2019 ANNUAL REPORT
Working to End Violence and Foster Equality and Empowerment for All FROM THE DESK OF OUR PRESIDENT & CEO
The Women’s Center continued its role as the recognized expert and sole provider of domestic violence and sexual assault survivor services within our Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield 13-town service area. Our strongly committed team of dedicated staff, direct service and Board of Director volunteers sustained the provision of high quality, professional services for all who turned to us for help, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We are pleased to provide this report highlighting some of our many 2019 accomplishments.
Over 32,000 Clients are identified as high risk at the scene in as many ways possible, so that all of domestic violence police calls, people can live safe, productive and During the past fiscal year, a total of receive immediate, on-site telephone connected lives. 32,271 men, women and children connection with one of our specialized Trainings for area police, legal, medical were the recipients of the free and counselor advocates. and other professionals gave us the confidential services provided through opportunity to ensure that anyone our Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Risk Reduction and Prevention dealing with survivors have the most and Resource Services programs. up to date information about, and Specially trained and certified direct Our Education, Training and Outreach sensitivity to, domestic violence and service staff and volunteers provided staff members provided critical sexual assault issues. the critically needed intervention, primary prevention and education support, and counseling to adults and programming for ages pre-school Dedicated Team of Volunteers children both in person and via the through senior citizens. Our popular hotlines while our Education, Training Healthy Relationships program for area The support provided by our dedicated and Outreach staff members offered high schools and our age-appropriate volunteer team enables the Women’s our comprehensive primary prevention children’s programs and puppet Center to reach the many people we and education programs to a wide shows remained in high demand and do. Upon completion of our extensive range of audiences. sought after by many new schools certification, as well as additional and and organizations. As part of our on-going training, our direct service Saving Lives overall goal to “end the violence,” volunteers serve as hotline counselors, these programs strive to arm young support group facilitators, speakers Elizabeth House, our residential facility people with awareness, knowledge bureau participants, court advocates, for adults and children fleeing from the and strategies for recognizing and and advocates. Our Board volunteers danger of violence in their own homes, encountering abusive behaviors, continued to provide countless hours of offered the safety and support needed including bullying, improper touching service via committee work, fundraising in their time of crisis. During their and unhealthy relationships. It is our activities and ensuring the on-going stay, shelter residents received crisis mission to help eradicate violence, fulfillment of the Center’s mission. counseling, advocacy and assistance with rebuilding their lives and planning a future that is free of violence. Our Family Violence Victim Advocates, who work at Danbury Superior Court, provided daily outreach and assistance to all individuals involved in domestic violence arrests and those impacted by civil legal matters. Our advocates supported victims by providing information about the law, the court process and other options available to crime victims in Connecticut.. The Women’s Center continued to participate in the statewide Lethality Assessment program, formally partnering with our local police departments to ensure victims who Women’s Center staff participating in #PurpleThursday.
2 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Members of our Advisory Council provided us with invaluable support and suggestions at their quarterly meetings as well as throughout the year. Our Vision Special event committee volunteers To end the violence against women, men, and children help to ensure success in raising the funds needed to continue to provide and to foster equality and empowerment for all. our services 24/7 to all who turn to us for help. Members of our Men Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Group Our Mission help to raise the awareness of the vital services provided by the Women’s To serve the needs of individuals, families and Center through their involvement as the community with prevention, crisis intervention, community leaders and their willingness and support services with regard to domestic violence, to take a stand against abuse. sexual assault and other major life crises. Activism and Partnerships Our long-standing formal partnership How we work to END VIOLENCE with Western Connecticut State University continued to afford us the opportunity to provide consistent and Our three major programs: on-going educational and training programs to the campus community. Domestic Violence Services Funding by the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence helped to sustain our Campus Advocates who Sexual Assault Services have offices at the university and serve as both a direct services provider Resource Services and resource for students. We have expanded this role to include the What we provide: Danbury campus of Naugatuck Valley Community College conveniently Crisis intervention, including a Lethality Assessment located across the street from our headquarters. Our bilingual/bicultural Program and two 24/7 hotlines with on-site response to counselor advocates provided area hospitals and police departments counseling and support to meet the Emergency residential facility for adults and children demand for services and programs in fleeing from violence in their homes Portuguese and Spanish. We remain actively involved in local and statewide Individual counseling and support-group counseling coalitions, collaborations and task Individual and system advocacy forces, to ensure the interests of our clients are represented and their needs Primary prevention, education and professional training met. programs for preschool through senior citizens Thank you to all who are a part of our Information and referral services 44-year legacy. It is because of you, giving so generously of your time, talent and financial support, that we Where we provide it: remain committed to our efforts of At our Headquarters at 2 West Street in “working to end the violence.” Danbury, Connecticut With gratitude, At Elizabeth House, our 13-bed confidentially located residential facility At Danbury Superior Court At Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) campus Patricia A. Zachman, M.Ed. President & CEO
2019 Annual Report 3 Accomplished in 2019 2019 FACTS EMDR Training REACHING CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal 1,070 children, adolescents, and young adults from trauma or other distressing life experiences. EMDR received direct services which include counseling, therapy has been extensively researched, is evidence based advocacy and crisis response services and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma.
