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Author: Carolyn Sienicki

Domestic Violence Workshop & Dinner Program 

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki
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You’re Invited! 💜

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are proud to host a special Domestic Violence Workshop & Dinner Program, in collaboration with John O. Wilson Hamilton Neighborhood Center and Pinnacle Treatment Centers. This evening will be an opportunity to learn about the complexities of domestic violence and substance abuse, and how we can all work together to support victim-survivors.

Come for the dinner, stay for the learning, and leave with a deeper understanding of how we can create safer, more supportive communities.

👉 You must RSVP today to save your seat! 

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Communities of Light: Illuminate Mercer County on December 2nd

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

On the evening of Monday, December 2nd, 2024, Mercer County will glow with thousands of flickering lights for the 23rd Annual Communities of Light. This cherished event sends a powerful message of support and solidarity to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Join us at sundown to bring these issues out of the darkness and into the light.

Luminary Kits

Each Luminary Kit contains 6 votive candles and white paper bags, and costs $10. Kits will be on sale starting October 29th at the above retail locations.

How You Can Participate:

Illuminate Your Home: Purchase a Luminary Kit and display it at your home to show your support for survivors. Kits are available for purchase at our Administrative Office or participating retailers starting October 29th.

Coordinate with Your Community: Work with your neighbors or colleagues to amplify the message of hope and solidarity in your area. Become a Community Coordinator to assist with kit distribution and event organization

Be a Retailer for Luminary Kits: If you are a retailer in Mercer County, NJ, help sell Womanspace Communities of Light Luminary Kits from October 29th to December 2nd.

Be a Sponsor: Join other business leaders in sponsoring Womanspace’s 23rd Annual Communities of Light. Show your company’s commitment to violence-free homes and communities. Your partnership will support Womanspace’s crucial work with survivors, from crisis to self-empowered lives free from violence. Register or donate here.

Interested in Making a Difference? Contact Rebecca Leoni at rll@womanspace.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Trenton Thunder Baseball: A Beacon of Community Support and Prevention

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

August 2, 2024 • From August Newsletter — We are proud to recognize the Trenton Thunder as our Community Beacon Sponsor this year. Their commitment to amplifying the presence of Womanspace and other local organizations making a difference has positioned them as a vital catalyst for community well-being and connection. Through their games and community outreach efforts, the Trenton Thunder foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, allowing neighbors to come together and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Jon Bodnar, General Manager of Trenton Thunder, emphasizes the team’s role in community building: “As an organization, we know we have a responsibility to be more than just a baseball team. Our community is our backbone, and we wouldn’t be here today without the support we’ve been shown over the past 30+ years. The ballpark is a place to bring people together and foster relationships that will stand the test of time.”

Honoring Hometown Heroes

Nathalie S. Nelson, President and CEO of Womanspace, was honored as a Hometown Hero by the Trenton Thunder on June 27th. The Hometown Heroes program is an initiative by the Trenton Thunder that allows fans to nominate individuals who have made significant positive contributions to their community. These heroes can be current and former armed forces members, first responders, or others who go above and beyond to make a difference. These local heroes are honored throughout the season, celebrating their dedication and impact. Through this program, Womanspace and its leadership have been recognized, highlighting our shared mission to support those in need.

The Role of Sports in Preventing Violence

Sports can play a significant role in helping to prevent violence within our communities. Engaging in sports fosters a sense of belonging, teamwork, and discipline, which are essential in creating a supportive environment. By participating in sports, individuals can channel their energy into positive activities, thereby reducing the likelihood of engaging in violent behavior. Sports also provide a platform for teaching important life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and empathy.

Jon Bodnar reflects on this impact: “Sports bring people together and can be an outlet during difficult times. It is also an outlet to gain a new perspective. Whether you play a team sport or an individual sport, you are building a community around you that can cheer you on when you are at your highest of highs but also pick you up and dust you off when you are at your lowest points.”

By promoting healthy competition and camaraderie, sports can help break down social barriers and encourage mutual respect among participants. This sense of community and support can be a powerful deterrent against violence, as individuals are less likely to resort to harmful behaviors when they feel connected and supported. The Trenton Thunder’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment aligns perfectly with Womanspace’s mission, making our partnership all the more impactful.

