Media Resources

Media Resources

For information about Safe Berks, please contact:

Francine M. Scoboria
Communications Coordinator
FrancineS@SafeBerks.org

610-370-7812

Safe Berks Shows on BCTV

July 12, 2022, “Camp Safe Berks”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En5_2OWFUcs&list=PLjuI03soTP4E7FybfnBJohBJZ02jsw5zC&index=1

May 10, 2022, “Safe Berks Celebration of Peace & Walk For NO MORE”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1baIkNZ36yo&t=4s

April 12, 2022, “Safe Berks: New Community Outreach & Response (COR) Department”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_lj6mEEdj4&list=PLjuI03soTP4E7FybfnBJohBJZ02jsw5zC&index=2

March 8, 2022, “Update from Safe Berks CEO & COO”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyAr2Gwk5s4

February 8, 2022, “Free Counseling Services at Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/video/free-services-provided-by-safe-berks-counseling-department-2-8-22/

November 9, 2021, “Medical Advocacy Partnership Program (MAPP) & Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) at Safe Berks” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rzD2nLVdck

October 10, 2021, “Safe Berks Silent Witness March & Dedication”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxexF__d3es

September 21, 2021, “New Higher Education Campus Specialist at Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/video/new-higher-education-campus-specialist-9-21-21/

August 10, 2021, “Michelle Nunez, New Economic and Housing Specialist at Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/video/new-economics-and-housing-specialist-at-safe-berks-8-11-21/

July 13, 2021, “Camp Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/video/camp-safe-berks-a-teen-alliance-to-end-violence-7-13-21/

June 8, 2021, “Summer Events at Safe Berks: Celebration of Peace, Walk For NO MORE, and Camp Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/video/summer-events-with-safe-berks-6-8-21/

April 13, 2021, “Safe Berks Judicial Candidates Forum – Primary Election 2021” 

https://www.bctv.org/video/safe-berks-judicial-candidates-forum-4-14-21/

March 9, 2021, “Coffee with the CEO”

https://www.bctv.org/video/coffee-with-the-ceo-event-3-9-21/

February 9, 2021, “Counseling and Coping During COVID-19”

https://www.bctv.org/video/counseling-and-coping-during-covid-19-2-9-21/

January 12, 2021, “Tour of Safe Berks” 

https://www.bctv.org/video/meet-the-staff-of-safe-berks-1-15-21/

Links to Recent Media Coverage of Safe Berks

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, March 9, 2022, “Safe Berks & LGBT Center Expand Partnership to Stop Sexual and Domestic Violence”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-lgbt-center-expand-partnership-to-stop-sexual-and-domestic-violence/article_968dcad6-9fd4-11ec-ae80-c7cadff5d905.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, March 10, 2022, “LGBT Center & Safe Berks Partner to Combat Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/03/10/lgbt-center-safe-berks-sexual-assault-domestic-violence/

BCTV, March 11, 2022, “LGBT Center & Safe Berks Partner to Address Assault and Violence in Underserved Communities”

https://www.bctv.org/2022/03/11/lgbt-center-safe-berks-partner-to-address-assault-and-violence-in-underserved-communities/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, March 21, 2022, “Man Tracked Wife in Deadly Shooting,” coverage includes interview with Mereliss Colon Ortiz, Safe Berks COO

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/man-tracked-wife-in-deadly-wyomissing-shooting/article_08d50790-a95c-11ec-aa82-0f7b243c10a3.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, March 22, 2022, “Digital Abuse and Stalking Are Forms of Domestic Violence,” includes interview with Francine Scoboria, Safe Berks Communications Coordinator

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/03/22/digital-abuse-stalking-just-another-form-dometicv-abuse/

Reading Eagle newspaper, February 14, 2022, “Dinner Fundraiser for Safe Berks”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/02/14/dinner-fundraiser-safe-berks/

Reading Eagle newspaper, February 22, 2022, “Real Church Gives Away 900 New Shoes,” including donations to Safe Berks