955 school, college and youth organization Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic presentations for a total of 23,445 contacts memories and events. This process involves communication between parts of the brain that communicate stressful or traumatic events. While many times traumatic experiences HOLIDAY PROGRAMS & HELPING FAMILIES can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help. EMDR therapy helps the Thanksgiving outreach to 117 families in need brain process these memories, and allows normal healing to with food baskets, and December holiday resume. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed outreach to 142 families including 285 children traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes with gifts and food baskets alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other 30 youth clients received backpacks and school psychotherapies. supplies for the beginning of the school year through our Back to School Program The Women’s Center received a generous donation this year for our mental health counselors at the Women’s Center to CRISIS RESPONSE have the opportunity to complete EMDR basic certification training.
23 women and 15 children resided at Elizabeth The Women’s Center counselors are helping sexual assault House during the fiscal year totaling 3,568 nights and domestic violence survivors experiencing current or past of shelter and safety trauma be able to better manage their trauma and move on to positive life changes. 82 individuals fleeing abuse were relocated to and sheltered at an undisclosed location Awareness Months
Reduced trauma faced by child victims of sexual This year, we actively participated in Human Trafficking assault or severe abuse, by participating in Awareness Month (HTAM) in January and Teen Dating 69 initial meetings with Multi-disciplinary Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) in February. Highlights Investigation Team (MIT) of Greater Danbury included our first Community Conversation event, “The Dangers of Social Media: A Community Conversation COURT ADVOCACY about the Exploitation of Youth.” This included a panel with activists, law enforcement, and youth professionals. The event 1,570 Domestic Violence victims were assisted was standing room only, with the majority of the audience in obtaining criminal and civil legal assistance members being new friends/supporters of the Women’s which includes, protective orders, restraining Center. We utilized Facebook Live during the event and orders, visitation, housing, custody, and child reached over 900 people through that platform. For TDVAM, support we hosted a Youth Song Lyrics contest where youth chose a song that promotes unhealthy relationships and rewrote 1,276 Sexual Assault victims received criminal the lyrics to reflect healthy relationships based in equality and civil advocacy and respect. We are excited to continue hosting events and initiatives as part of these months of awareness. 135 Individuals and their families were assisted with legal immigration referrals, support Sexual Violence Prevention Collaborative (SVPC) and advocacy The Sexual Violence Prevention Collaborative (SVPC) was formed in the summer of 2018 and consists of five local nonprofits working together to eliminate sexual violence
4 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury across the 23 towns and cities that comprise Fairfield County. The Women’s Center is honored to be a part of SVPC and its New for 2020 inaugural project, Coaches as Partners. Coaches as Partners works to engage youth sports coaches and athletic directors Planned Giving Program in the prevention of sexual violence. Coaches as Partners’ goal is to bring awareness and education about the critical role Launch of our Planned Giving Program and the establishment society athletic leaders play in promoting an inclusive and respectful of a to recognize supporters who care deeply about ending the violence and have expressed their commitment by sports and school culture. SVPC is made possible by Fairfield making a gift to the Center in their estate plans. County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls. First Year Complete for Forensic Interviewers Campus Education & Outreach Manager Director of Victim Services, Lynn Nichols, and Child Counselor, With the creation of a Manager of Campus Education & Melissa O’Connor, have completed their first year as forensic Outreach position, we will be able to expand our prevention interviewers for cases involving suspected child abuse and efforts on campuses far beyond what we’ve been able to do in neglect. When interviewing children, Lynn and Melissa must the past without a full-time educator dedicated to this unique follow specific protocols and use necessary skills in order to population. The Manager of Campus Education & Outreach conduct a competent and investigative interview. The Child position allows for us to meet the ever-growing needs for programming and training on both WCSU’s and Naugatuck First approach explores all forms of maltreatment with the Valley Community College’s campuses. This position now priority to minimize the impact of trauma caused by abuse. allows us to devote the proper time and resources to all These cases are handled by a Multidisciplinary Investigative students, faculty, and staff to help make campus safer for Team (MDT), which consists of Women’s Center staff members everyone. and other professionals from various disciplines working together to serve the best interest of the child. Forensic Impact: Athletes Leading Athletes Program interviews are an integral part of the investigative process and gather vital information for the team. Our Men Against Domestic and Sexual Violence group is excited to partner with Western Connecticut State University’s Football team for a pilot program for high school athletes, Impact: Athletes Leading Athletes. We are offering two 1,616 Clients Participated in Support 30-45 minute educational discussions on the topics of Groups and Workshops technology safety and bystander intervention. Members of the WCSU Football Team will be present to provide insight and leadership. Their presence and participation is key in Survivor Groups connecting youth to local leaders in the sports community. These discussions are interactive, relevant, and provide a safe Breaking the Silence: for adult female sexual assault survivors space for youth to address any questions or concerns they may have about these issues. Survivors Overcoming Abusive Relationships (SOAR): for female domestic violence or intimate partner abuse survivors Voices of Courage: for adult male sexual assault survivors Support Groups Children of Divorce: with concurrent parent group Save the Dates! Exhale to Inhale: trauma - informed yoga Hearts of Hope reakfast February 5, 2020 Girl Talk: on WCSU campus
