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PODCAST · education

SAFE Berks

by SAFE Berks

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. Our vision is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County.

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Episodes

  1. Safe Berks | Meet Natasha Turczynski - Silent Witness March & Dedication

    Natasha Turczynski, Primary Prevention Specialist at Safe Berks, shares information about the annual Silent Witness March & Dedication. This solemn event honors and remembers the 69 Berks County residents killed by domestic violence since 1999. The event also offers compassion to the family and...

  2. Safe Berks | Meet Meghan Sager

    Meghan Sager, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator at Safe Berks, shares information about this collaborative effort to improve services to victims of sexual assault throughout Berks County. Partners in this team effort include the District Attorney’s office, all the police…

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  3. Safe Berks | Meet Angie Gilmour

    Recovering from Financial Abuse. Angie Gilmour, Economic Sustainability Advocate at Safe Berks, describes financial abuse, and the free services she offers survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who have suffered from financial abuse. Services include financial education, budgeting,...

  4. Safe Berks | Meet Jennifer Denny Moms Demand Action

    Volunteer Jennifer Denny shares information about Moms Demand Action, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the nation and in the state. Safe Berks is proud to partner with Moms Demand Action on many initiatives to prevent gun violence.

  5. Safe Berks (Spanish Version) | Conoce a Mayra Morales

    Letty Vazquez-Pena la nueva coordinadora del programa MAPP se presenta como la nueva anfitriona para el programa de Safe Berks versión en español. Letty presentar a su compañera de trabajo Mayra Morales representante de MAPP (Programa de Asociación de Defensa Médica). Mayra trabaja para la...

  6. The New Safe Berks Playground

    Tom McDevitt, volunteer at Safe Berks, describes the process of planning and creating the new Safe Berks Playground. Many donors, volunteers and staff members worked together for more than a year to raise funds and build the new Safe Berks Playground.

  7. Safe Berks (Spanish Version) | Conoce a Maria Mateo

    Letty Vazquez nueva coordinadora del programa MAPP se presenta como la nueva anfitriona para el programa de Safe Berk versión en español. Letty presenta a una de sus compañera Maria Mateo representante de Safe Berk para el Coordinadora de Sanación Segura. Un programa que se enfoca conectar a las...

  8. Medical Advocacy Partnership Program (MAPP)

    Macy Lengle, Medical Advocacy Partnership Program (MAPP) Advocate at Safe Berks, describes this new program and how she and other MAPP Advocates serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at local hospitals and health centers.

  9. Camp Safe Berks

    Lisa De La Cruz, Community Educator at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks. Forty-seven teens from throughout Berks County spent a week of July together at Camp Safe Berks, focusing on social justice issues, bonding with new friends and allies, and having fun.

  10. Free Support Groups Offered at Safe Berks

    Danielle Palermo, Director of Counseling at Safe Berks, shares information about free Support Groups offered at Safe Berks for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. For more details about these seven Support Groups, or to register, visit: www.safeberks.org/services/counseling/

  11. Safe Berks Meet Jonathan K. Del Collo, Berks County Prothonotary

    Jonathan K. Del Collo, Berks County Prothonotary, shares good news about the new free App recently released by his office. This new App provides information about the process of requesting a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, as well as a direct link to the SafeBerks website.

  12. Safe Berks Meet Oumar Kallo - Children’s Alliance Center Coordinator

    Oumar Kallo, Children’s Alliance Center Coordinator at Safe Berks, describes his work assisting children and their families after they have suffered the tragedy of sexual abuse. Oumar also shares information about the Safe Berks Teen Support Group and Men’s Support Group, which serve survivors of...

  13. Safe Berks | Walk For NO MORE!

    Mandy Acuna, Safe Berks Board member and co-chair of the Walk For NO MORE, shares information about this major fundraising and awareness event. The Walk For NO MORE will take place on Sat., June 15, 2019, and will kickoff Art on the Avenue in West Reading. To register, visit www.SafeBerks.org…

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  14. Safe Berks | Meet Natasha Turczynski

    Natasha Turczynski, Primary Prevention Specialist at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks – A Teen Alliance to End Violence. This free day camp, which will take place July 15-19, 2019, is open to local teens.

  15. Safe Berks | Meet Tracy Schott

    Tracy Schott, the owner of Schott Productions and director of the documentary “Finding Jenn’s Voice,” describes her journey creating this groundbreaking film about domestic violence. The film, a powerful tool utilized in training law enforcement professionals and victim advocates and brings...

  16. Safe Berks Meet Marcia Graff Rowe

    Beautiful Murals in the Safe Berks Safe House. Artist Marcia Graff Rowe shares the story of how she transforms space with her vivid nature paintings. Rowe serves as a volunteer at Safe Berks, painting beautiful murals in the Safe Berks Safe House.

