It’s the SEA-CHANGE, that’s seeing a whole new change in lives…find it at Safe Harbor Boys Home

To see a whole new course in life…find it at Safe Harbor Boys Home

 Founded in 1984

 More than 41 Years of Experience

 A Member of the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools 

Recipient of the School Choice Leadership Award

A Member of the Coalition of Residential Excellence

Safe Harbor movie

Nonprofit Organization in Florida Dedicated to Supporting At-Risk Boys

Safe Harbor Boys Home is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization recognized by the I.R. S. since 1984. Located in Florida the program is unparalleled in helping boys become men of character, integrity, and vision. At our home, each boy is treated as a cadet who will learn a variety of responsibilities and skills with the guidance of our staff of professionals who supervise, encourage and teach your son.

Group Of Male Students Fixing A Car

What We Do

We are dedicated to developing young men of character, integrity, and vision. Through hands-on experience, cadets will learn the importance of responsibility by living and working on a boat. This maritime setting offers a platform for success, teaching them essential skills such as captaining their own vessel. These skills not only apply to life on the water but also have practical applications in various areas of their lives. 

Our academy is designed to support boys aged 14-17 who have encountered minor legal issues or been expelled from school. Our dedicated team provides counseling and mentoring to guide them toward a brighter future. 

We provide a unique environment where cadets learn valuable life lessons and experience an opportunity to learn valuable life skills such as responsibility, self-respect, and respect for others. Additionally, we offer vocational training to equip them with practical skills for future success. 

Our Mission

Transformational “Sea Change”

We provide a structured transformational setting and educational alternative for boys aged 14-17 who may otherwise end up in harsher state-run juvenile programs. 

History of the Safe Harbor Boys Home

Established in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1984, Safe Harbor Boys Home is a residential program that uses the waterfront as a therapeutic residential and educational environment for troubled teenage boys. Our program has been successful in providing the mental, physical, and spiritual strength required to transform the lives of every boy we serve. 

A Group Of Young Men Holding Up Signs

The idea for Safe Harbor Boys Home was born over 30 years ago when a judge requested the founders, Robbie and Doug Smith, to take care of a troubled boy on their sailboat instead of sending him to juvenile hall for the weekend. The judge, a friend of Doug’s, wouldn’t take “No” for an answer, even though the Smiths were retired and about to embark on a worldwide trip on their boat. This led to more requests to help troubled boys, which eventually led to the founding of Safe Harbor Boys Home as a nonprofit organization. 

Today, we operate a successful maritime-based boarding school that uses seamanship as a therapeutic model to help boys who are struggling at home, school, or with the law. Our unique program offers at-risk boys the opportunity to live aboard vessels, learn seamanship skills, and study towards their high school diploma. 

Hear from our cadets by watching this video. 

A Group Of Teens Wearing Reflective Vests

Transforming Lives

If you’re looking for a safe, stable, and structured environment for your troubled teenage son, Safe Harbor Boys Home is here to help. We offer a unique program that allows at-risk boys to live aboard vessels and learn seamanship and maritime skills while studying for their high school diploma. 

Our program is designed to provide exceptional education for teenagers who are not thriving in their current school environment. We have a very high success rate in turning around the lives of these boys, providing parents with peace of mind that their child is receiving the structure, stability, guidance, discipline, love, and academic and vocational training they need. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our screening application and program description for troubled teens, please contact us. We’re here to help transform the lives of troubled boys and give them a brighter future. 

How to Help Safe Harbor Boys Home

Associations & Awards

Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools
School Choice Leadership Award
Coalition of Residential Excellence

Charitable Giving Information

Safe Harbor Haven Inc dba Safe Harbor Boys Home & Maritime Academy is a 501c3 charitable nonprofit organization. State of Florida Charitable Registration Number: CH2422. Legal Address: 4772 Safe Harbor Way • Jacksonville, FL 32226 Phone: (904)757-7918 

Join our efforts in giving the at-risk boys of Florida a second chance.