Mary Kay Bernosky found her passion for giving a voice to the voiceless early in her life. Raised in Schuylkill County, she has crafted a career doing just that as a lawyer, advocate and administrator, and she moved to Wyomissing Hills in 2005 to work as executive director of Safe Berks (formerly Berks Women In Crisis). Bernosky has only glowing words for our community, which she feels is compassionate and invested in its citizens, as well as a beautiful place for walking, her favorite relaxing activity. She credits her family — children Alexandra and Zachary and husband of 25 years, John — with giving her balance and joy in her life.
Q: When and why did you move to Berks County?
I moved from Schuylkill County in 2005. I was born in Girardville and worked in Schuylkill County government for years. I earned my undergraduate degree from DeSales University in Lehigh County, my master’s in non-profit management from Alvernia University and my law degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Dealing with issues of domestic violence and sexual assault became important to me during my undergrad and law school years. I volunteered and knew I wanted to make it part of my work. When the opportunity to work with Berks Women In Crisis opened up, I jumped at the chance.
Q: The organization has changed since you started. What led to the name change in 2016?
Berks Women in Crisis was founded in 1976. Despite the name, it always assisted men too, because men can be victims, but those services were traditionally provided at a separate location. Since the 1990s, as awareness of men’s issues expanded, the name became somewhat misleading. Even younger women who didn’t see themselves as “in crisis” didn’t know they could take advantage of services, like help with legal matters. In 2012, we relocated to a facility that allowed us to put everything under one roof and offer free parking. We did some research and learned many people didn’t know about all our services but that all people want to feel safe. We changed the name to convey that that is our mission for everyone.
Q: Your work is important and serious, so what do you do for fun?
I am lucky to have the support of my wonderful husband of 25 years, John, and our two children – Alexandra, who graduated from Elon University this year, and Zach, who’s a junior in high school. They give me balance. I also like to walk; it’s my kind of exercise and helps me decompress. I also love to read.
Q: What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year? Or your favorite author?
[laughs] That’s tough; I love so many books and authors. I did enjoy Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple, so that was a new discovery. My favorite book of all time is To Kill A Mockingbird; it’s actually why I became a lawyer. I read it in sixth or seventh grade and wanted to be Atticus Finch – to work for people who have no voice.
Q: And you have. That’s really wonderful!
I just want people who need help to know they have someone on their side.
