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Category: Press Releases

For Immediate Release: 10/6/14

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.

Womanspace Launches the 2014 Communities of Light Campaign
The Countywide lighting date is Monday, December 8th

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 8th. 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 Monday, October 27, 2014 at 5:30pm at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital.

Womanspace is privileged to have honorary chair; Al Maghazehe;CEO & President of Capital Health, a successful two hospital health system comprised of the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton and Capital Health Medical Center- Hopewell and an outpatient facility in Hamilton Township.

We hope you can join us at the 2014 Communities of Light launch reception at Capital Health Hopewell Hospital on Monday, October 27. To RSVP, please call 609-394-0136 by October 26th. Seating is limited and registration is required. There is no charge to attend; participants are highly encouraged to purchase the $10 COL luminary kits.

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 8th.  “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 Capital Health Hospital, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Trenk DiPasquale Della Fira Sodono, Mason, Griffin, Pierson, P.C., Knipper Healthcare Marketing Solution, Princeton Printers, The Times of Trenton, Compass Healthcare Marketers, McCaffrey’s Foodmarket and Moxie Magazine.

Don’t forget to light your luminary candles at dusk on Monday, December 9, along with hundreds of people and scores of organizations and community groups throughout the 12 municipalities in Mercer County.

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. 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.

For Immediate Release: 8/22/14

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.

Womanspace to Partner with Local Police to Help Victims Of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Training Starts September 2014

Twice a year, Womanspace holds 80-hour trainings for Domestic Violence Victim Response team (DVVRT) members and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) Advocates. These volunteers are vital members of the community who work hand-in-hand with Police Departments and Hospital staff throughout Mercer County to provide crucial information and support domestic violence and sexual assault victims in their moment of crisis.

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 cannot have either a criminal history or prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence or sexual assault-related matter.

Volunteers will receive 80 or more hours of 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 per month. A certificate will be presented at the completion of the training.

Womanspace, in partnership with the Police Departments throughout Mercer County, is currently accepting applications for volunteers to become members of the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team and the Sexual Assault Support Services Team. To apply for the next training class please visit www.WOMANSPACE.org and download the printer-friendly application. Please submit your application by August 15, 2014; training begins September 2014. For more information please call 609-394-0136 and speak with Heidi Mueller or Alison Daks Monday through Friday, 9 am-4 pm or email Heidi at dvvrt@womanspace.org or Alison at sass@womanspace.org.

For Immediate Release:8/26/14

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.

HOLT ANNOUNCES $352,416 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT FOR WOMANSPACE INC.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Funding to Support Housing Assistance for Mercer County Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Stalking

Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded Womanspace, Inc $352,416 in federal funding under the Transitional Housing Assistance Grant for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking (Transitional Housing Assistance) Program.  Womanspace Inc. will use the funding to provide housing and housing assistance in addition to supportive services to Mercer County victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.

“This funding will allow Womanspace Inc. to provide safe housing to help victims of sexual assault or domestic violence get a fresh start away from their attackers,” Holt said. “The Violence Against Women Act has worked; it has saved lives and improved outcomes for millions of Americans, including many here in Central New Jersey.”

In May 2012, Holt visited Womanspace Inc. to meet with Executive Director Patricia Hart, survivors of domestic violence, and other women advocates to discuss the need to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  In 2013, Holt helped win passage of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act, now law, which authorized the grant program that has awarded this funding to Womanspace Inc.

“Womanspace is thrilled and extremely grateful to have been chosen as the recipient for the Department of Justice Transitional Housing grant,” said Womanspace Inc. Executive Director Patricia Hart. “One of the most urgent needs for families fleeing domestic violence is for housing.  Without affordable, safe housing families are often forced to return to a dangerous environment. This 3 year grant allows us to provide short and longer term housing for these families and to assist with supportive services, such as counseling, job readiness and training, job searches, children’s programming and so much more.  Our families become active in school and training programs with the goal of finding employment that will help them to achieve self-sufficiency and to successful transition into a peaceful and safe home that they can afford.”

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. Grants under the program are focused on supporting a holistic, victim-centered approach to provide transitional housing services that move individuals into permanent housing.

Since the passage of VAWA in 1994, the criminal justice response to violence against women has improved, fewer Americans are experiencing domestic violence, more victims are reporting domestic and sexual violence, and all states have made stalking a crime. Holt has worked diligently with Womanspace Inc. and other advocates for women to fully fund important VAWA programs that assist victims and to end violence against women.

Womanspace, Inc. 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.

Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault in Mercer County are encouraged to call the 24 Hour Hotline at 609-394-9000 or the New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233).

For Immediate Release: 2/18/14

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

Click here to download the press release as a PDF file.

