Volunteer Meeting Scheduled for June 3

Want to learn more about the various volunteer opportunities at Laurel House? Interested in getting to know other Laurel House volunteers? Then RSVP today for the next All-Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday, June 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Laurel House's Community Outreach Office at 605 Swede Street in Norristown. Light refreshments will be served.

Topics to be covered include an overview of the new Community Safe Haven Program. The Empty Place at the Table exhibit will also be discussed and displayed.

Volunteers who attended the first meeting (held quarterly) said it was very informative and enjoyable.

"We had such a great response," said Tina Reynolds, volunteer coordinator. "It was a good opportunity for volunteers to meet one another and find out about the latest happenings in each of Laurel House's programs."

Sign up to attend the June 3 meeting by calling Tina at 610-277-1860, ext. 108 or emailing her at treynolds@laurel-house.org.

Lilly Pulitzer Hosts An Evening of Shopping and Sharing for Laurel House

In case the invitation is a little hard to read, here are the details.

Lilly Pulitzer, located in King of Prussia Plaza, is planning a special evening of shopping and sharing. Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner, so now is the perfect opportunity to stock up on all things Lilly while supporting Laurel House at the same time.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

5 - 8 p.m.

Lilly Pulitzer, King of Prussia Plaza

Sip wine, mingle, and shop!

10% of all sales that night will be donated back to Laurel House.

To RSVP, call 610-265-7607. We look forward to seeing you there!

TelecomPioneers Donate Funds to Enhance Laurel House's Technology Capabilities

Members of the Verizon TelecomPioneers Liberty Bell Chapter presented Laurel House with a $10,000 grant today. This generous contribution, made possible through the hard work of Chapter President Bernadette Allen (pictured third from left) and other members, will support Laurel House's technology needs, especially in regards to the infrastructure components.

"Each of our programs for people affected by domestic abuse depends on having safe and secure technology systems and will benefit directly from this generous grant in several ways," explained Melissa Firman, Director of Development and Public Relations (pictured fourth from left).

Funds will be used to obtain and install a new, dedicated server to enable counselors and advocates for people in Laurel House’s shelter to provide more efficient services. Program managers who spend considerable time with community groups will be able to provide better services through upgraded laptops and technology. Finally, residents in Laurel House’s transitional housing program will have increased access to refurbished computers to learn about career opportunities and community resources.

Many thanks to the Verizon TelecomPioneers for this generous grant!

Special Thanks to Corner Bakery

Special thanks to our friends at the Corner Bakery Cafe in King of Prussia, PA for generously providing a catered lunch to Laurel House today.

Clients, residents, volunteers, and staff all enjoyed a delicious variety of freshly-made Corner Bakery sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The contribution was part of the restaurant's "Catering to the Community" program, for which Laurel House was chosen as a deserving recipient.

"We're appreciative to businesses like the Corner Bakery for caring about the families at Laurel House, as well as our dedicated staff and volunteers who are available 24 hours a day to help those who need a safe haven from domestic abuse," said Beth Sturman, Executive Director of Laurel House.

Many thanks to everyone at the Corner Bakery for your generous support!

Strike Out Domestic Violence at the Laurel House Bowl-a-Thon

Strike Out Domestic Violence by participating in Laurel House's annual Bowl-a-Thon. Bring your co-workers and your family (we'll have bumper lanes for the little ones) to enjoy a night out for a great cause.

Date: Friday, May 29, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Facenda-Whitaker Lanes, Norristown

Cost: $25 per person ($15 for children ages 10 and under)
Includes games, shoes, and refreshments

For information, contact Patty at 610-277-1860 or via email at pgoloff AT laurel-house DOT org.

Welcome to the Laurel House Blog!

Welcome ... and thanks for stopping by Laurel House's new blog! We're excited about this new way of communicating with you.

Because of you, we're able to provide shelter, hotline support, counseling, transitional housing, medical advocacy, and legal services to more than 1,500 people each year who turn to us for help.

Thank you for your support!