Breaking the cycle of domestic violence one person at a time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Allison O’Malley, Executive Director
Safe Journey
(o) 585.425.1580 / (m) 585.727.7598
Safe Journey receives gift from Rochester Area Community Foundation
Funds will be used to foster economic independence for domestic violence survivors
Fairport, NY -- June 20, 2011: Safe Journey, a Fairport-based resource and support center for domestic violence survivors, has received $5,000 from the Rochester Women’s Giving Circle Fund of the Rochester Area Community Foundation. The gift will support Safe Journey’s survivor resettlement program that provides one-on-one financial counseling as well as furniture and household items to women and children rebuilding their lives after domestic violence.
“All too often fears regarding finances and debt prevent domestic violence victims from leaving or staying out of an abusive relationship,” stated Allison O’Malley, Executive Director, Safe Journey. “The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle grant will allow Safe Journey to offer financial counseling services to clients so that they can come to terms with their financial situation and develop a plan that empowers them to change their circumstances -- a critical step to permanently breaking the cycle of domestic violence.”
Safe Journey’s mission is to support today’s survivors of domestic violence as they transition to lives free from abuse and to prevent domestic violence in future generations through outreach and education. In addition to the survivor resettlement program, the organization offers the survivor transition program which provides individual counseling, support groups, lifeskill training, parenting support, court accompaniment and mentoring services. Safe Journey also conducts domestic violence awareness education and teen dating violence prevention education upon request.
The Rochester Area Community Foundation helps individuals, families, and organizations benefit the six counties surrounding Rochester through creative philanthropy. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded $17 million in grants, principally to nonprofit organizations serving Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans counties. Initiatives of Rochester Area Community Foundation have major impact in the areas of early childhood education, youth and families, and civic engagement. See www.racf.org.
About Safe Journey
Safe Journey is an outreach ministry of the Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton and is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. Situated in a secure suburban location, Safe Journey provides a safe, welcoming atmosphere where survivors of domestic abuse will find allies deeply committed to supporting their journey. We recognize that rebuilding is a process with many facets and that each survivor has unique needs. Our agency offers support and educational services customized to each survivor and a community outreach program dedicated to educating society about the prevalence and impact of domestic violence. For more information, go to www.safejourney.org.
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Ecumenical Ministries of Perinton, dba Safe Journey
PO Box 21 ~ Fairport, NY 14450 ~ 585.425.1580 ~ www.safejourney.org