Womanspace to Honor
Major League Baseball’s Hall of Famer, Joe Torre

The mission of Womanspace is to Prevent Abuse, Protect Families and Change Lives through empowerment and a safety net of supportive services. 11,169 adults and children were served by Womanspace in 2013.

Womanspace is privileged to announce the 20th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award (BBS Award) honoree is Major League Baseball’s Hall of Famer, Joe Torre, for his efforts to end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives.

Each year, Womanspace honors a person of distinction who exemplifies the qualities of the event’s namesake, Barbara Boggs Sigmund. On April 30, 2014, Torre will be honored at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Princeton for his philanthropic work on behalf of domestic violence victims. Torre is the Chairman of the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, which he and his wife, Ali, launched in 2002. The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation’s mission is to develop educational programs that will end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives.  In 2010, Torre was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence Against Women.

Womanspace is grateful to Janssen Pharmaceutical Research & Development LLC for their generosity and leadership as the 2014 BBS Award presenting sponsor. A number of additional sponsorship, advertising, in-kind services and silent auction support opportunities are now available.  All event proceeds will support Womanspace in their mission to provide services for individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual abuse

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 Joe Torre is a true representation of that spirit. Since its inception, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation has educated thousands of students, parents, teachers and school faculty about the devastating effects of domestic violence.  Currently reaching children in nine schools and two community centers in New York and New Jersey, Margaret’s Place, a tribute to Joe’s mother, Margaret, provides middle and high school students with a “safe room,” in which they can talk to each other and to a professional counselor trained in domestic violence intervention and prevention about violence-related issues.

Torre played in the Major Leagues for 18 seasons as a first/third baseman and catcher with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets.  Torre compiled a lifetime .297 batting average, had 2,342 hits, 252 home runs and 1,185 RBI, and hit over .300 five times.  He was a nine-time All-Star and the National League’s 1971 Most Valuable Player, batting .363 with 230 hits, 24 home runs and a league-leading 137 RBI.

Torre made his managerial debut with the Mets on May 31, 1977, becoming the first player-manager in the Majors since 1959.  He managed the Mets until 1981 and the Braves from 1982-84.  After spending nearly six seasons as a television broadcaster for the California Angels, Torre managed the Cardinals from 1990-95.  He also led Team USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

From 1996-2007, Torre served as the manager of the New York Yankees.  He guided them to the Postseason every year, including four World Championships (1996, 1998-2000) and six American League pennants.  In the fall of 2010, Torre concluded his third and final season as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, whom he led to the National League Championship Series in 2008 and 2009.  Torre currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations under Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig.

Torre has garnered many accolades over the years, being named Manager of the Year by the Associated Press In 1982 and 1998.  In 1996 and 1998, the Baseball Writers Association of America named him American League Manager of the Year and, in 1996, The Sporting News named him Sportsman of the Year.  He won ESPN’s ESPY Award for Best Manager/Coach of the Year in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

In April 2011, Torre was honored at the Ellis Island Family Heritage Awards, which celebrate exemplary Ellis Island/Port of New York immigrants or their descendants who have made a major contribution to the American experience.  In December 2013, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced that its Expansion Era Committee had unanimously elected Torre to be a part of its Class of 2014 inductees.  Torre will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 27th in Cooperstown, New York.

We hope you will join us for an unforgettable evening with Joe Torre.  Information on how to purchase a ticket will soon be posted on the agency website, www.womanspace.org.  Your support of this event ensures that much needed services are provided to women, children and men who suffer from interpersonal violence.

For more information on the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award including sponsorships, advertising, in-kind donations or general questions please contact Susan D. Klejst at (609) 394-0136 or sdk@womanspace.org.

###

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

 ####

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

For Immediate Release: 4-8-2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

April 8, 2011
Womanspace, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Compass Healthcare Marketers donates new website to Womanspace

April 8, 2011, Trenton, NJ—Compass Healthcare Marketers of Ewing, NJ donated a new, user-friendly website to Womanspace, Inc., a Trenton-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Compass Healthcare Marketers is an Interactive and Marketing services agency focused on the Patient Experience—especially those with rare and Orphan conditions. President and CEO of Compass, Peter Nalen, is a long-time volunteer and former board member for Womanspace, and Executive Vice President, Kristin Keller, is the current Vice President of the Womanspace Board of Directors and is trained in the Domestic Violence Victim Response Team Program through Womanspace.

“They have been very supportive of Womanspace for many years,” said Patricia Hart, executive director of Womanspace. “They regularly donate their expertise by designing marketing materials for our fundraising events in addition to providing financial support to the organization every year.”

The new website launched on March 22, 2011, provides interactive and appealing features, an expanded educational section and a Spanish option, among numerous other features to assist Womanspace in its mission to provide supportive and potentially life-saving services to victims of interpersonal violence.

