On Monday September 2, 2024, Safe Horizon Board Member Joann Lang passed away. She joined the Board in 1997 and was one of our longest standing members with nearly three decades of dedication to Safe Horizon. Her influence will be felt for generations to come.
You can read Joann’s obituary here.
As we honor her memory, we remember her legacy and impact.
Joann’s first became part of the Safe Horizon community in 1993. She and her late husband Todd helped Safe Horizon purchase a building that would later become Lang House, an emergency shelter for families fleeing domestic violence. Lang House was our first fully owned and operated domestic violence shelter.
Joann’s incredible spirit is woven into the very fabric of Lang House. Each year, she returned to celebrate the holidays with the residents and staff, infusing the space with her generosity and heart. The sense of community and intimacy that permeates Lang House is a direct reflection of Joann’s presence, her tender care, and her unwavering commitment to creating a safe haven for those in need.
Staff and Survivors Discuss the power of Lang House
The Lang Report
Joann’s passion for helping domestic violence survivors also led to the transformative study in 2018 that inspired the concept of Open Shelter. The Lang Report is a major innovation in the domestic violence movement.
This longitudinal needs assessment addresses how Safe Horizon—and other service providers—can better support emergency domestic violence shelter residents both during and after their stay in shelter. You can read the Lang Report here.
Honoring Joann at Champion Celebrations
We first honored Joann in 2007, to commemorate 10 years of Lang House serving survivors. We presented her with an award in recognition of her commitment to victims of family violence.
Safe Horizon Board Member and Honoree Joann Lang with CEO Liz Roberts
Joan was awarded the Lifetime of Service Award at our 2021 Champion Celebration to recognize her 30-year commitment to helping survivors. At the event, we also premiered the video above which showed how Joann and Lang House touched the lives of so many staff and clients.
Help us Continue Joann’s Legacy
Joann was a tireless and generous fundraiser for Safe Horizon. In her passing, she expressed that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Safe Horizon. If you wish to donate in Joann’s honor, you can do so here.