Founded in 1984
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
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.
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.
We have a variety of personalities at Safe Harbor. Most of our boys struggle with digital “addiction”, attention, relationship, behavioral and academic issues. All of our boys have had challenges in their lives that have affected their family relationships and even their well-being. They are troubled or hurting in some way, as are their families because of these issues. 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.
What People Say About Safe Harbor
” I am a Past Commander and current Educational Officer of the Jacksonville Sail and Power Squadron. We are very lucky to be involved with Safe Harbor and the young men instructing them on Safe Boating, Good Seamanship and Boating Skills. It is amazing to see how much the boys grow week to week. There are a lot of life skills taught you will not find a more polite group of Gentleman. A very Special and Amazing School with the dedication of Robbie, Doug and Staff.”
Tom A.
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.
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.
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
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.