SAFE Berks: Recent Episodes
The PEOPLE Chronicles Radio
Safe Berks provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. Our vision is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County.
Natasha Turczynski, Primary Prevention Specialist at Safe Berks, shares information about the annual Silent Witness March & Dedication. This solemn event honors and remembers the 69 Berks County residents killed by domestic violence since 1999. The event also offers compassion to the family and friends of the victims; and provides education to the community with the aim of preventing domestic violence.
Meghan Sager, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator at Safe Berks, shares information about this collaborative effort to improve services to victims of sexual assault throughout Berks County. Partners in this team effort include the District Attorney’s office, all the police jurisdictions in Berks County, hospitals and community health centers, colleges, and the Safe Berks staff. For more information about Safe Berks, visit www.safeberks.org.
Recovering from Financial Abuse. Angie Gilmour, Economic Sustainability Advocate at Safe Berks, describes financial abuse, and the free services she offers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who have suffered from financial abuse. Services include financial education, budgeting, credit repair, and financial goal planning.
Volunteer Jennifer Denny shares information about Moms Demand Action, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the nation and in the state. Safe Berks is proud to partner with Moms Demand Action on many initiatives to prevent gun violence.
Letty Vazquez-Pena la nueva coordinadora del programa MAPP se presenta como la nueva anfitriona para el programa de Safe Berks versión en español. Letty presentar a su compañera de trabajo Mayra Morales representante de MAPP (Programa de Asociación de Defensa Médica). Mayra trabaja para la organización de Safe Berks en la Berks Community Health Center como representante en contra de la violencia domestica o acoso sexual.
Letty Vazquez the new MAPP program coordinator introduces herself as the new host for the Safe Berks program in Spanish. Letty present to her co-worker Mayra Morales representative of MAPP (Medical Advocacy Partnership Program). Mayra works for the Safe Berks organization at the Berks Community Health Center as a representative of domestic violence or sexual harassment. For more information about Safe Berks, visit www.safeberks.org.
Tom McDevitt, volunteer at Safe Berks, describes the process of planning and creating the new Safe Berks Playground. Many donors, volunteers and staff members worked together for more than a year to raise funds and build the new Safe Berks Playground.
Letty Vazquez nueva coordinadora del programa MAPP se presenta como la nueva anfitriona para el programa de Safe Berk versión en español. Letty presenta a una de sus compañera Maria Mateo representante de Safe Berk para el Coordinadora de Sanación Segura. Un programa que se enfoca conectar a las familias y jóvenes con los recursos con en nuestra comunidad.
Letty Vazquez new MAPP program coordinator introduces herself as the new host for the Safe Berk program in Spanish. Letty introduces one of her co-worker Maria Mateo, representative of Safe Berk to the Coordinator of Safe Healing. A program that focuses on connecting families and youth with resources in our community.
Macy Lengle, Medical Advocacy Partnership Program (MAPP) Advocate at Safe Berks, describes this new program and how she and other MAPP Advocates serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at local hospitals and health centers.
Lisa De La Cruz, Community Educator at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks. Forty-seven teens from throughout Berks County spent a week of July together at Camp Safe Berks, focusing on social justice issues, bonding with new friends and allies, and having fun.
Danielle Palermo, Director of Counseling at Safe Berks, shares information about free Support Groups offered at Safe Berks for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. For more details about these seven Support Groups, or to register, visit: www.safeberks.org/services/counseling/
Jonathan K. Del Collo, Berks County Prothonotary, shares good news about the new free App recently released by his office. This new App provides information about the process of requesting a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, as well as a direct link to the SafeBerks website.
Oumar Kallo, Children’s Alliance Center Coordinator at Safe Berks, describes his work assisting children and their families after they have suffered the tragedy of sexual abuse. Oumar also shares information about the Safe Berks Teen Support Group and Men’s Support Group, which serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Mandy Acuna, Safe Berks Board member and co-chair of the Walk For NO MORE, shares information about this major fundraising and awareness event. The Walk For NO MORE will take place on Sat., June 15, 2019, and will kickoff Art on the Avenue in West Reading. To register, visit www.SafeBerks.org, and click on Events.