Last year, Womanspace served 10,797 adults and children. Womanspace programs in Mercer County, NJ, include: crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, housing services, and the 24-hour domestic violence & sexual assault hotline: (609) 394-9000.

Please visit the new Womanspace website at www.womanspace.org. For questions or assistance on the new website, or to make a donation, please contact Susan D. Klejst, director of development at (609) 394-0136 or via email: sdk@womanspace.org.

Contact:
Susan D. Klejst
Director of Development
(609) 394-0136
sdk@womanspace.org
www.womanspace.org

For Immediate Release: 3-21-2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

March 21, 2011
Womanspace, Inc.
Trenton, New Jersey
Contact: Susan D. Klejst, director of development
(609) 394-0136; sdk@womanspace.org

For Immediate Release

Womanspace to Honor Renowned Artist and Writer Faith Ringgold:
17th Annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award Event

Womanspace, Inc. will host its 17th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award reception and fundraiser on Thursday, May 12th, 2011 at a new location – the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village, Princeton, NJ, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Acclaimed artist and author Faith Ringgold will receive the prestigious award.

Barbara Boggs Sigmund, a former Mayor of Princeton Borough and a Mercer County Freeholder, proactively spoke out about domestic violence in Mercer County, N.J. She and four other women, who became the co-founders of Womanspace, a shelter for battered women, developed a plan to provide services for women in crisis. 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. She is in the permanent collection of many museums including the Studio Museum of Harlem, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. Ringgold has written and illustrated eleven children’s books. Her first book, Tar Beach, was a Caldecott Honor Book and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration. 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.

“Faith Ringgold’s commitment to excellence and her love for children demonstrated in her art and books makes her the ideal candidate to receive the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award,” said Patricia Hart, Womanspace executive director. “She is definitely a woman who inspires others to greatness.”

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.

The annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award reception and fundraiser helps to provide the much needed funds to support these programs. Individual tickets to the event are $150. There are a number of opportunities to purchase journal advertisements, corporate tables and other sponsorships. In addition, there is a chance to win a luxurious grand prize all-inclusive winner’s choice trip for two to Cancun or Punta Cana; raffle tickets cost $50 each and the winner need not be present. For more information about how to support the event, please contact: Susan D. Klejst, director of development at (609) 394-0136 or sdk@womanspace.org. Event registration is also available online by visiting: www.womanspace.org.

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Download full-size group portrait in front of mural Womanspace launches its 17th annual Barbara Boggs Sigmund (BBS) Award fundraiser during a gathering at the Princeton Public Library. Renowned artist and writer Faith Ringgold is the 2011 Honoree. Ringgold’s mosaic mural in the background of the photo is from her Caldecott award?winning book Tar Beach and is featured on the third floor of the library.

Pictured standing left to right: Princeton Library executive director Leslie Burger, Womanspace executive director Patricia Hart, Princeton Borough Mayor Mildred Trotman, Princeton Township Council Member Sue Nemeth, Womanspace Board President Cynthia Ricker, Womanspace Board and BBS committee member Joan Bartl, and Womanspace Board & BBS event chairs –Ingrid Reed and Jigna Rao.

For Immediate Release: 3-17-2011

Posted on by Erica Torsiello

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Womanspace receives Community Foundation Grant

March 17, 2011, Trenton, NJ—Womanspace, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of domestic violence and sexual assault victims, received a $25,000 grant for operational funding from Princeton Area Community Foundation, which serves Mercer County and central New Jersey.

Womanspace is one of the 23 organizations to receive funding through the Community Foundation’s Greater Mercer County Program. Grants totaling over $470,000 were awarded to local nonprofits for a full range of community building, program and operating support.

Previously, the Princeton Area Community Foundation has been instrumental in enabling Womanspace to continue serving the greater Mercer County area through its unique, non-denominational Chaplaincy Program, which provides spiritual counseling, networking with local congregations, and a further understanding of the effects that domestic violence and sexual assault have on family members and children.

The Community Foundation has also supported Womanspace’s Municipal Court- Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program (TMC-DVCAP), which supports victims during legal processes in Trenton and Hamilton Township Municipal courts. This program offers short-term crisis counseling, preparation for court hearings, information, non-judgmental support, advocacy, referral, and follow-up to victims of domestic violence who are seeking legal protection from their abusers.

Last year Womanspace served 10,797 adults and children. Womanspace programs in Mercer County, NJ, include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, housing services, and the 24-hour domestic violence & sexual assault hotline: (609) 394-9000.

Contact:
Susan Klejst
Director of Development
(609) 394-0136
sdk@womanspace.org
www.womanspace.org

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

609-394-9000

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