READING, Pa. – Just months ago, SafeBerks in Reading was in a difficult situation.
“Back in February, we were just coming out of the budget impasse and government shutdown. During that time, from July through December 2025, we were struggling a lot,” said CEO Beth Garrigan.
Experiencing layoffs and a line of credit just to keep the doors open, SafeBerks helps thousands of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Berks County.
However, the organization depends on funding from the state to survive.
“About 80% of our funding comes from state and federal grants, so when there was a hold on that money, we were not getting reimbursed,” Garrigan said.
But now, the organization sees a breakthrough as the recent state budget gives twelve million dollars for groups like SafeBerks.
“Across the commonwealth, these funds will be used for more therapy, for more education, for more prevention, and more support for survivors who are ready to reach out and ask for help,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
SafeBerks says it also depends on monetary and physical donations to fill rooms at its center with life-sustaining items for men, women, and children in crisis.
“It’s great news. We’re extremely excited and very grateful to the Gov. and to legislators for hearing our pleas. It’s been years of advocacy centers like ours across the state, our survivors using their voice to share how important this funding is,” Garrigan said.
But SafeBerks officials say there’s still more that needs to be done.
Twenty-five percent of the company’s services help victims of sexual assault, leaving seventy five percent to domestic violence.
“We were hopeful we would see an increase in domestic violence funding, so we’ll continue to advocate for that.”