Save the Date! 24th Annual Communities of Light

Date: October 27

Time: 5:00 pm

Join us for the 24th Annual Communities of Light, our signature event uniting neighbors, friends, and families in a powerful display of hope and solidarity for all those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.

This year, we’re lighting up the night earlier than usual—on Monday, October 27—and we hope you’ll mark your calendar now. Whether you’re purchasing luminary kits, lighting your block, or gathering with others in your community, your participation helps shine a light in the darkness and shows that together, we are stronger than abuse.

More details to come!

Younity Violence Prevention Coalition Meeting

Date: June 4

Time: 10:00 am

The Younity Violence Prevention Coalition is a collaborative effort dedicated to preventing domestic, dating, and sexual violence, and fostering safer, more connected communities in Mercer County. The coalition brings together individuals, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, non-profits, and other community leaders to share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop impactful strategies to address violence at its roots.  

Through data-driven initiatives and a focus on increasing community connectedness, the coalition works to create long-term, sustainable change. By partnering with diverse groups and leveraging shared resources, we aim to build a network of support that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.  

Whether you’re an advocate, educator, or concerned community member, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient future for everyone. 

Join us on June 4, 2025, at 10 A.M. on ZOOM!
To join, please email education@younitynj.org.

Denim Day: Restorative Community Healing Circle with H.U.B.

Date: April 30

Time: 3:00 pm

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are proud to collaborate with The H.U.B. for a special Denim Day: Restorative Community Healing Circle on Wednesday, April 30th, from 3:00–5:00 PM at The H.U.B. (16 W. Front Street).

This event is a safe and supportive space for victim-survivors, allies, and community members to come together, break the silence, and promote healing. Through shared stories, reflection, and compassionate listening, we will honor the strength of those impacted by sexual violence and cultivate a sense of community resilience and hope.

Whether you are a survivor, a supporter, or simply wish to stand in solidarity, your presence matters.

Please RSVP by April 25th to thehub@creativechangeinc.org

Younity’s 2nd Annual Community Appreciation Day & City of Trenton’s Party in Orange

Date: June 7

Time: 10:00 am

Join Us for Wear Orange Weekend: A Community Day of Action and Connection

Cadwalader Park | 1000 West State Street | Trenton, NJ 08618
Saturday, June 7 | 10 AM to 1 PM

Younity proudly hosts our 2nd Annual Community Appreciation Day in partnership with Moms Demand Action, the City of Trenton, and Councilwoman Teska Frisby. Together, we’re uniting for the 11th Annual Party in Orange, honoring lives lost, uplifting survivors, and strengthening the bonds that hold our community together.

Held during Wear Orange Weekend (National Gun Violence Awareness) and inspired by the work of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, this year’s event brings together neighbors, advocates, and families for a powerful day of solidarity and celebration.

A Summary of the Day

Our schedule reflects a day of connection, action, and healing right here in Trenton. From the early morning march through the neighborhoods to the celebration at Cadwalader Park, every moment reflects our shared commitment to ending violence and uplifting our community.

If you’d like to participate in the Trenton Community Street Team’s Anti-Gun Violence March before our event, you may register at the event or here online:

Why Orange?

The Wear Orange campaign is a national movement to raise awareness about gun violence and promote a culture of safety, visibility, and prevention. Orange was chosen because it’s the color hunters wear to protect themselves and others — a clear, visual message that says: “Don’t shoot.”

The campaign began in 2013 after Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student, was shot and killed in Chicago just one week after performing at President Obama’s second inauguration. Her friends chose orange to honor her life and to call for an end to the gun violence that claims so many lives each day.

By wearing orange, we stand for:
• Visibility and protection — echoing the safety traditions of hunters.
• Love and remembrance — honoring Hadiya and the 125 people killed by guns each day in the U.S.
• Unity and action — demanding meaningful change in our neighborhoods and across the country.

Each year, the first Friday in June marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and the weekend that follows — Wear Orange Weekend — is filled with community events, advocacy, and remembrance.

At Younity’s Community Appreciation Day & the City of Trenton’s Party in Orange, wearing orange is a shared commitment. We wear it to uplift survivor voices, to stand with families impacted by violence, and to work together — across organizations, communities, and causes — to build a safer future.

What to Expect:

Bounce house & kids’ activities
Food and treats
Community partners and resource tables
Opportunities to take meaningful action

Wear orange. Show up. Stand united.