A Partnership for a Safer Community

Jon Bodnar recognizes the importance of Womanspace’s mission: “Violence and abuse have no place in this world. Womanspace gives those they work with the courage and faith to have a voice that they might otherwise have been denied.”

Womanspace is proud to partner with the Trenton Thunder, an organization that not only brings joy and excitement to families but also stands as a beacon of support in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault. The Thunder continually demonstrates their dedication to making a difference through their events and community programs. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and working together to create a safer, more supportive community for all.

For more information on the Trenton Thunder and their community initiatives, please visit their website.

You can purchase Trenton Thunder tickets here and enjoy a fun summer evening at the ballpark!

Make a Difference in Your Community: Join The Response Teams of Mercer County

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

August 2, 2024 – Womanspace, Inc. seeks passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Response Teams of Mercer County as Volunteer Advocates. This is more than just a volunteer opportunity — it’s a chance to be a beacon of hope for individuals in crisis. Your support can change lives and contribute to a safer, more supportive community. As an advocate, you will play a crucial role in providing immediate support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, ensuring their safety and well-being during some of the most critical moments of their lives.

Why Volunteer with Womanspace?

Volunteering with Womanspace offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community. Our Response Team members are trained to offer compassionate and informed assistance to individuals in crisis, working closely with law enforcement and other community partners to provide a coordinated response.

What Does the Role Involve?

As a Response Team volunteer, you will:

  • Provide Immediate Support: Offer emotional support and information to victims of domestic and sexual violence.
  • Collaborate with Law Enforcement: Work alongside police officers to ensure victims receive the necessary resources and assistance.
  • Offer Information on Resources: Inform victims about their options and connect them with Womanspace’s comprehensive services, including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy.
  • Be Available During Critical Moments: Respond to calls and provide support during times when it is most needed.
  • Receive Free Professional Training: You will receive 64 hours of free training from some of the best experts in domestic violence and sexual assault at Womanspace and within New Jersey.

The Critical Moment in a Victim’s Journey

This is a crucial moment in a victim’s journey to safety and recovery. On average, it can take seven to eight times before a victim leaves their abuser. Having a trained and compassionate advocate present at that moment can significantly reduce that number. Your support can be the turning point that empowers a victim to seek safety and begin the path to healing.

Training and Support

Womanspace provides extensive training to ensure all volunteers are well-prepared to handle the complexities of this role. You will receive training on domestic and sexual violence, crisis intervention, and the services offered by Womanspace. Ongoing support is available to help you navigate challenging situations and continue developing your skills.

How to Apply If you are compassionate, empathetic, and committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply to join our Response Teams of Mercer County. To begin applying, fill out and submit the application. The application deadline has been extended to September 13th, and training begins on September 24th.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about this opportunity, please email responseteamstraining@womanspace.org.

Strengthening Community Safety: Womanspace’s Partnerships with NJ Police Departments

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

August 2, 2024 • From August Newsletter — At Womanspace, we believe that strong partnerships are critical to creating safe communities. Our working relationships with police departments in Mercer County’s municipalities and the New Jersey State Police ensure a coordinated community response. This coordinated response between police and Womanspace ensures the delivery of comprehensive support and resources to victims at police stations and hospitals during a crisis. By fostering open communication and providing training, we ensure that officers are well-prepared to handle these situations with sensitivity and expertise. Together, we strive towards a future where everyone feels safe and supported.

Annual Training with Law Enforcement

A key component of the partnership between Womanspace and the police is the annual training of a new class of recruits to the NJ State Police Academy. On June 27, Varonda Kendrick, our Response Team Coordinator and Domestic Violence Victims Representative, attended training for 24 recruits. At the invitation of Detective Jenn Gering, Princeton Police Department’s Domestic Violence Liaison, Varonda outlined the services Womanspace provides to assist victims in finding safety and healing. Varonda’s experience and insight also equip officers with a deeper understanding of domestic and sexual violence issues, helping them respond more effectively and empathetically to victims.

