Safe Environment and Victims Assistance
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” –Matthew 19:14
The offices of Safe Environment and Victims Assistance are designed to work closely together. Victims Assistance responds to those who have been sexually abused, while Safe Environment works to ensure the safety of our diocesan parish, and school programs.
Ministering to children and young people is the heart of what Jesus calls His people to do. The mission of our Safe Environment Project is to assist the Church in creating a safe haven for children, young people and vulnerable adults. The risk of child abuse is greatly reduced by breaking the silence about abuse, especially sexual abuse. Breaking the silence is a critical first step to begin the process of education, prevention and healing.
We are working with all employees and volunteers of the Oakland Diocese, civil authorities, and various organizations in our community to create the safest possible environment for every person on every Diocesan site.
Our Victims Assistance Ministry offers a variety of avenues for victims and family members to report their experiences to our Office of Victim Assistance and to be welcomed, to receive pastoral care, and to learn about and access much-needed services. Diocesan staff serving in the Office of Victim Assistance believe that individuals and communities are best served through a prompt response to requests for help, respectful listening, attention to their needs, and services to help them in the healing process.
Safe Environment Project
Staff Contacts
Marilyn Marchi, Project Coordinator
(510) 267-8315
mmarchi@oakdiocese.org
Patty Lainez, Asst. Project Coordinator
(510) 267-8354
plainez@oakdiocese.org
Carmen Alvarez, Administrative Assistant
(510) 267 - 8343
calvarez@oakdiocese.org
Penny Pendola, Ed.D, Department Director
(510) 267-8359
ppendola@oakdiocese.org
Anyone wishing to report any allegation of sexual misconduct by any Clergy or Diocesan employee should contact the local authority, i.e. Police or Sheriff Department, and also the Chancellor/Victims Assistance Coordinator of the Diocese:
Sister Glenn Anne McPhee, OP
Victims Assistance Coordinator
Diocese of Oakland
2121 Harrison St., Suite 100
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 267-8334
gmcphee@oakdiocese.org
Or contact a survivor at:
Survivor Advocacy
(510) 267-8373
Survivor Advocacy
survivors@oakdiocese.org