Category: News

Womanspace staff gathered for their annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Launch on October 4, 2017. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children.

Womanspace is always looking for expand our services to better serve our clients. For this years launch, we brought in Lisa Smith from Rutgers University. Lisa is the Coordinator for Domestic Violence Services in the Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She taught us more about serving the LGBTQ community and how to approach victims and survivors with proper pronouns, and sensitivity to their unique situation. We enjoyed having Lisa with us on our launch day, and teaching us more about serving other populations.

The Mary Kay Foundation℠ Awarded Womanspace, Inc. Critical Unrestricted Funding as Part of New $3 Million Grant Slate

Trenton, NJ- September 28, 2017 – Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation℠ is awarding $20,000 grants to 150 domestic violence shelters across the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam for a total of $3 million.  Local shelter Womanspace, was chosen to receive one of the annual grants to further the organization’s efforts to combat domestic violence and provide rehabilitation services throughout Mercer County, NJ. This year’s highly sought-after grant slate brings the total investment in The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program to nearly $42 million.

Womanspace will use the grant funding to keep our safe house in operation 24/7, 365 days a year. Other recipients use the unrestricted funds for basic operating expenses, hiring much-needed personnel, completing repairs and renovations or adding programs and resources based on the unique needs of their shelter and the clients they serve.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and its continued commitment to break the cycle of domestic violence,” said Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development.  “We are thrilled that Mary Kay has partnered with us yet again, and providing funds for our Safe House.  The Womanspace Safe house is open 24/7, with over 200 women and children coming through our safe house each year.  We thank the Mary Kay Foundation for your continued generosity and support for our Safe House.”

Founded in 1977, Womanspace, Inc. is a leading nonprofit agency in Mercer County, New Jersey, whose mission is to prevent abuse, protect families and change lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services. Womanspace bilingual (English and Spanish) programs include 24-hour crisis intervention through crisis hotlines, response teams, and emergency shelter; counseling for adults and children, court advocacy and housing services. Last year Womanspace served 11,107 adults and children, impacted by domestic and sexual violence.

“More than 700 domestic violence shelters nationwide applied for The Mary Kay Foundation℠ shelter grants this year, which demonstrates the overwhelming need to maintain critical services and provide a safe haven for the survivors of an epidemic that impacts one in every four women,” said Anne Crews, board member of The Mary Kay Foundation℠ and Vice President of Public Affairs for Mary Kay Inc.  “Working to prevent and end domestic violence is a cornerstone of The Foundation, Mary Kay Inc. and for countless members of our independent sales force. Since 2000, The Foundation has invested tens of millions of dollars in our shelter grant program and without a doubt, we know these funds make a difference in homes and communities across the country.”

Mary Kay Inc.’s global cause-related program, Beauty that Counts, helps support The Foundation’s annual shelter grant program.  Applications for the 2018 shelter grant program will be available January 15 through April 30.  Please visit marykayfoundation.org for additional information and for the full list of 2017 shelter grant recipients.

Womanspace is privileged to have, Kristin Appelget, Director of Community and Regional Affairs at Princeton University, as this year’s Communities of Light Honorary Chair. In her current position, she oversees and strengthens the University’s relationships with the municipalities and counties in which the University resides and works extensively on municipal and regional issues related to transportation, sustainability, land use, planning and zoning.

Aside from her career, Kristin currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Princeton National Rowing Association, Princeton Summer Theater, D&R Greenway Land Trust, and Lakeview Childcare Center. She is also an advisory member of the board of the Princeton Merchants Association, chair of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Development Fund, a member of the Endowment Committee of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and a member of the advisory board to the Princeton Education Foundation.

We’re honored to have Kristin as this year’s honorary chair to help spread the word about Womanspace’s services, as a long time supporter to us, and an active member in the community.

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 4th. 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 complimentary public reception on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 5:30pm at D&R Greenway Land Trust in Princeton, NJ. 

 BW NICE (Business Women Networking Involving Charity & Education) is a special organization that blends the successful building of women in business with helping other women achieve their potential in life and profession. BW NICE provides a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational and dynamic, so women will:

• make meaningful business connections. BW NICE members have easy and unlimited access to one another’s encouragement, knowledge, talents and resources. BW NICE members and friends connect during monthly events and mixers and through BW NICE’s website and social networking.
• learn tips and techniques for new ways to succeed. Events throughout each month offer a combination of informal and structured networking activities that highlight techniques for making connections and pursuing your career goals.
• leave each event motivated. BW NICE members find the interaction with each other empowering while creating a positive outlook for their life and work.

When are the meetings?

The Mercer County Chapter meets on the second Monday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Salt Creek Grille in Princeton. We hope you will join us at our monthly breakfast meetings for an inspirational morning of networking, education, charity, and fun!