Together, we are stronger than abuse.

For more information, contact Varonda@younitynj.org

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors of Younity’s 2nd Annual Community Appreciation Day for their unwavering commitment to community, safety, and healing.

Thank you to:

Your support makes it possible for us to create spaces of joy, connection, and hope — and to stand beside survivors and families impacted by violence.

Though this day is shared with many across Trenton, these sponsors are our partners in making Community Appreciation Day possible. We thank them for believing in the power of unity and the importance of prevention, education, and care.

Strong Like a Girl: Celebrate Women’s History Month with Us!

Date: March 26

Time: 7:00 pm

Join us on Wednesday, March 26th, at 7 PM for Strong Like a Girl—a donation-based workout celebrating Women’s History Month. This empowering session, led by strong women, is open to everyone because strength knows no gender.

The event will take place at NSF Nonstop Fitness, located at 2807 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence, NJ. All proceeds will support Younity (formerly Womanspace), helping to fund critical services for victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Participants will have the opportunity to pre-order t-shirts for $15 and shop from women-owned vendors. After the workout, join us for a post-workout journaling session to reflect on your experience. A live DJ will keep the energy high throughout the evening, and light refreshments will be provided to recharge after breaking a sweat.

Let’s come together, support a great cause, and stand strong for a future free from abuse.

10th Annual R.O.S.A. Walk

Date: April 12

Time: 8:00 am

Join Us for the 10th Annual R.O.S.A. Walk!

Younity is proud to sponsor the 10th Annual R.O.S.A. Walk, a powerful event bringing our community together during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This walk is a time for reflection, support, and action as we honor victim-survivors and work toward a future free from violence.

Founded by Tona Buck, director of the documentary Why We Didn’t Tell, to amplify the voices of Black sexual assault survivors, the R.O.S.A. Walk is a space for healing, solidarity, and advocacy. Every step we take strengthens our mission to end sexual violence and support those affected.

The first 100 participants to register will receive a FREE t-shirt!
Register now and walk with us!

Younity Violence Prevention Coalition Meeting

Date: May 7

Time: 10:00 am

The Younity Violence Prevention Coalition is a collaborative effort dedicated to preventing domestic, dating, and sexual violence, and fostering safer, more connected communities in Mercer County. The coalition brings together individuals, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, non-profits, and other community leaders to share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop impactful strategies to address violence at its roots.  

Through data-driven initiatives and a focus on increasing community connectedness, the coalition works to create long-term, sustainable change. By partnering with diverse groups and leveraging shared resources, we aim to build a network of support that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.  

Whether you’re an advocate, educator, or concerned community member, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can create a safer, more resilient future for everyone. 

Join us on May 7, 2025, at 10 A.M. on ZOOM!
To join, please email education@younitynj.org.

Younity’s 29th Annual Awards Dinner: Join Us for An Evening of Impact & Action

Date: May 15

Join us for Younity’s most anticipated event of the year—an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared commitment to building a future free from domestic and sexual violence.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Mercer Lake, the evening begins with cocktails on the deck, followed by an elegant sit-down dinner and a moving awards program honoring leaders who are making a difference in our communities.

This event sold out last year—secure your sponsorship and purchase your tickets today!


Why It Matters

Each year, the Annual Awards Dinner brings together changemakers, advocates, and supporters to recognize individuals and organizations who are creating lasting change in the fight against domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Your support fuels Younity’s life-saving services for victim-survivors and families across Mercer County. Together, we celebrate courage, amplify community, and invest in healing.


Be Featured as a Sponsor!

Sponsoring the Annual Awards Dinner is more than visibility—it’s a powerful statement of your commitment to safety, dignity, and equity for all.

As a sponsor, you will:

  • Gain premium exposure to a values-driven audience of leaders and advocates
  • Showcase your organization’s dedication to social impact
  • Receive exclusive benefits like VIP seating and recognition
  • Help ensure critical services—like emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling—remain available for those in crisis

Your sponsorship makes a difference. Join us in creating a safer future for all.

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits


Support Our Raffle & Auction

We’re seeking in-kind donations for our event’s raffle and silent auction—and we’d love your help! Contributing a gift card, experience, service, or product is a fun and meaningful way to support Younity’s mission and connect with a purpose-driven audience.

Your donation helps us:
• Offer unique experiences that make the evening even more memorable
• Raise critical funds for services that support victim-survivors
• Celebrate community generosity

Interested in donating an item or experience? Contact development@younitynj.org.


