SafeNet

Mission

SafeNet is committed to ending domestic violence, affirming human dignity, and delivering comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence.

SafeNet provides sanctuary, support, education, advocacy, and promotes changes in legislation and social policies.  We believe every individual has the right to be respected and to live a life free from abuse.  

Programs and Services

• SafeNet provides free and confidential shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and education to 1500 victims of domestic violence annually in Erie County. Specifically, SafeNet provides:
• Emergency Shelter: Since 1974, SafeNet has offered safe, comfortable and confidential short-term housing 24/7 for healing and planning for the future. Of the 500 individuals that are served each year in shelter, half are children under the age of twelve. Victims and their children arrive at SafeNet often with just the clothes on their backs. SafeNet provides clothing, food and even school supplies to begin the healing process.
• Counseling and Advocacy: SafeNet’s core services are counseling and advocacy. A central theme in counseling is safety planning. This involves not just physical safety, but emotional and psychological as well. SafeNet also has a 24/7 counseling hotline.
• Legal Representation: SafeNet provides attorney representation for Protection From Abuse Orders and other legal issues resulting from the abusive relationship.
• Education and Training. SafeNet provides training to police officers, health care workers, and many others so that our community support system has a better understanding of the challenges faced by families trying to free themselves from abuse.
• Transitional Housing: Since 1986, SafeNet’s Bridge House Program has provided safe and affordable transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children, who are now homeless, to rebuild their lives.
• TLC: Since 1990, The TLC program has provided transitional housing for young homeless mothers, 16 to 21 years old. Study areas, play areas, kitchens, and a garden are available for residents working toward self-sufficiency and developing parenting skills.
• Children’s Programs: Children learn empowerment, are taught positive values and boundaries, and are shown support to help them develop into caring responsible adults. In addition to the children who accompany their parent in shelter, we also provide community based counseling to children under the age of seventeen.
• SafeNet’s counseling for children utilizes evidence-based techniques to enhance self-esteem and build support networks. In addition, services for children include case management, child-care, transportation to the home school, and other appointments, outings (library, zoo, Asbury Woods)Art Therapy, and celebrations. Yes, children are in shelter on their birthdays and even on Christmas morning.

Contact

Geri Cicchetti

Send an email | View the website | 814-455-1774

PO Box 1436
Erie, Pennsylvania 16512-143