Youth group kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness Month

MILFORD — On March 28, Seventh St Coffee, at 611 Broad Street in Milford will be holding an “Open Mic Night” from 6 to 10 p.m. to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month which is April. It is sponsored by the Pike County Chapter of Rallying Youth Organizers Together (RYOT) Against Rape, which is the teen leadership program of Safe Haven, Inc. of Pike County. Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of sexual violence’s prevalence in our society and how as a community we can work together in efforts to end sexual violence. Any questions or information regarding “Open Mic Night” or information on monthly activities please contact Cindy Stine, Educational Outreach Coordinator at 570-296-2827. Pike County RYOT exists as a branch of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape on a statewide level and Safe Haven, Inc. of Pike County, on a local level. The Teens involved with RYOT use their voices and talent in breaking the chains of silence and ignorance that surround the issues of sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, diversity and unhealthy dating relationships. Pike County RYOT members represent Delaware Valley School District and Wallenpaupack School District, under the guidance of Cindy Stine of Safe Haven. Throughout the night you will hear poems, survivors’ stories and music that promote public awareness on the issues of sexual assault. Also back by popular demand, Maxwell Kofi Donkor, an internationally known, award-winning sculptor, master drummer and teacher, will be performing his message of peace through his drumming and dancing for all to enjoy and participate. Safe Haven, Inc., a not-for-profit organization is dedicated to restoring dignity to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Services include free and confidential individual empowerment counseling, crisis intervention emergency shelter, support groups, educational outreach programs in two school districts in Pike County, One-on-One counseling at the schools, medical and justice system advocacy and community outreach. Safe Haven provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, 570-296-4357 (HELP), staffed by certified volunteers who have completed a 60-hour crisis intervention training course. Education support groups and individual counseling are available to women incarcerated in the recidivism reduction program at the Pike County Correctional Facility entitled, “The H.O.P.E. Program” (Helping Offenders Promote Excellence). Any one interested in volunteering please contact Sheila Houston, Volunteer Coordinator at 570-296-2827. There many different ways to help Safe Haven make our community a safer place for everyone.