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/02/22/real-church-gives-away-900-new-shoes/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, February 23, 2022, “Safe Berks to Host Fundraiser at Restaurant”

https://www.wfmz.com/safe-berks-to-host-fundraiser-at-reading-restaurant/video_93f91afe-31ec-5206-8c35-c0b275d5a5ff.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, February 25, 2022, “Safe Berks Hosts Fundraising Dinner”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/02/25/safe-berks-hosts-fundraising-dinner-at-wyomissing-restaurant-bakery/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, January 25, 2022, “Son of Victim Arrested in Homicide,” coverage includes interview with Safe Berks

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/son-of-victim-arrested-in-connection-with-shillington-homicide/article_fdf82cb4-7e39-11ec-a908-2360d768e953.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, January 25, 2022, “Shillington Man Arrested in Killing of His Mother,” article includes info about Safe Berks free services

https://www.readingeagle.com/2022/01/25/shillington-man-murder-mother/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, December 11, 2021, “Safe Berks Holds Gift Wrapping Fundraiser”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-holds-gift-wrapping-fundraiser/article_edf2ddac-59a7-11ec-9893-0b256a9cfd5c.html

BCTV website, December 12, 2021, “Gift Wrapping at Berkshire Mall to Benefit Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/12/09/gift-wrapping-at-berkshire-mall-to-benefit-safe-berks-4/

Berks Weekly, December 9, 2021, “Gift Wrapping at Berkshire Mall Benefits Safe Berks”  

https://berksweekly.com/nonprofits/gift-wrapping-at-berkshire-mall-benefits-safe-berks/

Reading Eagle newspaper, November 1, 2021, “Safe Berks receives $2,500 Donation”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/11/01/safe-berks-receives-2500-donation/

BCTV website, November 1, 2021, “Kinetic Announces Community Grant for Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/11/01/kinetic-announces-community-grant-for-safe-berks-in-reading/

Reading Eagle Newspaper, November 16, 2021, “Safe Berks Receives Donation of Cold Weather Garments”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/11/16/safe-berks-donation/

Berks County Living magazine, October 1, 2021, “In the Limelight with Beth Garrigan”

https://berkscountyliving.com/people/in-the-limelight/in-the-limelight-with-beth-garrigan/

BCTV website, October 1, 2021, “Safe Berks to Open New Second Location”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/10/01/safe-berks-to-open-new-second-location/

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 4, 2021, “Silent Witness March Set for October 18”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/04/silent-witness-bulletin-board/

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 18, 2021, “Husband Who Shot Wife to Death has Also Died,” article includes info about Safe Berks

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/18/husband-who-shot-wife-to-death-in-leesport-has-also-died/

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 19, 2021, “Silent Witness March”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/18/safe-berks-silent-witness-march-domestic-violence/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, October 19, 2021, “Silent Witness March”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/silent-witness-march-aims-to-aid-domestic-abuse-victims/article_e1516094-305a-11ec-bec3-6b1ad6fe8f80.html

WFMZ-TV Channel 69 Spanish Edition, October 19, 2021, “Silent Witness March”

https://www.wfmz.com/espanol/safe-berks-realiza-marcha-contra-la-violencia-dom-stica/article_2da7f780-3080-11ec-a8ff-f7cd1dc8a209.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 20, 2021, “GoFundMe Started for DV Victims,” article includes info about Safe Berks

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/20/gofundme-children-leesport-shootings/

Media News Group including Reading Eagle newspaper, October 22, 2021, “Public Health Crisis of Domestic Violence,” Editorial

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/22/editorial-public-health-crisis-of-domestic-violence/

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 22, 2021, “Safe Berks Silent Witness March Delivers Powerful Message,” opinion column by Editor David Mowery

