Latest news with #CentreSafe
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Centre Safe celebrates 50th anniversary with luncheon at Nittany Lion Inn
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — An organization in Centre County is celebrating 50 years of service to the community. Centre Safe, formerly the Centre County Women's Resource Center, held a luncheon at the Nittany Lion Inn to celebrate the special milestone as well as look into the future. What began in 1975 with a small group of women has grown to have three locations providing services to many in the area. The goal of Centre Safe is safety, equality and respect for all individuals and a community free of relationship and sexual violence. During the luncheon, which was the first since the COVID-19 Pandemic, awards were handed out to many individuals, as well as a ribbon cutting. 'Really, people believing, believing victims and survivors, and believing in the work we do, we always say there's a bubble here in Happy Valley, but there's a lot that happens inside that bubble from all the corners of Centre County. People are affected and people need help, and CentrSafe is here to help,' Executive Director Jennifer Pencek said. During the luncheon, the organization also launched its $2.5 million dollar, 50th anniversary fund. The goal is to raise enough money to complete much-needed projects, but also to fund Centre Safe for another 50 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
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 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 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 or by calling 814-238-7066. Centre Safe's 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050 or visit If you are interested in donating to Centre Safe post Centre Gives, you are always able to donate online at 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.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Centre County names April Sexual Assault Awareness Month
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Centre County, with officials recognizing the need to spread information about the topic. Centre County's commissioners proclaimed April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout the county. They invited Director of Centre Safe, a domestic and sexual violence outreach center, Jennifer Pencek to explain the importance of the proclamation. 'We very much appreciate the support,' Pencek said. Concerns raised over Nittany Mall casino impact study as project moves forward She said that 81% of women and 43% of men have reported experiencing a form of sexual harassment or assault. It is part of the reason Centre Safe is emphasizing its new campaign 'Together We Act, United We Change.' It highlights the importance of everyone in a community standing against assault. Pencek says Centre Safe is supported by local, state and federal grants, but the support from the community is still a big reason why they can continue to offer services. 'We always give tremendous thanks to Centre County, not just officials, but to people who live all over because they're the people who we try to help, but they're also the people that make a difference too,' Pencek added. April is not just Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The commissioners also proclaimed it Child Abuse Prevention Month as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
