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Safety Zone Changes Name to St. John Community Crisis Center

Oct. 25, 2007 — St. John's Safety Zone has a new name: the St. John Community Crisis Center.
The Safety Zone name was so closely tied to the issue of domestic violence directed at women that people weren’t aware the organization also offers services to men and children, said Director Shelley Williams.
"We serve all victims of crime," she said. "We don't just deal with women who have been battered."
The organization also helps homeless people with food, clothing and referrals for help to St. Thomas-based organizations, Williams said. Although it has expanded its services, the organization still provides help to battered women, she said. The board of directors changed the name about a month ago, but just made it public last week.
"We did have some major funders who thought it would be beneficial to change the name," Williams said.
When asked whether the organization changed its name to disassociate itself from founder Iris Kern, Williams said she had "no comment."
Kern was ousted by the board in January over issues of accountability and transparency. (See "Safety Zone Board of Directors Severs Ties With Founder Iris Kern.")
She filed suit against the organization in August in an attempt to regain her job and receive back pay. (See "Fired Safety Zone Director Sues for Back Pay, Reinstatement.")
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