Representatives Neal Goodman and Tim Seip joined SWIC’s Quarter Century Capital Campaign co-chairs Jule Quandel and Paul Datte, Esq., on August 6, 2008, to announce a $1 million challenge grant secured from the state. The announcement was made at The Grateful Thread, a project of SWIC’s located at 20 N. Centre St., Pottsville, PA. The $1 million challenge grant was obtained in order to help SWIC meet its $2 million capital campaign goal. Funds raised from the campaign will enable the agency to construct an addition on to its existing shelter. The current facility, nearly 100 years old, is not handicapped accessible on all floors, and the agency’s board has become increasingly troubled by the number of area victims homeless due to domestic violence who have been turned away due to lack of space.

Goodman said that he pursued this grant because he is “keenly aware of the important services SWIC has provided to the Schuylkill County community throughout its 25 year history.” He went on to say that it is “vitally important that no area victim needing shelter be turned away because of current space limitations.” Goodman said that when he heard about the drive, he knew it was important to do all that he could to “help SWIC be prepared to meet community needs in the future.”

Quandel announced that the amount of money committed to the drive to date is $700,000. She said that “many individuals have been contacted regarding the importance of the campaign, and those who have not yet made an actual commitment may be inspired to meet this challenge with a gift.” She went on to elaborate that she and her husband were moved to contribute to the drive because of their recognition “that the problem of domestic violence is too big for any organization, even one as dedicated as SWIC, to address on its own. Domestic violence is a community problem and it requires a community response.”

Seip shared his experience in social services and health care and commented upon the importance of addressing the problem of domestic violence because of its health implications. He said, “Domestic violence has long-term ramifications for individuals, families, and society.” He credited SWIC “for its efforts in the community, and those like Quandel and Datte who have worked to make the drive successful.”

Sally Casey, SWIC executive director, was also present and thanked Representatives Goodman and Seip for securing the state grant, which requires matching funds. She went on to say that “domestic violence can be a life and death issue. I see how SWIC staff struggle when they are forced to deny a woman and, typically, her children shelter because we are full. I know that it preys on their minds even after they leave work as they fear the worst.”

Co-chair Datte expressed his confidence that “the drive (the approved community capital campaign for 2008 by the Chamber of Commerce), will reach its goal.” Importantly, the agency has also secured Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credits which can be utilized by eligible businesses and corporations for their campaign contributions. All donations made to the drive are tax deductible. Datte added, “This challenge grant, coupled with SWIC’s reputation, the generosity of the Schuylkill County community and the availability of tax credits for eligible contributors are a formula for success.”

For more information,
contact SWIC’s office at 570.622.3991
or email swicagency@comcast.net