Released in celebration of Safe Harbors’ 25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Gala, the first episode of This is Safe Harbors takes listeners back to the organization’s beginnings. Executive Director Lisa Silverstone hosts a compelling conversation with founder Tricia Haggerty Wenz, who recounts the journey to transform the former Hotel Newburgh into affordable, supportive housing. Joining the discussion are two early partners: Douglas Hovey, President and CEO of Independent Living Inc., an advocacy and service agency that has partnered with Safe Harbors since the beginning to provide residents with supportive case management, and by Safe Harbors' founding Director of Operations Ramona Monteverde, who recently retired after 22 years with the organization. Together, they reflect on the vision, collaboration, fateful connections, and persistence that brought Safe Harbors to life.

Lisa sits down with Neline Rivera, Safe Harbors' Manager of Leasing and Compliance, and Valentina Dunsing, Manager for Supportive Housing at Independent Living, for a crash course in the application process, eligibility, and how our team helps residents transition into the Cornerstone community, stay safe, and stay housed.

The group also reflects on the largest challenge the Cornerstone has faced since its opening in 2006: the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode takes its name from the wellness check system the team devised before any guidance or directives from health and housing agencies, offering a vivid flashback to the harrowing early days of the pandemic and how the shutdown impacted both residents and staff.

Lastly, they are joined by Cornerstone residents Agnes and Suzanne, who share how they each found their way to the Cornerstone, and their experiences joining and being part of the resident community.