For Immediate Release
Date: May 8, 2007

Contact:    Rick Liebel
                Public Relations and Development Director
                (814) 455-1774 Ext. 234
                (814) 881-6530 cell

SafeNet Kicks Off its Public Portion of its
2 Million Dollar Capital Campaign

SafeNet will officially kick off its public portion of its 2 million dollar Capital Campaign with a reception that will be held at the General Electric Learning Center, 2901 East Lake Road, May 10th 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm with presentations beginning at 6:00 pm. The event will include a check presentation from General Electric to SafeNet and special recognition to Erie Insurance Group for the Lead Corporate Gift and to Mrs. Susan Hirt Hagen for her personal lead gift. According to SafeNet's Executive Director, "We are so thrilled how the Erie Community has really come forward with their support and generosity for victims of Domestic Violence."

When SafeNet began over 30 years ago, the founders never imagined how the need for our Hospitality House shelter would grow. The shelter is a house that was originally built for a family of five, and today it houses as many as 28 victims and their children. The overcrowding at our shelter on any given day may include 20 children who have been uprooted from their homes. This impacts our ability to provide the best service and crisis resolution we can for each family member. In addition, the Executive Director continued, "By renovating and expanding our emergency shelter, we will greatly improve living conditions for Erie's abused women, men and children who come to us for help."

SafeNet is not a homeless shelter, but a safe and confidential place specifically for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence.  From every city and township in the area, victims come to SafeNet seeking shelter, safety and support from physical abuse and threats of violence occurring at home.  After more than 30 years of providing shelter and many other supportive services, SafeNet knows first-hand that there is hope and there is help. SafeNet is Pennsylvania's oldest continuous running domestic violence shelter.

PLEASE NOTE: For interviews with SafeNet's Executive Director or any staff member of SafeNet, contact Rick Liebel, Public Relations and Development Director at 455-1774 extension 234, cell 814-881-6530 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.