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Author: Erica Torsiello

Womanspace Holiday Drive Needs Your Support!

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace is very grateful to our supporters who donate much needed food and gifts for our clients during the holiday season.  Each year, your holiday contributions help us assist as many as 200 families.

If you would like to participate in our 2014 Holiday Drive:

The December Holiday donations can be dropped off between December 3rd and December 19th.  Cultural sensitivity is greatly appreciated when purchasing toys, personal care & hair products, and clothing items since we serve women and children of all races. Gift cards allow the freedom that most of our clients have not experienced. Women are able to buy exactly what they need for themselves and their children.  The wish list includes all drop off instructions and can be viewed or downloaded as a printer friendly PDF, by clicking here: December Holiday Wishlist 2014.

To read about all the types of donations we need throughout the year and the many ways to give, please click here. Thank you for your generous help and support!

For Immediate Release: 10/18/2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Click here to download the press release as a PDF file 2011 Womanspace COL Event Launch Press Release

_________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITIES OF LIGHT™ 10th ANNIVERSARY LAUNCH

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Womanspace is launching the 10th Annual Communities of Light campaign on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The launch event marks the beginning of a three month long campaign designed to increase awareness about the serious issues of domestic violence and sexual assault and send the message that “Peace Begins at Home.” The Communities of Light campaign culminates with a Countywide lighting of luminaries on December 12th.

With help from Honorary Chair, Dr. Mordechai Rozanski, President of Rider University, the Communities of Light campaign launch will take place at 5:30 pm on October 25th in the Bart Luedeke Center Cavalla Room at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. This event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please call 609-394-1036 to RSVP by October 24th.

“On behalf of Rider University, I am proud to serve as the honorary chair of the Womanspace 2011 Communities of Light and to host this extraordinary event in conjunction with our annual Unity Days celebration. Domestic violence continues to cloak our neighborhoods in darkness and to leave those afflicted feeling lonely and scared. However, Communities of Light will shine a revealing light on this societal plague, showing its victims that people care and that they are not alone. I can think of no setting more appropriate for this message than an institution of higher education, such as Rider.”

The purpose of the Communities of Light campaign is to increase local awareness of domestic violence and sexual abuse in the community and to show support for family, friends, neighbors or co-workers who may be suffering in silence. As homes, neighborhoods, congregations, schools and businesses throughout Mercer County are illuminated with the glow of luminaries we give hope to the victims suffering from domestic violence. With the support of businesses and the community we can let victims know that they are not alone – Womanspace is here to serve victims at the moment of crisis and throughout their journey of healing.

Carolynne Lewis-Arévalo and Christine Scheil, both trained volunteers for Womanspace Domestic Violence Victim Response Teams, are this year’s Communities of Light™ Event Co-chairs. Nearly 100% of the proceeds raised from the sale of luminary kits directly benefits client programs and ensures that no victim is ever turned away. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, victim assistance, and transitional housing.

Each luminary kit costs only $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. Luminary kits will be available for sale at the launch event on October 25. After November 14, kits will also be on sale at over 20 retail sites throughout Mercer County, including PNC Bank, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, Terhune Orchards, Pennington Market, Great Looks 4 Less, and Gloria Nilson, Realtors. For a complete list of retailers please visit www.womanspace.org.

It is up to the community to take a stand against abuse, hold the abusers accountable for their actions and protect victims. Womanspace provides a comprehensive array of services to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence and dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and their families. Last year, Womanspace served over 10,000 adults and children impacted by interpersonal violence.

Womanspace is grateful for the support of our sponsors Compass Healthcare Marketers, Verizon Wireless, J. Knipper & Company, Janssen, the Times of Trenton, 94.5 WPST, PNC Bank, Innovation Marketing Communications, Princeton Magazine, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, and Mason, Griffin, Pierson, P.C.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and are in need of assistance, please call the Womanspace 24-Hour Hotline at 609-394-9000. To make a donation please contact Susan D. Klejst, Director of Development, at 609-394-0136 or at sdk@womanspace.org. You can also donate online at www.womanspace.org. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Adams at 609-394-0136 or at saa@womanspace.org.

Press contact: Susan D. Klejst, Director of Development
Womanspace, Inc., 1212 Stuyvesant Ave, Trenton, NJ 08618
Phone: 609-394-0136       Fax: 609-396-1093      Email: sdk@womanspace.org

 ####

Womanspace Healthcare Initiative

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Womanspace has launched the Womanspace Healthcare Initiative. Its goal is to provide education and tools to healthcare professionals in Mercer County so that they are empowered to consistently and effectively screen potential victims, and to build partnerships with healthcare systems within Mercer County.

