Spring 2012 - Clarion University

In
their best wishes that follow, Marlene and Jamie speak about me as if
looking though a magnifying glass. I try to take in their affirmations. Admittedly, I am
elated to think that years of our chipping away at the walls of injustice has displaced
a brick or two. And certainly, I must honor these women in return and recognize their
work, a significant contribution to our collective legacy.
My revered Harvey Hall was the site of the first rape crisis center in Clarion
County. Thus, we honored the founders and the progress of the agency in the WGS
Center. They started in a former storage closet, now home to an elevator, at the top
of the stairs outside our door. The university furnished a desk, file cabinet and phone
line.
SAFE resulted from a study of domestic violence by the Clarion County
League of Women Voters. By 1984, SAFE had opened a small office on Main Street,
supported by a $10,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic
Violence.
T
at the
abLe
Jamie shropshire
education/Prevention-legal advocate, saFe
I have watched the evolution of a relationship
between the university and SAFE as Deb invited us to “be at
the table.” She sought to remind everyone that SAFE exists to
provide services to survivors of domestic violence by inviting
us to present programs to WGS classes, by encouraging
students to participate in our volunteer training, inviting SAFE
to participate in the Flame to Fire Vigil.
I remember her bravery when she introduced The
Vagina Monologues to Clarion. Through those proceeds
and other fundraisers, the WGS Program has donated much
needed financial contributions to SAFE as well. Deb’s most
current contribution to ending violence against women has
been initiating the Clarion VDay Project with us as a partner.
This fine group of students, faculty, staff and community
members will continue Deb’s mission.
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