MERCER, PA. Center reopens after walkout

The AWARE emergency shelter and counseling services are available again.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
MERCER, Pa. -- Alternatives for Women: Advocacy, Resources & amp; Education was back in operation today.
Disgruntled staff members who had walked off their jobs Aug. 14 returned to their posts this morning after the agency's board of directors named an interim executive director Friday.
"We are coming back under an interim director, Larry Haynes, and we're happy about that," said Candace Blake, direct service supervisor and one of the 11 staff members who withheld services.
Three members of the staff didn't walk out Aug. 14 and, aided by volunteers, were able to get the sexual abuse/domestic violence agency's hot line back into operation.
However, its emergency shelter in Sharon and its counseling and support services remained shut down until today.
"The shelter's open today," Blake said.
Board meeting: The staff members had a meeting with the board of directors Thursday to air their grievances. Among other things, the staff expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Executive Director Leah Koon, who went on medical leave the day before the walkout.
The staff has also complained about confidentiality being compromised, a lack of communication between management and staff and undependable leadership and direction.
Although dissension within the agency surfaced publicly with the walkout, Blake said problems have been brewing for an extended period of time.
Haynes is the executive director of the Shenango Valley Foundation and pastor of Grace Chapel Community Church, both in Sharon.
"We're just really thrilled about this," Blake said of the hiring of an interim director for the agency.
Board president Donna Barton couldn't be reached for comment.
The board and staff have another meeting set for Sept. 6 to continue discussing employee concerns.