Data shows that, on average, it can take 7 to 8 times before a victim leaves their abuser. Police who have received training on the unique characteristics of domestic and sexual violence, working in partnership with highly trained and compassionate Womanspace Response Team Advocates, can reduce the number of times a victim returns to an abusive situation.

Training provided to police ensures that they are trained and compassionate advocates who can reduce that number at that moment. By joining forces and working together, the potential for significantly impacting victim-survivors experience in our community is increased exponentially. Varonda shares, “Our relationship with Law Enforcement is key to the success of the Response Teams of Mercer County. We need their partnership and support to meet our goals of serving survivors, utilizing our volunteers, and doing our work excellently. It takes a village, and we are proud to have Law Enforcement as a part of ours!”

Join Us at National Night Out

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. It aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, contributing to an increased sense of community and connection.

Womanspace will have staff present in all municipalities across Mercer County. We invite you to come and meet our team at the following locations:

• East Windsor: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., East Windsor P.A.L Facility, 30 Airport Road, East Windsor, NJ

• Ewing: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Ewing Township Community Center, 999 Lower Ferry Road, Ewing, N

• Hamilton: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Veterans Park South Entrance, 2262 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ

• Hightstown: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Association Park, Grant Avenue, Hightstown, NJ

• Hopewell Township & Pennington Borough: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Stony Brook Elementary School, 20 Stephenson Rd, Pennington, NJ

• Lawrence: 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ

• Princeton, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., 400 Witherspoon Street, Princeton, NJ

• Robbinsville: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Robbinsville Township Police Department, 1117 Rt 130, Robbinsville, NJ

• Trenton: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, Cadwalader Park, 36 Parkside, Trenton, NJ

• West Windsor: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., West Windsor Community Park, 271 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor, NJ

National Night Out allows us to connect with community members, raise awareness about our services, and strengthen our partnerships with local police departments. By working together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic and sexual violence.

Through our collaborative efforts, our goal is to create a safer environment for all community members. Whether through joint training sessions, community events like National Night Out, or day-to-day interactions, our partnership with law enforcement is a cornerstone of our work. We look forward to continuing our work with law enforcement and engaging with our community to fulfill Womanspace’s mission to prevent abuse, protect families, and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services.

Save the Date for Community Appreciation Day!

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

We are thrilled to invite you to a special event that honors and celebrates you—our valued community members! Join us for Womanspace & Partners’ Community Appreciation Day, an end-of-summer celebration designed to give back to our incredible community for the unwavering support you have shown Womanspace throughout the year. And the best part? It’s completely FREE!

When:
Saturday, August 31, 2024 |. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where:
 Mercer County Community Park {East}
1346 Edinburg Rd., Princeton Junction, NJ 08550

Why You Should Attend:

This day is dedicated to showing our heartfelt appreciation for your continuous support. It’s an opportunity to come together, enjoy delightful food, engage in fun activities, and build stronger community bonds. This event is our way of saying “Thank You” for your commitment to Womanspace and our mission to provide support and resources to those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Your involvement and support significantly impact our ability to serve those in need.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and express our gratitude in person. Let’s make this a memorable day for everyone!

For more information, please contact:

Varonda Kendrick at 609-649-4090 or email at dvvrt@womanspace.org

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki
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🌟 Join us for an exciting evening at the Trenton Thunder game on June 27th! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Nathalie S. Nelson, our CEO & President of Womanspace, is being honored as a Hometown Hero and will be throwing out the first pitch! ⚾️✨

📅 Date: June 27th, 2024

🕒Time: The game starts at 7:00 PM

📍 Location: Trenton Thunder Ballpark

Come out and support a true community leader while enjoying a great game. Let’s fill the stands and show our appreciation for all the incredible work being done by Nathalie and her team. 💜

Get tickets here

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Join the Womanspace Violence Prevention Coalition

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

Are you a leader in education, government, healthcare, community of faith, nonprofit, or business? Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of others? Then we need you! Join our new collaborative and community outreach effort — The Womanspace Violence Prevention Coalition.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Womanspace Violence Prevention Coalition is to assess and address the needs of our community, create a network of support, and develop effective violence prevention strategies.

