The Monroe County Board of Commissioners declared October 2019 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Sept. 23-28 as Hunger Awareness Week to raise awareness for these issues and honor local nonprofits.

Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Charles Garris presented the domestic violence resolution to Lauren Peterson of Women’s Resources of Monroe County at the commissioners meeting Wednesday morning.

“We commend the valuable services that Women’s Resources of Monroe County provides and urge citizens of our community to do their part to end domestic violence in Monroe County,” he read.

The past year has been especially busy for the nonprofit.

It served 985 adults and children and provided almost 6,000 nights of shelter.

“We don’t necessarily think … that it’s happening more,” Peterson said. “But we have increased our outreach and our education and prevention tactics. So more people are recognizing what is happening to them or has happened, therefore reaching out for services.”

“I think you guys have done a masterful job in removing some of the stigma,” Commissioners’ Chairman John Moyer said. “Because when this happens, nobody ever wants to admit, ‘I was abused by a spouse, a loved one.’ But, you know, it happens.”

“And it’s not their fault,” Peterson agreed.

County solicitor John Dunn presented Heidi Fareri of the Pocono Mountains Hunger Coalition with the resolution raising awareness for hunger needs in the county.

In Monroe County, over 50% of school-age children are eligible for free or reduced price meals. There are over 50 food banks in the county, and hunger relief organizations serve about 10,000 county residents every month.

“First I wanted to thank the commissioners for acknowledging the challenges of fighting hunger within our community, and I also wanted to thank all the front line hunger fighters,” Fareri said.