  17. Safe Berks Meet Teena Lee, of the Reading Hospital SANE Team

    Teena Lee, Chair of the SANE Team at Tower Health/Reading Hospital, explains how the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) Team serves survivors of sexual assault. She also discusses the partnership between the SANE team and Safe Berks.

  18. Safe Berks Meet Christine Price, of Kutztown University

    Christine Price, of Kutztown University, shares information about campus events in April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Safe Berks is partnering with many local colleges and organizations to offer activities to help survivors and prevent these crimes.

  19. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

    Safe Berks is partnering with many local colleges and organizations to offer activities during April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Autumn Fritz, of Penn State Berks, shares information on events she has planned.

  20. Completar Tus Metas (Completing Your Goals)

    English: Lisa De La Cruz, the Community Educator at Safe Berks, discusses the importance of goal planning and shares tips on how to make SMART goals, keep track of your goals, and being flexible with your goals. Spanish: Lisa De La Cruz, la Educadora Comunitaria de Safe Berks, habla sobre la...

  21. Las Barreras Que Impiden Ayuda (Barriers that prevent getting help)

    English: Lisa De La Cruz, the Community Educator at Safe Berks, discusses the various barriers that exist that prevent someone from getting help in a Domestic Violence situation in the Latinx community. Spanish: Lisa De La Cruz, la Educadora Comunitaria de Safe Berks, analiza las diversas…

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  22. Safe Berks | Meet Arianna Sanchez

    Arianna Sanchez, the Children’s Advocate at Safe Berks, shares information about trauma-informed services provided for children. Activities include the Nature Explore Garden, the Ready to Read Program, parties, games, homework help, arts and crafts, and more!

  23. Safe Berks | Meet Steve Ohnsman

    Steve Ohnsman, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors and a volunteer for many years, shares his passion for the Safe Berks mission of serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

  24. Safe Berks | Meet Rhonda Bates

    Rhonda Bates, Case Manager in the Safe Berks Safe House, describes the free services and support offered to residents. The Safe House provides shelter for up to 50 adults and children who have fled their homes due to domestic violence.

  25. Safe Berks | Meet Jay Mahoney

    Jay Mahoney, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors and long-time advocate, recalls the history of Safe Berks and how the organization has grown and evolved over the years.

  26. Safe Berks | Meet Danielle Palermo

    Danielle Palermo, Director of Counseling, shares information about the free, trauma-informed counseling services offered by Safe Berks.

  27. Safe Berks Celebration of Peace

    The Safe Berks Celebration of Peace, which took place Dec. 10, 2018, attracted more than 400 people and many generous sponsors. Koinos Community Church, Sinking Spring, and The Power of the Purse of Berks County received Voices for Change awards, and Dr. Thomas F. Flynn, President of Alvernia...

  28. SafeBerks | Meet Nicole Bowman

    Nicole Bowman of Moms Demand Action shares information about this advocacy group and their goal of encouraging common sense laws to prevent gun violence. Safe Berks and Moms Demand Action have partnered to encourage the passage of House Bill 2060, The Domestic Violence Protection Bill.

  29. Safe Berks | Meet Chiara Sockel Renninger

    Chiara Sockel Renninger shares the story of how she founded The Power of the Purse of Berks County. This fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides grants that help empower local women. The Power of the Purse will be honored with a Safe Berks Voices for Change award at the...

  30. La Importancia de la Rutina with Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena

    It is back to school time! Developing a regular routine is very important for both children and adults. In this Spanish language podcast, Safe Berks staff Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena discuss the importance of a good routine, including going to bed early, eating breakfast, and…

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  31. Safe Berks | Meet Tim Diehl Pastor of Community Life at Koinos Community Church

    Tim Diehl, Pastor of Community Life at Koinos Community Church, Sinking Spring, shares the story of how the Koinos congregation began helping Safe Berks ten years ago. Each year, they organize a significant donation drive based on the Safe Berks Wish List and deliver the items to Safe Berks.

  32. 20 Years of Serving Safe Berks | Meet Karima Archie

    Karima Archie, a member of the Safe Berks Board of Directors, shares why she has helped the organization as a volunteer for the past 20 years. In addition to serving on the Board for the past six years, her volunteer work has included answering the Hotline, serving on the Development Committee…

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  33. Safe Berks Services for College Students

    Stacey Jordan, Campus Advocate, and Paralegal at Safe Berks explain the services she offers local college students. Services include counseling, legal information and advocacy, and support for students applying for Protection From Abuse Orders (PFA). Stacey also offers assistance to students who...

  34. Safe Berks | Meet Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena

    Safe Berks staff members Mereliss Colon Ortiz and Letty Vazquez-Pena explain in Spanish the services available to survivors of domestic violence. Services include a 24-hour Hotline (844-789-SAFE), a Safe House with space for 50 people, counseling, and legal services. Services are free,...

