A new class of advocates is ready to step forward, trained to respond in moments when support matters most.
This past weekend, Younity’s Response Teams welcomed 16 newly trained advocates at a graduation ceremony attended by staff, partners, and proud family members. The group completed an intensive seven-week training, dedicating 64 hours to preparing for the realities of advocacy work.
Under the leadership of Response Teams Coordinator Varonda Kendrick, the training goes far beyond the classroom. Participants visit police departments across Mercer County, including each local station and campus departments at TCNJ and Princeton, gaining firsthand experience of where and how they may be called to respond. Saturday sessions are held at different police departments each week, including Trenton, East Windsor, and Lawrence, with graduation taking place at the Ewing Police Department.
“We make sure advocates understand what to expect from the moment they arrive, including where to go, how to navigate the space, and how to begin that first conversation,” Varonda shared. “That level of preparation helps them feel confident before they ever receive their first call.”
That preparation is already making an impact. Within days of graduating, several new advocates had responded to calls, offering support to individuals navigating dangerous and deeply personal situations.
“It’s powerful to see them step into the work so quickly,” Varonda said. “They’re ready. And more importantly, they understand what it means to truly be present for someone.”
A highlight of the ceremony was a keynote from Maureen Spataro of the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation, who spoke from her experience as a victim-survivor and addressed the new advocates directly about the importance of their role.
“She told them, ‘You’re heroes,’” Varonda shared. “She talked about what it would have meant to have someone like them by her side. Maybe it wouldn’t have taken six times to leave. Maybe it would have taken two. That stayed with all of us.”
Graduates received their certificates from Nathalie S. Nelson, CEO and President of Younity, and Lt. Alexis Durlacher of the Trenton Police Department, highlighting the strong partnership between Younity and local law enforcement.
“These advocates represent the heart of our mission,” said Nathalie S. Nelson. “They are stepping forward with compassion, courage, and a willingness to meet people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. That kind of commitment strengthens our entire community.”
The ceremony also gave families a deeper understanding of the work ahead. Because advocates are bound by confidentiality, they cannot share details of what they experience on calls. Instead, families were encouraged to support in quieter, meaningful ways.
“They may come home and need a moment to process,” Varonda said. “Support can look like a hug or simply giving them space, understanding they’ve just returned from a difficult call.”
The group reflects a wide range of motivations. Some are retirees looking to give back to their community. Others are young adults determined to create change. Many are victim-survivors themselves, choosing to transform their experiences into support for others.
Despite their different backgrounds, a strong sense of connection forms quickly.
“They become a team,” Varonda said. “People who might never have crossed paths come together, support each other, and build something meaningful.”
That sense of purpose is reinforced throughout the training, particularly during sessions that challenge participants to set aside personal assumptions and focus fully on the needs of those they serve.
“It’s not about us,” Varonda emphasized. “It’s about meeting people where they are and responding with empathy, respect, and care.”
Advocates are taught that the goal is not to have all the answers, but to listen and connect in meaningful ways.
“Our role is to make sure the person in front of us feels seen, heard, and supported,” she said. “That connection is what matters most.”
With this graduating class, Younity’s Response Teams now includes 61 trained advocates. Even so, the need continues. The team operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring every call for help receives a response.
In 2025, Younity experienced a 10 percent increase in requests for services, underscoring the growing demand for support across the community.
“Our priority is making sure that every time the phone rings, someone is there,” Varonda said.
As the demand for services grows, planning is already underway for next year’s advocate training.
“There’s always a need for more people who are willing to show up,” Varonda shared.
For her, the most meaningful part of the work is watching that transformation happen in real time.
“Watching advocates reach that moment of understanding,” she said. “When they recognize the impact they can have, that’s everything.”
As this new class of advocates steps forward, they join a dedicated network committed to showing up in the moments that matter most.
And in those moments, one thing is clear: no one has to face them alone.
As the need for support continues to grow, so does the need for advocates willing to step forward. If you are interested in becoming part of Younity’s Response Teams, you can add your name to the waitlist for Spring 2027 Training by contacting Varonda Kendrick at varonda@younitynj.org
