Shelter: (605) 996-2765 Hotline: (605) 996-4440 Visitation Center: 605-996-8880

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History of the Mitchell Area Safehouse

The Mitchell Area Safehouse was established in 1984. The Safehouse operated out of the YWCA, Betty Wilson’s retirement home, and than by renting rooms at the Siesta Motel. In 1990, a home was purchased at 219 West 3rd and a part-time executive director and live-in resident advocate were hired.

In 1996, a generous donation was given by Tanta Osterhaus. The donation was able to pay off the mortgage on the home on West 3rd. The Family Visitation Center was also established in 1996.

In 1998, Tanta Osterhaus gave another generous donation to begin the building fund of our current facility at 1809 N Wisconsin. In 1999 the shelter and visitation center became known as “Tanta’s House, Mitchell Area Safehouse and Family Visitation Center.”

Mitchell Area Safehouse now employs a full-time Executive Director, a full-time shelter coordinator, one full-time and one part-time shelter advocates, a full-time rural advocate and a part-time office manager. The Family Visitation Center employs a full-time coordinator, a full-time and two part-time monitor specialists. Mitchell Area Safehouse also has extremely dedicated and trained volunteer advocates.