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/22/mowery-safe-berks-domestic-violence/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69 Spanish Edition, October 28, 2021, “Grant to Safe Berks from Kinetic”

https://www.wfmz.com/espanol/ofrecen-fondos-para-luchar-contra-violencia-dom-stica/article_4fd97312-3858-11ec-9638-3b0b2f823944.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, October 29, 2021, “We All Need to Recognize the Signs of Domestic Violence,” opinion column by Editor David Mowery

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/10/29/mowery-column-domestic-violence/

Reading Eagle newspaper, September 3, 2021, “Safe Berks Promotes Two Leaders”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/09/03/safe-berks-staff-domestic-violence/

BCTV website, September 8, 2021, “Safe Berks Celebrates Two Internal Promotions”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/09/08/safe-berks-celebrates-two-internal-promotions/

BCTV website, September 20, 2021, “Safe Berks Receives 7 National Purple Ribbon Awards”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/09/20/safe-berks-wins-seven-national-purple-ribbon-awards/

BCTV website, September 27, 2021, “Safe Berks Silent Witness March & Dedication”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/09/27/20th-annual-safe-berks-silent-witness-march-dedication-mon-oct-18/

Reading Eagle newspaper, September 30, 2021, “Safe Berks Opening Second Office in Reading”

https://www.readingeagle.com/2021/09/30/safe-berks-opening-second-office-in-reading/

BCTV website, August 8, 2021, “Safe Berks Opens Extension Office at Friend Inc.”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/08/10/safe-berks-opens-extension-office-at-friend-inc-community-services/

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, August 9, 2021, “Safe Berks Opens Office at Friend, Inc.”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-opens-office-at-friend-inc-near-kutztown/article_95f2f838-f617-11eb-a1a6-73575c981079.html

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, August 27, 2021, “Berks DA: Woman Justified in Killing of Man in Exeter,” coverage includes info from Safe Berks

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/berks-da-woman-justified-in-killing-of-man-in-exeter/article_f6325d56-04e5-11ec-9107-6bbf43fb6fb8.html

BCTV website, July 5, 2021, “Apply to Attend Camp Safe Berks!” 

https://www.bctv.org/2021/07/09/applications-open-for-camp-safe-berks-july-26th-30th/

Reading Eagle, July 14, 2021, “Safe Berks Responds to Domestic Violence Tragedy”

https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/safe-berks-responds-to-domestic-violence-tragedy-in-muhlenberg-township/article_3d1855e4-e4c1-11eb-80df-9ffb60f6d889.html

WFMZ-TV Channel 69, July 14, 2021, “Safe Berks Discusses Domestic Abuse after Murder”

https://www.wfmz.com/video/safe-berks-discusses-domestic-abuse-cases-after-muhlenberg-murder/video_ca876f86-c211-5e9b-a43d-ff1aa608b351.html

WFMZ-TV Channel 69 website, July 14, 2021, “Safe Berks Releases Statement Following Apparent Domestic Abuse”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-releases-statement-following-apparent-domestic-abuse-case/article_d6b6e1b2-e4c0-11eb-af69-cb0435837df7.html

BCTV website, July 15, 2021, “Safe Berks Responds to Domestic Violence Tragedy”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/07/15/safe-berks-response-to-domestic-violence-tragedy-in-berks-county/

Berksmont News, Kutztown Patriot, July 29, 2021, “Safe Berks Opens Office at Friend Inc.”

https://www.berksmontnews.com/local_news/safe-berks-opens-office-at-friend-inc-to-bring-services-closer-to-northern-berks-residents/article_06f208e6-f0b2-11eb-b202-6b0dc72927ae.html

BCTV website, June 2, 2021, “Safe Berks Celebration of Peace and Walk For NO MORE!”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/06/02/safe-berks-celebration-of-peace-walk-for-no-more/

WFMZ Channel 69, June 5, 2021, “Safe Berks Responds to Local Domestic Violence Tragedy”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-responds-to-local-domestic-violence-tragedy/article_e6a3da8c-c583-11eb-bed0-9ff0b82759b7.html

