Local news

Centre highlights community services with proclamations

BELLEFONTE -- The Centre County Board of Commissioners declared October 2025 as both "Centre County Protects Kids Month" and "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," reaffirming their commitment to protecting vulnerable residents.

Centre County Protects Kids Month

"As we recognize October as 'Centre County Protects Kids Month,' we bring to light the important role we all play in the prevention of possible child abuse and neglect," said Centre County Children and Youth Agency Liaison Stephanie Smith.

She was joined in the proclamation by members of the Better 2gether Collaborative, a coalition of organizations committed to advocating for youth across Centre County. The group, in collaboration with contracted providers and community agencies, works year-round to provide prevention education to end child abuse and neglect.

According to Smith, between January and August of this year, Centre County Children and Youth Services responded to about 122 reports of Child Protective Services (CPS) and 783 General Protective Services (GPS) reports.

"It would not be possible to respond to that number of reports without the support of the board of commissioners," Smith said, extending her thanks also to the other members of the Better 2gether Collaborative.

"Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and this month we highlight the many ways we can keep Centre County's children safe and protected," Smith said.

After her remarks, representatives from Better 2gether spoke about their ongoing efforts to protect children in Centre County. The collaborative includes the YMCA of Centre County, Centre Safe, Centre County Children and Youth Services and Mount Nittany Health.

Kim Saltsman, executive director of Mount Nittany Health's Children's Advocacy Center, said the center continues to serve an average of 300 cases annually. Most are referred by Children and Youth Services or law enforcement for alleged abuse or neglect.

"The CAC has nationally trained forensic interviewers who are able to speak with children about their experiences, as well as specially trained pediatricians who can provide medical exams during investigations of abuse," Saltsman said, adding that the CAC offers advocacy for children and families who visit the center and helps connect them to community services and resources.

"This strengthens our overall multidisciplinary approach to helping anyone who's experiencing abuse, and we are just very grateful for all of your continued support, dedication and recognition in ensuring the safety of children and our community from abuse," said Saltsman.

Theresa Kieffer, vice president of programs for the Centre County Youth Service Bureau, said the organization runs programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, to provide safe spaces for children "to learn, grow and build positive relationships."

"Our mission is to create safe, nurturing environments for children and families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive," Kieffer said.

She added that the organization also understands the importance of properly equipping parents.

"By fostering family bonds, we aim to prevent circumstances that lead to child abuse and neglect," she said. "Together we make a difference."

Turning to the community, Kieffer invited residents to join the YSB for its "Smarter Parents, Safer Kids" sessions, offered throughout October; take the "Stewards of Children" training; or become a Big Brother or Big Sister.

"We encourage the community to check out our website to sign up for a free training or to schedule a free training for your organization," said Jamie SanFilippo, YMCA of Centre County's director of community outreach. "You don't necessarily have to be a youth-serving organization, just an adult that cares about kids."

You can learn more at ymcaocc.org.

Commissioner Mark Higgins thanked the coalition for illuminating the partnership.

"We would like to think, 'This is Centre County -- this kind of stuff doesn't happen here.' But it does, with amazing regularity," Higgins said. "Our next topic, also, you'd like to think that doesn't happen here, but as our DA could tell us, it's quite common."

Centre County DA Bernie Cantorna, who was also in attendance, said, "Citizens need to know that when families are under stress, when there are allegations of neglect and abuse, that there is this wrap-around care for these kids and these are the folks doing the hard work."

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

"October is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, so I want to thank you all for acknowledging the role that domestic violence plays in the lives of many, many Pennsylvanians -- and people everywhere," said Jennifer Peneck, executive director of Centre Safe, a domestic violence resource center. "Only by talking about crimes like domestic violence, and the role that we all play in the problem and prevention, will we truly get to help people."

This year Centre Safe is celebrating 50 years of supporting victims and survivors through its services, which include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter and transitional housing, crisis counseling, protection orders, support groups, supervised visitation and custody exchanges, as well as legal and medical advocacy and much more.

"We are in extremely high demand, while at the same time navigating the perfect storm of no state budget and no federal funding," said Peneck. "It is critical our community understands the role that centers like Centre Safe play in literally keeping people alive, and what would happen if we have to make challenging choices and begin cutting the fibers of the safety net that thousands have relied on for five decades."

Peneck emphasized the staggering prevalence of domestic violence, citing data showing that one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of all LGBTQ individuals will experience it in their lifetime. She added that in just one day, 3,152 victims were served in the state and 119 Pennsylvanians died from domestic violence.

In addition to the human impact, Peneck said, "156 billion dollars is the estimated lifetime economic burden of intimate partner violence in Pennsylvania."

Centre Safe alone receives between 1,300 and 1,500 calls to its hotline each year. The organization also supports an average of 900 domestic violence victims annually, along with about 200 sexual assault survivors and an additional 200 individuals and families in need of emergency housing.

"That is in one year, in one county," said Peneck. "We know that lives have been saved as a result of connecting victims with domestic violence services, and we are beyond grateful for the law enforcement agencies that have participated in the program."

She also thanked the community in general, who she is asking to support Centre Safe's latest endeavor.

"To navigate challenges and grow to best meet the needs of our community, along with honoring our 50th anniversary, Centre Safe has created the 50th Anniversary Fund," said Peneck. "This will allow Centre Safe not only to enhance existing infrastructure and technology, but also to best support those who often have nowhere else to turn and to create benefits that last generations."

"It's a good reminder to the folks at home to step up their charitable contributions, because while Centre County government continues to meet its obligations, other counties are not, and the state is not sending those grant checks that nonprofits very much rely upon," said Higgins.

Peneck said Centre Safe remains financially stable, but she noted that not all organizations are so fortunate, pointing to the recent closure of Philadelphia's only rape crisis center due to state budget constraints.

"Centre Safe is really trying to make sure that we're around for the next 50 years and beyond, but that's only going to come from community support," Peneck said.

To donate and help make Centre County a better place to live, work and learn, visit: www.centresafe.org/50th-anniversary-fund/. People can learn more about the work of Centre Safe to address domestic violence this month at www.centresafe.org/dvam. Their support is also available 24/7 through their toll-free hotline 1-877-234-5050.