Healthy relationships: Wrap up summer by supporting survivors and empowering the community

I have been working hard to be more present and not always looking ahead. It is so challenging at times — there is always pressure to look at the next season, the next age, the next goal. Just go in any store and I bet fall decorations were out before summer even began, and dare we talk about when holiday decorations hit the shelves? As I write this column, I have my youngest son’s school supply list in my head and am trying to remember to go to a store to stock him up before the new school year begins.

But instead of all that planning, I am going to keep working at just being present in the moment. I do not want to rush my boys growing up or even looking ahead to school being back in session. Let us keep having fun this summer!

Yet, there are many good things coming up, so a bit of planning is not so bad.

Smarter parents, safer kids

As you think more about youth you may encounter, you might want to jot down information on Centre Safe’s awesome collaboration with Youth Service Bureau. Centre Safe and Youth Service Bureau are offering more virtual Smarter Parents, Safer Kids workshops this summer and fall! In these 2-hour workshops, you will learn about healthy child sexual development and how to address inappropriate behaviors, how to build better communication with your youth, and new skills and tools to prevent child sexual abuse. To learn more or to register for a workshop, visit: ccysb.com/project-safe-and-smart. Remaining sessions include Aug. 26 (10 a.m.-noon), Sept. 4 (4-6 p.m.), and Sept. 24 (1-3 p.m.).

Summer campaign in full swing

Centre Safe is in its annual summer fundraising campaign, raising needed funds to support victims and survivors across Centre County. Did you know in 2023 Centre Safe supported more than 900 victims and survivors of domestic violence just in Centre County? We supported more than 200 victims and survivors of sexual violence and more than 200 individuals and families needing emergency shelter and housing. We receive more than 2,000 calls to our hotline every year, so the reach of Centre Safe is wide and important to so many people. No matter what amount you can give, know those funds directly support our clients. Centre Safe turns the big 50 in 2025 — you can get us off to a great start honoring that anniversary by contributing in ways you are comfortable. You are welcome to mail a check made payable to Centre Safe with “summer campaign” on the memo line to 140 W. Nittany Ave., State College, PA 16801. You can also donate online at www.centresafe.org and click on get involved, make a donation.

Thank you so much for your amazing support and let us keep working together to support those in our communities needing to know people still care.