Danielle Palermo, Director of Counseling, shares information about the free, trauma-informed counseling services offered by Safe Berks.

The Safe Berks Celebration of Peace, which took place Dec. 10, 2018, attracted more than 400 people and many generous sponsors. Koinos Community Church, Sinking Spring, and The Power of the Purse of Berks County received Voices for Change awards, and Dr. Thomas F. Flynn, President of Alvernia University, was honored with the Vision for Peace award.

Nicole Bowman of Moms Demand Action shares information about this advocacy group and their goal of encouraging common sense laws to prevent gun violence. Safe Berks and Moms Demand Action have partnered to encourage the passage of House Bill 2060, The Domestic Violence Protection Bill.

Chiara Sockel Renninger shares the story of how she founded The Power of the Purse of Berks County. This fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides grants that help empower local women. The Power of the Purse will be honored with a Safe Berks Voices for Change award at the Celebration of Peace on Dec. 10, 2018.

It is back to school time! Developing a regular routine is very important for both children and adults. In this Spanish language podcast, Safe Berks staff Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena discuss the importance of a good routine, including going to bed early, eating breakfast, and making time for homework.

Tim Diehl, Pastor of Community Life at Koinos Community Church, Sinking Spring, shares the story of how the Koinos congregation began helping Safe Berks ten years ago. Each year, they organize a significant donation drive based on the Safe Berks Wish List and deliver the items to Safe Berks.

Karima Archie, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors, shares why she has helped the organization as a volunteer for the past 20 years. In addition to serving on the Board for the past six years, her volunteer work has included answering the Hotline, serving on the Development Committee, and assisting with Camp Safe Berks.

Stacey Jordan, Campus Advocate, and Paralegal at Safe Berks explain the services she offers local college students. Services include counseling, legal information and advocacy, and support for students applying for Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA). Stacey also offers assistance to students who are dealing with Title IX issues. All services are free and confidential. Students can reach Stacey at [email protected].

Safe Berks staff members Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena explain in Spanish the services available to survivors of domestic violence. Services include a 24-hour Hotline (844-789-SAFE), a Safe House with space for 50 people, counseling, and legal services. Services are free, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish.

Jan Cremer describes the history of the Safe Berks PeaceTrust. In 2007, Carolyn Holleran founded the PeaceTrust to provide solid, dependable funding for Safe Berks. Each member of this leadership giving program pledges $500 a year for five years to support Safe Berks. Safe Berks staff plan special events each year to bring this dynamic group of community advocates together. To become a member of PeaceTrust, email Jan at [email protected].

Names: Francine M. Scoboria and Jan Cremer