Media, Pennsylvania. October, 2004.  The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. (DAP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elana Dobrowolski, LSW to the position of Senior Manager, Counseling & Case Management effective September 15, 2004. Ms. Dobrowolski previously served with the Agency as Manager, Counseling & Case Management since September of 2002.

In her role, Ms. Dobrowolski will continue to design and oversee the Agency’s growing internship program with area schools of social work providing a training site for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the field of domestic violence.  In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, seventeen (17) students interned at DAP from Villanova University, Widener University, the University of Pennsylvania, Oberlin College, Rosemont College, Swarthmore College and Immaculata University.

Ms. Dobrowolski will continue her direct supervision and management of both the Counseling and Transitional Housing Programs at DAP.  Options counseling is offered to all DAP clients working in conjunction with the professional staff of the legal program which also provides legal counseling options for clients along with representation in Common Pleas Court for protection from abuse orders.  Last year, DAP staff provided 8,289 hours of counseling at its Main Office in Media, at its Emergency Shelter and at its satellite office in Chester. 

In addition, Ms. Dobrowolski oversees the Agency’s Transitional Housing program which provides long term housing, supportive services, and case management to victims of domestic violence and their children.  Provided safe, long-term housing via leasing agreements with HUD-approved Delaware County landlords, the program served 22 families including 22 victims and 46 children in its last year.  DAP’s program has achieved much recognition for the significant percentage of women who gain access to permanent housing and employment by the conclusion of their participation in the program and move forward in self-sufficient, independent lives.  She will also continue to serve on the Delaware County Homeless Services Coalition which seeks to develop and retain permanent housing solutions for homeless residents of Delaware County

“Elana brings a wealth of knowledge, skill and training to her role at DAP.  She is a consummate professional, always seeking new ways to assist both staff and clients. A valued colleague, she is instrumental to the Agency’s mission and goals.” noted Jo Ann Massaro, Esq., Associate Executive Director.

Prior to this position, Ms. Dobrowolski served as a counselor at DAP from 2001 – 2002 and a transitional housing specialist from 2000 to 2001.  Prior professional affiliations include Drenk Mental Health Center, Mount Holly, New Jersey where she served from 1999 to 2000 as a Utilization Review Coordinator, from 1998-1999 as an Access Counselor/Quality Analyst, and from 1997 to 1998, as a Rape Care Advocate & Educator.  Early professional training included an internship at Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey and service as a Mentor at Archway Programs in Atco, New Jersey.

Ms. Dobrowolski is a graduate of the College of New Jersey where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, and of Rutgers University, where she earned her Masters of Social Work with honors.  She achieved the status of licensed social worker in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 2003. 

The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc.  is a 28-year old non-profit social service agency providing counseling, advocacy and legal services including in-court representation and accompaniment, a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter and transitional housing case management for victims of domestic abuse in Delaware County. DAP is both a WOMENS WAY and United Way agency.