Healthy relationships: Centre Safe has a new leader, same goals in helping victims and survivors

In a world where changes are made all day every day, there can be feelings of trepidation and what ifs. What if this change turns out to be hard? What if this change turns out to be bad? I would offer a more positive question. What if this change can be really, really good? This column marks my first foray into representing Centre Safe in print as I am the new executive director of this amazing organization. Anne Ard led Centre Safe for 25 years and while I can never be “the new Anne,” I can be me. Let me introduce myself.

My name is Jennifer Pencek, but you can call me Jen. I come to Centre Safe after two years as director of the Office for the Prevention of Interpersonal Violence at Juniata College and seven years as programming coordinator of Penn State’s Gender Equity Center. It is my calling in life to make a difference and to be of service, especially for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, as well as support the staff who day in and day out are dedicating themselves to empowering those impacted by trauma. My professional background shows a beautiful, winding journey to get me to today. As I write this column I am toward the end of day one at Centre Safe — so far so good! As I reflect back on how I became executive director of Centre Safe I am reminded of my passion for writing and helping others. I have been a newspaper reporter, freelance writer, arts marketeer, advocate, and more. All those skills have shaped who I am and how I aim to help others.

Oftentimes with introductions, I feel like I am rattling off my resume. So here are some fun facts. My favorite color is purple. My favorite animal, as demonstrated by the décor in my office, is pigs. I live for seasonal decorations and love pops of color. My husband, David, and I are the proud parents of Ryan and Nathan, who bring us joy and laughter each day. I love to laugh and treasure kindness and loyalty.

So what does that all mean for you and I. That means let’s connect! E-mail me at jpencek@centresafe.org or call me at 814-238-7066. Visit www.centresafe.org to learn more about how we aim to empower survivors and eliminate violence ... and how you can play an active role in that work.

Centre Safe, formerly the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, began in 1975 as a grassroots effort by a small group of women. Since then we have grown from a one-room operation in State College to three locations: the administrative offices and Sylvia Stein Shelter in State College, the counseling and legal advocacy satellite office in Bellefonte, and the Child Access Center building in Bellefonte. For many years, we have focused our resources and energy on ending stalking, domestic and sexual violence in Centre County, and providing the specialized services needed by those who have been victimized by such violence. While Centre Safe began as an agency by women, for women, the change in our name reflects the work we have been doing with and for all survivors, and sends an intentional message that we are here for victims and survivors of all identities. Throughout its tenure and through the multitude of services and programs offered, Centre Safe has grown dramatically and has reached out to thousands of individuals throughout Centre County.

It takes all of us to contribute to the elimination of the violence that plagues our world and impacts so many of us right in our own community. Help us step out of the darkness and into the light!