Posted on September 21, 2018 by admin
HARTFORD – The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) has officially marked 2018 as the Year of the Woman. As such, they are extending honor and gratitude to women who have made a positive difference in their work to assist survivors of domestic Violence in the state. State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38), who was nominated by “Safe Futures,” has been selected as one of these honorees and will receive a 2018 First 100 Plus leadership award for her efforts in the domestic violence awareness movement that is working to improve the lives of survivors.
According to the CCADV, domestic violence shelters in Connecticut are operating at 123% capacity with over 50% of the 1,000 children residing there annually being six years of age or younger.
“Organizations like Safe Futures, which work to save lives by protecting the privacy and safety of domestic violence victims, are indispensable in our community,” said Rep. McCarty, who co-sponsored Public Act 17-31, which, as of October 2017, strengthened domestic violence laws by increasing penalties and broadening definitions of violent acts that cause physical, emotional and mental harm. “As a state representative it is my privilege to support and advocate for legislation that protects individuals from all forms of domestic violence. I will continue to support efforts that work to eliminate domestic violence through crisis intervention, support groups and education programs. Knowing how much of a struggle – and how much suffering – families working to rebuild lives shattered by domestic violence or sexual assault go through, it is critical to enact legislation and support domestic violence programs that seek to eliminate violence in our community.”
Rep. McCarty will receive this recognition at the CCADV’s 8th Annual First 100 Plus Breakfast & Awards Ceremony on November 9th at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. All funds raised through the ceremony will be utilized to support comprehensive responses, public awareness efforts and the services necessary to meet the complex needs of survivors and their children.
Posted on September 17, 2018 by admin
For the second year, the UConn Department of Women and Philanthropy is hosting a free program for the public called Successful Women Making a Difference. This event consists of a panel discussion and networking opportunities with strong and successful women in the region who will share their stories, contributions, and ideas about success.
Fran Pastore, CEO of the Women’s Development Council, will serve as the keynote speaker while Susette Tibus, Owner of Simply Majestic Jewelry in Mystic, will be the moderator. Panelists include:
Please RSVP by September 21st here. If you require an accommodation to participate or have any dietary needs, please specify this in your RSVP. For questions, please contact Marcy Jarzabek via email or at (860) 486-3905.
Posted on September 7, 2018 by admin
Starting Sunday, September 9th, organizations from around the country will be coming together to spread awareness of the risks and signs of suicide, as well as how we can #stopsuicide.
National Suicide Prevention Week takes place between September 9th and September 15th, with World Suicide Prevention Day also falling on Monday, September 10th.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention considers one of the biggest risks for suicide to be social isolation, and there’s scientific evidence for reducing suicide risk by making sure we connect with one another. We can all play a role through the power of connection by having real conversations about mental health with people in everyday moments – whether it’s with those closest to us, or the coffee barista, parking lot attendant, or the grocery store clerk. We don’t always know who is struggling, but we do know that one conversation could save a life.
Please know than an “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk to fight suicide will be taking place from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McCook’s Park in Niantic on Saturday, September 15th. For more information, please click here or contact Michelle Peters at 860-614-72018 or mpeters@afsp.org. Online registration closes at noon on Friday, September 14th. You may also register in person at the walk starting at 11:00 a.m. Registration is free and open to the public. 
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always open for confidential support. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Other organizations that are participating in National Suicide Prevention Week includes 1 Word 1 Voice 1 Life, United Way, Connecticut Clearinghouse, the Department of Mental Health & Addication Services, and the American Association of Suicidology.