WFMZ Channel 69, June 15, 2021, “Art on the Avenue Returns to West Reading,” includes info about the Safe Berks Walk for NO MORE

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/art-on-the-avenue-returns-to-west-reading-for-27th-year/article_9d105140-cde7-11eb-85c1-f36de320f1f2.html

Reading Eagle newspaper Sunday front page, June 20, 2021, “High Profile Domestic Violence Incidents in Berks Draw Attention to Problem Hidden within Households”

https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/high-profile-domestic-violence-incidents-in-berks-draw-attention-to-problem-hidden-within-households-experts/article_ba8f0b22-d057-11eb-9449-b3681769ad5a.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, June 20, 2021, “Safe Berks Thanks Those Who Help Make Its Mission Possible”

https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/safe-berks-thanks-those-who-help-make-its-mission-possible/article_c19a1e12-d123-11eb-b3a1-5304d4077bde.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, June 23, 2021, “Editorial: Domestic Violence is a Community Problem,” editorial includes information about Safe Berks

https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-domestic-violence-is-a-community-problem/article_5319b76c-d354-11eb-b9dc-b373c098b247.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, June 25, 2021, “Behind the Byline of a Domestic Violence Story”

https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/columnists/behind-the-byline-of-a-domestic-violence-story-column/article_c328fc36-d5b9-11eb-9d6d-2f2ccd8386da.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, May 4, 2021, “Reading Woman Dead After Domestic Related Stabbing.” Article includes info about Safe Berks and our free services.

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/reading-woman-dead-after-domestic-related-stabbing-berks-da-says/article_33ab2216-acd6-11eb-9354-7ba33e4b2dc2.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, May 13, 2021, Berks Groups That Empower Women and Girls Receive Help From Grant Program.” Safe Berks received grant from The Power of the Purse

https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/berks-groups-that-empower-women-and-girls-receive-help-from-grant-program/article_780c3310-b40a-11eb-8ae4-0b6b7d2d8ec7.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, May 24, 2021, “Safe Berks Sets Celebration of Peace and Walk For NO MORE”

https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/safe-berks-sets-celebration-of-peace-walk-for-no-more/article_58353554-b7e4-11eb-943f-b7c3415a443e.html

BCTV, April 2021, “Safe Berks Judicial Candidates Forum – Primary Election 2021” Rachael Cohen Hamilton, Grant Writer at Safe Berks, serves as the host of the forum. The Primary Election will take place on May 18, 2021.

https://www.bctv.org/video/safe-berks-judicial-candidates-forum-4-14-21/

Reading Eagle, April 3, 2021, “Wind Helps Spread Pinwheels Message of Hope for Victims of Sexual Assault”

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/wind-helps-spread-pinwheels-message-of-hope-for-victims-of-sexual-assault-in-berks-county/article_f4aa062a-93f5-11eb-ae56-77d6e8cd0687.html

WFMZ Channel 69, April 2, 2021, “Safe Berks Recognizes Survivors of Sexual Assault”

https://www.wfmz.com/video/safe-berks-recognizes-survivors-of-sexual-assault/video_1fc2817f-3a53-50de-beb7-0e9562a7e481.html

BCTV, April 7, 2021, “Recognizing and Remembering Victims of Sexual Assault – Known and Unknown”

https://www.bctv.org/2021/04/07/recognizing-remembering-victims-of-sexual-assault-known-unknown/

BCTV, March 5, 2021, “Celebration of Women’s History Month; Diversity: The Wider Vision” show by Dr. Joseph Amprey. Francine Scoboria, Communications Coordinator, represented Safe Berks on the show, which included several local women.

https://www.bctv.org/video/successful-women-and-celebration-of-womens-month-3-8-21/

BCTV, March 9, 2021, Safe Berks show, “Coffee with the CEO,” featuring Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan.

https://www.bctv.org/video/coffee-with-the-ceo-event-3-9-21/

Reading Eagle, March 10, 2021, “Safe Berks Receives Donation of Masks Sierra Leone Association of Reading”

