Domestic Violence Awareness Month - The Montclair Dispatch

In October, we wear purple to spread the word of Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

domestive violence — Photo courtesy of S.O.F.I.A.

Recently, the 6th Annual S.O.F.I.A. (Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates) Walk Against Domestic Violence was held on Sept. 10 and it had over 250 participants and raised $15,000. It was announced as their most successful year so far! It’s quite remarkable to know how far they’ve come since they only began with just 30 people gathered in Canterbury Park to raise awareness.

“We are so grateful to the participants and sponsors. This annual walk brings in the bulk of our operating funds so that we can provide free and accessible services to the community.” said Kristin Wald, Board Member of S.O.F.I.A.

domestic violence awareness month — Photo courtesy of Ardranae Blanch-Byer.

To promote the mission of S.O.F.I.A. in of raising awareness about domestic violence and helping victims, survivors, and the community find resources and support to promote healing, S.O.F.I.A. is hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Month Forum on Oct. 1, 2016 from 11 AM – 1 PM. This is a free event that is open to the public.

Anyone interested in learning about how to be supportive of the one in four women in our area affected by domestic violence, please feel free to stop by the Community Service Center, located on 11 Pine Street, Montclair, NJ

Featured speakers include:

Pamela McCauley, Victim Witness Coordinator
Deverett Ross, Executive Director of Community Against Violence, Survivor
Blair Goode, DVRT Liaison Advocate
Minister Wanda Edwards, Survivor
Gerri Powell, DVRT Coordinator with the Montclair PD
Marlo Taybron, DVRT Coordinator with the SOMA PD

“Because we offer all of our services and workshops free-of-charge to the community, one goal is to raise funds for our operating budget and to purchase supplies for our workshops and to hand out in emergency situations. Another goal is to make sure accurate and up-to-date information is available. We are thrilled that so many new supporters have joined us this year!” said Wald.

domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Help, Purple, Ribbon, S.O.F.I.A., Survivors, The Community Service Center

Domestic Violence Awareness Month added by Erica Manansala, Managing Editor on September 26, 2016
View all posts by Erica Manansala, Managing Editor →