Through experience and research, we know that properly trained doctors and nurses are uniquely qualified to help battered women, who see them for both routine and emergency care.

Learn More

Employment Opportunities

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Now Hiring! Counselor Advocate

Work Environment: On-Site, 35 hours per week.

What’s in it for you!?

  • Ability to serve as an advocate and empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Work for a nonprofit agency with dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving this specialized population.
  • 100% Company Paid Employee Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage.
  • 401(k) with company match.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will provide individual and group counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault based on a philosophy of empowerment. The ideal candidate has excellent counseling skills, a passion for social work and advocacy, and is committed to our mission of preventing abuse, protecting families, and changing lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services.

What You’ll Do:

  • Provide counseling and case management services, including, but not limited to, individual and group counseling to identify clients based on a philosophy of empowerment.
  • Provide information, referrals, and education to other professionals and to the general public.
  • Provide advocacy for clients at court, welfare, and with other community agencies.
  • Complete and maintain agency forms and documentation.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

  • Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling.
  • Knowledge of community resources, especially the legal system in Mercer County.
  • Completion of agency 60 hours of domestic violence and sexual assault training in the first year of employment or certificate of completion from another agency.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Valid driver’s license is required.

How to apply: Send your cover letter and resume to Susan Victor at jobs@womanspace.org

For Immediate Release: 6-10-2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10, 2011

Contact: Susan D. Klejst, Director of Development
Womanspace, Inc.
1212 Stuyvesant Ave. Trenton, NJ 08618
P -609-394-0136 F-609-396-1093
sdk@womanspace.org

Faith Ringgold Receives Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award: Inspiring Others to Greatness

Womanspace Inc. hosted its 17th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award reception and fundraiser on Thursday, May 12th, at a new location – the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, Princeton, N.J. Friends, benefactors, patrons, sponsors, volunteers and colleagues were all buzzing with excitement about artist and author Faith Ringgold who was this year’s recipient of the prestigious award.

Barbara Boggs Sigmund was a former Mayor of Princeton Borough and a Mercer County Freeholder. She proactively spoke out about domestic violence, and was one of the co-founders of Womanspace. Each year Womanspace honors Barbara Boggs Sigmund’s spirit and passion by presenting the award to a woman who has made a significant contribution to society to improve people’s lives. Each honoree is someone who inspires others to greatness.

Faith Ringgold is best known for her painted story quilts, art that combines painting, quilted fabric and storytelling. She has exhibited in major museums in the USA, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Mercer County, N.J., her renowned work is featured with a mosaic mural from her award-winning book Tar Beach, on the third floor of the Princeton Public Library.

Ringgold is the recipient of more than 75 awards including 22 Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degrees. She has received fellowships and grants that include the National Endowment For the Arts Award for sculpture (1978) and for painting (1989); The La Napoule Foundation Award for painting in France (1990); The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship for painting (1987); The New York Foundation For the Arts Award for painting (1988); The American Association of University Women for travel to Africa (1976); The Creative Artists Public Service Award for painting (1971).

The evening began with opening remarks from Womanspace Board President, Cynthia Ricker, and a short film presentation featuring women who have survived domestic abuse. Each of the women praised Womanspace and said they could not have survived without the organization’s services.

Next event chairs, Jigna Rao and Ingrid Reed, thanked everyone for coming and supporting Womanspace. Honorary chair, Cokie Roberts, who is an ABC News political commentator and sister of Barbara Boggs Sigmund could not attend the event, but wrote a special tribute to Ringgold which was shared by Ingrid Reed. “I wish that we didn’t need a place for women and children to find refuge from abusers, but as my sister Barbara well knew, that day is unlikely to ever come, and so Womanspace will be a vital resource in the community into the future,” said Roberts.

First grade teacher Ivey Avery attended the event. The first grade teachers at Christopher Columbus Elementary school in Trenton use the literature of Faith Ringgold in their reading curriculum. “We find that her books excite children and make reading an adventure. We have read Tar Beach, The Invisible Princess, Cassie’s Word Quilt and Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky. After reading each book the children are given a specific activity or project to complete,” said Avery. “We so love the work of Mrs. Ringgold that the students created cards and letters for her. We put them in a large sunflower box along with a few other small gifts and sent them to her. In return she brought 5 autographed books and other gifts for the students to the Womanspace banquet. She is a special lady.”

The salute and award presentation to Faith Ringgold began with an introduction of Ringgold’s life and career by Judith K. Brodsky and Dr. Ferris Olin. The two are co-founders of the Rutgers Institute for Women and Art, and have worked together for many decades featuring the work of women and artists of underrepresented populations. In 2009 they organized a 50 year retrospective of Ringgold’s work at Rutgers University. “Faith has made art about experiences that are related to those of the women and children that Womanspace helps,” said Brodsky and Olin. “To her optimism, persistence, her belief in herself and her art, as well as her commitment to the good of her family. She has made contributions to help the rest of us live our lives in better ways. She is a model for the women that Womanspace assist and to women at all levels of their personal lives and public histories.”