Natasha Turczynski, Primary Prevention Specialist at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks – A Teen Alliance to End Violence. This free day camp, which will take place July 15-19, 2019, is open to local teens.
Tracy Schott, the owner of Schott Productions and director of the documentary “Finding Jenn’s Voice,” describes her journey creating this groundbreaking film about domestic violence. The film, a powerful tool utilized in training law enforcement professionals and victim advocates and brings attention to the horrifying fact that domestic violence increases among pregnant women. For more information about Safe Berks, visit www.safeberks.org or learn more about our series 'The Place You Start with Safe Berks.'
Beautiful Murals in the Safe Berks Safe House. Artist Marcia Graff Rowe shares the story of how she transforms space with her vivid nature paintings. Rowe serves as a volunteer at Safe Berks, painting beautiful murals in the Safe Berks Safe House.
Teena Lee, Chair of the SANE Team at Tower Health/Reading Hospital, explains how the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) Team serves survivors of sexual assault. She also discusses the partnership between the SANE team and Safe Berks.
Christine Price, of Kutztown University, shares information about campus events in April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Safe Berks is partnering with many local colleges and organizations to offer activities to help survivors and prevent these crimes.
Safe Berks is partnering with many local colleges and organizations to offer activities during April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Autumn Fritz, of Penn State Berks, shares information on events she has planned.
English: Lisa De La Cruz, the Community Educator at Safe Berks, discusses the importance of goal planning and shares tips on how to make SMART goals, keep track of your goals, and being flexible with your goals.
Spanish: Lisa De La Cruz, la Educadora Comunitaria de Safe Berks, habla sobre la importancia de la planificación de objetivos y comparte consejos sobre cómo hacer objetivos intelligentes (SMART), hacer un seguimiento de sus objetivos y ser flexible con sus objetivos.
English: Lisa De La Cruz, the Community Educator at Safe Berks, discusses the various barriers that exist that prevent someone from getting help in a Domestic Violence situation in the Latinx community.
Spanish: Lisa De La Cruz, la Educadora Comunitaria de Safe Berks, analiza las diversas barreras que existen para evitar que alguien reciba ayuda en una situación de violencia doméstica en la comunidad de Latinx.
Arianna Sanchez, the Children’s Advocate at Safe Berks, shares information about trauma-informed services provided for children. Activities include the Nature Explore Garden, the Ready to Read Program, parties, games, homework help, arts and crafts, and more!
Steve Ohnsman, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors and a volunteer for many years, shares his passion for the Safe Berks mission of serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Rhonda Bates, Case Manager in the Safe Berks Safe House, describes the free services and support offered to residents. The Safe House provides shelter for up to 50 adults and children who have fled their homes due to domestic violence.
Jay Mahoney, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors and long-time advocate, recalls the history of Safe Berks and how the organization has grown and evolved over the years.
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 StaceyJ@SafeBerks.org.
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 Peace@SafeBerks.org. Names: Francine M. Scoboria and Jan Cremer
Jennifer Ebersole, Director of Education & Outreach at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks. This free day camp will take place July 23-27, 2018, at Albright College. Camp Safe Berks brings together youth and adults to form alliances of support that promote peace and social justice. The camp is offered to local youth, ages 13-17. Campers must apply by July 6 to attend; applications are available at www.safeberks.org/camp-safe-berks/.
Letty Vazquez-Peña interviews Mayra Rodriguez in Spanish, about her participation in the Safe Berks PhotoVoice Project, and the photo exhibit at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The exhibit was held in April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Mindy McIntosh shares information about the Safe Berks Walk for NO MORE Event, on June 16, 2018, and how individuals, groups, and businesses can help raise funds and awareness for this fun event. Safe Berks Walk For No More will kick off at Art on the Avenue - West Reading. #NOMORE #YourVoiceYourStory
Dr. Sudha Allitt, Co-founder & Executive Director of Kula Kamala Ashram: A School of Yoga, Yoga Therapy and Holistic Ministries in, Alsace Township, shares information about the healing benefits of yoga and meditation for survivors of trauma and caregivers.
