GMercyU Announces New Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education
Gwynedd Mercy University has been awarded a $40,000 It’s On Us PA grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, part of a statewide initiative to combat sexual assault through education, awareness, and survivor empowerment.
In addition, GMercyU is establishing the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education, which will deepen survivor support and strengthen long-term programming through education and professional training. The Center was made possible by a $55,000 investment from longtime area philanthropists Barbara and John Jordan.
Together, the grant funding and the Jordan Center will support a coordinated approach to violence prevention and response by expanding resources for students, faculty, and staff while reinforcing GMercyU’s dedication to safety and wellbeing.
This initiative strengthens how we educate our campus community to recognize risk and respond appropriately. We are grateful to Barbara and John Jordan for their partnership and commitment to addressing domestic violence
-Colleen Lelli, EdD, Director of the Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education and Professor of Education
Dr. Lelli brings more than 30 years of experience in education and was previously served as the Director of the Barbara and John Jordan Center for Children of Trauma and Domestic Violence Education at Cabrini University for eight years. She began her career teaching preschool children and then taught students with various disabilities at the high school level. During her 20+ years in higher education, Dr. Lelli has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses. Most recently, she was a Visiting Professor for Health and Wellness Education at Ursinus College and previously was a Professor of Education at Cabrini University.
Dr. Lelli has presented locally, nationally and internationally most often on issues related to trauma and educating others about the effects of trauma. She also published a peer-reviewed book titled “Trauma Sensitive Schools The Importance of Instilling Grit, Determination and Resilience.”
The It’s On Us initiative, originally launched as a national campaign, focuses on prevention, education, and response efforts while promoting the role of bystanders in addressing sexual violence and related harm. At GMercyU, the grant will fund expanded programming in collaboration with campus partners, including student-athletes and the University’s Title IX office.
GMercyU’s Jordan Center will build on these efforts through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that prioritizes safety and trust. The Center will provide professional development and training for educators, social workers, coaches, and campus leaders while supporting interdisciplinary learning, research, and community partnerships.
"We have been committed to addressing the issue of Domestic Violence for many years and truly believe in the importance of education and awareness" said Barbara and John Jordan. "We are grateful to see the level of dedication Gwynedd Mercy University has shown to continue this work and we are confident our combined efforts will change lives for generations to come.”
The need for these resources extends well beyond campus. According to the CDC, more than one in three women and more than one in six men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes, underscoring the urgency of this initiative.
GMercyU will also host educational events and continue developing partnerships with community organizations to support individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.