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Centre County proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month; Center Safe highlights services, hotline and outreach
Summary
The Board adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and heard a presentation from Center Safe on services, funding mix and outreach; the nonprofit noted it supports about 200 people annually and marked its 50th anniversary.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners on April 8 adopted Proclamation No. 14 of 2025, proclaiming April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Centre County. Jennifer Penzik, executive director of Center Safe, and Avery Heverly, the organization’s prevention educator, described the nonprofit’s services and outreach during a presentation before the vote.
Penzik said Center Safe celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and provides free, confidential services across the county, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, outreach and education, shelter, housing, and supervised custody exchanges. “Each year, Center Safe supports approximately 200 individuals of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate the trauma of the aftermath of sexual assault,” Penzik said.
Penzik outlined the organization’s funding mix as a “mosaic” of federal, state and local grants, foundation grants and private fundraising; she estimated roughly 30–40% of Center Safe’s funding comes from local private fundraising and individual donations. She also gave the organization’s hotline number and web address for people seeking help or information: the toll‑free 24/7 hotline is (877) 234-5050 and more information is at www.centersafe.org.
Commissioners praised Center Safe’s outreach and education, including school programs and community prevention work, and noted collaborative partnerships with local service providers and law enforcement. After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt Proclamation No. 14; the motion was seconded and the board voted by voice, with the chair saying “motion carries.”