In this Spanish language show, Letty Vazquez-Peña of SafeBerks interviews Julian Angulo about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. Julian serves as Program Manager of the Community Prevention Partnership “Eat, Play, Grow Program.”
Letty Vazquez-Peña of Safe Berks interviews Julian Angulo in Spanish, about his work as Program Manager of the Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County “Eat, Play, Grow Program.” This free program works to prevent obesity in children in Reading PA and offers children between the ages of 2 and 6 a free gym membership to the Reading YMCA for their whole family, as well as gift cards and gifts of healthy food.
Amber Shamonsky, Community Educator, explains the education programs Safe Berks offers schools, colleges, and other community organizations. These free educational programs aim to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Amber also shares information about healthy relationships, and some of the red flags of abusive relationships.
Melissa Haydt, Vice President of the Children's Alliance Center Of Berks County (CAC), shares experiences from her more than 40-year career helping abused children. She also gives advice about how to spot signs of child sexual abuse, and how to help children who you believe might be suffering from abuse.
Ahely Espinoza shares in Spanish the story of her life journey and education, which has led to her new job at Safe Berks, where she serves as Hotline Counselor. She is often the first voice a survivor hears when reaching out to Safe Berks.
Aleida Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Residential Services and former Legal Advocate, explains in Spanish the Legal Services offered by Safe Berks. Services include assistance with Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO) orders. All Legal Services are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish.
Kate Mallow, Director of Counseling Services, explains the importance of trauma-informed empowerment counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. All counseling services at SafeBerks are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish.
Police Chief Andrew Kensey, Chief of the Amity Township Police Department, shares his experiences of assisting victims of domestic violence, and the partnership between police and Safe Berks. He also invites people to support the Amity Township fundraiser for Safe Berks.
Candida Jarquin shares her commitment to the Anti-Violence Movement for the last 17 years. Candida also explains her responsibilities as a Case Manager for the Residential Services Program at Safe Berks.
Discussed having the resolution to end abuse, from the perspective of a victim, an abuser, or a community member. Also discussed the steps for a victim to leave a relationship. Our services are free, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish.
Safe Berks was founded in 1976 as Berks Women in Crisis. During the 1970s, the Anti-Violence Movement swept the nation, and shelters were opened across the country to provide a safe haven for victims. In 2016, Berks Women in Crisis announced our new name, Safe Berks, which is also our goal.
Dr. Kim Shively, Professor of #Anthropology at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, also teaches Women’s Studies classes, where students explore the history of gender. Students also discuss current events, such as the #MeToo campaign on social media, during which millions of people around the world have shared personal stories of #sexualassault and #harassment. #YourVoiceYourStory
The Safe House at Safe Berks provides emergency shelter for up to 50 adults and children fleeing danger due to domestic violence or sexual assault. In addition, Safe Berks Bridge Housing provides transitional housing for 25 people.
Leadership Berks, a leadership development program at Alvernia University, chose Safe Berks as a recipient of a service project. A team of six professionals are assisting Safe Berks by developing a Marketing Plan. The goal of the plan is to ensure all residents of Berks County understand that Safe Berks is the new name for Berks Women in Crisis. The new name was announced in December 2016, as the organization celebrated its 40-year anniversary.
The Safe Berks 12th annual Celebration of Peace on Dec. 11, 2017, was a great success. More than 400 people attended, which set a new record! Safe Berks is grateful to all our donors and volunteers.
Safe Berks provides trauma-informed empowerment counseling services to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. Our services are free, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish. For more info about Safe Berks, visit www.safeberks.org.
Safe Berks provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our services are free, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish. Learn more about our series 'The Place You Start' brought to you by Safe Berks.
Safe Berks brinda servicios a sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y agresión sexual. Nuestros servicios son gratuitos, confidenciales y se ofrecen en inglés y español. Conozca más sobre nuestra serie 'The Place You Start' presentada por Safe Berks.
The Photo Voice Project at Safe Berks brought together Latina survivors of sexual violence, who met weekly to share their stories and support each other. The Project was funded by a grant from Reliance, a national initiative dedicated to ending sexual violence in one generation.
