A groundbreaking ceremony was held July 21 to celebrate the start of renovations being made to the Ocean County Safe House operated by Providence House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.

Providence House provides services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Funds for the renovations, which amounted to $750,000 were secured by New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith.

Along with the Congressman, those in attendance included diocesan and Catholic Charities staff as well as local and state officials.

PHOTO: Gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for a renovation project at Catholic Charities Providence House Domestic Violence Services safe house in Ocean County are, from left,  Mary Pettrow, Catholic Charities’ Services Area director of Children and Family Services; Anna Martinez, director, N.J. Department of Children And Families; Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of the Office of Catholic Social Services; Congressman Chris Smith; Marlene Laó-Collins, Catholic Charities executive director; Susan Loughery, Catholic Charities associate executive director of Operations, and Ocean County Commissioner Bobbi Jo Crea. Mary Stadnyk photo

“The Providence House domestic violence shelter in Ocean County — and its hardworking, dedicated staff — provides critical support to women and children who have fled abusive domestic environments and are in dire need of protected transitional housing while they seek permanent, safe and independent living,” said Smith, who hails from the Diocese of Trenton and is a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting.

More to come on this story.