Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

Raoul and Carlo Momo Named 2015 COL Honorary Co-Chairs

Posted on October 10, 2015October 15, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace welcomes restaurant owners Raoul and Carlo Momo Co-Founders of the Terra Momo Restaurant Group. Raoul is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Trustees and Treasurer for The Suppers Program, an organization that promotes healthy eating. He is also a member of the Princeton and Kingston Historical Society. Carlo Momo Co-Founder of the Terra Momo Restaurant Group and brother of Raoul Momo, is involved in all aspects of the company’s restaurant operations and restaurant site selection, with a particular focus on the restaurant architectural design, standards of service and wine selection. Carlo is a supporter of the many non-profit organizations, and is especially involved with fundraising efforts for area arts organizations, such as the Arts Council of Princeton.

Partners in Terra Momo Restaurant Group, Raoul and Carlo have been restaurant owners for the past 33 years. With a reputation for opening forward-thinking restaurant concepts, they have continually brought new trends to the Central New Jersey area, beginning as early as 1982, when they opened Teresa’s Caffe an artisan pizza café. They continued setting trends when they opened Mediterra, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring a Tapas Bar. Following that they opened Terra Momo Bread Company, an artisan bread store, both located in the heart of downtown Princeton. Their newest concept, a Wine Bar and Restaurant, featuring locally grown produce is Eno Terra, located in the historic village of Kingston, New Jersey. As they look to the future, the emphasis on buying local is very important to their company, as is dealing with supplier partners who share the same commitment to sustainable business practices and organic production. They maintain that the integrity of the cuisine served at all of their restaurants is the essence of how they are defined in the restaurant industry.

Raoul and Carlo’s dedication to Womanspace’s mission will positively impact the success of this year’s Communities of Light event.The lighting of luminaries throughout the county is our unique way of increasing local awareness of the presence of domestic and sexual violence in our community. It is also our way of shedding light on the Womanspace mission to serve its victims at the moment of crisis and throughout their journey of healing.

Communities of Light is an annual public awareness campaign and fundraiser that brings multiple NJ counties together to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and services available to victims and survivors in their community. Several domestic violence agencies join with Womanspace in selling luminary kits (containing votive candles, bags & instructions) and then lighting the candles at dusk on a night during the winter solstice, which this year is Monday, December 7, 2015. Volunteers throughout the state will coordinate participation within their neighborhoods, businesses, faith-based and community organizations to illuminate the night and send the message that Peace Begins at Home. Click here to learn more about Communities of Light.

Womanspace’s environmentally-friendly luminary kits were designed and assembled by J. Knipper & Company. Additional event sponsors include Doctors Express Urgent Care and the Times of Trenton. The $10 Luminary kits will be available at several retail locations throughout Mercer County. If you’re unable to light a luminary kit, please also consider purchasing a virtual luminary that will serve as the same purpose.

Last year Womanspace served over 11,202 adults and children. It is our hope that families who struggle with violence in their homes will see that their community stands with them and learn that help is available. In order to succeed we need the support of the Mercer County community; supporters can contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at lan@womanspace.org. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Adams at 609-394-0136 or at saa@womanspace.org. Read more about COL volunteer opportunities.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and in need of assistance, please call the 24-hour hotline at 609-394-9000 to speak with someone immediately. Services at Womanspace include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.

To visit the Terra Momo Website, Click here!

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

Specks of Dust Screening

Posted on October 5, 2015October 15, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace Hosts: Screening of Specks of Dust

a film by Azza Cohen

Oct 22, 2015

Specks of Dust follows activists working to remove children from the sex industry.

The College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Road, Ewing NJ

RSVP
Phone: 609-394-0136 or
Email: gmv@womanspace.org

Co-sponsored by The Bonner Institute for Civic and Community Engagement

Specks of Dust: Premiere Trailer from Azza Cohen on Vimeo.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release: 9-16-15

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace Launches the 2015 Communities of Light Campaign The Countywide lighting date is Monday, December 7^th

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, Womanspace launches our Communities of Light™ Peace Begins At Home campaign in October culminating with a Countywide lighting of luminaries on December 7^th. This event is a powerful symbol of hope for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. It helps raise awareness and let victims know that they are not alone. Communities of Light™ will launch with a free public reception on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 5:30pm at D&R Greenway Land Trust in Princeton, NJ.

Womanspace is privileged to have honorary co- chairs; Raoul and Carlo Momo owner and operators of the Terra Momo Restaurant Group. Raoul is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Trustees and is the Treasurer for The Suppers Program, an organization that promotes healthy eating. He is also a member of the Princeton and Kingston Historical Society. Carlo is involved in all aspects of the company’s restaurant operations and restaurant site selection, with a particular focus on the restaurant architectural design, standards of service and wine selection. He is also a supporter of many non-profit organizations, and is especially involved with fundraising efforts for area arts organizations, such as the Arts Council of Princeton.