The Safe Berks 12 th annual Celebration of Peace will take place on Mon. Dec. 11, 2017, 6-8 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading. For more info, visit www.safeberks.org.
Safe Berks volunteers will be wrapping gifts at the Berkshire Mall Dec. 1-24, to raise funds. Volunteers are also needed to cook dinners for residents.
1 in 5 College Women are Sexually Assaulted, Safe Berks is working to Change that Statistic On Local Campuses. It is a strong desire to help others and make a difference that led Carmen White to leave the District Attorney’s Office and join the legal department full time at Safe Berks. In her new role Carmen not only serves as an attorney working directly with domestic violence and sexual assault victims, she also is able to work directly with young adults at the 5 area college campuses. Carmen talks about some frustrations she experienced in the DA’s office that led her find a better way to help victims. She talks about the program and relationships being cultivated between Safe Berks and the local colleges and how they are working on both a micro and a macro level. Creating that safe place on college campuses allows better education, awareness and ultimately prevention.
Safe Berks – Much More Than A Crisis Center. Meet Vicki Ebner is the President of the Board of Directors for Safe Berks. She talks with Christine Gilfillan about how she first became involved with Safe Berks through a former employer. Relationships developed during a capital campaign that led to years of dedication and commitment to Safe Berks. Vicki says one of the most impactful years was when they decided to change their name for Berks Women In Crisis to Safe Berks. The new name more accurately describes the array of services provided at Safe Berks. The re-branding provided opportunities for a number of people to be engaged in the organizations. One of Vicki’s biggest surprises was the depth and breadth of education programs that Safe Berks provides in local school districts. Vicki talks about those programs and what keeps her at the table moving forward.
Tori Chalmers is a tale of strength, courage and resilience. Tori is a sexual assault victim who found the help she needed at Safe Berks. She candidly shares her story and gratitude for the Rapid Response Team and Counselors at Safe Berks who helped her navigate her circumstances and the legal system.
Macey Markowitz found herself homeless for a time when she was younger. It’s part of her story. She shares with Christine Gilfillan, COO of SAFE Berks, how she turned her homeless experience into an opportunity to help others. Macey brings her life experiences and professional expertise to SAFE Berks where she is committed to raising funds and awareness for all the SAFE Berks programs.
Karima Archie has been involved with SAFE Berks for 15 years, starting out by answering the hot line. Karima talks to Christine about the misperceptions that people have within and outside of the Muslim community about domestic violence. She states that It's not the religion - Her religion teaches that every is equal but roles might be different. It is important to provide services that are culturally relevant and all people have the human right to feel safe and be able to live to their fullest potential.
Pastor Steve Ohnsman - Board Member has had 18 years experience with SAFE Berks. He and Christine talk about the road blocks the faith community may put up that impact people receiving support services. No one person is more powerful than another and all are equal in the eyes of God. The role of SAFE Berks is bigger than ever.
Christine Gilfillan, Associate Director at SAFE Berks, talks about the evolution of Berks Women In Crisis and the recent transition to SAFE Berks. After 40 successful years of growth and response to the diverse needs in the community, the organization changed its’ name to SAFE Berks. Christine talks about the growth that has taken place over the years. Starting initially as a crisis shelter, more and more services were added as the organization and multiple education programs were added as well. Find out how the new name came about and why the change sets the stage for continued growth as SAFE Berks strives to provide the tools necessary for a SAFE Berks Community.
Gloria Rosado, a social worker at Penn State Health St Joe’s tells with Christine Gilfillan, the Associate Director at Berks Women In Crisis, that safety for all people, women and children is her driving passion. Gloria lost her mother to domestic violence when she was just 6 years old. She has devoted her life’s work to protecting others. First working at Berks Women In Crisis, then with Youth Services and now as a social worker. She is co-chair of the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Advocacy Task Force. As a first responder at a clinic, she works in tandem with Berks Women In Crisis making connections. Gloria reinforces the multitude of resources at Berks Women In Crisis, assuring women they don’t have to do anything right away. She says, “BWIC is a safe place to connect and get information.” A web of care has been created by BWIC and the task force is in place providing appropriate services to keep our community safe.