OUR GOALS

Assess and Address Community Needs:

We will share our knowledge to assess and understand the root causes and prevalence of power-based personal violence in Mercer County. This data will inform our strategies and interventions.

Create a Network of Support:

We are committed to building a strong network of individuals, schools, organizations, and businesses dedicated to preventing violence and supporting survivors. This network will provide resources, advocacy, and solidarity to those affected by violence.

Develop Violence Prevention Strategies:

Drawing on research, best practices, and community input, we will develop comprehensive violence prevention strategies tailored to the needs of Mercer County. These strategies will encompass education, advocacy, and intervention efforts.

MEETINGS

The Womanspace Violence Prevention Coalition will convene on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 A.M. via Zoom. These meetings will provide opportunities for members to collaborate, share resources, and discuss progress toward our goals.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the coalition is open to representatives from schools, organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our commitment to preventing power-based personal violence. Members are expected to actively contribute to the coalition’s mission and participate in meetings and activities.

NEXT STEPS

If you want to join the Womanspace Violence Prevention Coalition or learn more about our work, please register here:

REGISTER TO JOIN THE
WOMANSPACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION COALITION

or email Grace Flagler at gef@womanspace.org.

We welcome your participation and look forward to working together to create a safer, more resilient Mercer County.

Womanspace Welcomes New Board Leadership

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

March 14, 2024 – Womanspace, a Mercer County nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault, is pleased to announce new leadership for the roles of Chair and Vice Chair.

Meaghan Cannon, Chair is a long-time Womanspace board member with deep ties to the agency.  Her mother, Mary Ann Cannon, was one of the founders of the agency, signing the original certificate of incorporation. “Womanspace has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember, making its mission near and dear to my heart. I am excited to help provide leadership as Womanspace moves into the next phases of its growth and evolution.” Meaghan is a Regional Director for FirstService Residential and has held various leadership and management roles in the hospitality and human resources sectors. She is a resident of Pennington, NJ.

Meaghan is replacing outgoing Chair Michelle Bajwa (Monroe Township), who reflects on her two-year term, saying, “It has been a distinct honor to serve as the Womanspace Board Chair. I remain grateful for the unique and treasured opportunity to partner with Board Members, community allies, staff, and clients in our movement to address the oppressive systems that fuel cycles of domestic violence and sexual abuse. I welcome incoming Board Chair Meaghan Cannon with enthusiasm and confidence as I know Womanspace today is well-positioned to increasingly support and provide preventative educational outreach to the diverse, evolving, and dynamic community in Mercer County.”

Malina Poshtova Delamere, Vice Chair is the founder and president of Vida Rose Coaching Solutions, an executive coaching practice for women whose business, career, and life are in growth mode. With over 20 years of business leadership experience, Ms. Poshtova is also a former Fulbright Scholar, with degrees from New York University and the University of Sofia in Bulgaria. Malina will succeed Joanne Barlow, who has completed her two-year term as Vice Chair. She is a resident of Pennington, NJ.

For information on agency events and updates, follow Womanspace on Facebook and Instagram.

You’re Invited! The 28th Annual Womanspace Awards Dinner

Posted on by Carolyn Sienicki

May 30th, 2024 |. 5:30 to 8:30 P.M.

The Boathouse on Mercer Lake
334 S. Post Road | West Windsor Township, New Jersey | 08550

One-hour cocktail reception and raffle | Dinner and award ceremony to follow

Join us for our annual fundraiser and a lovely summer evening at The Boat House in Mercer County Park! This year, we will present The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman in honor of her tireless advocacy, dedication, and achievements in advancing gender equality, empowering women, and supporting initiatives that promote a more just, equitable, and violence-free community for all. In addition, we will be awarding The Edwin W. Schmierer Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service and introducing a new award, The Womanspace Award for Outstanding Community Partner.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP, CALL OUR TOLL-FREE 24-HOUR HOTLINE:

609-394-9000

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