  35. Safe Berks | Meet Jan Cremer

    Jan Cremer describes the history of the Safe Berks PeaceTrust. In 2007, Carolyn Holleran founded the PeaceTrust to provide solid, dependable funding for Safe Berks. Each member of this leadership giving program pledges $500 a year for five years to support Safe Berks. Safe Berks staff plan…

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  36. Safe Berks | Meet Jennifer Ebersole, Camp Safe Berks

    Jennifer Ebersole, Director of Education & Outreach at Safe Berks, shares information about Camp Safe Berks. This free day camp will take place July 23-27, 2018, at Albright College. Camp Safe Berks brings together youth and adults to form alliances of support that promote peace and social…

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  37. Safe Berks | Meet Mayra Rodriguez

    Letty Vazquez-Peña interviews Mayra Rodriguez in Spanish, about her participation in the Safe Berks PhotoVoice Project, and the photo exhibit at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The exhibit was held in April, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

  38. Safe Berks | Meet Mindy McIntosh

    Mindy McIntosh shares information about the Safe Berks Walk for NO MORE Event, on June 16, 2018, and how individuals, groups, and businesses can help raise funds and awareness for this fun event. Safe Berks Walk For No More will kick off at Art on the Avenue - West Reading. #NOMORE...

  39. Safe Berks | Meet Dr. Sudha Allitt

    Dr. Sudha Allitt, Co-founder & Executive Director of Kula Kamala Ashram: A School of Yoga, Yoga Therapy and Holistic Ministries in, Alsace Township, shares information about the healing benefits of yoga and meditation for survivors of trauma and caregivers.

  40. Safe Berks | Meet Julian Angulo from Community Prevention Partnership Pt 2

    In this Spanish language show, Letty Vazquez-Peña of SafeBerks interviews Julian Angulo about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. Julian serves as Program Manager of the Community Prevention Partnership “Eat, Play, Grow Program.”

  41. Safe Berks | Meet Julian Angulo from Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County

    Letty Vazquez-Peña of Safe Berks interviews Julian Angulo in Spanish, about his work as Program Manager of the Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County “Eat, Play, Grow Program.” This free program works to prevent obesity in children in Reading PA and offers children between the ages of 2...

  42. Safe Berks | Meet Amber Shamonsky

    Amber Shamonsky, Community Educator, explains the education programs Safe Berks offers schools, colleges, and other community organizations. These free educational programs aim to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. Amber also shares information about healthy relationships, and some of...

  43. Safe Berks | Meet Melissa Haydt

    Melissa Haydt, Vice President of the Children's Alliance Center Of Berks County (CAC), shares experiences from her more than 40-year career helping abused children. She also gives advice about how to spot signs of child sexual abuse, and how to help children who you believe might be suffering…

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  44. Safe Berks | Meet Ahely Espinoza

    Ahely Espinoza shares in Spanish the story of her life journey and education, which has led to her new job at Safe Berks, where she serves as Hotline Counselor. She is often the first voice a survivor hears when reaching out to Safe Berks.

  45. Safe Berks | Meet Aleida Rodriguez

    Aleida Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Residential Services and former Legal Advocate, explains in Spanish the Legal Services offered by Safe Berks. Services include assistance with Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders and Sexual Violence Protection (SVPO) orders. All Legal Services are free,...

  46. Safe Berks | Meet Kate Mallow

    Kate Mallow, Director of Counseling Services, explains the importance of trauma-informed empowerment counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. All counseling services at SafeBerks are free, confidential and available in English and Spanish.

  47. Safe Berks | Meet Andrew Kensey

    Police Chief Andrew Kensey, Chief of the Amity Township Police Department, shares his experiences of assisting victims of domestic violence, and the partnership between police and Safe Berks. He also invites people to support the Amity Township fundraiser for Safe Berks.

  48. Safe Berks | Meet Candida Jarquin

    Candida Jarquin shares her commitment to the Anti-Violence Movement for the last 17 years. Candida also explains her responsibilities as a Case Manager for the Residential Services Program at Safe Berks.

  49. Safe Berks | Meet Aleida Rodriguez

    Discussed having the resolution to end abuse, from the perspective of a victim, an abuser, or a community member. Also discussed the steps for a victim to leave a relationship. Our services are free, confidential, and offered in English and Spanish.

  50. Safe Berks | Meet Christine Gilfillan

    Safe Berks was founded in 1976 as Berks Women in Crisis. During the 1970s, the Anti-Violence Movement swept the nation, and shelters were opened across the country to provide a safe haven for victims. In 2016, Berks Women in Crisis announced our new name, Safe Berks, which is also our goal.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. Our vision is to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County.

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SAFE Berks

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does SAFE Berks have?

SAFE Berks currently has 79 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is SAFE Berks about?

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and ongoing support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our advocacy and education programs increase awareness and promote the prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, and all forms of oppression. Our vision is to eliminate domestic...

How often does SAFE Berks release new episodes?

SAFE Berks has 79 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to SAFE Berks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts SAFE Berks?

SAFE Berks is created and hosted by SAFE Berks.
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