Executive Director Beth Sturman and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Koellhoffer discussed Laurel House, a safe shelter and support service for families facing domestic abuse.  We discussed first the forms that abuse can take, it can be emotional or financial, there can be physical abuse, but controlling behavior is the driving condition.  It crosses all educational and financial lines, it's in every community and costs us over 8.3 billion a year in services and lost wages.   They described domestic abuse and its effect on women and children; 15.5 million children live in a home where partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, these children are now at risk of long-term physical and mental health problems and they are also at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships.   For teens, one in 10 was hit by a romantic partner yet only 30% will say something about it.  They discussed the role of loved ones, co-workers and friends in ending a DA situation, without being assertive or offering advice, by just asking, 'Are you okay?' or 'You don't seem like yourself, is something wrong?'   Laurel House offers emergency shelter for women and children leaving DA and housing for the men who become victims.  There is a 24/7 Hotline that anyone can call, victim or concerned friend, that can offer supports and resources. They advised having a plan for leaving the relationship, with custody, legal documents and secretly saved money.  In emergencies, their DART rapid response works with law enforcement to get victims to safety as soon as possible.  Laurel House provides legal help for custody, restraining orders and other protections from abuse. They offer counseling and parenting classes as well.  Samantha described upcoming events, the September 14th Fun Run and October 20th 5K Walk/Run,  the October 16th Breaking the Silence Luncheon and media discussion, and their annual Drag Bingo and Galas.  She described the volunteer needs and the training for those who want to help with client needs.  

HOTLINE: 800-642-3150 

LAUREL-HOUSE.ORG

Executive Director Beth Sturman and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Koellhoffer discussed Laurel House, a safe shelter and support service for families facing domestic abuse.&nbsp; We discussed first the forms that abuse can take, it can be emotional or financial, there can be physical abuse, but controlling behavior is the driving condition.&nbsp; It crosses all educational and financial lines, it's in every community and costs us over 8.3 billion a year in services and lost wages.&nbsp; &nbsp;They described domestic abuse and its effect on women and children; 15.5 million children live in a home where partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, these children are now at risk of long-term physical and mental health problems and they are also at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships.&nbsp; &nbsp;For teens, one in 10 was hit by a romantic partner yet only 30% will say something about it.&nbsp; They discussed the role of loved ones, co-workers and friends in ending a DA situation, without being assertive or offering advice, by just asking, 'Are you okay?' or 'You don't seem like yourself, is something wrong?'&nbsp; &nbsp;Laurel House offers emergency shelter for women and children leaving DA and housing for the men who become victims.&nbsp; There is a 24/7 Hotline that anyone can call, victim or concerned friend, that can offer supports and resources. They advised having a plan for leaving the relationship, with custody, legal documents and secretly saved money.&nbsp; In emergencies, their DART rapid response works with law enforcement to get victims to safety as soon as possible.&nbsp; Laurel House provides legal help for custody, restraining orders and other protections from abuse. They offer counseling and parenting classes as well.&nbsp; Samantha described upcoming events, the September 14th Fun Run and October 20th 5K Walk/Run,&nbsp; the October 16th Breaking the Silence Luncheon and media discussion, and their annual Drag Bingo and Galas.&nbsp; She described the volunteer needs and the training for those who want to help with client needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;
HOTLINE: 800-642-3150&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.laurel-house.org">LAUREL-HOUSE.ORG</a>

Our Delaware Valley introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities.

Our Delaware Valley looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Our Delaware Valley

Laurel House Executive Director Beth Sturman and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Koellhoffer discussed Domestic Abuse

From Rebuilding Together Philadelphia Stefanie Seldin, President and CEO, and Jean Allen, Volunteer,  Board Member and recipient of a home rebuild, discussed the non-profit that seeks to repair homes and revitalize communities.  Each year, with the support of hundreds of volunteers and community partners, they provide repairs to at least 125 homeowners, over 2,100 homes since 1988 to make them safe, healthy and secure assets for the next generation.  Volunteers work along side professional builders to make homes safe for their owners, based on a 25-point check list of priorities that includes fixing exterior walls and rooves, removing mold and pests, kitchens, baths and laundry are vented, smoke and CO detectors are installed, carpeting removed and replaced with dust free flooring, fixing plumbing and heating, and installing grab bars where needed.   

