Saturday, October 25 | Cadwalader Park, Trenton | Pavilion
Registration: 8:30 AM | Walk begins: 9:00 AM
Why We Walk
Every step tells a story. On Saturday, October 25, Younity invites you to join us at Cadwalader Park in Trenton for our Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Community Walk — a morning of remembrance, solidarity, and hope.
Domestic violence thrives in silence, behind closed doors, and in the shadows. Too often, victim-survivors are asked to carry their pain unseen. This walk is our way of breaking that silence — of walking out of the darkness together, showing survivors they are not alone, and surrounding them with love and visibility.
This year’s national DVAM theme is “With Survivors, Always.” We invite you to wear purple, the color of domestic violence awareness, as we walk in solidarity with survivors, honor lives lost, and stand together for a safer future.
As Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator, explains:
“Domestic violence is so often whispered about. Victim-survivors are asked to carry the burden in silence. This walk is about saying out loud: you are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and your community is here to surround you with love.”
Survivor Ambassadors
Walking alongside Varonda are two powerful voices:
- Eva Phillips, a courageous survivor who chose to speak out after enduring a brutal attack in 2023. Her courage is a light breaking through the darkness, reminding us that resilience can illuminate a path forward.
- Maureen Spataro, spokesperson for the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation, created in memory of Stephanie Nicole, whose life was cut short by domestic violence. The foundation now supports victim-survivors across New Jersey and is partnering with Younity to renovate and restock Team Rooms in the Ewing and Trenton police departments — safe spaces where Response Teams provide support after a crisis.
Walk in Honor
The walk will also honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Families and loved ones are invited to walk in remembrance — carrying a photo, holding a sign with their name, or simply walking in solidarity.
To share the name of someone you would like to honor or remember, please contact Varonda Kendrick, Response Teams Coordinator, at varonda@younitynj.org.
Together, we will ensure every step carries meaning, every story is lifted up, and every life is remembered.
Darkness to Light
This event is the first step in Younity’s DVAM journey from Darkness to Light. On Saturday, we walk together through the shadows of violence; on Monday, October 27, candles will glow across Mercer County for Communities of Light, carrying the message that hope is stronger than abuse.
Event Highlights
- Inspiring words from survivors and local leaders
- A short walk through the park grounds
- Resource tables from local partners and service providers
- Family-friendly activities with snacks, popcorn, and giveaways
- Jewelry vendors and official Younity DVAM Walk t-shirts
- Communities of Light kits will be available for purchase ahead of the October 27 lighting
With Survivors, Always. Together, we are stronger than abuse.