I AM OK!: fostering self-esteem and effective anxiety management An Evening Together April 3, 2020 Moving Forward: divorce
New Heights: healthy relationships Annual SafeWalk Project Be: girls’ empowerment program in English October 4, 2020 and Spanish
Thrive in English, Portuguese and Spanish: relationship issues 2019 Annual Report 5 EDUCATION, TRAINING & OUTREACH
The Women’s Center believes the path toward ending the violence lies in prevention and education. To that end, our Education, Training, and Outreach department provides engaging and effective prevention education, professional trainings, and outreach programs to individuals of all ages. During Fiscal Year 2019, we provided 1,023 programs reaching 23,445 youth and 4,833 adults, for a total of 28,278 participants.
Violence Prevention Education with Youth
Youth Participants Our violence prevention education programs aim to affect children’s behavior over the trajectory of their school years, beginning in preschool or Pre-K, and extending over multiple 1,886 4,057 years of students’ academic careers. Programs are age College Elementary School appropriate, corresponding to behaviors and situations that commonly arise at predicted points of students’ growth and experience. Our goal is to provide multi-tiered programming 8,845 8,393 for students, so that prevention education programs are ongoing throughout the academic year. We focus our High School Middle School education efforts on younger populations where the greatest opportunity exists to prevent a child from developing a vulnerability of becoming either a victim or a perpetrator of 264 23,445 abuse. We are working to change behaviors and norms to make violence, particularly domestic and sexual violence, less Pre School Total likely in the current generation.
All of our prevention education programs align with best practices for prevention and are evidence informed. Specifically, our programs are appropriately timed (developmentally) to have maximum impact in a participant’s Adult Participants life, and utilize varied teaching methods, including skill development and role play. All of our programs are strength- based and focused on skill building, including: teaching 3,376 participants skills for conflict resolution, media literacy, assertive communication, feelings management, giving/ Adult Community getting consent and bystander intervention. Our programs are primary prevention based, and focus on building positive, healthy behaviors in children that they will engage in 458 throughout their entire life. Professional Community We are proud to provide our two foundational, core programs, Healthy Relationships & Dating Abuse, and Got Consent? Addressing Sexual Violence in all eight public high schools in our catchment area. Additionally, we have partnered with the 804 following public school districts to provide prevention Educators education programs in every school in their district, aligning with best practice to provide multi-tiered programming for students. 195 Professional In-House Bethel Public Schools Redding Public Schools 4,833 Regional School District 12 Total
6 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Outreach to Adult Communities through the of teachers requested education programs in the fall of 2018 Implementation of our Speakers Bureau and indicated that this current event was one of the reasons why they wanted to bring our Consent & Sexual Assault In April 2018 we created a Speakers Bureau that consists of program to their class. As heartbreaking and triggering as six current direct service volunteers who are interested in the hearings and outcome were to many, it created a wave community outreach and adult education. Fiscal Year 2019 was the first full year of utilizing the Speakers Bureau to fulfill in public discourse, opening up an important opportunity for adult outreach and education requests. We were able to reach education on consent and the neurobiology of trauma. By approximately 1,000 more adults in our communities this year, continuing to provide Consent & Sexual Assault education in part due to the Speakers Bureau. It is critical that we provide programs to WCSU and local high schools we are appropriately education and outreach to the community at-large because responding to this issue. many individuals don’t know about the depth and breadth of the services we provide. This also serves as an opportunity for Additionally, students were eager to discuss Bill Cosby’s us to address myths around our issues. sentencing. Conversations with students revolved around holding perpetrators accountable and the repercussions Trends & Current Events survivors face when they come forward and tell their truth. The Supreme Court Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh and We will continue to engage with youth about national issues testimony of Christine Blasey Ford created an increase in and current events such as these, especially when they are at discussion and conversation on social media and amongst the forefront of public discourse. These are opportunities for students about the topics of consent and sexual assault. A lot education and engagement with youth.
