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About Safe Haven International- Children's Home Charity.
Discover the story of Safe Haven International and our mission to help children's homes build sustainable, secure futures for vulnerable children

Our Story

Safe Haven International began with a simple yet powerful conviction: every child should have the opportunity to grow in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
 

Founded in 2016 by Mark Lee, Safe Haven International was birthed out of two decades of hands-on service in children’s homes throughout the Philippines. Mark and a small team of passionate advocates - Lisa Patel, Steve Garn, Glenn Weaver, and Dave Schaefer - saw firsthand how many children’s homes were at risk of closing simply because they could not afford basic operational costs.
 

Rather than accept this reality, they chose to build solutions.

The Vision of Our Founder

Mark Lee

Mark’s journey began on a volunteer trip, where he encountered children who had no guarantee of meals, schooling, or even a safe place to sleep. Many homes relied entirely on donations that were unpredictable and inconsistent. Mark felt a deep calling to change that.
 

His vision was clear:

Create self-sustaining children’s homes capable of generating their own food, energy, and income freeing them from dependency and ensuring longevity.
 

This idea became the framework for Safe Haven International.

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Our Core Values


Compassion — Every child deserves dignity, love, and opportunity.

Stewardship — We maximize every resource to bring long-term impact.

Sustainability — We design solutions that endure.

Collaboration — We partner with local leaders, communities, and supporters.

Transformation — We aim not only to rescue but to empower and equip for the future

Our Growth

Since 2016, Safe Haven International has:
 

  • Developed multiple sustainability models tailored to local contexts

  • Implemented successful agricultural, aquaponic, and renewable energy projects

  • Supported homes serving some of the most vulnerable Filipino children

  • Achieved a 100% graduation rate across elementary, high school, and college

  • Reduced the average annual cost to raise a child by 74%

  • Seen young adults return to mentor and support the next generation

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