After receiving her award Faith Ringgold delighted the audience with a screen presentation of her artwork. “Through my art I have tried to share the experience of what it is like to be an African American Woman in America,” said Ringgold. “As an artist I can do what I want, I can say what I want, of course people can decide not to look at it, but they can’t stop me from doing it because we have a thing called freedom of speech, which is the best thing about America.”

Ringgold went on to talk about her struggle to have her work shown in New York during the 1960s, but Ringgold who is now 80-years-old, added that “if you live long enough all of your dreams can come true!”

“Now doors just seem to open without my demonstrating or anything else,” she added.

Ringgold said the most challenging art series she’s ever done is titled the Declaration of Freedom and Independence. The compositions contrast the exalted terms of the seminal American document with the lurid facts of slavery. “My intention in these illustrations is to tell the story of the forefather’s declaration of independence from the British, along with the African-American struggle for freedom and equality, ” said Ringgold. When she created the series Ringgold stated, “These illustrations are dedicated to the American people, who in 2008 elected our first black president, Barack Obama, to be the 44th president of the United States.”

In addition to showing her artwork during the reception, Ringgold also demonstrated her generosity by donating two prints for Womanspace to auction at the event. One print celebrated Oprah Winfrey’s 25 years of hosting a talk show, and the other print featured children who had survived the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The top sponsors of the event were 94.5 WPST; Compass Healthcare Marketers; Bloomberg; Drinker, Biddle & Wreath; New Jersey Manufacturers; Payment Management; and PSE&G. Table Favors were provided courtesy of Wegmans and Johnson & Johnson.

Womanspace provides programs for families struggling with domestic violence and sexual assault. Over 10,000 adults and children were served last year. Programs include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, housing services, and a 24-hour hotline: (609) 394-9000.

For more information about Womanspace or the annual BBS Award, please visit online: www.womanspace.org or contact Susan D. Klejst, director of development by phone (609) 394-0136 or by email: sdk@womanspace.org .

#####

Photos and Captions:

1. Womanspace_17thBBSAward_Honors_FaithRinggold.jpg –
see full size
         
Thank you to everyone who supported Womanspace 17th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award (BBS) event honoring Faith Ringgold, acclaimed Artist and Writer. In Photo: Celebrating with Faith Ringgold (center holding the signature Boehm Porcelain BBS Award Rose) are (left to right) Event Chairs Jigna Rao and Ingrid Reed, Board President Cynthia Ricker, Ms. Ringgold, Executive Director Patricia Hart, and Professor Paul Sigmund, husband of our late Founder and event namesake.

2. Ivey and Faith.jpg–
see full size photo

                                                                      Ivey Avery, Trenton teacher, asks Faith Ringgold to sign a quilt made by her friend Gail Anne Mitchell, another local teacher, in tribute to Ms. Ringgold’s books, which both teachers use in their classrooms.

3. Womanspace2011_BBS_RaffleWinner.jpg –
see full size photo

                                                                                    And the WINNER IS…
The lucky winner of the luxurious all-inclusive Winners Choice Trip for Two to Cancun OR Punta Cana is, Karen Parrow! The Grand Prize Raffle held during the annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award is a coveted prize valued at $3,500 and is generously sponsored by Radio Station 94.5 WPST and provided through Apple Vacations. Awarding this year’s winning vacation prize from Nassau Broadcasting is (center right) Lydia Rios, VP and General Sales Manager (center left) and winning ticket holder Karen Parrow. Representing Womanspace are (left to right) Director of Development Susan D. Klejst, Board President Cynthia Ricker, Karen Parrow, Lydia Rios, and BBS Award Event Chairs Ingrid Reed and Jigna Rao.
                                                                     
                                                                     

Other Event Photos

If you would like to see more photos of the event on 5/12/2011, please visit Pro One Event Photography to preview or purchase prints.

Ad Journal


                                                                     
Now you can download the full 64-page 2011 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award program journal and insert page distributed at the event.

You can also view our event poster.

Event Sponsors

Many thanks to our corporate sponsors!

logos

Compass Healthcare Marketers Bloomberg NJ Manufacturers Insurance Co Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP Payment Management PNC Bank PSEG WPST radio Packet Publications Central Jersey Janssen LP Times of Trenton SignARama of Hamilton

For Immediate Release: 6-1-2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

June 2, 2011
Womanspace, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Womanspace Seeks Volunteers for Victim Response Teams: Next Training Starts in September 2011

Womanspace is looking for volunteers to join its Domestic Violence Victim Response Team (DVVRT) and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Advocate Team. Team members respond to local police stations or hospitals and meet with victims—providing them with support, information, and referrals. In the past ten years the teams have served over 5,700 residents of Mercer County. Between July 2010 and June 2011, team members provided services to 907 domestic violence victims and 68 sexual assault victims.

