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Safe Berks Celebrates Two Internal Promotions

by Safe Berks

Sep 08, 2021
Safe Berks

Safe Berks is proud to announce that two dedicated staff members have been promoted to new senior leadership positions.

Jennifer Sawyer has been chosen to serve as the Managing Director of Client Services, and Stacey Jordan has been chosen to serve as the new Managing Director of Community Engagement.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer Sawyer and Stacey Jordan to their new roles at Safe Berks,” said Beth Garrigan, Safe Berks CEO. “They both bring vast experience in direct service to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the proven ability to build community collaborations to better serve survivors.”

Jennifer Sawyer, new Managing Director of Client Services

As Managing Director of Client Services, Sawyer will serve as a member of the Safe Berks leadership team, and will guide several Departments, including Legal Services, Counseling, and Residential Services.

Sawyer has served Safe Berks for the past 23 years, holding claim to the most longevity of any current staff member. She served all 23 years in the Legal Services Department, starting as a Bilingual Legal Advocate, and then was promoted to Legal Advocate Coordinator. Sawyer has decades of experience providing direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. She has coordinated legal advocacy services, supervised coverage for the Medical Advocacy Partnership Program, provided training to law enforcement professionals, managed the Lethality Assessment Program, provided support to Safe Berks staff attorneys, and ensured compliance with the state agencies which provide primary support to Safe Berks, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against

Domestic Violence and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. Sawyer is a Credentialed Advocate at the advanced level with designations of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Intervention Specialist through the National Organization for Victim Assistance.

“I strongly believe that Safe Berks saves lives,” said Sawyer. “Our staff are committed to making a difference in the lives of survivors who have experienced inexplicable trauma. Our programs are designed to support and empower survivors, while prioritizing safety and autonomy. I am proud to work alongside so many dedicated individuals who speak up for and advocate on behalf of those whose voices are too often silenced.”

“My personal goal is to enhance client services through increased internal collaboration, strengthened relationships with our systems partners and focusing on client-centered, trauma-informed practices,” Sawyer added. “I hope to help create new innovative ways to reach those in need of our services and to support staff in provision of services.”

Stacey Jordan, new Managing Director of Community Engagement

As Managing Director of Community Engagement, Jordan will serve as a member of the Safe Berks leadership team, and will guide several Departments including Education and Outreach, Development, and the Medical Advocacy Partnership Program (MAPP).

Jordan has served Safe Berks for more than four years, first working in our Residential Program, and then serving as our Higher Education Campus Coordinator. She also served as Temporary Interim Director of our Medical Advocacy Partnership Program. Jordan has provided direct service to clients, educational training to the community, and has created and enhanced many collaborative partnerships between Safe Berks and the local colleges. She has also provided empowerment counseling services to incarcerated individuals at Berks County Prison.

Recently, Jordan spearheaded the effort to establish a new Safe Berks extension office at Friend, Inc. Community Services, Kutztown. This new office opened in

June 2021. A Safe Berks Advocate is available at this office each week for scheduled or walk-in appointments. The goal of this new office is to bring our advocacy services closer to those who live in northeastern Berks County.

“I serve Safe Berks because I believe every human has the fundamental right to feel safe in their own body and environment and I am surrounded by amazing co-workers and colleagues who share this same sentiment,” said Jordan. “Providing support services to survivors and awareness and prevention programming in our community are key in our mission to eradicate all forms of violence and oppression within Berks County.”

“In my new position, I hope to strengthen many of our current partnerships with other community resources as well as build new ones,” Jordan added. “I would love to see Safe Berks advocates in all corners of the county. The needs of a survivor are multi-faceted; therefore, stronger community collaborations will only enhance our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to support services.”

Safe Berks, founded in 1976 as Berks Women in Crisis, provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are available in English and Spanish, and translation will be utilized for any other language needed. Safe Berks services include shelter, counseling, legal services, medical advocacy, and education.

For crisis services, including requests for shelter or medical advocacy, call the 24-hour hotline at 844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

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