Place an Ad in Our Digital Program

Help us celebrate this year’s honorees or spotlight your business or organization by placing an ad in Younity’s 2025 Annual Awards Dinner digital program.

Whether you’re congratulating Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Kieran John, or the Princeton Area Community Foundation—or sharing your support for Younity’s mission—your ad will be seen by attendees, supporters, and community leaders across Mercer County and beyond.

Ad options include:

  • Congratulatory messages for an honoree
  • Promotional ads for businesses or nonprofits
  • Messages of support for Younity and the communities we serve

To reserve your ad space, click here to purchase your ad and send your digital ad file to development@younitynj.org.

All ads must be received by May 5th, 2025.

Your support helps fund critical services for victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence—and sends a powerful message of solidarity.


Meet Our 2025 Honorees

We are proud to recognize these outstanding leaders who embody Younity’s mission to protect, uplift, and unite:

Angela Ferrell-Zabala | Executive Director, Moms Demand Action
Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
A national voice in the fight to end gun violence, Angela is being honored for her leadership in addressing the devastating intersection of domestic violence and firearms.


Kieran John
The Edwin W. Schmierer Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Kieran’s dedication to Communities of Light in Pennington reflects the heart of Younity’s mission—building safer communities through kindness, service, and connection.


Princeton Area Community Foundation
The Younity Award for Outstanding Community Partner
PACF exemplifies what it means to stand together for change, helping sustain vital services for survivors and families across Mercer County.

Learn More about Our Honorees


Join Us!

Don’t miss this powerful evening of hope, healing, and community. When we come together, we create real change. Be part of the movement.

Thank You to Our Annual Awards Dinner Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to the generous sponsors who help make this evening—and our mission—possible. Your support fuels life-saving services and creates lasting change for victim-survivors and families in our community.

With heartfelt thanks to:

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Date: April 1

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the community to come together to talk openly about sexual violence to support survivors, increase knowledge and awareness, and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence.

Communities of Light: Illuminate Mercer County

Date: December 2

Time: 5:00 pm

On the evening of Monday, December 2nd, 2024, Mercer County will glow with thousands of flickering lights for the 23rd Annual Communities of Light. This cherished event sends a powerful message of support and solidarity to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Join us at sundown to bring these issues out of the darkness and into the light.

Luminary Kits

Each Luminary Kit contains 6 votive candles and white paper bags, and costs $10. Kits will be on sale starting October 29th at the following retail locations:

BBHS Fox & Roach Realtors
44 Princeton-Hightstown Rd., Ste C  |   Princeton Jct, NJ 08550

BBHS Fox & Roach Realtors Princeton
253 Nassau St. |  Princeton, NJ 08525

Dandelion Wishes
45 W. Broad St.  |  Hopewell, NJ 08525

Deli on a Bagel
21 Route 31 South  |  Pennington, NJ 08534

Keller Williams Premier
2355 Rt. 33. |  Robbinsville, NJ 08691

McCaffrey’s Princeton
Princeton Shopping Center  |  301 N. Harrison St. | Princeton, NJ 08540

Pennington Quality Market
25 Route 31 South  |  Pennington, NJ 08534

Terhune Orchards
330 Cold Soil Rd. |  Princeton, NJ 08540

The Front Porch
24 South Main St. | Pennington, NJ 08534

YWCA Princeton
59 Paul Robeson Place  |  Princeton, NJ 08540

Womanspace 
1530 Brunswick Pike  |  Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 

How You Can Participate:

Illuminate Your Home: Purchase a Luminary Kit and display it at your home to show your support for survivors. Kits are available for purchase at our Administrative Office or participating retailers starting October 29th.

Coordinate with Your Community: Work with your neighbors or colleagues to amplify the message of hope and solidarity in your area. Become a Community Coordinator to assist with kit distribution and event organization

Be a Retailer for Luminary Kits: If you are a retailer in Mercer County, NJ, help sell Womanspace Communities of Light Luminary Kits from October 29th to December 2nd.

Be an Individual Sponsor: Join other leaders in our community by sponsoring Womanspace’s 23rd Annual Communities of Light. Show your commitment to violence-free homes and communities. Your contribution will support Womanspace’s crucial work with survivors, from crisis to self-empowered lives free from violence.

Interested in Making a Difference? 

Contact Rebecca Leoni at rll@womanspace.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

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

609-394-9000

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