A shelter for people fleeing domestic violence has added 36 new beds and rooms for clients.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — These photos lined up inside the THINK Center in Wilkes-Barre show some of the construction work on the recently completed $4.1 million expansion for the domestic violence services center named in honor of former executive director Paula M. Triano.
“Paula M. Triano was the executive director of Domestic Violence Action for 18 years. She began her role in 2004. Unfortunately, she developed metastatic cancer and passed away in January of 2023,” explained board chair Michael Messersmith.
The expansion will add 36 beds to the centre’s current capacity, which he says is much needed.
“Every nine seconds someone in the United States is a victim of domestic violence, and Luzerne County accounts for six of the state’s domestic violence homicides,” said Executive Director Marcia Piga.
“In the United States, only 3 percent of the population experiences domestic violence each year. That translates to 10 million victims in the United States each year,” Messersmith said.
As the number of survivors and the need for help grows, the center’s partners say they’re grateful for the city, state and federal funding that made it possible, and for the thoughtfulness with which they stepped in to help.
“We couldn’t hold the ceremony at our centre, which is now the Paula Triano Complex, because of the danger posed by some of the perpetrators. These are men who are causing domestic violence and we needed to hold the ceremony somewhere safe,” Messersmith added.
Domestic Violence Service Center
PO Box 2177 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-2177
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