A student anonymously emailed one of our educators after seeing our Got Consent? Addressing Sexual Assault program in their school. They wanted support about a sexual assault from a much older coworker who recently passed away. Our educator listened, validated, and supported the student, who then decided to come into our office for counseling with our Child Advocate. Each of our prevention team educators is a certified trained domestic violence and sexual assault crisis counselor in accordance with CGS 52-146k. This allows our educators to respond immediately to youth who are disclosing violence and allow for a smooth transition for continuing services at our agency.
2019 Annual Report 7 After a Healthy Relationships & Dating Abuse program at a local school, a young man came up to one of our educators and stated that he had been crying every day since he broke up with his girlfriend the previous week. The young man said that he was now feeling better, because our program made him realize that she was abusive to him, that it was not okay, and that breaking up was the right thing to do. Empowering students to make hard decisions, which are ultimately for their safety and their right to respect and equality, is why we do the work that we do.
Feedback from our Youth
Youth complete evaluations to provide feedback on our prevention education programs. These evaluations also allow us to test their knowledge on concepts and skills taught during the programs.
22.6% of students indicated they have been in an unhealthy relationship 65.8% of students indicated they know someone who has been in an unhealthy relationship
of students indicated they know someone who has been 40.9% sexually assaulted of teachers and school administrators reported that they saw changes in students’ behavior since the programs and that students have continued having conversations 73.0% about what they learned outside of class AFTER OUR PROGRAMS
These numbers illustrate the importance of our prevention education programs and that these are issues impacting today’s youth. Over 5,000 youth complete our evaluations in grades 8-12.
One way to prevent sexual assault is to teach communication skills and the importance of affirmative consent. After our Got Consent? Addressing Sexual Assault program, 83.3% of students reported feeling comfortable getting consent before a sexual encounter and 79.4% of students reported feeling comfortable giving consent before a sexual encounter. After this program, students have an in-depth understanding of affirmative consent, and we hope that students will give and get consent in the future.
8 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury WCSU Report
The 2018-2019 fiscal year brought forth several developments for the Women’s Center’s campus program as we continued to provide an array of services to students, faculty, and staff at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). We continued to strengthen our relationship with the university by broadening our presence, expanding our outreach, and increasing our collaborations with different departments, offices, and groups of students on campus. As a result of our growing presence on campus, we experienced an increase in the number of walk-ins to our campus office and in the number of referrals received from various departments within the University. Through our continued collaboration with the University we have been able to provide significant comprehensive advocacy to student, faculty, and staff surivivors of sexual assault, dating violence, and more. The graph below reflects the work done by the Campus Advocates survivors during the fiscal year.
In addition to the advocacy services provided this year Direct Service Contact Made by Campus Advocates at WCSU we also facilitated educational programs and trainings to a total of 2,174 people. These programs and Information Crisis professional trainings ranged Referral from mandatory Title IX training 122 for faculty and staff to programs 243 on consent, healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and more for student clubs and organizations and classrooms of all kinds. This work is important because it helps us to continuously educate 199 the WCSU community on our 497 issues contributing to a culture of consent, support, and belief in survivors. These efforts have empowered many members of Safety Planning Counseling the University community to come forward with their stories and start to receive services from our counselors and advocates.
