This spring, a national organization formed right in Erie County will be bringing the parents of Gabby Petito to the area for an event.
The family’s story is known nationwide — after the case of their missing daughter took a tragic turn in 2021.
Tonight, we share how the organization was formed inside a local domestic violence shelter.
It is this week’s Giving You the Business report, sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
Taking the next step to a healthy and abuse‑free life is what Safe Journey is all about.
It is the only domestic violence shelter outside Erie city limits and specifically serving rural Erie County.
Lori (Pal-us-sin) Palisin is the executive director — following the same role her mother once held at Safe Journey, an organization started in 1978 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and through community support.
It has now grown to 12 staff members who do yearly comprehensive training to help victims and survivors who call in.
Their office is inside a house, which also provides a home setting at the temporary shelter to women and children in need.
There’s a kitchen for families to prepare food or eat in, play areas for kids, a TV room, and a spot to meet with Safe Journey leaders to help get women ready to resume life outside these walls.
And the message is spreading.
Michelle Evans is the program director, helping to respectfully educate pre‑K to 12th graders and school staff.
Michelle and Lori have also created Purple One, now a national outreach organization.
The headquarters are in the upper level of the Safe Journey offices, where the free, mostly virtual four‑hour training is done by this small agency doing big things.
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