We discussed Philadelphia’s housing, older homes, an older population, with a 25% poverty rate and 51% home ownership, many with title issues.  Stefanie explained there are over 27,000 homes without the basics of heat or running water and 25% of our children have asthma, affecting their health, their education and their parents ability to work. 

Jean described the process, once homes are chosen through partnership with participating community development agencies, the hired contractors work with the homeowner to review the work, then volunteers and neighbors work together with them to complete the jobs.  The results, a liveable, safe home that not only increases the home’s value but impacts the neighborhood with lower crime rates and a new sense of community.

RTP believes that housing is a human right fundamental to survival, and homeownership gives a family the financial security of building equity (rather than paying rent) as well as the security of having a place to call your own.  It offers a stable environment to raise a family, a sense of pride, and a stake in the community. 

Stefanie and Jean discussed the need for volunteers, individuals and groups or businesses to work at their three annual Block Builds or the Asthma Trigger Reduction program rebuilding days.  They also need participants and volunteers for their Saturday, May 8th annual 5k Run/2-mile Walk to help raise money for the home repairs that keep people safe in their homes.

For more information about programming and volunteer opportunities go to RebuildingPhilly.org

From Rebuilding Together Philadelphia Stefanie Seldin, President and CEO, and Jean Allen, Volunteer,  Board Member and recipient of a home rebuild, discussed the non-profit that seeks to repair homes and revitalize communities.  Each year, with the support of hundreds of volunteers and community partners, they provide repairs to at least 125 homeowners, over 2,100 homes since 1988 to make them safe, healthy and secure assets for the next generation.  Volunteers work along side professional builders to make homes safe for their owners, based on a 25-point check list of priorities that includes fixing exterior walls and rooves, removing mold and pests, kitchens, baths and laundry are vented, smoke and CO detectors are installed, carpeting removed and replaced with dust free flooring, fixing plumbing and heating, and installing grab bars where needed.   
We discussed Philadelphia’s housing, older homes, an older population, with a 25% poverty rate and 51% home ownership, many with title issues.  Stefanie explained there are over 27,000 homes without the basics of heat or running water and 25% of our children have asthma, affecting their health, their education and their parents ability to work. 
Jean described the process, once homes are chosen through partnership with participating community development agencies, the hired contractors work with the homeowner to review the work, then volunteers and neighbors work together with them to complete the jobs.  The results, a liveable, safe home that not only increases the home’s value but impacts the neighborhood with lower crime rates and a new sense of community.
RTP believes that housing is a human right fundamental to survival, and homeownership gives a family the financial security of building equity (rather than paying rent) as well as the security of having a place to call your own.  It offers a stable environment to raise a family, a sense of pride, and a stake in the community. 
Stefanie and Jean discussed the need for volunteers, individuals and groups or businesses to work at their three annual Block Builds or the Asthma Trigger Reduction program rebuilding days.  They also need participants and volunteers for their Saturday, May 8th annual 5k Run/2-mile Walk to help raise money for the home repairs that keep people safe in their homes.
For more information about programming and volunteer opportunities go to <a href="http://www.RebuildingPhilly.org">RebuildingPhilly.org</a>

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia

Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO ofJunior Achievement of Southeastern PA discussed the national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring. 

She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.