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/sierra-leone-association-donates-masks-to-reading-nonprofits/article_65d92ea0-8197-11eb-a2ff-43bbfa900138.html

Reading Eagle, March 21, 2021, “Theatrical Event ‘Tales from the Other Side’ to Benefit Safe Berks”

https://www.readingeagle.com/living/berks-authors-announce-auditions-for-theatrical-event-tales-from-the-other-side-spotlight/article_18573586-8599-11eb-90c8-ebd71f74e37e.html

Palo Magazine, March 2021 issue, “Home is Not a Safe Place for Everyone”

https://www.palomagazine.com/2021/02/24/home-is-not-a-safe-place-for-everyone/

Reading Eagle, Dec. 16, 2020,  “Man Killed in Exeter Home,” article includes interview with Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan and info about Safe Berks and our free services:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/man-killed-in-his-exeter-township-home-investigators-say/article_1196e594-3ee4-11eb-840e-aff1819cfedb.html

Reading Eagle, Dec. 17, 2020,  “Safe Berks Receives $5,000 from Bank”

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/safe-berks-receives-5-000-from-bank-with-berks-county-locations/article_b66c69a0-3ff6-11eb-afc8-1fb91208d294.html

BCTV website, Dec. 17, 2020, “Safe Berks Responds to Domestic Violence”

https://www.bctv.org/2020/12/17/safe-berks-responds-to-domestic-violence/

WFMX Channel 69, Dec. 18, 2020, “Safe Berks Speaks Out After 2 Apparent Domestic Violence Deaths”

https://www.wfmz.com/safeberks-speaks-out-after-2-apparent-domestic-deaths/video_52ffe7d9-184e-5ff7-b724-82431e83a778.html

Reading Eagle, Nov. 10, 2020, “Toyota Dealership Donates Winter Clothing to Safe Berks”

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/toyota-dealership-donates-winter-clothing-to-safe-berks/article_e9f04b3c-2392-11eb-9a35-a3afc7e2fc4c.html

BCTV, Nov. 12, 2020 “Performance Toyota Delivers Warmth to Children of Safe Berks”

https://www.bctv.org/2020/11/12/performance-toyota-delivers-warmth-to-children-of-safe-berks/

Berks Weekly, Nov. 19, 2020, “Lonnie Walker IV Foundation Distributes Thanksgiving Meals to Local Non-Profits,” Safe Berks included in article and Safe Berks staff in photo

https://berksweekly.com/nonprofits/lonnie-walker-iv-foundation-distributes-thanksgiving-meals-to-local-nonprofits/

NBC Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 2020, “Domestic Violence Hidden in a Pandemic,” Safe Berks contributed stats and info to this research article.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/investigators/the-dirty-little-secret-that-is-keeping-domestic-violence-hidden-even-in-a-pandemic/2601071/

Reading Eagle front page, Oct. 4, 2020, “Pandemic impacting abuse, addiction,” Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan and COO Mereliss Colon Ortiz in front page photo.

https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/addiction-and-abuse-are-hard-to-measure-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown/article_f54fcc9a-038b-11eb-91d8-6ff209657100.html

United Way of Berks County website, Oct. 13, 2020, “COVID Grants at Work: Safe Berks”

https://www.uwberks.org/blog/covid-grants-in-action-safe-berks/

BCTV, Oct. 27, 2020,  “Safe Berks, DA Expand Partnership for Expanded Services to Victims”

https://www.bctv.org/2020/10/27/safe-berks-district-attorneys-office-expand-partnership-to-provide-enhanced-services-to-victims-of-sexual-violence/

Reading Eagle front page, Oct. 28, 2020, “Supporting Survivors Safe Berks and district attorney’s office join forces to help victims” 

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/safe-berks-das-office-join-forces-to-support-survivors-of-sexual-assault/article_a58138de-17ef-11eb-a29f-fff8376d4aef.html

