Although meeting a con-artist, having burglars case one's home or receiving calls from false telemarketers is sometimes unavoidable, being a crime victim may not be.

On April 8, Phil Parise, a representative of the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, met with The Right Information and Direction members and provided information on establishing home security and personal safety as well as avoiding potential scams.

The Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit organization with three main foci: counseling, advocacy and outreach.

The group maintains a 24-hour hot line at 610-437-6611, a unique service which provides those who fear they have been preyed upon with immediate access to aid and/or support.

As well as informing his audience about the services of the council, Parise advised participants to actively safeguard their personal and financial assets. Parise emphasized everyone should, "Be aware; stay alert; have a plan; and be informed."

Discussions of personal experiences by both Parise and attendees further enhanced the presentation, as did the distribution of the council's pamphlet on safety awareness. A treasure trove of information, the brochure covers topics ranging from home protection tips to phone numbers for entering one's name on Do Not Call lists.

Several noteworthy announcements followed the main presentation.

A flier explaining the Project Lifesaver program and its affiliation with Triad has been developed.

In addition, on June 14 Lehigh Valley Aging in Place will sponsor a gala and silent auction at the Barristers' Club, 1114 W. Walnut St., Allentown.

The event posthumously honors community activist Judith Lieberman; proceeds to be donated to Project Lifesaver.

Lastly, at 1 p.m. May 21, Martha Lieberman will receive an Unsung Hero Award in a ceremony at the Government Center, 17 S. 7th St., Allentown.

Lieberman serves as the local contact for Triad and Project Lifesaver: she may be reached at 610-966-8511 or Martha.Lieberman@rcn.com.

Triad will continue to meet at the Lehigh County Senior Center on the second Tuesday of each month; however, the meeting time has changed from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley call the Allentown office at 610-437-6610 or the Northampton branch at 610-250-6314.