2019 Annual Report 9 WHO HELPED US IN 2019 50% Thank You! is self-generated through grants, special events, private contributions, 22 229 tenant rent, and membership. of dedicated service by more * Our complete donor and member lists can be than 41 volunteers. found in the online version of our Annual Report. WHO WE HELPED IN 2019
32,271 TOTAL CLIENTS SERVED Than you so much 3 55 ETHEL for participating in our ealth Wee and 69 RIDGEWATER 24 525 sending elicia thin 334 ROO FIELD a lot of our employees 5 002 DAN URY too a ay some alua le information 3 ENT 8 826 that they didn’t no 7 0 NEW FAIRFIELD as a aila le to them. 2 5 2 NEW MILFORD no en oyed ha ing elicia here and 2 797 NEWTOWN 2 93 definitely learned something ne loo 035 REDDING for ard to ne t year 2 628 RIDGEFIELD and ould li e you to 09 RO URY 3 42 e part of it again. 387 SHERMAN Tiffany Par inson 669 WASHINGTON chaeffler erospace 4 8 OTHER CT 023 Corporation 443 OTHER STATES UN NOWN
10 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Lethality Assessment Program (LAP)
Screens were conducted by The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) Law Enforcement in partnership is a partnership between law enforcement 475 with the Women’s Center and domestic violence agencies statewide. Approximately 30% of cases that police respond to are domestic violence calls. Every day, Screens were identified Women’s Center advocates and local police as High Danger based officers work together and safety plan on 233 on victims’ responses Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) cases that are identified as “high danger.” The LAP program has a specific protocol that both advocates and Identified victims police must follow, with the primary goal of continued services with identifying high-risk cases and preventing future 9 the Women’s Center homicides and/or serious assaults.
376 victims LAW ENFORCEMENT were accompanied and provided with support to local police departments to report crimes
Working Together to End the Violence
Pictured in the group photo from left to right is Detective Luis Ramos, Court Reporter Supervisor Diane Euvrard, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Warren C. Murray, Women’s Center Director of Victim Services Lynn Nichols, State’s Attorney Stephen J. Sedensky III, and Mayor Mark Boughton.
This year the Women’s Center was honored to present and child abuse cases. Over the years, Attorney Murray Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, Warren C. has worked closely with the Women’s Center’s Court Murray, with a “Years of Service” award for his Advocates to hold offenders accountable and to ensure outstanding commitment as a prosecutor in the Greater that victims are treated fairly throughout the criminal Danbury Area. Attorney Murray has worked for the justice process. On behalf of all the clients we serve, State of Connecticut for over 35 years and earned the title “Trial Horse” after tenaciously winning countless the Women’s Center would like to thank Supervisory guilty verdicts for criminal cases tried at Danbury Assistant State’s Attorney Warren C. Murray for his Superior Court. These cases include domestic violence dedication, his hard work and his relentless pursuit of assaults, domestic violence homicides, sexual assault justice for crime victims.
2019 Annual Report 11 • Allows police to redact from “arrest records” the name and address of a victim of family violence – meaning that if there is a family violence dual arrest and the victim is arrested, her or his name cannot be released in either the police report where she/he is listed as the victim or in the police report where she/he is listed as the arrested person. This effectively means that names and addresses will no longer be released when there is a dual arrest.
Public Act 19-25, An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave
Paid Family and Medical leave is critical LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY 2019 for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence whose lives are disrupted Above: State Representatives David Arconti, Mitch Public Act 19-43, An Act Concerning by trauma and need time to recover. This Bolinksy, Bob Godfrey, Kenneth Gucker, and State bill establishes Paid Family & Medical the Confidentiality of Law Enforcement Senator Julie Kusnher at our Legislative Meet & Greet Leave in Connecticut and includes wage in January 2019. We updated them on our legislative Records Concerning Victims of Sexual priorities for the 2019 session and discussed how we replacement and an inclusive definition of could work together. Assault and Family Violence family.
