Domestic Violence Center of Chester County

PCADV is pleased to announce that the FY 24-25 state budget, signed by Governor Shapiro last night, includes a $2.5M increase in the domestic violence line item. We thank our champions in the Governor’s office, the legislature, and the Department of Human Services, who were critical partners in securing this increased funding for domestic violence services. Pennsylvania’s 59 domestic violence programs, serving 90,000 victims annually, have not seen a meaningful budget increase in half a decade. While this appropriation represents a historic increase, it falls short of the Governor’s original proposal of a $5M increase and far below PCADV’s goal of an $8M increase. Most importantly, it is not enough to meet the real needs of all domestic violence victims and their children in Pennsylvania. Unmet requests for services have more than doubled in the last year, placing victims and their children at increased risk of harm. This is an alarming trend that cannot be ignored. The need for continued and increased support is critical. With cuts to Victims of Crime Act funding looming and additional massive cuts proposed to other federal programs that support domestic violence prevention, PCADV is already gearing up for FY 25-26 budget advocacy. “We will not stop advocating until every victim’s need is met with the resources required to secure their safety,” Higginbotham emphasized, “because every victim in Pennsylvania deserves access to the help they need when they need it.”

When we think about the work we do, Independence Day holds a deeper meaning. Today, we celebrate the courage of survivors who have bravely reclaimed their independence from abuse. Your strength inspires hope and lights the path to a brighter future.

As we begin our new fiscal year, we're proud to unveil our refreshed mission and vision statements, which now place an even stronger emphasis on domestic violence prevention. Discover more at https://lnkd.in/ev7Q2m_9

Safe leave laws protect domestic violence survivors by providing time off from work to address critical needs like obtaining a protective order or relocating for safety - without losing the pay that they depend on. HB 181/SB 580 would make paid safe leave a reality in PA. PCADV's Director of Prevention, Kristen Herman, joined the Women's Health Caucus at the Capitol yesterday to call on House Leader Matt Bradford to swiftly pass HB 181/SB 580

Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality. PCADV recognizes the significance of this day and stands in solidarity with the Black community and Black survivors. We are committed to supporting and uplifting survivors of domestic violence, especially those from marginalized communities who face unique challenges. Join us in honoring Juneteenth by educating, advocating, and supporting initiatives that promote justice and equality for all. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free from violence and oppression.

What is Juneteenth? In this episode of Unique Coloring, The Truth About Juneteenth, Daniel J. Middleton discusses the Juneteenth celebration, which originated in Galveston, Texas with the June 19, 1865 announcement of General Order No. 3. Former Texas slaves commemorated the date and carried it wherever they migrated. https://lnkd.in/eN_bV84m

We're hosting an informative, Lunch & Learn webinar on MONDAY, June 24th to discuss healing through holistic health, wellness, and mindfulness practices. Not only do these methods have a positive impact on survivors of trauma and abuse, incorporating them into your day-to-day can help improve the health and wellbeing of even the busiest folks out there. Join us next week LIVE ON FACEBOOK for this conversation with local practitioners.

Want to learn more about Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ+ community? Check out this webinar that we hosted a few years ago with some local experts and service providers A local, West Chester University professor shared that "It is always exciting for me to find course material that does as much as this webinar does!" https://lnkd.in/euws-Unr

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who made this year's All That's Purple event a monumental success! We're thrilled to announce that together, we raised over $100,000 to support our mission of ending domestic violence and empowering survivors. Your generosity and support mean the world to us and the individuals we serve. Special thanks to our incredible sponsors for their commitment to our mission: Presenting Sponsor: Bentley Systems Orchid Sponsors: Hankin Group James & Patricia Shinehouse Lavender Sponsors: Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Tom & Lara Dushkewich Becker Locksmith Services, Inc. Richard & Elizabeth Purcell Nancy Barnes Piazza Subaru of Limerick Mary Alice Malone Schipsi Electric LLC Communications Test Design, Inc. Phoenixville Community Health Foundation WSFS RE/MAX Main Line Mr. & Mrs. Francis Abbott bbd Mulberry Sponsors: DFT Inc. - Check & Control Valve Manufacturer Kathleen Purcell Dolly Wideman-Scott Kitty & Gary Knox Time to Leap Rodger & Michelle Ollis Eugene Bissell St. Paul's Church Julie Hawthorne Jessica Socienski Peter Loedel Christo IT Services Jean and Gerard Francois Win & May Van Sovereign Insurance Group Citadel Skyler Fox Paul & Sherryann Plesse Together, we are making a difference. Thank you for standing with us and for your continued support! Special thanks & acknowledgement to Altoonian Photography and Ben Waters, Jr. Photography.

THANK YOU to everyone who came out to celebrate Vibe Vault Fit’s 5th anniversary with us at Más Mexicali Cantina. We are so grateful to our hosts, bartenders, Kristine, Bhavna, Toni, and the entire team & community with Vibe Vault for a successful event - through this effort, we collected $4,693 in donations!