help support the day-to-day functions of the resource center. 

• 2019-20: Received support from a private donor and expanded virtual services to include individual appointments and group support during COVID. 

• 2021-22: Met the criteria to be a clinical mental health practicum site for the W&M School of Education master’s program. 

• 2022-23: Moved to Sadler Center after the Sadler expansion and developed an adaptable resolution implementation plan with consultant. 

• 2023-24: Created Gender-Based Violence Resources & Advocacy Services to oversee both The Haven and Adaptable Resolution Initiatives. 

• 2024-25: Hired two adaptable resolution facilitators with support from the Parents Fund and Student Life Impact Fund. 

The Future 

As The Haven continues to grow resources for students impacted by gender-based violence, the program also looks forward to cultivating mentorship between alumni who worked in The Haven and current peer advocates. The “Where Are They Now?” campaign offers social and professional networking opportunities. Through the 10-year anniversary brunch, alumni shared how their peer advocate skills impacted their personal and professional lives after graduation.  

For Connie, practicing practical skills, such as active listening and quick problem-solving, continues to guide her interactions with others. 

“More importantly,” she said, “my experience at The Haven has shaped the kind of physician I aspire to become, practicing medicine with empathy and attentiveness.” 

Another alumnus, Nolan Coughlin ‘25, applied his experience to a different job sector.  

“The Haven gave me an idea of how local resources interconnect to support individuals and communities. I used my listening-first approach I learned at The Haven to help federal workers and others in need on Capitol Hill this summer and helped explain what our office was working on,” said Nolan. 

Through connecting with alumni, peer advocates can build on their skills to create supportive communities beyond W&M. After celebrating 10 years of service and advocacy, The Haven looks forward to continuing its mission to address gender-based violence with the invaluable support of student volunteers. 

Visit The Haven’s website to make an appointment or view office hours, apply to volunteer, or donate to the program.