WFMZ Channel 69, Oct. 29, 2020, “Safe Berks, DA assemble sexual assault response team”

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safeberks-da-assemble-sexual-assault-response-team/article_ba718dd6-1a22-11eb-8d76-2ba93355b03e.html

WFMZ Channel 69, Sept., 17, 2020, “Safe Berks Takes Nearly IK calls to Legal Dept. since March,” interview and video with Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-takes-nearly-1k-calls-to-legal-dept-since-march/article_48f9c5de-f929-11ea-9aa6-4b38511852f5.html

BCTV, Sept. 22, 2020, “Safe Berks Announces New Board Officers”

https://www.bctv.org/2020/09/22/safe-berks-announces-new-board-officers/

BCTV, Sept. 30, 2020, “Safe Berks Silent Witness Project”

https://www.bctv.org/2020/09/30/safe-berks-silent-witness-project/

Women2Women July 2020 magazine, a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA):

https://www.nxtbook.com/hoffmann/Women2Women/Women2WomenSummer2020/index.php#/p/26

Reading Eagle July 10, 2020, front page photo of Peaceful Stand Against Racism, Safe Berks staff in photo, from left, Arianna Sanchez, Tara Wall, Mayra Morales, Tara Anspach, and Coach Tyrone Nesby, Muhlenberg High School basketball coach and organizer of the Peaceful Stands:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/peaceful-stand-group-rallies-in-reading-urges-the-time-for-action-is-now/article_7421960a-c239-11ea-8de8-d3e9a8c52316.html

WFMZ Channel 69, July 10, 2020, Danielle Palermo, Director of Counseling, interviewed as part of story about tragic domestic violence homicide in Boyertown:

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/man-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-brother-in-colebrookdale/article_ed104a44-c2b0-11ea-8056-1f12486441d5.html

Kutztown Live, radio station of Kutztown University, June 2, 2020, interview with Safe Berks CEO Beth Garrigan by Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXaSBt2GqBE

BCTV website, June 2, 2020, Safe Berks Announces New Leaders:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/06/02/safe-berks-announces-new-coo-director-of-residential-services/

BCTV website, June 3, 2020, Organizations Stand up Against Hate:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/06/03/nearly-70-reading-community-leaders-condemn-anti-lgbt-hate-incident/

Reading Eagle newspaper, June 14, 2020, Safe Berks Director of Counseling Danielle Palermo interviewed about Lonnie Walker courageously sharing his story of surviving child sexual abuse:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/child-sexual-abuse-thrives-in-shame-and-secrecy-experts-say/article_8363210c-adbb-11ea-8d36-af6f55193cac.html

WFMZ Channel 69, June 13, 2020, Safe Berks Director of Counseling Danielle Palermo interviewed about Lonnie Walker courageously sharing his story of surviving child sexual abuse:

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/lonnie-walkers-haircut-reveals-more-than-shaved-head/article_c56e2886-acfc-11ea-a9e1-539b1d8b757c.html

BCTV website, June 17, 2020, Safe Berks Response to Courageous Statements by Lonnie Walker:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/06/17/safe-berks-response-to-courageous-statements-by-lonnie-walker-iv/

Reading Eagle newspaper, June 23, 2020, Safe Berks Director of Counseling Danielle Palermo interviewed about how COVID-19 increases risk of child abuse:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/lack-of-child-abuse-reports-amid-coronavirus-crisis-worries-experts/article_ab467718-b0c8-11ea-8f88-1319714ff510.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, May 19, 2020, Safe Berks handling abuse calls during Pandemic:

https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/safe-berks-staff-handling-abuse-calls-during-coronavirus-pandemic/article_35fc2d9a-99f3-11ea-9e45-2f83ec36f2dc.html

