County,State Officials Dedicate Betty Ann Krahnke Center

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CONTACT: Mary Anderson, 240-777-6534 or
301-529-7669 (cell phone)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 2000

COUNTY, STATE OFFICIALS DEDICATE
BETTY ANN KRAHNKE CENTER

Montgomery County and State officials gathered today in Rockville to dedicate the Betty Ann Krahnke Center, which will provide residential services to abused women and their children. Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and County Council President Michael Subin were joined by a host of County and State officials in dedicating the building in honor of Krahnke's many years of leadership on domestic violence issues. Krahnke, who suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease, serves her last day on the County Council today.

"Victims of domestic violence have a true champion in Betty Ann Krahnke," said Duncan, "and she has worked tirelessly on their behalf. Dedicating this Center in her name is one small way of recognizing her work."

The Center will provide treatment and residential services to more than 200 abused women and nearly 350 children annually. Funding for the $2.3 million center was obtained from the State and County.

"It is totally appropriate that we dedicate this facility to my colleague Betty Ann Krahnke," said County Council President Michael Subin. "She has dedicated her entire Council career to improving the lot of those who are abused by people closest to them. But for her efforts, it is unlikely that we would have made these gains."

"It is fitting that Betty Ann concludes her distinguished career in public service by bringing comfort to those who are the most vulnerable," said Delegate Kumar Barve, chair of Montgomery County's House delegation. "It is equally fitting that we honor her and her work by dedicating this center and carrying on Betty Ann's fight against domestic violence."

The 17,000-square-foot facility was designed by De Lizzio Architects and Planners of Bethesda to provide a safe, uplifting environment for the residents. It has 18 bedrooms with two separate self-contained units-an emergency unit for crisis situations and a stabilization unit for those who need to create a longer-term plan for independent living. The Center will be operated by Potomac Health Care Foundation, under contract to the Abused Persons Program of the County's Department of Health and Human Services. The Center will complement the County's existing outpatient counseling and victim assistance services.

Montgomery County's Abused Persons Program has been in operation since the late 1970's, providing victims of domestic violence with counseling-both on a crisis and ongoing basis. In addition, the program offers advocacy and support services, as well as housing assistance. The 22-member staff is supplemented with contractors and volunteers.

"I am truly proud today be a council member in Montgomery County, a County that cares about people and cares enough to build this wonderful center for the victims of domestic violence," said Councilmember Krahnke. "To have it named after me is a great honor."

The location of the Center will remain confidential to protect women and their children who have left their homes to escape domestic violence. Please call the Abused Persons Program at 240-777-4210 for more information on services.

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