While reading about SafeNet’s history, you may click on most section headings to learn more about that section’s topic.
SafeNet proudly celebrated 50 years of service in 2024, continuing its mission to support and empower victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs and gender-identity.
Shelter
A group of interfaith women founded Hospitality House, the precursor to SafeNet, in 1974 as a private nonprofit dedicated to providing emergency shelter for women and their children in crisis.
At a time when no shelters existed for women with children, the founders—Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant—created a safe, welcoming space for those left homeless or stranded. Within a year, demand quickly exceeded capacity. The original house, with just three bedrooms and eight beds, could not meet the growing need.
As staff worked with residents, they recognized that most crises stemmed from domestic violence. In 1978, the organization moved to a larger, confidential location with support from community leaders. Although the new shelter increased capacity, overcrowding continued.
Around the same time, leadership joined a statewide effort to establish legal protections for abuse victims. This work contributed to the creation of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where Executive Director Sheila Ardery served in key leadership roles. The coalition later became a national model for domestic violence advocacy.
Bridge House
Many victims remain in abusive relationships because they lack safe, stable housing. Emergency shelter offers immediate relief, but long-term solutions require income and housing stability.
In 1986, state funding allowed Hospitality House to purchase an adjacent apartment building, creating the Bridge House program. This transitional housing gave women and their children time to rebuild their lives, secure income, and search for permanent housing.
Just as importantly, the program helps participants reconnect with family, friends, and community—breaking the isolation common in abusive relationships. Bridge House became the first transitional housing program for battered women in the United States.
PFACS (Protection from Abuse Coordinated Services)
From its early days, Hospitality House supported victims seeking Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. Initially, volunteer attorneys provided legal assistance; over time, grant funding expanded these services.
In 1990, housed in SafeNet’s building, PFACS was established as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit to serve victims both in shelter and in the broader community. Without representation, many domestic abuse victims face their abusers alone in court and struggle to navigate the legal system.
PFACS addresses these barriers by providing legal advocates, attorneys, and interpreters at no cost. These services help victims understand their options, build confidence, and follow through with legal protections.
Today, Civil Legal Representation (CLR) includes support for custody, support, and divorce cases—without requiring a PFA.
Medical Advocacy
In 1996, SafeNet became one of 12 programs nationwide selected for a federal grant to strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and domestic violence services. Early collaborations with local hospitals focused on training medical staff to recognize abuse and connect patients to support.
Today, SafeNet provides 24/7 on-call advocacy for emergency departments, offers ongoing training, and hosts accredited medical conferences. Advocates may transport victims to shelter or connect them with legal and counseling services.
The program also partners with regional institutions through its Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative. By linking victims to services early, communities can reduce long-term healthcare and emergency response costs.
Counseling and Outreach Programs
Leaving an abusive relationship is only the first step. Victims and their children often face long-term emotional and psychological impacts, including trauma and loss of independence.
SafeNet provides counseling that focuses on empowerment, safety, and healing rather than diagnosis. Certified counselors help victims rebuild confidence, develop safety plans, and regain control over their lives.
Children also receive specialized support to process their experiences and develop healthy coping skills. In addition to shelter-based services, SafeNet offers counseling through outreach locations and community partnerships.
A successful capital campaign in 1999 expanded services and led to the opening of the SafeNet Center, increasing visibility and access for those in need.
Annex
To address ongoing overcrowding, SafeNet opened a new annex in 2007. Previously, as many as 28 domestic abuse victims and children shared a space designed for a single family.
The annex added bedrooms and living areas, increasing capacity to 43 adult beds and significantly improving living conditions for residents.
This building project was funded by major gifts to SafeNet’s 2006 capital campaign.
The Big Backyard
SafeNet long envisioned a dedicated outdoor space for children, who make up about half of shelter residents each year. When nearby properties became available, that vision took shape.
Through community partnerships and fundraising efforts, the Big Backyard Children’s Garden opened in 2010–11. Volunteers, local organizations, and businesses contributed time and resources to create a safe, welcoming play environment.