Reading Eagle Newspaper, May 20, 2020, Domestic Violence tragedy in Reading, free services available at Safe Berks:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/murder-suicide-suspect-in-reading-recently-released-from-prison-for-violating-abuse-order-police-say/article_11861818-99e4-11ea-92a1-bf075caef1a0.html?fbclid=IwAR2cBPcxv77uvuNwHBNiQwUtbnrf9TUpSVsU2eZKD2qz-F3AlRgHzfJDyPI

Reading Eagle newspaper, May 30, 2020, Safe Berks Promotes Two Leaders, new COO and Director of Residential Services:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/safe-berks-promotes-2-leaders-mereliss-colon-ortiz-and-aleida-rodriguez/article_ad831702-a1cd-11ea-b62c-abdb4add0ee8.html?fbclid=IwAR3kPHMmkamgJbs78IMSgPhF_cpcXeKtwbVUlsZyT0qErprHBxWVeU_CMEs

NBC News, May 18, 2020, “It’s Hard to Flee Your Abuser during Coronavirus Lockdown,” Safe Berks included in survey for this national article:

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/it-s-hard-flee-your-domestic-abuser-during-coronavirus-lockdown-n1205641?fbclid=IwAR1NCSeHyDoQpReaR1eKeQTYx8lsMIgpYGbaUasLPRYSZFjpSTkbxo1dan8

WFMZ Channel 69, Spanish Edition, May 8, 2020, “Recuros para victimas de violencia domestic durante la pandemic”:

https://www.wfmz.com/espanol/recursos-para-v-ctimas-de-violencia-dom-stica-durante-la-pandemia/article_456ec118-90aa-11ea-b38b-4f12c2ac7c35.html?fbclid=IwAR0Ma5C8Eo_Xb6kEEkHDV22ZZB4Uz9gDwuIdgBqqFSl0jS4vIAFDFRGTAos

WFMZ Channel 69, May 19, 2020, “Safe Berks Reports Uptick in Domestic Violence Calls”:

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-reports-uptick-in-domestic-violence-calls/article_33bf81ee-99d0-11ea-8e79-9b7342434dfe.html

BCTV website, May 11, 2020, “Emerging Leaders United Plan Special Mother’s Day Activities for Safe Berks Residents”:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/05/11/emerging-leaders-united-plans-special-mothers-day-activities-for-safe-berks-residents/

BCTV website, May 21, 2020, “Safe Berks Responds to Domestic Violence Tragedy”:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/05/21/response-to-domestic-violence-tragedies-in-berks-county/

Reading Eagle newspaper, April 12, 2020, how social distancing can increase danger for adults and children who live with abusers, and how Safe Berks can help:

https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/staying-at-home-during-pandemic-has-downside-for-those-in-danger-of-abuse/article_a19aa034-7b4b-11ea-948d-8b3fc56d1f8f.html?fbclid=IwAR0D75-nfRAT0oIcR3nSJQNQ8z4fW8gEGUQHr6eRqTPMvMjrbxlSF4O-vEI

Reading Eagle newspaper, April 23, 2020, Announcement of New CEO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/beth-garrigan-named-ceo-of-safe-berks/article_9f3ebf70-84bd-11ea-b436-370580c14840.html

 WFMZ-News Channel 69, April 22, 2020, Announcement of New CEO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/safe-berks-chooses-coo-as-organizations-new-leader/article_5c2daac2-84bb-11ea-892c-4b4ffc5de91e.html

Boyertown Times newspaper, April 23, 2020, Announcement of New CEO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.berksmontnews.com/news/safe-berks-names-new-ceo/article_bfa14ac2-84b7-11ea-8095-933690eacd8d.html

News of Southern Berks newspaper, April 21, 2020, Safe Berks responds to Domestic Violence Tragedy:

https://www.berksmontnews.com/news/safe-berks-responds-to-domestic-violence-tragedy-in-berks-county/article_01a02584-83e5-11ea-bbfb-cf501d594816.html