Become a Member!

BW NICE Annual Membership – $150 Enjoy exclusive benefits & cost savings! For more information on BW NICE and how to join, go to www.bwnice.org.

How Womanspace and BW NICE are Connected?

Womanspace is the charity partner for the BW NICE, Mercer County Chapter. Every time a meeting is held, the members are asked to bring donations that will help benefit Womanspace. Donations include, diapers, women’s and children’s clothing (New) or whatever our immediate needs are.

Rider University

Date: February 15 & 16

Time: 8:00

Location: Bart Luedeke Center Theatre at Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrence, NJ. Click here for directions: the Campus Map.

Princeton University

Date: February 16, 17, & 18

Time: 7:00 and an additional 9:30 showing on 2/17

Location: Theater Intime

Princeton Theological Seminary

Date: February 10 & 11

Time: 7:00

Location:  The Gambrell Room at Scheide Hall

All donations at the door that will benefit Womanspace. Thank you!

Womanspace is grateful to our extremely generous donors who not only have been giving to our Annual Appeal but also gave to our Thanksgiving donations.

With your generosity, Womanspace gave out 86 Thanksgiving Baskets that served 294 children and 86 adults.  We served at total of 380 people for Thanksgiving and we couldn’t do it without your help!

Without your support, we couldn’t support our clients, so thank you for screaming loudly for those who can’t.

If you are a dedicated individual interested in making a difference in your community then Womanspace has the perfect opportunity. Join Womanspace as a volunteer for the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team (DVVRT) and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Advocate Team. DVVRT and SASS team members provide vital support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault during the most critical time.

Team members respond to local police stations or hospitals and meet with victims—providing them with support, information, and referrals. In the past twelve years the teams have served over 5,700 residents of Mercer County. Last year alone, team members provided services to 728 domestic violence victims and 72 sexual assault victims. Read more about the individual response teams…

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.

Additionally, volunteers must be able to communicate effectively, relate sensitively to victims and maintain confidentiality. 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!

The next class begins Spring 2018, download and complete this application to become a DVVRT or SASS team member (Adobe Reader required). Please submit your completed application before January 15, 2018. Applications must be notarized

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.

Allergan Foundation: $10,000 for General Operating Support: Womanspace is delighted to receive a generous Community Grant of 10,000 in general operating support from The Allergan Foundation. This new unrestricted gift from the global pharmaceutical giant is a welcome news as we look to partner with corporations in the region, and will be instrumental in meeting the wide-ranging needs of our organization.

Trenton ESG Program approved a grant for $20,000 for the Emergency Shelter operations: Providing shelter to women and families in crisis from domestic violence is core to our mission. Opened in 1978, our Safe House, which has remained in the same location since opening, has served more than 7,500 women and children in our community. Housing services provide an essential stabilizing factor for families who have experienced domestic violence. We are grateful to the Trenton ESG Program for its continued support of this vital operation.

The Bunbury Fund: $15,000 for General Operating Support: Our thanks to the Bunbury Fund for its renewed, unrestricted support for general operations. We are so grateful to this gem of an organization, for its long-standing commitment to our work in supporting the women and children of our community.

Mary Owen Borden Foundaton: $10,000 for General Operating Support: Many thanks again to the Mary Owen Borden Foundation for its renewed, unrestricted support for general operations. With their focus in Mercer and Monmouth counties, this organization has made it a priority to address the needs of disadvantaged youth and their families in the region. We value the committed vision and support it has for the women and children of our community, and are thankful for its continued support for the work we do at Womanspace.

Verizon Wireless Hopeline $20,000 for General Operating: We are grateful for the continued generous support of Verizon Hope Line® whose recent grant of $20,000 in general operating support will go a long way in helping us provide the array of programs and services that are essential to supporting local survivors in Mercer County. Thank you, Verizon, for your continued support!

Church and Dwight $10,000 for General Operating Support: Church & Dwight recently awarded Womanspace with a renewed grant of $10,000 for general operating support. Womanspace is grateful for our trusted local partners that understand the need for vital services that we provide to survivors and their children. Thank you, Church & Dwight!

Wawa $2,500 for Counseling and Support Services: The Wawa Foundation has graciously awarded Womanspace with a $2,500 grant in support of our Counseling and Support Services. The grant will support our efforts in assisting survivors and their children on their journey toward healing and self-sufficiency, and to building better lives in the future. Thank you, Wawa!

Sucharow Family Charitable Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer $1,500 for General Operating Support: Many thanks to the Sucharow Family Charitable Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer for the $1,500 in general operating support.

Support Womanspace by purchasing books at Barnes and Noble in Princeton on December 15th and they will donate a percentage back to us!

Save the Date

Thursday, December 15, 2016
Princeton Market Fair Mall

3535 US Route 1 South

All day