United Way funds Safe Homes

Program to prevent dating violence Newburgh — The Orange County United Way awarded a $5,000 grant to Safe Homes of Orange County to implement the agency’s Teen-Dating Violence Prevention Program. The grant was extended to Safe Homes through the United Way Targeted Care granting process. “We are especially encouraged to receive this funding, as we celebrate the agency’s 20th anniversary,” said Michele McKeon, Safe Homes’ executive director. “There is a well-documented escalation of dating violence among teens, and a pressing need for a prevention curriculum in our local schools.” For 20 years, Safe Homes has been Orange County’s only non-profit agency fully dedicated to providing comprehensive services to individuals and families affected and displaced by domestic violence. Programs include a shelter facility, a 24-hour hotline, advocacy, court-accompaniment, El Abrazo de Mis Hermanas, support groups, and community outreach and education. For more information, call 562-5365. For help, call the 24-hour helpline at 1-888-503-HOPE (4673).