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Safe Berks Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Celebration of Peace Gala

Safe Berks Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Celebration of Peace Gala

From Safe Berks

Safe Berks invites the community to its 50th Anniversary Celebration of Peace Gala, a landmark event commemorating 50 years of lifesaving service to individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. The gala will take place on Saturday, May 2, starting at 6 p.m., at the DoubleTree of Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, PA.

This special milestone will bring together supporters, community leaders, and advocates to reflect on the organization’s legacy while raising funds to sustain and expand services for those in need. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by The Uptown Band, food stations, raffles, a tribute to the organization’s founding mothers, and an immersive experience showcasing the history and impact of Safe Berks over the past five decades.

Founded in 1976 as Berks Women in Crisis, Safe Berks has long served as a cornerstone of support in the community, providing shelter, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, and prevention education. While funding challenges persist for victim services, Safe Berks continues to demonstrate resilience and stability, with a clear focus on strengthening and expanding its services to meet growing community needs.

“Celebration of Peace is more than an event — it is a powerful reflection of our journey and a meaningful step toward the future,” said Beth Garrigan, Chief Executive Officer. “For 50 years, this work has been supported by our community, and together, we are building an even stronger, more hopeful path forward.”

Tickets are now available, and community members are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance. To purchase tickets, visit safeberks.org/cop50thann. For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Erica Caceres at ericac@safeberks.org.

Be part of the legacy. Be part of our next 50 years.

If you or someone you know needs support, Safe Berks’ free, confidential hotline is available 24/7 at 844-789-SAFE, or text SAFE BERKS to 20121.

About Safe Berks

Founded in 1976, Safe Berks began when 12 women united to provide hotline support, counseling, and shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Originally known as Berks Women in Crisis, the organization rebranded as Safe Berks in 2016 to reflect its commitment to serving all survivors and building a safe community.

Today, Safe Berks delivers free, confidential, lifesaving services — including emergency shelter, counseling, legal and medical advocacy, and prevention education — while working toward a community with zero tolerance for violence.