Freedom NWPA

10/12/2026

We had the opportunity to share our presentation with The Franklin Alliance Church yesterday. Many were moved with compassion and action.

10/09/2026

Tip from law enforcement. Take a pic of your kids before you head to the park or festival in case you need it later. Prevention!

Send a message to learn more

10/08/2026

Please read the entire Zonta International, Franklin-Oil City Pa post.

The community is invited to attend Voices of Hope: A Community Conversation on Domestic Violence, a free public forum focused on raising awareness, sharing resources and encouraging meaningful conversation about domestic violence and its impact on individuals, families and the community. The event is being held in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The forum will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oil City YWCA, 109 Central Avenue, Oil City. The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

Pastor Wendy Hazlett of Salem Reformed Church of Lamartine will deliver the keynote address, “We Can Overcome!”, and will return to provide the event’s closing message.

The morning will also include three breakout sessions:

“Prevention: Trauma-Informed Situation Awareness & Self-Defense,” presented by Julia Allman and Shiela Hopkins of Freedom NWPA.
“Beyond Shelter: Advocacy, Protection and Hope,” presented by Julie Smith of PPC Violence Free Network.
“Hope After Harm: The Four B’s of Healing Trauma,” presented by Billie Jo Hawkins of With You Counseling.
Attendees will have an opportunity to visit resource tables featuring information and services from local organizations that support individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The program will also include guided breath work with Jessica Hoffman.

Community members, employers, educators, service providers, faith leaders and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. The forum is intended to help increase awareness, support survivors and strengthen connections to resources available within the community.

The event is co-sponsored by Freedom NW PA, the Oil City-Franklin Zonta Club, Venango County Salvation Army and the Oil City YWCA. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Cranberry Walmart.

10/03/2026

At festivals, remember to make smart strategies ahead of time. Agree on an emergency meeting spot, and use the buddy system.

10/01/2026

TWO DAY REMINDER
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND
SELF DEFENSE (Class 2 of 4)

If you didn’t catch my first class last month, you can still attend class this Thursday, October 1st from 6:15-8:15 at your OC YWCA. This class will catch you up a bit before we introduce new moves. This will be the only sensible time to still join this program.
All of these classes are free, and open to the public. Share with your family and friends. See you there! -Vic

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Freedom NWPA has partnered with The Oil City YWCA this year, and trainer, Vic McGraw, to sponser sitational awareness and self-defense classes FREE TO ALL.

Our community is safer when we sharpen our safety skills!

ATTENTION‼️‼️‼️
PLEASE SHARE‼️

Situational/Awareness and Self-Defense Progressive Program is starting in less than a month! This program is FREE thanks to our sponsor, Freedom NWPA, our regional Human Trafficking Awareness organization.

Classes are held the first Thursday of each month from September through December from 6:15-8:15pm, and always here in your Oil City YWCA gym.

Each class will progress with learning more moves, scenarios, and brief review of the last session.
The first session all ages are welcome, I do have a portion especially for our kiddos. A parent must attend with their child. Please use careful discretion that your child will use their new toolbox responsibly. More toward December will be a demo of potential ways to escape restraints, and also non-lethal weapons basics.

Come see us! Get a major confidence boost, get educated, get empowered! -Vic

Please call to pre-register so that I can be sure to have enough handout materials.

YWCA: 814-676-6528
Email: [email protected]

09/19/2026

Spreading the word about ways to break the chains of human trafficking at the Cranberry Festival Parade.
Special thanks Snyder Electric for the transportation!

09/19/2026

Parade Day!!