Gwen Gage, founder of Gage Personnel is a past board member and board president of Berks Women In Crisis. Gwen is passionate about BWIC and got involved when domestic violence became an issue in her family. Gwen learned that domestic violence can happen to anyone, anytime when her daughter was a young college student and the unthinkable happened. Gwen says a friend told her about BWIC and it was there that she and her daughter found the necessary resources to heal and begin anew. Gwen and her daughter will be part of a panel discussion at Penn State Berks on November 27 and the Celebration Of Peace at the DoubleTree on December 12. Gwen shares her story with Christine Gilfillan, Associate Director at Berks Women In Crisis.
Tasha Isaac is the Director of Education and Community Outreach and oversees the prevention and education services. The depth and breadth of the education programs BWIC offers is little known. Tasha talks about the journey of change that our youth go through after attending Camp Peace Works. The transformative change empowers children to make a difference.
Tasha fell in love with anti-oppression work. She was sold on the work when she watched people going through a change process. Camp Peace Works has been described as a social justice camp. Tasha says, “It’s a way to bring awareness to young people and watch them understand how the world around them works”. Tasha adds, “We talk about oppressions that are specific to young people … These oppressions are the root causes of the violence we see today.”
Listen to Tasha as she details the impact on people’s lives as a result of this work.
Berks Women In Crisis provides shelter and other intervention services and also has a very robust prevention education program. Matthew Bailey is a BWIC community educator and a change agent. Matthew was attracted by the BWIC’s ideology of "never violence" which is also his personal belief. Matthew does not believe people should ever be disempowered.
He says, “I see a lot of young men who have no concept of respect and the qualities of being loved and caring. I spend a lot of my time trying to get people to see outside the box and see how you can be masculine without being aggressive or violent. “ He is continually surprised by all the mis-information that is out there in the community. For example, he says a girl or woman should be able to wear whatever she wants and you should be able to control yourself. Matthew is surprised that people still don’t know these things.
One of his biggest challenges is dealing with people who are set in their ways. Matthew says when he hears grown men saying sexist or racist things he has to gauge whether he feel safe enough to let them know what they are saying is not OK. He notes “The biggest struggle is gauging your safety while trying to make positive changes.” Find out how the quest to make positive change has changed Matthew
Tara Anspach used to be a resident at Berks Women In Crisis and now she volunteers at the shelter because she says, “I want to use my experience to help other women and children.” Tara talks about the challenge it was for her to be at the shelter because at the time she had to leave her 3 children in someone else’s care. She said the loving and supportive staff was the most helpful part during a very traumatic experience Tara says, “Domestic violence is so misunderstood. The abuse is not always physical sometimes it’s, mental, financial, and or emotional. People think you can just leave a relationship and it’s not always that simple … leaving a relationship is the most dangerous time in a domestic violence relationship.” Tara is grateful for the counseling BWIC provided which empowered her to make changes. She switched careers and has a new outlook on life. She and her children are together and they no longer have to live in a house where there is a lot of fighting.
Susan Fromm has been involved with Berks Women In Crisis for over 30 years. She was introduced to BWIC by a friend at work who was looking for help to market a movie fundraiser. As she worked on this committee she wanted to know more about BWIC. She liked what she saw and the ways BWIC helped victims of domestic violence. Susan asked to join the board and went on to serve as Vice President and President leading the board through lots of transitions and growth.
Susan spearheaded the development of Emma Lazarus Place which is a townhome complex for women and children that included child care on site. It quickly became a place for families to get a fresh start and earn degrees that put them on a new life trajectory. Susan took a break from the board for a bit but is back and serving again during this 40th Anniversary Year. Tune in to hear about innovative prevention education and community engagement programs.
Joan Crater has 7 children of her own and after 28 years she is retiring from her position at Berks Women In Crisis. She is the longest standing employee at the shelter where she put her degree in social work to good use. She talks about why it was important for her to stay so long and why she didn’t consider it a ‘job’. She led parenting classes for the women in the shelter and says the residents changed her life. Joan says her door was always open, “I wanted the residents to always feel important because they are”. Joan shares memories of the old shelter on 5th Street and the move to a brand new building. She says for the first time all 50 residents to eat a meal together instead of in shifts and sitting with their plate on their lap.
