Latest news with #SafeBerks
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Girl Scouts honoring women leaders at event in Reading
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, or GSEP, is honoring four women leaders in Berks County at its annual Take the Lead event in Reading. This year's honorees are leaders in their industries and communities, serving as role models for Girl Scouts through their careers and dedication to causes, according to the organization. The honorees will be recognized at a special event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 2025 Take the Lead Berks County Honorees • Christie Botterbusch, executive director, New Journey Community Outreach, Inc. 'Christie is committed to promoting equitable care for individuals and families facing hunger and adversity in the region by overseeing initiatives that deliver essential services for at-risk populations,' GSEP said in its announcement. 'As cofounder of VOiCEup Berks and the Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading, Christie works to inspire meaningful transformation within the Reading community and beyond.' 2025 Take the Lead honoree Christie Botterbusch, executive director, New Journey Community Outreach, Inc. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania) • Beth Garrigan, chief executive officer, Safe Berks. 'Beth oversees the operations of Safe Berks to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of providing shelter and 24/7/365 comprehensive life-saving services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,' the organization said. 'Through her leadership, Safe Berks provides a haven for survivors to heal and receive support.' 2025 Take the Lead honoree Beth Garrigan, chief executive officer, Safe Berks. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania) Garrigan serves as a voting delegate of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect. • Dr. Noahleen Betts Kebbay, director of podiatry, Berks Community Health Center, and president of the Reading School Board. 'A physician for over 20 years, Dr. Kebbay is a well-respected medical professional in the Berks County region through her involvement in several medical conferences across the country, including Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, the United Nations General Assembly, and more,' the announcement said. Kebbay is a founder of the Africa Lower Limb Institute and the Miss Teen Reading, PA Organization. 2025 Take the Lead honoree Dr. Noahleen Betts Kebbay, director of podiatry, Berks Community Health Center, and president of the Reading School District board of directors. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania) • Regina M. Rinehimer, partner and wealth manager, Kingsview Partners. 'As a champion for local causes in the Greater Reading area, she has a proven ability to help community organizations address financial needs and serves as a mentor to college students through her leadership and commitment to women's professional development,' according to GSEP. 2025 Take the Lead honoree Regina M. Rinehimer, partner and wealth manager, Kingsview Partners. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania) The 2025 Take the Lead Berks County honorees truly exemplify Girl Scout values, said Kim Fraites-Dow, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. 'We look forward to having them serve as role models for our Girl Scouts, who will learn firsthand from these women ways to live a life of purpose with courage, confidence, and character,' Fraites-Dow said. Take the Lead event Take the Lead also provides a unique leadership opportunity for Girl Scouts, the organization said. As part of the Take the Lead program, high school-age Girl Scouts shadow honorees for a day at work, gaining career insights and guidance. Scouts also serve as presenters, emcees, event hosts, social media influencers, and chorus members during the event. Take the Lead is co-chaired by Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, president of Alvernia University, and Virginia Rush, community and nonprofit advocate. For more information, visit or call 267-332-5483.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Reading woman and her baby shot by mother's boyfriend, investigators say
An autopsy won't be done in the killing of a 20-year-old Reading woman because the evidence gathered at the scene indicates her boyfriend shot her and her baby before taking his own life, Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams said Wednesday. Reading police said they found Selena Zavala Hernandez dead in her residence along with her 31-year-old boyfriend, whose name hasn't been released, after responding to the residence in the 1200 block of Locust Street for reports from neighbors of gunfire about 2:15 p.m. Monday. Zavala Hernandez's 2-month-old daughter, Selene Zavala Hernandez, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach, investigators said. The baby underwent surgery at Reading Hospital before being transferred to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Adams said. Information on her medical condition wasn't immediately available. Adams said Reading police are investigating. He didn't know exactly what occurred before the shootings, but said it was domestic-related. 'Clearly, based on the crime scene investigation, we have determined the male was the shooter and the female was the homicide victim,' Adams said. Capt. Cheryl Pentheny of the Reading police criminal investigations division, who released the victims' names, said the investigation was continuing as detectives were trying to tie up loose ends. There was a documented history of domestic violence between the couple, Adams said, but no incidents that resulted in criminal charges being filed. The shooting of an infant girl makes the incident even more tragic, the district attorney said. It's the second domestic violence killing in a little more than two weeks in the city. On Jan. 29, Daniela Allende was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in her home in the 1200 block of Amity Street. Samuel Lopez-Ordones, 33, was held on the living room sofa by the victim's father and brother after family members found her dead in the kitchen, investigators said Authorities said Allende and Lopez-Ordones were in the process of breaking up after being together for several years. He had moved out of the home they shared with her family about a week before the killing. Lopez-Ordones is being held in Berks County Prison awaiting a hearing on first- and third-degree murder and related charges. Where to find help Call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know are in immediate danger. To seek the help of an advocate or to contact Safe Berks, call the 24-hour hotline, 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Safe Berks provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day. All services are available in English and Spanish, and translation will be used for any other language needed.
