According to their executive director Centre Safe supported nearly 900 victims of domestic violence just in Centre County last year. They tell me this isn’t possible without the community’s help, and say that’s why the holiday campaign is so important.
Centre Safe has been a vital part of the Centre County community since 1975. Executive director Jennifer Pencek says they have grown so much since then. They now have three locations that offer help for those that have been a victim of abuse or assault completely free of charge. she compared what these victims go through to walking a tightrope.
“We are the net that’s underneath the tightrope, so if or when you fall, we are going to be there to catch you,”
Pencek says this year’s ‘Holiday Campaign’ started the day after thanksgiving and that their goal is to raise $50,000 by January.
“There’s always a need though, so whether someone wants to give five dollars or $5,000, every cent that we raise goes directly to support our clients and really allow Centre safe to provide critical services,”
“There’s always a need though, so whether someone wants to give five dollars or $5,000, every cent that we raise goes directly to support our clients and really allow Centre safe to provide critical services,”
Centre Safe provides services such as legal support, emergency housing, a 24-hour hotline, and counseling. Pencek tells me how this campaign helps them continue to offer all of these throughout the year.
“Any funds raised during the holiday campaign, we can use that year-round for clients, whether it’s at the holidays, or just at other times of year because you never know when someone’s going to need help. It’s not just someone who needs help at the holidays but it’s what supports do they need throughout the year and what kind of services we are able to provide throughout the year,”