During an open house for donors, volunteers and partners at the Blackburn Center, Hempfield Supervisor Doug Weimer spoke of the community’s need for its services.

The nonprofit provides free, confidential assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence and crime and presents education services across the county.

“We certainly want to welcome your services here. It’s unfortunate that we have to have an organization like this in our region; hopefully, we would all like to see that we don’t, but since we do we certainly appreciate it being here,” Weimer says. “It’s a great service to everyone, not only Hempfield Township but, of course, all of Westmoreland County and the region.”

The open house celebrates the expansion of administrative and counseling offices at 1011 Old Salem Road, Hempfield.

Funding from the Victims of Crime Act made the expansion possible.

That expansion adds 2,600 square feet to the facility’s work space, says Ann Emmerling, executive director.

The Blackburn Center has added on-site legal services and increased outreach and educational programs in recent years.

“We knew we needed to have extra space. We had six advocates in one space,” Emmerling says.

More on-site assistance

Two attorneys, a paralegal and a legal secretary now work out of the suite of offices.

The on-site legal services can help clients grappling with issues including divorce, custody or PFAs. “We did advocacy work, but legal services were needed,” Emmerling says.

Previouslyclients were referred to the Westmoreland County Bar Association for assistance.

There is now more space for training on human trafficking, an issue about which the Blackburn Center educates area residents, organizations and business operators. “It’s a real eye-opener for people,” Emmerling says.

Another new service is a Trauma Process Yoga Group, a method of helping clients heal from the aftermath of trauma.

In recent years, evidence has shown that yoga can be a powerful tool for survivors. Following a year of research and planning, the center now offers three weekly programs to clients in a large room with shelves of yoga mats and blocks.

According to its website, TPYG addresses healing via research methods: movement; structure and routine; social connections; kind, compassionate, soothing words; and expression.

“I do the therapy version of it,” says professional counselor Sarah Ludwig.

The classes start with meditation, with a focus on breathing, followed by a psychoeducation portion. Participants then move on to yoga, avoiding positions that can make one feel vulnerable, Ludwig adds.

The program is the only one in Western Pennsylvania, she says, and is free to center clients. “I would love to do a kids’ version.”

Words of thanks

Throughout the office hallways, bright orange cards, handwritten by those who have received the Blackburn Center’s services, thanked those attending the open house.

“The most important door the shelter opened for me was the door back to myself and my own personal power,” reads one.

“The Blackburn Center is a life saving organization and the staff — and all of you — are truly amazing and a blessing,” writes another recipient of services.

The cards also thank the center’s supporters for basics like underclothes and hygiene products, items they could not afford, and for counseling.

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