Lewisburg, PA, July 26, 2022 - Transitions of PA was selected as one of two recipients of $10,000 awards through the Community Giving Foundation's Women's Giving Circle on July 20, 2022. Shape of Justice was the other award recipient.
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Transitions of PA is a comprehensive crime victim services center for Union, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties with a focus on services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. They provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, peer counseling, support groups, and therapy. Transitions operates two emergency safe houses for victims and their children who are either fleeing domestic violence or homeless due to domestic violence. The agency also operates a rapid rehousing program to provide individuals with rental assistance and case management/supportive services.
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Transitions will use the Women's Giving Circle award to provide financial assistance to formerly homeless survivors of domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence require support and resources to build financial stability and independence, especially when abusers have limited their access to assets, hidden financial information, or ruined the survivor's credit. Survivors who achieve financial stability are less likely to return to an abusive partner.
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Most participants who enter the rapid rehousing program to attain safe, affordable, and permanent housing have few possessions and lack the resources to outfit a new apartment or home. Participants can use the funding to purchase household necessities such as furniture, cleaning supplies, or kitchen items. Transitions will be able to help approximately 20 families in the rapid rehousing program with Women's Giving Circle grant funding.
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The Women's Giving Circle of the Community Giving Foundation empowers, connects, and inspires women and girls by supporting initiatives and resources that better their lives. Established in 2017, this dynamic group of women continues to engage in new relationships, provide valuable grants to local organizations, and share their passions with the community.
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Statement Regarding the Domestic Violence Homicide of Leslie bailor.
By Mae-Ling Kranz, Chief Executive Officer, Transitions of PA
Lewisburg, PA, April 22, 2022 - Transitions of PA is deeply saddened to learn of the recent domestic violence homicide of Leslie Bailor of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
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“We, along with the community, are learning the details of this devastating tragedy through information released by the Pennsylvania State Police and reported on by local media. An outpouring of love, grief, heartbreak, confusion, frustration, and anger can be found in the comments of news reports, articles, and social media posts about Leslie's death. Her death has sparked many questions and conversations about domestic violence," said Mae-Ling Kranz, Chief Executive Officer at Transitions.
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Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used by one partner to gain and maintain control over the other partner. It is complex and takes many forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and technological.
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Domestic violence does not discriminate and impacts people regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or education. Abusive and controlling behaviors can be subtle but escalate over time, becoming more physically violent. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reports women to comprise 85% of domestic violence victims. Nationally, an average of 3 women are killed by a current or former intimate partner every day. Friends, relatives, colleagues, and neighbors are often the first to learn about the violence a victim is experiencing.
“We want anyone who may be experiencing abuse in their relationship to know they are not alone, and help is available," said Kranz. Transitions services are voluntary, confidential, safe, and free to those who need them. Anyone who feels unsafe in their relationship is urged to call 1-800-850-7948, Transitions' 24/7 crisis hotline, to speak with a trained advocate.
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"Leslie's life, and death, will not be forgotten. Comments and memories shared on social media about Leslie, her love for her children, her pets, and her friends show a small piece of the immediate impacts of this tragedy. The impacts will be long-lasting. Leslie's children and loved ones need all the support they can get, right now and in the future. I hope our community will continue to rally around Leslie's children, her family, friends, and any other individual they know who is experiencing domestic violence," said Kranz.
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Whether you have questions, need resources, or want someone who will listen without judgment, Transitions’ advocates will be there to take your call. Anyone who suspects they know someone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to reach out for more information and resources about how to help make a difference in the lives of victims and survivors of domestic violence.
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Transitions of PA is Susquehanna Valley's comprehensive victim service center providing advocacy, empowerment, and education to victims, survivors, and communities to end patterns of violence and abuse throughout Union, Snyder, and Northumberland counties. To learn more about Transitions of PA and available services, visit www.transitionsofpa.org. To learn more about the National Network to End Domestic Violence and national efforts, visit www.nnedv.org.