This past Saturday, Younity proudly celebrated the graduation of our newest class of Response Teams Advocates—community members who completed 64 hours of intensive, trauma-informed training to provide critical support to victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Becoming a Response Teams Advocate is no small commitment. These volunteers are trained to respond in the immediate aftermath of a crisis—meeting with victim-survivors at police departments following incidents of domestic violence, or at hospitals following sexual assault. In those vulnerable, disorienting moments, Response Teams Advocates are often the first source of compassionate, judgment-free support.
They sit beside victim-survivors in some of the most difficult moments of their lives, listen without agenda, and offer clear, empowering information about options and resources. They provide a sense of safety and dignity when it is needed most. Each conversation may be brief, but its impact can last a lifetime.
Their role requires not only knowledge, but emotional strength, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility. Response Teams Advocates answer calls at all hours—often in the middle of the night—because they know that a calm, caring presence can change the course of someone’s healing journey.
Eva Phillips, a survivor and fierce advocate for justice, served as guest speaker at the graduation. Her presence was a powerful reminder of the importance of this work—and the strength that emerges when survivors are met with care and belief.
“Our advocates are the bridge between crisis and hope,” said Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator. “Their willingness to show up—day or night—brings dignity, compassion, and calm to moments that could otherwise feel isolating or overwhelming.”
We are incredibly proud to welcome this new group of advocates into the Younity community. Their courage, dedication, and quiet strength help ensure that no one has to face abuse or assault alone.
Interested in future training opportunities?
Future training opportunities are planned. Reach out to responseteamstraining@younitynj.org for questions or more information.
Together, we applaud these advocates and all those who support them—because their work makes our entire community stronger.
From left to right:
Varonda Kendrick, Younity Response Teams Coordinator; Felicia, Younity Community Outreach Coordinator & Staff on Call Response Teams Advocate; Eva Phillips; Janet Morales, Younity Crisis Sexual Assault Response Specialist; Susan Victor, Younity Chief Operating Officer, Client & Community Services
