SEBRING Shelter will offer services locally

A counselor is in Sebring weekly and by appointment.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SEBRING -- Smith Township police Captain John Siranovic said Smith Township officers are well-versed in dealing with domestic violence and are always ready to help.
Because victims aren't always eager to accept that help, Siranovic said he is glad Sojourner House now has a presence in Sebring.
The Youngstown-based Sojourner House offers counseling, advocacy and assistance to domestic violence victims in Mahoning County. The agency operates a 24-hour crisis hot line and protective shelter, and provides other support services.
Nancy Bailey, human resources director, said Sojourner House extended services to Sebring several months ago, making a counselor available Wednesdays and by appointment at the D & amp;E Counseling Center at 105 E. Ohio Ave. The agency rents an office in that building and also provides a local 24-hour crisis phone number.
Assistance: Bailey said Sojourner House won't have a shelter in the Sebring area, but will assist victims who need to leave a violent situation.
Sojourner House staff had an open house at its office here Thursday for law enforcement and public officials. Bailey said the staff is planning a family fun day in the next few weeks to acquaint Sebring area families with Sojourner House services.
Although Sebring is in Mahoning County, it is far removed from the mainstream of Mahoning County services, Siranovic said. Sebring area residents tend to use services in Alliance, which, although nearby, is in Stark County.
Helping police: Siranovic said that as victim advocates, the Sojourner House staff help police foster a relationship with the victims of domestic violence.
With the help of Sojourner House, "there is comfort rather than fear," he said. "Sometimes the victims fear police because they don't know where they're going to go, and they are afraid of what will happen to their spouse."
Beth Seavy, guidance counselor for Sebring Local Schools junior and senior high, attended Thursday's open house. She said she is excited to have Sojourner House in Sebring and give people better access to victims' advocacy services.
Sojourner House Counselor Vanessa Brocco said that after a battered person seeks help, she provides counseling, helps victims make contacts with legal services or other agencies, and accompanies them to court.
Brocco said the local 24-hour crisis line is linked to Sojourner House in Youngstown, but is not a toll call.
She said people in the Sebring and Beloit areas who may need Sojourner House services have often been isolated because of transportation problems.
"They're 40 minutes from Youngstown, but they deserve to have access to our services too," she said. "They can't always come to us, so we decided to go to them."
For information or referrals, call Sojourner House Domestic Violence Program 24-hour crisis telephone line at (330) 747-4040 or (330) 938-2253.