Pocono News Section

Womens Resources Prepares New Counseling Center

Womens Resources Prepares New Counseling Center - Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 3:24PM EST

DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY - Marbel Solano is the new Community Educator for Womens Resources of Monroe County.
She has years of experience working as a counselor in the United States and in South America. She knows what victims need to feel comfortable. Solano said, "They need to feel secure and protected that what they say nobody else is going to listen to that." But that's not so easy at the Monroe County office. Currently office and counseling spaces are crammed into two temporary trailers. Employees say they hope to move somewhere else soon. That place is the new crisis and counseling center.

"They really need more space to feel comfortable and feel safe," said Marbel. She and the rest of the staff hope to move into the new center in the Delaware Water Gap by the end of the year. The new place will have private counseling areas with sound proof walls. There's also room for children's counseling, conference space and storage.

Executive Director Jennifer Grube said, "Everyone is really looking forward to being able to come into a space that's more conducive of healing."

The organization needs about 2 million dollars to pay for the new space and programs. The economy, combined with state and federal funding cuts have made fundraising tough. Grube said, "What used to be difficult is now even more difficult."

Marbel and Jennifer are asking the community to help turn domestic violence victims into survivors. Womens Resources of Monroe County has several fundraisers going on. The organization is planning a gala, selling geraniums and raffle tickets. For information call 570-424-2093.