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United Family Services changes name to Safe Alliance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There were big changes Tuesday at United Family Services. The organization, which has been around for more than 100 years and helps 20,000 people a year across four counties, announced it's changing its name to Safe Alliance and has a new streamlined focus.

At the announcement Tuesday morning, it was hard for Tana Greene to hold back her emotions as she recounted escaping an abusive marriage years ago.

"I survived and have a successful, purposeful gratifying life because others saw to it that there were resources, support and safety for me,” Greene said.

Resources, support and safety are all key components of the new streamlined focus of Safe Alliance.

"Our mission is providing hope and healing to people in crisis," CEO Phil Kline said.

After undergoing a yearlong strategic review, Safe Alliance determined it would provide services for people in four key areas: domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and mental health awareness.  Before, the agency also offered things like credit counseling, money management and employee assistance.

"We had all of these things that we were good at, but it wasn't our sweet spot, which is working with women and children in crisis,” Greene said.

Greene is on the Safe Alliance board and said she hopes the new name will catch on and that people continue to take advantage of the resources available to make their lives and their communities safer.

"To have people around you to say, ‘It's OK, you don't have to live like that, and there is happiness on the other side,’ Oh my gosh it just makes me want to cry," Greene said. "It's really exciting."

In keeping with its mission, next month Safe Alliance will hold the grand opening for the Clyde and Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter.

You can find help and learn more about Safe Alliance by clicking here.