Stanley Phill, Founder/Executive Director

Stanley (Stan) Phill life's service began with the desire to serve those struggling in critical areas of their lives. Stan didn’t stumble into this line of ministry; he knows that he was chosen. In many ways, his life has closely mirrored the individuals he helps today.  As the youngest of seven children, he too was subjected to undesirable side-effects of poverty-stricken communities. He has seen it all and through his testimony and work, the lives of others are greatly impacted and improved.

Stan's initial training in phlebotomy led him into social services. This training opened the door to certifications as an HIV/STD Counselor and Educator. Many years later, he obtained other certifications and degrees. 

In 1996, Stanley developed the HIV/STD Pre- and Post-Test Counseling Program at St. John’s United Methodist Church and worked closely with Houston’s homeless population. He spent five years in social service working with the dually diagnosed, and simultaneously earned two Associate degrees from the International Christian Institute and the College of Biblical Studies. He has accomplished 270 college hours in Addiction Studies from the University of Houston and earned a Bachelor's of Science in Leadership from the College of Biblical Studies - Houston.

Stan began to see gaps in services and areas of need that were not being fulfilled.  As result, in 1997, he founded A Caring Safe Place after working closely with disenfranchised populations while managing grants at St. John’s on the local and federal levels.

The City of Houston awarded A Caring Safe Place $1.3 million to assist the agency in a major expansion project through the construction of an 8,600 square foot state of the art transitional living center in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood. Construction was completed in 2007 and many new services were added. The agency was also awarded $2.4 million from the City of Houston to construct a 15-unit permanent housing apartment complex, Lydia’s Place which features 15 fully furnished apartment units that serve as independent permanent housing.

Stan specializes in Transitional Living, Chemical Dependency Treatment Referral, Job Search and Placement, HIV/STD Education and Life Skills Training. Stan and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for more than twenty years and reside in Houston with their four daughters. In addition, he is the Founding Pastor of A Safe Place Church (2002).  In the words of Stan, “A program is only as successful as those who complete it!”