Everyone Deserves
a Safe Place

For Assistance or Information,
Call Our 24-Hour Crisis Line:
269-673-8700

Sylvia's Place provides confidential support, advocacy, and resources for individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

SERVICES

Residential Services

Safe Shelter
24-hour Crisis Line
Safety Planning
Food, Clothing, Hygiene Products
Strength-based Case Management
Individual & Family Counseling
Housing Referrals
Employment Search

Non-Residential Services

Legal Advocacy
Personal Protection Orders
Court Accompaniment
Housing Referrals
Crime Victims Compensation
Domestic Violence Education
Counseling
Victim Support

About Sylvia's Place

Sylvia’s Place is Allegan County’s only domestic violence safe house.

We offer secure shelter and supportive services free of charge to survivors of abuse and their dependent children.

With the support of private community donors in addition to local, state and federal funding we have provided over 87,703 safe bednights to survivors fleeing domestic abuse.

We are honored to serve those that make the life changing decision to flee an abusive relationship and are here to provide the resources to empower victims to achieve survivor status.

Sylvia’s Place is a supporting agency that believes in the inherent value of every human being.

We offer residential services to those seeking a safe place to stay and non-residential services to those that have obtained secure housing away from the abuser.

How can we help you? If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please don’t wait. Call today (269-673-8700)

Our mission is to create and to sustain a safe environment that empowers survivors of domestic violence through preventative education and advocacy, which promotes stronger individuals, families, and communities.

Support Our Mission

Sylvia’s Place has assisted survivors of domestic abuse since 1996, following the violent death of Sylvia Allen.

Sylvia lost her battle with domestic violence and fell victim to the hands of her perpetrator. Her death proposed the realization that an escape for those fleeing abuse was necessary.

Our agency is dedicated to the memory of Sylvia Allen and exists to provide a safe environment for individuals fleeing similar circumstances.

Get Involved

Donate Money

All services at Sylvia’s Place are provided free of charge, thanks to grants and community support. Your donation does more than offer shelter—it helps fund legal advocacy, counseling, housing referrals, and transportation.

Volunteer

Being a home-like environment, there are many opportunities at Sylvia’s Place for those willing to be a part of helping women and children gain back their confidence and independence.

Donate Items

Your support makes an immediate impact. Our Walmart needs list helps provide essential items so families can rebuild their lives safely and independently.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Names have been changed to protect identity.

Katie came to Sylvia’s Place with her 4-year-old son after fleeing another state due to the extreme danger of her domestic violence situation. Years of abuse had taken a toll on her well-being, but she sought help when the violence began to affect her children. While in shelter, Katie engaged in counseling, secured full-time employment, and obtained reliable transportation with the support of our team. Katie shared, “Sylvia’s Place helped me believe that a safe life for my children and me was possible. They gave us more than shelter—they gave us hope.”

Lily came to us after leaving an abusive marriage of over 35 years. “Now that my family is grown and on their own, I need to take care of me.” She realized the normalcy she had learned to live with was unacceptable and she chose to no longer tolerate it. During her five-week stay, our team supported Lily in obtaining a Personal Protection Order, consulting with West Michigan Legal Aid regarding her divorce, securing employment after years out of the workforce, and transitioning into her own subsidized apartment—marking the beginning of a safe, independent new chapter.

After years of experiencing abuse behind closed doors, Mark made the courageous decision to reach out for help. As a father and provider, he had long carried the belief that he had to endure the harm in silence. When the violence escalated and his safety was at risk, Mark contacted Sylvia’s Place seeking support. Mark received safety planning, legal information, and emotional support tailored to his needs. With guidance from our team, he connected to counseling services and received assistance navigating the divorce process. For the first time in years, Mark felt seen, believed, and supported. Today, Mark is living in a safe environment and rebuilding his confidence and sense of stability. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Asking for help was the hardest step, but it saved my life. I learned that I wasn’t weak—I was surviving.”