Mereliss Colon is the Assistant Director of Residential Service at Berks Women In Crisis. She talks about how the person ‘before BWIC’ is different from the person ‘after BWIC’. She describe a typical day at the Safe House and the ways that BWIC teaches you about a better life that you can live, and how to spot red flags in relationships.
Mereliss tells Christine Gilfillin, Associate Director at Berks Women In Crisis, that the work done at BWIC grabbed her attention because there is a history of domestic and sexual violence in her family. Mereliss talks about the term, ‘machista’ and says domestic violence is accepted and almost ‘the normal’ in the Hispanic culture.
Mereliss is on a mission and says she will never leave her job at BWIC. She is passionate about her work and says domestic violence should not define the Hispanic community. Berks Women In Crisis teaches that domestic violence and trauma is not normal. She says when she tells people she works at BWIC the reaction is, “WOW, you guys do a lot of good things!” and that make her proud of what she does.
Missy Zimmerman fills two roles at Berks Women In Crisis. She is President of the Board of Directors and a volunteer at the Safe House. She talks about her mother’s volunteerism at a crisis center and how it inspired her to volunteer and give back to the community.
Missy says that volunteering at the Safe House while serving on the Board gave her a different perspective on the issues that are addressed at Berks Women In Crisis. The experience provides more awareness to matters taking place in the boardroom and enables her to interject differently during discussions. While Missy’s board term is coming to a close she will continue to serve as a volunteer and encourage others to do the same.
Jonathan Encarnación is an administrator at UPMC and serves on board and the medical advisory committee at Berks Women In Crisis. He shares his journey to getting on the board at BWIC. Jonathan cites the opportunity to work with Mary Kay Bernosky, Executive Director at BWIC and the quality staff there as a compelling reason to serve on the board of directors.
The core values of dignity and respect at UPMC enable him to connect consumers at BWIC to medical advocacy and help the clients at BWIC maintain dignity and respect. Jonathan says, “There is no excuse to tolerate domestic violence … It needs to be discussed and the conversation must take place at home and among all of society “.
Jay Mahoney is a board member at Berks Women In Crisis serving his third term. Jays talks with Christine Gillfillin, associate director at BWIC, about his first contact with Berks Women In Crisis as an insurance broker with Gallen Insurance. He recalls visiting the safe house to discuss insurance options with the women. What he remembers most is fear and apprehension in the eyes of the children.
It was an image he could not shake. That first hand experience has kept him at the BWIC table doing whatever he can. He recently heard the public testimony of a rape victim and was angry because of what she endured and the fact that the people around her left her hanging without support. Jay says he will do whatever it takes to let people who are suffering know that there is somebody standing next to them. Jay says he is thrilled that BWIC is involved in schools and education is the key to ending domestic violence. “No one should ever have to suffer abuse and whatever we can do as a society to eliminate that is what we should do.”
Christine Gilfillan talks with Mary Kay Bernosky, the Executive Director of Berks Women In Crisis, talk about why Berks Women In Crisis really is “The Place You Start”… to be in the driver’s seat and take control of your life. Mary Kay shares how and why she merged her legal career with her passion for helping women.
She discusses her exposures to domestic violence issues in her family and how those experiences framed her passion to make a difference. The broad spectrum of exposure to this issue across all demographics in our society motivates her to keep working to make resources available to everyone who needs assistance to regain control of their lives. Find out what Berks Women In Crisis is doing in their 40th year and how you can be part of it.
Welcome to this new series, The Place You Start. Christine Gilfillan, Associate Director at Berks Women In Crisis, will be your host for this story series and she talks about why Berks Women In Crisis is the place you start and what that means. Berks Women In Crisis offers a whole array of programs that address domestic violence. Berks Women In Crisis has grown according to the needs expressed by survivors and victims in this community. Today this organization works just as hard at domestic violence education and prevention as it does at providing crisis services. The stories at Berks Women In Crisis are powerful and when shared they help to empower women to take control of their lives and build healthy families. The stories affect all of us. Please share them and help build a community without violence.