Healthy relationships: Continue to celebrate, support Centre Safe during 50th anniversary
Centre Safe celebrates the big 5-0 in 2025, meaning for five decades we have dedicated each day to supporting survivors and eliminating violence. You are a key part of that journey and can join our efforts in critical ways.
If you have been anywhere near social media or opened any local publication lately you likely have seen advertisements and sneak peeks about Centre Gives. For those who are unaware, Centre Gives is an annual online giving event designed to encourage community giving and to support the magnificent work of Centre County nonprofits during 36 hours — starting at 8 a.m. on May 14 and ending at 8 p.m. on May 15.
During Centre Gives, donors may visit CentreGives.org to make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations — like Centre Safe! The minimum donation is $10, and every dollar donated to participating nonprofits goes further thanks to the Centre Gives stretch pools provided by Centre Foundation and the Hamer Foundation. Your gift could also help qualify Centre Safe and others you support to win additional cash prizes!
Centre Safe, formerly the Centre County Women's Resource Center, has spent the past 50 years providing confidential and professional services for victims/survivors of sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, and stalking across Centre County at no charge to clients. Our clients range in age from newborns to older adults and represent various identities and populations. Services include emergency shelter/housing, counseling, advocacy, 24/7 hotline, hospital and court accompaniment, outreach, education, legal support, and safe custody exchanges/supervised visitations through our Child Access Center.
In FY 2023-2024, Centre Safe supported 270 victims of sexual assault, nearly 900 survivors of domestic/dating violence, and approximately 200 individuals and families seeking emergency shelter and/or housing. When you donate to Centre Safe through Centre Gives, you are having a direct positive impact on the lives of so many people in our region just needing to feel like they are not alone and there are people who care.
'I naively thought I would never be one of those people needing support from Centre Safe,' one Centre Safe client wrote. 'But then suddenly I did, and I was so incredibly thankful for the love and support staff showed me. I am where I am today in large part due to the skills I learned at Centre Safe.'
You are invited to dine elegantly at traditional dinners or partake of adventurous lighter fare through October. If you are unable to attend an event this year, please consider supporting us through a donation to the Twilight Dinners Fund. Your support will empower survivors and help eliminate violence in Centre County. Purchase tickets at www.centresafe.org/twilight-dinners. Two Twilight Dinners have already sold out — get your tickets while they last.
Wednesday, May 21, 6-8 p.m. Field of Dreams, University Park
Hosted by Char Morett Curtiss and Sharon Herlocher, $125 per person
Join legendary Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett Curtiss and State College Field Hockey Coach Sharon Herlocher for an amazing Twilight Dinner at the newly renovated and expanded Penn State Field Hockey Complex. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be featured. Morett-Curtiss retired from her position leading Nittany Lions field hockey after her 39th season as a collegiate head coach. Herlocher has an impressive coaching resume with State College, Penn State, Boston University, and club field hockey. She also co-owns Herlocher Foods and Ottis Properties. Morett Curtiss and Herlocher invite you to enjoy the views from the stadium and the camaraderie among friends as we celebrate all Penn State and Happy Valley has to offer.
Sunday, June 1, 6 p.m., June Bloom, State College
Hosted by Laura and Sean Shadle, $125 per person
Join Laura Shadle, Sean Shadle and friends for a charming summer evening of flowery cocktails and delicious cuisine at the Pine Grove Hall on June 1. The 'June Bloom' dinner benefits Centre Safe and honors their work to support victims and empower survivors. Make your reservation for the June Bloom Twilight Dinner today.
(These gourmet dinners are donated by the hosts. Of the $125 cost per guest, $85 is considered your tax-deductible gift to Centre Safe.)
Please join us to find out more about the work of Centre Safe and to recognize our dedicated community members, volunteers and staff whose efforts support our mission. The luncheon is from noon to 2 p.m. May 28 at the Nittany Lion Inn. The cost of each ticket is $50 and may be purchased at www.centresafe.org/luncheon or by calling 814-238-7066.
Centre Safe's 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050 or visit www.centresafe.org. If you are interested in donating to Centre Safe post Centre Gives, you are always able to donate online at www.centresafe.org and click on get involved, make a donation. People can also mail donations to Centre Safe, 140 W. Nittany Ave., State College, PA 16801.
Jennifer Pencek is the executive director of Centre Safe.
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