Pike honors Safe Haven, supports March of Dimes

David Hulse
Posted 8/21/12

“Where else would these women go? Thank you for doing what you do, for opening your hearts to complete strangers,” Pike County Commissioners Chair Rich Caridi said in presenting a proclamation …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Pike honors Safe Haven, supports March of Dimes

Posted

“Where else would these women go? Thank you for doing what you do, for opening your hearts to complete strangers,” Pike County Commissioners Chair Rich Caridi said in presenting a proclamation commending the domestic violence intervention work of Safe Haven of Pike County (SHPC).

David Bever, SHPC executive director, said victims of domestic violence leaving home need safety for themselves and their children. Leaving, which can take as many as seven attempts, is the most dangerous time for victims, he said.

It is the time when domestic violence victims can most easily lose their lives, as some 57 women and 10 men in Pennsylvania did in 2012.

Bever said Safe Haven also offers services for men, but not as many have sought services. “Our challenge is outreach to the clergy and police. We want to reach everyone. We’re all vocally appalled, but we can create a place where it may not take seven attempts to leave,” he said.

Safe Haven recently moved its offices to 402 Broad St. The organization provides a hotline at 570/296-HELP (4357). Those who have been abused or may be a victim of crime should call to reach advocates available 24 hours each day, seven days per week, 365 days each year. They provide safe and convenient emergency shelter to any victim of domestic violence in crisis in Pike County and the surrounding areas. For more information call 570/296-2827.

The commissioners also approved a resolution of support for the annual March of Dimes, “March for Babies,” which was scheduled to take place October 6 at Matamoras’ Firefly Park. Said to be the nation’s oldest walk fundraiser, the march honors babies born healthy and those who need help to survive and thrive.

Organizer Joseph Biondo has been involved since he and his wife lost a prematurely born son in 2007. He said the march, which last year drew some 400 participants, this year would also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes.

In other business last week, the commissioners awarded the winter road maintenance contract for its county roads: Brooks Road, Stone Quarry Road by Eueka and Tower Road at $675 per application; and Old Owego Turnpike from Raymondskill Road to Route 6 at $350 per application.

The contract for Community Development Block Grant-funded construction-site work at Milford’s Ann Street Park was awarded to Greiner Excavating Inc, at $5,775.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here