Womanspace Launches the 2013 Communities of Light Campaign

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Oct. 14, 2013 - PRLog -- In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness month, Womanspace launches the Communities of Light™ Peace Begins At Home campaign each October and culminates with a Countywide lighting of luminaries in December. 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 Tuesday, October 29^th at 5:30pm at St. Paul’s Church in Princeton.

This year, Womanspace has named a diverse group of members from the faith based community who have actively advocated platforms of non-violence as Honorary Chairs. Womanspace welcomes Reverend Dr. David Davis of Nassau Presbyterian Church, Reverend Teresa Ely of Hamilton Square Baptist Church, Rabbi Daniel Grossman of Adath Israel Congregation, Reverend Karen Hernández-Granzen of Westminster Presbyterian Church and The Very Reverend René Rory John of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral as Honorary Chairs of the 12^th Annual Communities of Light™ Campaign.  Womanspace is grateful to have Board Members Shauwea Hamilton and Kristin Keller leading this year’s campaign.

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 9^th.  “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. Each luminary kit costs only $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. The $10 Luminary kits will be available for sale at the launch event on Tuesday, October 29 as well as at several retail locations throughout Mercer County in November. You can also order luminary kits online at www.womanspace.org. The launch is a free public reception that will feature a performance by the Children’s Choir of St. Paul’s Church as well as refreshments generously provided by COL Sponsor, McCaffrey’s.

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. Last year alone, Womanspace served over 11,000 people. 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.

We hope you can join us at the 2013 Communities of Light launch reception at St. Paul’s Church on October 29. To RSVP, please call 609-394-0136 by October 28^th. Seating is limited and registration is required. There is no charge to attend; participants are highly encouraged to purchase the $10 COL luminary kits.

Womanspace is grateful for the support of our sponsors Compass Healthcare Marketers, Knipper Healthcare Marketing Solutions, the Times of Trenton, WPST, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, PNC Bank, Princeton Printer and Mason, Griffin, Pierson, P.C.

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 volunteers and supporters can contact Susan D. Klejst, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at sdk@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.