For Immediate Release
March 14, 2007

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

Verizon Brings SafeNet Closer to its Campaign Goal

Susan Kanonczyk, Director of External Affairs for Verizon presented a $10,000.00 check to the Vice President and Treasurer of SafeNet's Board of Directors at 1702 French Street for SafeNet's Capital Campaign. With this check SafeNet is now at $850,000.00 of its 2 million dollar goal. The public kick off of the campaign began in January with the approval by the Community Fund Drives committee. SafeNet's capital campaign goal is to raise 2 million dollars to provide shelter, counseling, peace of mind and dignity for the clients at our emergency shelter. The project includes the addition of a 2,775 square foot annex which will have four additional bedrooms, four bathrooms, two new laundry areas, handicap accessible bedroom capable of sleeping four, kitchen, dedicated quiet area for adults, first floor play room and a quiet area for older children and teens to do homework. This should increase the number served in shelter by at least 15%. We also want to purchase a piece of property adjacent to the shelter for a secure outdoor play area, meditation and additional parking. Thirdly, the renovation of the original shelter is to include renovation of kitchen and bathrooms, increasing office space, new concrete sidewalks and roof replacement. The public aspect of our capital campaign runs until December 2007.

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 support, safety and shelter 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 or email at rliebel@safeneterie.org.