Nonprofit names CEO
Safe Berks has announced who will next lead the organization in its work of supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.w
Beth Garrigan has been chosen as CEO, effective June 1. She has been serving Safe Berks as chief operating officer since July 2018.
Safe Berks served more than 4,000 clients in the last fiscal year, and its safe house provided a haven to about 400 adults and 400 children during that time.
“Since Beth Garrigan began working at Safe Berks, she has met every challenge with a unique combination of leadership, intelligence, teamwork, humor, and a heroic work ethic,” said Nina Bohn, president of the Safe Berks board of directors.
“Beth is truly passionate about serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She also excels in supporting our dedicated staff and collaborating with our many community partners. We conducted a thorough search, and we are grateful that search resulted in finding our new CEO already serving here at Safe Berks.”
Angel Helm will continue to serve as interim CEO through May 31. Helm arrived at Safe Berks in January 2020 to provide leadership after the 15-year tenure of previous CEO, Mary Kay Bernosky.
“Despite the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 crisis, Safe Berks has continued to provide our free and life-saving services 24 hours a day. Both Angel and Beth rose to the challenge to lead Safe Berks during this historic era,” Bohn said.
Garrigan said she is honored.
“My most immediate goal is to continue to provide critical services, 24 hours every day, to those in need during this unprecedented health crisis,” she said. “My long term goals include seeing that our community knows exactly who we are and what we do so there is never a question about who to call when you need support and safety; seeing our prevention programming become part of every school’s curriculum; having every Berks County police department participate in the Lethality Assessment Program; and seeing that every patient, at every local medical facility is screened for domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, at every visit.”
Garrigan is a graduate of Millersville University, where she studied social work.
Prior to joining Safe Berks, Garrigan served the Children’s Home of Reading for 11 years, last working as the program manager of the residential program. Before that she spent more than 10 years working with the Department of Public Welfare and independent employers, assisting Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients.
The board has begun a search for a new chief operating officer.
Safe Berks services are free, confidential, available in English and Spanish, and will be translated into any other language needed. The 24-hour hotline is 844789-SAFE (7233), or text Safe Berks to 20121. For legal services, call 610-3731206, ext. 107. For counseling, 610-373-1206, ext. 606.