McGee key to reopening of Lynn anti-abuse program

LYNN – The founder of a safe house program for domestic violence victims shuttered during the summer due to spending cuts credited state Sen. Thomas M. McGee Friday with restoring money for Portal to Hope.?Through the further help of Thomas McGee, Portal to Hope will reopen our doors in Lynn,” Deborah Fallon said.She credited other legislators including Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Revere Sen. Anthony Galluccio with helping to restore $105,000 in state money cut from Portal?s budget as part of summertime state spending cuts.?We?re also fortunate that our legislators have been actively involved with PTH over the years and know the work we do to reduce recidivism of domestic violence crime. They served as a collective voice for us on Beacon Hill,” Fallon said.The cuts forced Portal to close its Lynn program as well as programs in Malden, Winthrop and other communities.Portal assists abuse victims in Malden, Revere and Lynn where founder Deborah Fallon started Portal after ending an abusive relationship.The organization helps women find emergency shelter if they have lost their home due to abuse. Portal volunteers counsel women and work with them to make sure their legal rights as abuse victims are upheld in court.Portal runs a group for women ages 15 to 18 years old to discuss dating and family violence. The group focuses on building self-esteem and developing public speaking skills so that the teenagers can help other abuse victims.The restored state funding still leaves Portal short of the $150,000 in assistance it relied on annually from the state to run its programs. Fallon hopes support from individuals and businesses in communities the group serves will help cover the funding gap.She said Portal needs the additional money to pay for its emergency shelter and safe transportation services for abuse victims.Fallon said Portal?s program shutdowns in the wake of state cuts left 123 abuse victims without services.