The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to shine a spotlight on Fenty Lee, Director of Residential Programs at Safe Futures, as part of our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to survivors and families in crisis, Fenty has helped countless individuals throughout Southeastern Connecticut find safety, stability, and hope during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

For more than two decades, Fenty and her family have called Groton home. While she has built an impressive career in human services, her work has never simply been a profession. It has been a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and a deep belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, peace, and opportunity.

As Director of Residential Programs at Safe Futures, Fenty oversees seven housing programs that serve survivors of domestic violence and individuals experiencing housing instability. These programs include Genesis House, the organization's emergency domestic violence shelter, along with transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and rapid rehousing programs that provide critical support to individuals and families rebuilding their lives after trauma.

"I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact domestic violence can have on individuals, children, and even family pets," Fenty shared. "My passion is helping survivors move beyond simply surviving to truly thriving. Every person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, heal from trauma, regain independence, and build a future filled with hope."

That mission fuels her work every day.

Safe Futures serves 21 cities and towns throughout Southeastern Connecticut and provides a comprehensive network of services for individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse. The organization offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, prevention education, housing assistance, support services for children and families, and much more.

Every day looks different for Fenty. Her role requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on problem-solving. She oversees program operations, monitors outcomes, ensures compliance with grant requirements, supports staff, advocates for clients, and works closely with community partners to create housing opportunities for survivors.

As an on-call leader, Fenty remains available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help navigate emergencies and support both staff and clients when crises arise.

Throughout her career, Fenty has developed a philosophy centered on meeting people where they are.

"Early in my career, I focused on solving problems for survivors," she explained. "Over time, I learned the importance of listening, removing barriers, and empowering people to define success for themselves."

That shift toward survivor-centered care has shaped both her leadership style and her approach to advocacy. Rather than assuming what is best for someone, Fenty works to ensure individuals have the resources, choices, and support needed to pursue the future they envision for themselves.

One of the accomplishments she is most proud of has been the growth and expansion of Safe Futures' housing programs. She has witnessed firsthand that no single housing solution works for everyone. Some survivors need emergency shelter. Others need transitional housing, rapid rehousing assistance, or long-term supportive housing.

By expanding available options, Safe Futures has been able to better meet the diverse needs of survivors and their families while helping more people achieve lasting stability.

Like many organizations serving vulnerable populations, Safe Futures faces significant challenges. Among the largest is the ongoing affordable housing crisis.

"Many survivors are forced to choose between staying in an unsafe situation or facing homelessness," Fenty said.

Rising housing costs, limited rental availability, financial hardship, and strict rental requirements create barriers that can feel overwhelming for individuals already navigating trauma. Survivors often need housing, legal assistance, counseling, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and financial support simultaneously. Navigating multiple systems while in crisis can be incredibly difficult.

Fenty emphasizes that Safe Futures' mission would not be possible without the involvement of businesses, volunteers, landlords, healthcare providers, schools, foundations, faith communities, and local residents.

Donations help furnish apartments, provide emergency assistance, support children and families, and create opportunities for survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity. Partnerships expand access to housing and connect survivors with critical resources. Every volunteer hour, every contribution, and every act of advocacy helps strengthen the safety net available to individuals and families throughout the region.

Perhaps most importantly, community support sends a powerful message to survivors that they are not alone.

Fenty is very much looking forward to The Center for Safe Futures in Waterford. The new center will bring together more than 20 community partners under one roof through a Family Justice Center model designed to improve collaboration, increase access to services, and provide comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of violence.

The project represents a significant step forward in creating a coordinated, trauma-informed system that meets people where they are and helps them achieve long-term safety and stability.

Outside of work, Fenty finds joy in gardening, a passion that offers both peace and perspective.

"There is something deeply rewarding about nurturing a plant and watching it grow," she said. "Gardening reminds me that growth takes patience, care, and consistency."

The parallels between gardening and her professional work are clear. Both require patience, encouragement, and faith in the possibility of growth, even after difficult seasons.

Fenty also enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures around the world. Her son lives in Japan and her daughter lives in Colorado, giving her plenty of opportunities to combine her love of travel with time spent with family.

When asked who inspires her most, Fenty immediately points to her mother.

"My mother taught me compassion, resilience, humility, and hard work," she said. "She believed in helping people, treating everyone with kindness, and finding strength during difficult times."

Her mother's influence continues to guide both her personal life and professional leadership. The lessons she learned about empathy, dignity, and service remain at the heart of everything she does.

Fenty is equally grateful for the support of her husband, whom she met in high school. In 2027, the couple will celebrate 30 years of marriage. She credits him with being her greatest supporter through every challenge and accomplishment along the way.

As she reflects on this Community Proud recognition, Fenty is quick to share the honor with others.

"This recognition belongs to my family, my mentors, my colleagues, and especially the incredible staff I have the privilege of working alongside every day," she said. "The work we do is not accomplished by one person. It is the result of a team committed to helping individuals and families heal, rebuild, and thrive."

She encourages people to "Learn about the services available through Safe Futures. Speak up against violence. Support survivors. Find ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating, partnering with us, or simply checking in on someone who may be struggling, every action matters."

Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication to serving others, Fenty Lee exemplifies the spirit of Community Proud. Her work has helped transform countless lives throughout Southeastern Connecticut, creating safer futures and brighter possibilities for individuals and families who need it most.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Fenty Lee and thank her for the meaningful impact she continues to make in our community every day.