Carlo Momo discussed his reasoning for accepting the honorary Co-chair position; “Raoul and I are greatly humbled and honored to be named as co-chairs of Womanspace’s 2015 Communities of Light event. Frankly, at first we were not quite sure why we were being honored, other than thinking that if you’re in business long enough in a given community, you are bound to be bestowed with an honor or two. But it dawned on us that we needed to say something about the topic. After all, women ages 18-34 are at greatest risk of experiencing domestic violence and that demographic makes up half of Terra Momo’s staff. Our mother was the primary inspiration for our restaurant group- so much so, we named one of our establishments, Teresa’s, in her honor. While we openly acknowledge that she planted the seed that cultivated our restaurant group to become what it is today, the most important value we learned from her is to respect and honor women. As sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, employers, friends and active members of our community- yes, we needed to speak up.”

On the need to raise awareness, Momo said; “The silence is deafening- not just from the victims, but also from the public, lawmakers, and the media (unless a celebrity is involved and it makes for good TV ratings). Neighbors, family and friends often look the other way to further cement the devastating chorus of silence.”

We hope you can join us at the 2015 Communities of Light launch reception at D&R Greenway Trust on Tuesday, October 27. To RSVP, please call 609-394-0136 by October 26^th. Seating is limited and registration is required. There is no charge to attend; participants are highly encouraged to purchase the $10 COL luminary kits.

No time to get to the store to get your luminaries? You can purchase virtual luminaries and help us spread awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault through your Facebook status, your Twitter feed or by sending an email to your friends. Sending a message of hope and support can make all the difference.

We hope to “light” up everyone’s social media pages and emails and we encourage you to share your virtual luminaries from now until the lighting date on December 7^th.

The lighting of luminaries throughout the county is our unique way of increasing local awareness of both the ongoing presence of domestic and sexual violence in our community and the Womanspace mission to serve its victims at the moment of crisis and throughout their journey of healing. Each year, business and civic leaders in every municipality support Womanspace during the campaign and especially on December 7^th. “Sister” agencies in numerous New Jersey counties will also join our Communities of Light™ endeavors here in Mercer County. We welcome the participation of community members in our efforts to make Mercer County shine brightly as we remember those who may be suffering in silence.

Thanks to the generosity of in-kind support from a number of local businesses, 100% of all proceeds from luminary kit sales and donations to Communities of Light benefit Womanspace programs that serve adults and children, who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. The event proceeds help ensure that no victim is ever turned away at their time of need. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, victim assistance, and transitional housing.

Womanspace is grateful for the support of our sponsors Doctors Express Urgent Care, Capital Health Hospital, PNC Bank, Terra Momo Restaurant Group, Knipper, and The Times of Trenton.

Don’t forget to light your luminary candles at dusk on Monday, December 7, along with hundreds of people, organizations and community groups throughout the 12 municipalities in Mercer County.

Last year Womanspace served over 11,200 adults and children. It is our hope that families who struggle with violence in their homes will see that their community stands with them and learn that help is available. In order to succeed we need the support of the Mercer County community; interested supporters can contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at lan@womanspace.org. Information can also be found by visiting www.womanspace.org.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release:7-29-15

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace was awarded a charitable grant from BlackRock for $5,000 supporting our Deaf Advocacy Project

July 29, 2015 — On Thursday, June 4th, Womanspace was awarded a charitable grant from BlackRock for $5,000 supporting our Deaf Advocacy Project. It is estimated that one in every four women are beaten and one in every five women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime. For the deaf and hard of hearing the ratios are even higher. Individuals that cannot communicate or do not understand the culture of deaf communities cause isolation, making it difficult for them to receive quick and effective help.

The Deaf Advocacy Project will train deaf advocates to respond to deaf victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The NJ Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing has been supportive in providing American Sign Language interpreters however, the ability to continue to provide this service is limited and the associated costs for 80 hours of training, ongoing supervision and travel expenses. With the Womanspace Deaf Advocacy Project, following the completion of training our Deaf Advocates will have the ability to accompany the Deaf Victims to the police station, court, the hospital, or wherever the Victim needs support.

In partnership with the NJ Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the NJ Coalition for Battered Women, and the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault we are working to help give a voice to the hundreds and hundreds of victims who cannot be heard. The program is being piloted in Mercer County, New Jersey and hopefully with help from funders like BlackRock, it will be statewide in 2 years. If you are interested in making a donation to the Womanspace Deaf Advocacy Project, please visit our website: womanspace.org and click the “To donate to the Deaf Advocacy Project click here” to be directed to the gofundme.com page or make a donation to Womanspace and designate it to the Deaf Advocacy Program.

Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all genders and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services and so much more.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release: 8-12-15

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace is this quarter’s Nickels for Non-Profit designated Organization at Whole Foods Market- Princeton

August 12, 2015 – Womanspace is honored to have been chosen by Whole Foods Market- Princeton, to be this quarter’s Nickels for Non-Profit designated Organization. Each customer that brings in reusable bags receives .05 cents for each bag. The customers then have the option to donate their refund(s) to Womanspace this quarter. Each time you go shopping, don’t forget your reusable bag to save the planet, while also helping to prevent abuse, protect families, and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services. Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by human trafficking, domestic, and sexual violence; and dedicated to improving the quality of life for victims, survivors and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, education and training, children’s services, response team advocates, and housing services. Womanspace will be Whole Foods Market- Princeton’s Nickels for Non-Profits designated organization until September 27th.Remember, every nickel counts!

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release: 6-30-15

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

POLICE DEPARTMENTS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM RESPONSE TEAM

June 30, 2015 – Local Police Departments in partnership with Womanspace Inc., are currently accepting applications for volunteers to become members of the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team.

The team members will work in conjunction with the police to provide support, information, and referral at the time of domestic violence crisis. Team members will be contacted by Police personnel and respond to the appropriate headquarters to meet with the domestic violence victims. They will provide information and support in order to assist victims in making educated decisions that positively affect individual and family conditions.

In 2014, DVVRT volunteers in Trenton alone, responded 420 times to speak with domestic violence victims, providing referral counseling and emotional support to 522 persons. In the same year, 82 persons were supported by the Sexual Assault Support Services Advocate Team (SASS).

Training is scheduled to begin September 9th 2015. Team members will receive extensive specialized training on such topics as the law, sensitivity to the needs of the victims and their children, and how to provide swift, safe, appropriate responses at a very critical time for families.

Applications will be accepted from prospective volunteers who meet the following requirements:
• 18 years of age
• Posses a valid Driver’s license & available transportation
• No Criminal Record History (applicants must submit information for a background check & interview)
• Attend mandatory training and attend monthly meetings
• Ability to communicate well with others and be sensitive to victims’ feelings
• Bilingual individuals and persons fluent in American Sign Language are encouraged to participate

Anyone interested in applying as a volunteer should contact the Domestic Violence Response Team Coordinator Heidi Mueller as soon as possible, at (609)394-0136. Applications must be received by August 1, 2015. For further information contact Heidi Mueller of Womanspace at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison Daks sass@womanspace.org.

Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy and housing services.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release: 5-6-15

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

May 6, 2015: Today Womanspace was presented with a $10,000 check from Wells Fargo Bank for our Transitional Housing Assistance Program. The primary focus of the Transitional Housing Assistance Program is to provide aid to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, particularly those who are homeless or in need of transitional housing and supportive services. Our transitional program addresses emotional needs, financial stability, resolution of legal concerns, and child care options. The program also focuses on educational goals or job readiness skills as the women work towards self sufficiency. This $10,000 grant will help sustain the transitional housing program and get our clients the critical support needed. Thank you to Wells Fargo Bank for choosing Womanspace to be the recipient of this $10,000 grant.
About Womanspace
Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, that provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual violence and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, housing services, and the 24-hour hotline: (609) 394-9000.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

For Immediate Release: 4-9-15

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Erica Torsiello

You’re Cordially Invited To the 21st Annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Event!
Honoring Human Rights Activist-Scholar, Minh Dang

