Our Mission
AWARE is committed to providing education, support and advocacy for all people in Mercer County impacted domestic, emotional, sexual violence, and elder abuse. We are helping the hurting to heal.
AWARE, Mercer County Center against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a victim services agency dedicated to eliminating domestic/sexual violence in Mercer County.
AWARE Inc has served Mercer County since 1976, when a small group of committed women—professionals from Pennsylvania State University, Shenango campus, the Mental Health Association, and community volunteers—stirred to respond to the needs of rape victims. Influenced by the seminal work by Susan Brownmiller, Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape, the corp group of volunteers founded the Rape Crisis Center of Mercer County in December 1976.

By 1978, volunteers were responding to desperate calls from battered women. There were no shelters, safe homes, and no protection orders. By 1979, a loose network of safe homes was in place. Mercer Countians opened their homes, apartments, and farms to help house women and children fleeing violence at home. Over the 47 years of service to the community, AWARE has helped thousands impacted by domestic and sexual violence. We offer a broad menu of crisis, supporting, and residential services for adult and minor victims of domestic, emotional, elder, and sexual violence, as well as their supporting family and friends. Services are available for all victims in Mercer county at no cost, and are offered regardless of age, sex, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, class, economic status, physical ability, parental status, cultural background, or religion.
In long-term partnership with Community Action Partnership of Mercer County and the City of Sharon, AWARE offers emergency housing and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. Our long term facility, the Shirley Bursey House, has provided safety and support for women and children since 1989. Beginning in 2010, AWARE operates the first pet shelter attached to a domestic violence facility in PA. PAWS (Pets and Women Shelter) allows the furry family members to seek safety with their victimized human family members to recover together.
In 2009, in partnership with First Baptist Church of Greenville, AWARE opened the Williams House of AWARE, a rural shelter for victims in northern Mercer County. This unique program represents another 1st--a partnership between a faith institution and a victim services agency in Pennsylvania.
In 2017, and with shared mission, AWARE continues to work with members of Center Presbyterian Church in Pine Township to open the Brandi Montgomery House, a longer-term housing program for women and children who live in the greater Grove City area, fleeing domestic violence.
AWARE works with our allies in law enforcement, health care, education, business and faith communities to share common cause eliminating the impact of domestic and sexual violence on the lives of women, children and families throughout Mercer County.
AWARE would not exist without the long-standing support and hard work of community members, staff, volunteers and interns, Board volunteers, past and present, and YOU for advancing this quixotic mission, ending domestic and sexual violence here in Mercer County. As you visit our site, please continue to support our on-going mission.
Our Board of Directors
Leah Sizer
Board President
Leah Sizer is the Civic & Student Life Coordinator at Penn State Shenango, where she supports students through personalized services and meaningful community connections. With a background in human services and a passion for advocacy, she is dedicated to strengthening community resources and supporting individuals impacted by abuse.
Amy Burns
Vice President
Amy D. Burns is a Relationship Banker at Citizens Bank in Grove City, Pennsylvania, with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is known for her client-focused approach, helping individuals and businesses build financial confidence through trusted relationships and personalized guidance.
Dave Leyde
Board Treasurer
Dave Leyde is a seasoned banking professional and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in finance and nonprofit leadership. As Branch Manager at First National Bank and Treasurer of Aware’s Board, he brings a strong background in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational leadership, along with a long-standing commitment to supporting individuals and families in his community.
Corwin Somerset
Board Secretary
Corwin Somerset serves as the Director of Housing & Education at the Shenango Valley Urban League in Farrell, Pennsylvania. Since joining the organization in 2017, she has led programs that support youth development, digital literacy, and housing education across Mercer County. A HUD Certified Counselor, Corwin is committed to strengthening communities through education, leadership development, and meaningful partnerships.
James Kirsch
Business Agent
James Kirsch is a Business Agent for Steamfitters Local 449, where he supports workforce development, contractor partnerships, and industry advocacy. He also brings nonprofit leadership experience through his past service with Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, where he helped support initiatives benefiting survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
Mark F. Benedetto
Retired Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and Community Corrections Administrator for Mercer County
With nearly 40 years of leadership in juvenile justice, community corrections, and justice system reform, Mark brings extensive experience in program development, grant administration, and cross-system collaboration focused on supporting victims and strengthening community safety initiatives.
Fontineese D. Green
REALTOR® & Business Coach
Fontineese D. Green is a REALTOR®, business coach, entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader based in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Through her work in real estate, business development, and civic leadership, she is committed to helping individuals grow, build lasting opportunities, and strengthen the communities around them.
Anna Myers
CEO & Real Estate Broker
Anna Myers is the CEO and Real Estate Broker of The Anna Myers Team, REALTORS®, serving clients in Hermitage, PA and Boardman, OH. A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, she is known for her dedication to service, strong leadership, and commitment to guiding clients through important life transitions with clarity and care.
Cassie Kovac
Supervisor of Operations Reconcilement
Cassie Kovac serves on AWARE’s Board and is passionate about supporting individuals in Mercer County who are impacted by violence and abuse. With a professional background in banking operations, she brings a detail-oriented and steady approach to her work, along with a strong commitment to accountability and service.
