LEWISBURG – An agency focused on helping familes dealing with domestic or sexual abuse is celebrating 40 years in the Valley. Their biggest fundraiser is coming up soon. Transitions will host their 28th annual Transitions Auction on Thursday June 4 at Susquehanna University.
Susan Mathias is executive director of the agency, “We started with focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault, but there has been so much that’s happened with regard to victim’s rights and other crimes. We are a comprehensive crime victim services agency, so we focus on elder abuse and elder fraud in addition to our core mission that revolves around domestic and sexual violence.”
Mathias says they have some unique offerings for their clients, “We have a 24-hour crisis line. We have local counselors. It’s our staff that answers the phone 24-hours. A lot of hotlines, you end up getting an answering service, but that’s not the case. We offer safe housing for people. We actually are just now going to be opening a new safe house in the heart of Shamokin. We are going through a major renovation of a wonderful home there.”
The event on June 4 will feature a large silent auction, a desert dash, wine balloons, plenty of food and more. You can register on their website at www.transitionsofpa.org. (Ali Stevens)