Category: Press Releases

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.

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.

Communities of Light Launch a Success

The launch of the 13^th annual Communities of Light™~Peace Begins at Home on October 27^th was a tremendous success. With over 100 guests in attendance, the launch was a great start to Communities of Light 2014.

This year, Womanspace has named Capital Health President and CEO, Al Maghazehe, as Honorary Chair of the 13^th Annual Communities of Light™ Campaign.  Dr. Maghazehe has been CEO and President of Capital Health System since 1998, a very successful two-hospital health system comprised of the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital Health Medical Center in Hopewell and an outpatient facility in Hamilton Township. To complement the healthcare system, he built a comprehensive network of primary care physician offices. He has led the transformation of Capital Health from an inner-city health system to a regional healthcare destination, attracting patients from throughout New Jersey and Bucks County, PA and specialists from all over the country.

The 2014 Communities of Light Launch event was held at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital in the Investors Bank Art & Healing Gallery located on the second floor atrium. Guests mingled against the back drop of paintings lining the walls of the Art & Healing Gallery.

Board President and Communities of Light Chair, Kristin Keller, warmly welcomed the crowd to the 13^th annual event Launch. Ms. Keller acknowledged the Communities of Light sponsors and the elected officials that were present at the event. Ms. Keller introduced Womanspace Executive Director, Patricia Hart who gave some Womanspace history for those who were unfamiliar with the organization and explained the importance of partnering with Capital Health Systems and the medical community for Communities of Light this year.

“Last year Womanspace helped over 11,000 individuals and still we know there are too many folks who don’t know about us. That is why this partnership with Capital Health is so very important to us. When you look at the front line of reporting of these crimes, health care workers rank right up there with law enforcement. Doctors, nurses, x-ray technicians, they see things that might not be talked about and they often hear things before anyone else.”

Ms. Hart thanked Dr. Maghzehe for supporting Womanspace and welcomed him as the keynote speaker.

Dr. Maghazehe thanked Womanspace for the distinction of being the Honorary Chair, stating that Womanspace can “count on me among your ambassadors.” Dr. Maghazehe and Capital Health have been long time supporters of Womanspace. It wasn’t until his daughter volunteered for a domestic violence agency that he truly learned the struggle victims face.  He emphasized the importance of healthcare workers possessing knowledge of domestic violence and what to do when a case presents itself. Dr. Maghazehe pledged to review with his staff how to properly screen for domestic violence in patients they treat. Additionally, Dr. Maghazehe pledged to have Womanspace brochures on hand in the waiting rooms of physician’s offices and lobbies of both Capital Health Hopewell and Regional Hospitals.  Womanspace is grateful for the support of Al Maghazehe and Capital Health as well as the members of the community in attendance.

Thanks to the generosity of in-kind support from a number of local businesses for helping to make the event so successful. Catering was generously provided courtesy of McCaffrey’s Supermarket of Princeton.  We also greatly appreciate the support of our In-Kind Sponsors: Knipper Healthcare Marketing Solutions, The Times of Trenton, Princeton Printer, Compass Healthcare Marketers, and Moxie Magazine.

Womanspace is grateful for the support of our Beacon Sponsor, Capital Health as well as the support of our other Sponsors: PNC Bank, Wells Fargo, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Trenk DiPasquale Della Fera & Sodono, and The Bank of Princeton.

Communities of Light Luminary kits will be available for purchase at various retail locations throughout Mercer County in early November, please visit www.womanspace.org for a list of retailers. Luminary kits are $10 and include supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. You can also 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. Visit www.womanspace.org for more information or to purchase a virtual luminary.

Last year, Womanspace served over 11,000 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. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Adams at 609-394-0136 or saa@womanspace.org.  Information can also be found by visiting www.womanspace.org.

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.

Princeton Police Officer with Freeholder Pasquale Colavita

Luminaries line the walkway of Capital Health Hopewell Hospital

Womanspace Executive Director Patricia Hart, Rony Nazarian COL Sponsor: Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, COL Honorary Chair Al Maghazehe & Womanspace Director of Development Lauren Nazarian

Womanspace Board President & COL Chair Kristin Keller and Capital Health Hopewell Hospital PR Director Jayne O’Connor

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Brings Out Community Support for Womanspace

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each year, Womanspace strives to raise awareness and funds for families impacted by domestic violence. This year, the Princeton Opera Alliance and the Ruby Skulls are helping Womanspace achieve those goals.

On September 26 and September 27, Princeton Opera Alliance presented two recitals in Plainsboro, NJ and Whitemarsh, PA. Local up and coming opera singers were featured in the recitals. The opera singers performed opera arias and ensembles centered on strong female characters and their stories. The events raised $541 for Womanspace.

On October 4, 2014 the Ruby Skulls paddled the Schuylkill River for the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival.  The ladies of the Ruby Skulls chose Womanspace as their charity to receive all proceeds. In just two months they were able to raise $4,485 for Womanspace through gofundme.com.

Womanspace is grateful for the community support. This support enables Womanspace to place the funding where it is needed the most enabling us to better serve survivors and their families. Last year, Womanspace served over 11,000 adults and children. If you are interested in doing a fundraiser for Womanspace please 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.

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.