Berks County Living magazine April 2020 issue, Photos from Celebration of Peace:

https://berkscountyliving.com/b-scene-photos/the-safe-berks-14th-annual-celebration-of-peace/

Berks County Living magazine website, April 21, 2020, How People Can Help Non-Profits During COVID-19:

https://berkscountyliving.com/covid-19/non-profit-needs-increase-during-covid-19/

BCTV website, April 6, 2020, Safe Berks Maintains 24/7 Services Despite Health Threat:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/04/06/safe-berks-maintains-24-7-services-responds-to-health-threat/

BCTV website, April 22, 2020, Safe Berks Responds to DV tragedy:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/04/22/response-to-domestic-violence-tragedy-in-berks-county/

BCTV website, April 23, 2020, Safe Berks Announces New CEO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.bctv.org/2020/04/23/safe-berks-announces-new-ceo/

Pottstown Mercury newspaper, April 21, 2020, Safe Berks Responds to Domestic Violence Tragedy:

https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/safe-berks-responds-to-domestic-violence-tragedy-in-berks-county/article_fba07b2a-9e7c-50cd-85df-3779b2928b02.html

Pottstown Mercury newspaper, April 22, 2020, Safe Berks Announces New CEO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/beth-garrigan-named-ceo-of-safe-berks/article_98fb17c7-363e-52ec-95fd-126f8ec7279b.html

Reading Eagle newspaper, March 23, 2020, Coronavirus causes changes at Safe Berks:

https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/coronavirus-forces-changes-to-how-safe-berks-and-berks-counseling-center-offer-services/article_f8be749e-6a1b-11ea-941c-6b4cd93540fb.html

Pottstown Mercury newspaper, March 23, 2020, Coronavirus causes changes at Safe Berks:

https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/coronavirus-forces-changes-to-how-safe-berks-and-berks-counseling-center-offer-services/article_6e54560d-3f08-5fda-a89a-0f2be06d6b7b.html

Channel 69 WFMZ, March 27, 2020, Interview with Safe Berks COO Beth Garrigan:

https://www.wfmz.com/video/safe-berks-helps-domestic-violence-victims-during-pandemic/video_0ddab1cf-a337-5046-b175-7834562b4c80.html

Berks County Living magazine website, March 18, 2020, Services available during Pandemic: 

https://berkscountyliving.com/around-town/berks-business-covid-19-operational-updates/

News of Southern Berks newspaper, March 23, 2020, Coronavirus causes changes at Safe Berks:

https://www.berksmontnews.com/news/safe-berks-enacts-changes-amid-coronavirus/article_f8aef8fe-6d20-11ea-b9c9-4384676bcf13.html

Videos & Podcasts

Check out these videos and podcasts about Safe Berks created through The People Chronicles.

 

Temporary Changes to Safe Berks Policies – Updated August 19, 2021

To protect the public health from the risk of COVID-19, as well as the health of Safe Berks residents and staff, we have enacted several changes. These changes are temporary; we hope to return to previous practices in the future. We are very grateful to the community for your support of Safe Berks as volunteers, donors and advocates, and we ask for your continued support during these challenging times.

To Request Services from Safe Berks:

Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who are seeking crisis services, including requests for shelter or medical advocacy, please call:

Safe Berks 24-hour hotline: 844-789-SAFE (7233)

or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

For Legal Services, please call 610-373-1206, ext. 107.

For Counseling, please call 610-373-1206, ext. 606.

Donations & Volunteers:

At this time, Safe Berks is not accepting donations of used goods.

Safe Berks is seeking specific new items. The Wish List is posted on our website at: www.SafeBerks.org/donate/donate-goods/

To donate new items, please contact Alexis Dawkins, Donor Relations Administrator, at  610-373-1206, ext 115, or AlexisD@SafeBerks.org to make arrangements.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Mindy McIntosh, Director of Development, at 610-468-9637 or MindyM@SafeBerks.org.

Thank you for your understanding. We will keep you updated through social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter), and this website.

Thank you and be safe!