For more information on enrolling your student or bringing JA to your school, or to volunteer, visit southeasternpa.JA.org

Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA discussed the national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring. 
She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.
For more information on enrolling your student or bringing JA to your school, or to volunteer, visit <a href="http://www.southeasternpa.JA.org">southeasternpa.JA.org</a>

Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA provides Financial and Career Education

Surrey Senior Services President and CEO, Jill Whitcomb discussed the non-profit that provides aging-in-place services to help older adults in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties navigate and thrive in each of the transitional phases of older life.  Founded in 1981 by Jeanne LaRouche on a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” Surrey’s mission was to help seniors who needed services and to engage retired seniors in need of a new sense of purpose. T oday Surrey operates centers in Devon, Bryn Mawr, Broomall and Media. Each of Surrey’s centers offers a range of exercise classes, health screenings, dental work, activities, congregate meals and social events.

We discussed the special needs of seniors living in suburban communities, home maintenance is more expensive, food and social activities are not withing walking distance and public transportation is expensive and infrequent.  Poverty is another problem, many older residents live on fixed incomes and housing and food insecurity are real, but hidden, issues. 

Surrey delivers and coordinates critically needed services like transportation; healthy lunches and home-delivered meals; center- based and virtual programs and activities; friendly phone calls and CHORE Services–Surrey’s Volunteer Network (yardwork and small home repairs). These services enable older adults to remain in their homes and age well and safely in place. When additional support is needed, Surrey is ready to help with RN Care Management; Medical Procedure Escort Services; Telehealth Services; Personal Finance Management; Live-in Care; Personal Care Services; and Social Companions.

She described the Surrey operations led by nurses, social workers, experienced staff in the field of aging services, and a loyal volunteer corps, many of whom are older themselves.  

Jill explains that Surrey is primarily supported through private donations, grants, volunteers, community partners, and a small percentage of government funding, so community support is needed.  They host two fundraising events each year, their annual Garden Party, this year celebrating Paris on June 12, and an annual Holiday House Tour and gift bazaar in December.    Tickets for the June 12th party will be available – while they last – on their website.

For services, volunteer opportunities and information about the annual garden Party, visit SurreyServices.org.   

Surrey Senior Services President and CEO, Jill Whitcomb discussed the non-profit that provides aging-in-place services to help older adults in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties navigate and thrive in each of the transitional phases of older life.  Founded in 1981 by Jeanne LaRouche on a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” Surrey’s mission was to help seniors who needed services and to engage retired seniors in need of a new sense of purpose. T oday Surrey operates centers in Devon, Bryn Mawr, Broomall and Media. Each of Surrey’s centers offers a range of exercise classes, health screenings, dental work, activities, congregate meals and social events.
We discussed the special needs of seniors living in suburban communities, home maintenance is more expensive, food and social activities are not withing walking distance and public transportation is expensive and infrequent.  Poverty is another problem, many older residents live on fixed incomes and housing and food insecurity are real, but hidden, issues. 
Surrey delivers and coordinates critically needed services like transportation; healthy lunches and home-delivered meals; center- based and virtual programs and activities; friendly phone calls and CHORE Services–Surrey’s Volunteer Network (yardwork and small home repairs). These services enable older adults to remain in their homes and age well and safely in place. When additional support is needed, Surrey is ready to help with RN Care Management; Medical Procedure Escort Services; Telehealth Services; Personal Finance Management; Live-in Care; Personal Care Services; and Social Companions.
She described the Surrey operations led by nurses, social workers, experienced staff in the field of aging services, and a loyal volunteer corps, many of whom are older themselves.  
Jill explains that Surrey is primarily supported through private donations, grants, volunteers, community partners, and a small percentage of government funding, so community support is needed.  They host two fundraising events each year, their annual Garden Party, this year celebrating Paris on June 12, and an annual Holiday House Tour and gift bazaar in December.    Tickets for the June 12th party will be available – while they last – on their website.
For services, volunteer opportunities and information about the annual garden Party, visit <a href="http://www.SurreyServices.org.">SurreyServices.org</a>.

Laurel House Executive Director Beth Sturman and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Koellhoffer discussed Domestic Abuse

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