About Us | Upper Valley Safe In

Our Story

Upper Valley SAFE Initiative exists for one simple reason: prevention through education.

Families today are navigating digital spaces, online risks, and real-world challenges that didn’t exist a generation ago. Our goal is to help parents and caregivers in Madison and the Upper Valley to stay informed, confident, and proactive—before risks escalate.

SAFE stands for Safety, Awareness, Freedom, and Education—the values at the heart of everything we do.

We are a volunteer-led, community-based initiative partnering with: law enforcement, educators, therapists & practitioners, case managers, and local community leaders. Together, we deliver free, practical workshops designed to strengthen families and protect children, and we provide a free, fully-developed after-school program to equip children with practical knowledge and critical skills.

Our education focuses on:

- digital & cyber safety

- home and relationship safety (including emerging AI platforms)

- emotional regulation & essential life skills

- basic emergency preparedness

- awareness and prevention of all forms of exploitation

The Upper Valley SAFE Initiative was founded on a simple yet urgent truth: the digital landscape is evolving faster than our ability to protect our most vulnerable.

We began as a local collective of educators and parents, united by a shared vision of a safer online world for every child.

Our approach is simple:

✔ Reduce vulnerabilities

✔ Increase awareness

✔ Empower families with tools they can actually use

We don’t replace existing services—we support and strengthen them by filling gaps and reinforcing shared goals across our community.

Today, we are a leading voice in digital safety education. Our mission is to bridge the gap between technology and safety through comprehensive workshops, community collaboration, and true empowerment of local leaders.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member who believes prevention starts with education—you’re in the right place.

Join us in this critical work.
Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community for the next generation. We invite you to participate in our programs, volunteer your time, or simply share your story of how we've made a difference in the Upper Valley.

Our Team & Partners

We are a collective of advocates, educators, public servants, mental health providers, medical professionals, and community leaders working together to build a safer digital future for our children.

Kristin Coleman

Cofounder & Board Director

Dean Coleman

Cofounder & Board Director

Josh Rhodes

Board Director & Liaison

Scott Pope

Board Director & Finance