Carlisle, PA – May 1, 2020: Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) was awarded a $9,000 grant from the Betty and Leo Balzereit Foundation. Balzereit’s mission is to help alleviate the pain, neglect, and isolation that abused women and children as well as the homeless face. This grant will support DVSCP’s emergency shelter, which serves women, children, and men who are fleeing from violent homes.
Domestic violence is pervasive – in 2018, 123 people lost their lives in Pennsylvania in domestic violence related incidents – including the first DV-related murder in Cumberland County since 2014. National statistics are reflected locally – last year, the agency served 1,221 clients, provided shelter to 72 adults and 64 children (an average of 10 adults and 11 children per month), and fielded 1,467 Hotline calls. Of those calls, 14% fell into a ‘high risk of death’ category. While staying at the shelter, residents are provided with food, clothing, medical needs, school supplies, and transportation at no cost to them.
The programs and services DVSCP offers are of critical importance to the community. Without this grant, many would be forced to remain in life-threatening home environments instead of working with agency staff to rebuild their lives. DVSCP is grateful for this generous donation.