April 9, 2015: Womanspace is privileged to honor Human Rights Activist-Scholar, Minh Dang, for her efforts to stop Human Trafficking at the 21st annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award (BBS Award) on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.
Each year, Womanspace honors a person of distinction who exemplifies the qualities of the event’s namesake, Barbara Boggs Sigmund. On May 14, 2015, Dang will be honored at the Hyatt Regency Princeton for her efforts to stop human trafficking. Minh is currently an independent consultant, trainer, and speaker on issues of human trafficking, leadership development and social justice. Minh is a staunch advocate for survivors of child abuse and human trafficking and is developing strategies to support education, training, and leadership development for survivors.
Womanspace is grateful to Janssen Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC for their generosity and leadership as the 2015 BBS Award presenting sponsor. Additional event sponsors include Bloomberg, New Jersey Manufacturers, Novo Nordisk, Capital Health, Macy’s, Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless, Robin Travers, The Times of New Jersey and The Albin Family Foundation for sponsoring the vacation of a lifetime. Womanspace would also like to thank our in kind sponsors of Boehm Porcelain, Moxie Woman Magazine, Peeq Media, Packet media group, Johnson and Johnson consumer companies, Digital Dog Direct, Corporate Graphics and Hermitage Press for their continued support.
Barbara Boggs Sigmund, Mayor of Princeton Borough and the first woman Freeholder in Mercer County, was the driving force in founding Womanspace in 1977. She came from a distinguished political family – the daughter of the late Congressman Hale Boggs, and Congresswoman and Ambassador Lindy Boggs, and the sister of journalist Cokie Roberts, who was our first BBS Award honoree and a consistent supporter of our mission and wise adviser to our agency. Roberts will serve as Honorary Chair for this year’s event.
Barbara’s leadership and her crusade against domestic violence have made a life-saving difference to the thousands of survivors served by Womanspace over the years. She was an inspiration with her “can do” attitude. The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award proudly represents that spirit, and honoring Minh Dang is a true representation of that spirit. Most recently, Minh was the Executive Director for Don’t Sell Bodies (DSB), an anti human trafficking initiative founded by Jada Pinkett Smith. In May 2013, Minh was recognized at the White House as a Champion of Change for her efforts to end human trafficking. Minh is a ten-year veteran of the service-learning field and two-time alum of UC Berkeley. The California Alumni Association honored Minh in March 2014 with the Mark Bingham Award for Excellence in achievement by a Young Alumna.
We are looking forward to a fabulous evening, honoring Minh Dang presented by her good friend and long time writer Abby Sher. Abby is the Author of Kissing Snowflakes, Amen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl who Couldn’t Stop Praying, and Breaking Free: True Stories of Girls who Escaped Modern Slavery. The night will continue with dinner and the drawing of the vacation raffle. The chance to win a vacation for two at a NOW resort in either Cancun or Punta Cancun; winners choice! This is an all-inclusive vacation package, complete with all white sand private beach, golf course, nine fine dining restaurants, and eleven top sprint bars—a trip fit for a king and queen.
There’s still time to purchase sponsorships, program journal ads, and or vacation raffle tickets for this unforgettable event. The deadline to be featured in our program journal, newsletter and event signage is April 15, so be sure to purchase any sponsorships or journal ads at your earliest convenience.
A limited number of seats are available, and ticket sales close on Friday, May 8th. For immediate information about Womanspace and the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award event on May 14, 2015 from 6 to 9:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, please visit www.womanspace.org or call Womanspace at 609-394-0136 during regular business hours.

Home » Archives for Erica Torsiello » Page 12

2015 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Ceremony

Posted on May 30, 2015November 10, 2024 by Erica Torsiello

2015 BBS was a Success!

Womanspace would like to thank all of those who attended our 21st Annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton on Thursday, May 14th. The night was a huge success with our Honoree Minh Dang bringing everyone to tears with her moving song, and heartfelt speech. We’re so thankful to have people who support our mission at Womanspace and are dedicated to helping our agency. The event raised a net total of $125,000 and over 320 guests attended. Thank you again for all of your support!

Click here to hear a clip from Minh’s Speech

Click here to view our 2015 Ad Journal

Pictures from the event

Board President, Kristin Keller.

Presenting Sponsor: Janssen and Minh Dang

Honoree Minh Dang and her presenter, Author Abby Sher.

Platinum Sponsor: Robin Gosnell supporting Womanspace.

Platinum Sponsor Bloomberg and Minh Dang.

Bronze Sponsor Wells Fargo and Minh Dang.

Silver Sponsor Macy’s and Minh Dang.

Platinum Sponsor Verizon and Minh Dang.

Bronze Sponsor New Jersey Manufacturers.

Womanspace Staff: Gina Vinch, Lauren Nazarian, Nathalie Nelson and Susan Adams.

Albin Family Foundation, Vacation Raffle Sponsor.

Blackrock Supporting Womanspace.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Supporting Womanspace.

Dr. Husseini Manji from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Womanspace staff Lauren Nazarian and Pat Hart with honoree Minh Dang and her presenter, Abby Sher.

Honoree Minh Dang and Womanspace Executive Director, Pat Hart hugging after her speech.

Womanspace Shelter Staff

PNC Bank supporting Womanspace.

Stephen Sigmund, son of Womanspace founder Barbara Boggs Sigmund and his daughter Ruby Barbara Sigmund.

Womanspace Board Members.

About our Honoree

Minh Dang joins a long list of distinguished honorees who have received the BBS award including Diane Sawyer, Faith Ringgold, Lee Woodruff, and last year’s honoree, Joe Torre. Learn more about our past honorees. Click here to see Minh Dang bio

2015 Womanspace Board Members

2015 Event Committee

Womanspace is grateful for the 2015 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Event Committee, click here for the list of committee members.

How this event helps Womanspace…

Your financial support helps Womanspace provide the critical services needed by the survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families. Womanspace also provides critical therapeutic counseling for the children affected by the trauma of family violence and operates the NJ Statewide domestic violence hotline. Last year alone, Womanspace provided services to 11,461 adults and children.