READING, Pa. – A financial boost is helping SAFE Berks take care of some safety projects on its ‘To Do List.’
“We have a very long list of things that need to be done that improve the safety of the facility and just to help preserve the facility for years to come,” says Beth Garrigan, SAFE Berks CEO.
State House member Manny Guzman presented the nonprofit with a $100,000 state grant.
“As somebody whose family was directly impacted with domestic violence, this is a mission that’s definitely very important to me and I’m very excited to be able to bring this little drop of money, drop of resources, to SAFE Berks,” said Rep. Guzman.
Garrigan says that money will go toward needed repairs and upgrades inside the building and outside, including the sidewalks leading up to the facility.
“We do have a surveillance system here, so we want to make sure that everything is as up to date and working properly for the safety of everybody inside,” said Garrigan.
“As you know, the mission is to provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. So the need to enhance safety and the building is super important to us,” said Erica Caceres, SAFE Berks Director of Development.
The CEO says there is a lot more need and it’s growing.
“We have, over the past couple of years, really seen flat funding or decreases in funding for victim services, so with the increase in cost for everything, it’s getting harder to keep up with expenses,” said Garrigan.
“We have the support in the community from different organizations and the people that support us, so we are looking for more support,” added Caceres.
The non-profit celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.