For Immediate Release
August 14, 2009

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

From the Heart Children’s Art Display Opens Today

From the Heart Childrens Art Display opens today in the main lobby of Erie City Hall . The children from shelter and non residential counseling created this inspiring art work. These pieces of art from the children give an insight on how many of them feel after witnessing or being part of domestic violence.

According to Rick Liebel, Public Relations Director, SafeNet, “We have a wonderful Children’s department,” Liebel said, “We are helping these kids deal with what they have been involved in, and helping them understand this isn’t how life should be.” One of the most expressive pieces of art is the Expression Masks, a two sided piece depicting how the children think the world sees them. Other displays include, “The Faces of Resiliency,“ “Flying free on the Wings of Dreams”, “Taming the Dragons”, “Life can be a Roller Coaster Ride” and the “Hands are not for Hitting pledge”. We are asking the community to stop and see this display and take the Hands are not for Hitting pledge, this will then be displayed along with pledges made with many local officials. From the Heart will be opened to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon until 6pm in the Main Lobby of Erie City Hall.

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.

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.