Pottstown, Pa. – The SAFE (Supporting Abuse Free Environments) Committee of the TriCounty Community Network (TCN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, social and environmental conditions in Western Montgomery, Northern Chester and Eastern Berks counties in Pennsylvania, presented a special safe dating workshop at the 37th Annual NOVA (The National Organization for Victim Assistance) Conference held in Philadelphia, Pa. on August 14-17, 2011. The workshop included a presentation of the “Mirror, Mirror” safe-dating play that was written to spread awareness of domestic violence issues and give the audience information to recognize warning signals in order to prevent violence before it occurs. TCN’s goal was to show other organizations at the conference how to replicate the play and facilitator-led discussions.
“Mirror, Mirror” was created and performed by Pottsgrove High School students in 2008 with the help of play-write Aileen McCulloh under the direction of Todd Kelly, Pottsgrove High School English teacher and Drama Director. The play has since been performed in many locations throughout the TriCounty area. Each performance is followed by a professionally-led discussion about the issues presented in the play as well as how to get help if they or a friend or loved-one needs assistance.
This year’s NOVA Conference workshop was led by Todd Kelly, Pottsgrove High School teacher and TCN SAFE Committee co-chairs: Kristine Wickward, legal advocate for the Women’s Center of Montgomery County and Janine Kelly, community education director for Women’s Center of Montgomery County; as well as Chuck Gallun, coordinator of SAFE Project at Creative Health Services; and Karla Romberg of TCN.
Each year NOVA holds a conference at a variety of locations around the country to bring international agencies and individuals together for training, networking, and to provide up-to-date information on national advocacy issues.
To find out more information about the “Mirror, Mirror” performances please contact Jen Doyle at TriCounty Community Network at 610-705-3301.
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