DVVRT and SASS volunteers support victims of domestic violence and sexual assault when they need it most. Team members’ qualifications include the ability to communicate well with others, being a good listener, and maintaining confidentiality. Interested persons must be 18 years of age or older, as well as a resident of or employee in the Mercer County area with a valid driver’s license, available transportation and the ability to attend trainings and meetings. Volunteers will not have either a criminal history or prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence or sexual assault-related matter.

Volunteers will receive 80+ hours of extensive, specialized training on topics including the law, sensitivity to the needs of victims and their children, and how to provide appropriate responses at a very critical time. Trained volunteers must be “on call” (available to respond to call-outs at police departments or hospitals) two to four shifts a month. The next training will begin in September 2011.

Download your application to volunteer at www.womanspace.org. Applications must be mailed to Womanspace by August 5, 2011. Interested persons must submit to a background investigation, including fingerprinting.

Bilingual individuals (especially those fluent in Spanish, Polish, and American Sign Language) are encouraged to apply. Volunteers are also required to be fluent in English.

For more information about volunteering on the teams, please contact Heidi Mueller at dvvrt@womanspace.org and Alison Daks at sass@womanspace.org, or call (609) 394-0136.

Womanspace is the leading non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County, New Jersey. Womanspace also operates the NJ toll-free Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 572-SAFE (7233).

Contact: Heidi Mueller, DVVRT Coordinator
Womanspace, Inc.
1212 Stuyvesant Ave
Trenton, NJ 08618
609-394-0136
dvvrt@womanspace.org

Thank You for Supporting Womanspace!

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Thank you to everyone who supported our 20th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award (BBS) event on Wednesday, April 30th, at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.  Friends, benefactors, patrons, sponsors, volunteers, and staff were all thrilled about this year’s award honoree, Major League Baseball’s Hall of Famer, Joe Torre.

Photo: Celebrating with Joe Torre (center) are (left to right) Executive Director Patricia Hart, Board Member and Event Chair Danielle Coppola, Joe Torre, Cokie Roberts, sister of our late Founder, and Board Member and Event Chair Dana Fraytak Troiano.

2014 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Ad Journal.

Click here to view the 2014 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award photo gallery.

You can reserve your spot in the 2015 Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Ad Journal today! Contact Director of Development, Lauren Nazarian, at 609-394-0136 or   lan@womanspace.org for more information.


And the Winner Is…

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

The lucky winner of the luxurious all-inclusive Trip for Two the Dominican Republic is Johan Resare!

Continue reading “And the Winner Is…”

National Night Out

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

August 5, 2014: Join Womanspace at National Night Out which will be celebrated nationwide as well as throughout Mercer County:

  • East Windsor: PAL Complex (30 Airport Rd), 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Ewing: Ewing Senior Center (999 Lower Ferry Rd), 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Hamilton: Police Headquarters, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
  • Lawrence: Eggerts Crossing Village (175 Johnson Ave), 5:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Princeton: Community Park Pool (400 Witherspoon St), 5:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Robbinsville: Municipal Complex (1 Washington Blvd), 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • West Windsor: Community Park (193 Princeton-Hightstown Rd), 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Hopewell Township: Brandon Farms, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Additionally, Trenton Police Department holds multiple events in Trenton neighborhoods each year.

Volunteers Wanted

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

If you are looking to make a difference in your community, this is your opportunity!

Womanspace is currently accepting applications for new team members (applications due by February 14, 2014). The next training class begins March 5, 2014. Learn more about joining the Domestic Violence Victim Response Teams (DVVRT) and/or Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) advocates.

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

Volunteers will receive 80+ hours of extensive, specialized training on topics including the law, sensitivity to the needs of victims and their children, and how to provide appropriate responses at a very critical time. Ongoing training will also be provided. Trained volunteers must be “on call” (available to respond to call-outs at police departments or hospitals) two to four shifts per month. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. The application process includes a background check, fingerprinting and interview.

Bi-lingual individuals, especially those fluent in Spanish, Polish and American Sign Language are strongly encouraged to apply!

To apply for the next training class, download and complete this application. Please submit your application by August 15, 2014. For more information about volunteering on the teams, please contact Heidi Mueller at dvvrt@womanspace.org and Alison Daks at sass@womanspace.org, or call (609) 394-0136.

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

609-394-9000

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