IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 17, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Grant helps Bridge Project at Slippery Rock University expand services

    SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. –Slippery Rock University has received a $228,952 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to add group discussions and a freshman orientation component to The Bridge Project, a five-year-old education and victims-services initiative working to minimize violence against women.

   The project, launched in 2002, provides education to students on combating sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. It also offers victims advice on where to turn for professional services following an incident.     “ Sexualassault is still under reported everywhere,” said Jodi Solito, SRU’s coordinator of health promotions, who applied for the continuing grant. “What we are trying to do is address the issue and be a leader in prevention and advocacy.”

This fall, the project will provide peer mentors for SRU’s Jump Start Mentoring Program, which provides orientation services to minority students who arrive a couple weeks early for their first year, Solito said.Additionally, the project will provide a training curriculum for residence life staff serving as primary responders in on-campus housing.

Housed in SRU’s Women’s Center, the University launched The Bridge Project in partnership with the Butler County Victim Outreach Intervention Center.Since its inception, it has provided nearly 200 education programs, six campus-wide events and training for student health services, University and borough police, and judicial programs staff.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.