This bill amends Connecticut’s Freedom • Creates a Family & Medical Leave The Center’s legislative advocacy of Information Act to extend existing Insurance Program, which will be involves efforts to influence funded through the Family & Medical the introduction, enactment, or protections for victims of sexual assault to victims of family violence. This bill Leave Insurance Trust Fund and modification of laws and policies overseen by the Family & Medical protects victim confidentiality and extends that will affect victims of sexual Leave Insurance Authority and domestic violence. These confidentiality protections to arrest records. (quasi-public agency). efforts aim to create and implement Survivor privacy and confidentiality is policy changes that will strengthen integral to victim safety, both emotionally • The Family & Medical Leave Insurance Connecticut’s response to victims, and physically. While dealing with the Trust Fund will be funded through promote prevention of sexual and aftermath of trauma, domestic violence payroll deductions of 0.5% of weekly earnings beginning in January 2021; domestic violence, and hold offenders victims will no longer have to make a accountable. benefits become available in January decision to seek assistance from the police 2022. based on a fear that the dynamics of their Center staff, volunteers, Board of relationship will be shared with everyone in • The Family & Medical Leave Insurance Directors and Advisory Council their local community. Program allows eligible workers to members participate in legislative take up to 12 weeks of leave per advocacy by contacting local legislators • Expressly extends existing Freedom of year (plus 2 weeks for pregnancy and sharing their visions on an issue. Information Act (FOIA) protections for complications) to: recover from a This contact can be done through victims of sexual assault to victims of serious health condition; welcome a email or over the phone. The Center family violence. new child by birth, adoption or also submits testimony on legislative foster care placement; provide care measures that will impact our clients • Prohibits the release of the name and to a family member with a serious and our work. During this legislative address of a victim of family violence illness; serve as an organ or bone marrow donor; or care for an injured session, we submitted testimony for in records of law enforcement compiled seven bills and public hearings. service member. in connection with the detection or investigation of a crime. • Establishes a formula for wage The following is a 2019 legislative replacement. session summary of our priority bills • “Arrest records” under FOIA are and successful changes related to defined as the “name, race, and address domestic and sexual violence. of the person arrested...” (please note this is not the full police report).
12 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Public Act 19-189, An Act Concerning Public Act No. 19-16, An Act Combatting Public Act 19-114 an Act Concerning Parity Between Sexual Assault in the Case Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Sexual Forensic Examiners of a Spousal or Cohabitating Relationship and Other Crimes of Sexual Assault and Also known as the Time’s Up or Give Victims of sexual assault have found Concerning the Investigation of a Family Victims Time bill, this legislation extends themselves waiting hours for a sexual Violence Crime the current statute of limitations and also assault forensic examiner (SAFE), a nurse tightens sexual harassment training. or doctor with specialized training to This bill repeals Connecticut’s separate examine and administer a sexual assault spousal rape statute to ensure that all • Extends the current statute of limitations to 20 years for felony kit (a/k/a rape kit). This legislation victims of sexual assault have equal expands who can act as a sexual assault protections under the law regardless crimes and 10 years for misdemeanors from the current 5 and 1-year statute of forensic examiner and creates statewide of their relationship to the person who standards for the position. assaulted them. It also fixes the family limitations, which was the third shortest violence arrest/dominant aggressor in the country. • The state will define requirements “carve out.” • Eliminates the criminal statute of for certification, re-certifications and limitations for minors up to age 18 and continuing education which will • Removes the carve out of married extends it 30 years for those 18 to their allow for a more immediate response persons from the state’s definitions 21st birthday. for the victim. of “sexual intercourse” and “sexual • On the civil side, the statute of • This legislation re-institutes the SAFE contact” making all of the state’s Advisory board to oversee the program, sexual assault laws applicable to all limitations to seek damages is extended 30 years from the and The Connecticut Alliance to End victims, including those married to Sexual Violence will continue to be a their abuser. complainants 21st birthday, adopts the federal rape shield law, and creates a member of this advisory board. • Repeals the state’s separate law Task Force to study Connecticut’s Lock Changes for “sexual assault in a spousal current civil response to sexual assault. or cohabiting relationship”. • Tightens sexual harassment training and Senate Bill 693 would have required • Clarifies that the carve out added policies that prevent and protect landlords, at the request and expense of to the state’s family violence arrest victims of sexual harassment. Including: the victim, to change individual dwelling statute in 2018 only applies to unit locks for victims who have obtained “platonic roommates” in the o Employers with three or more a restraining or protective order or civil following living situations: employees are required to provide order of protection. This bill passed the employees with information o Attending an institution of higher Senate unanimously but was not called for concerning the illegality of sexual a vote in the House. education and presently residing harassment and remedies available together in on-campus housing or to victims of sexual harassment within Proposed Changes to Title IX off campus housing owned, three months after the employee’s managed, or operated by the start date and post this information in In the Fall of 2018, The United State’s institution of higher education or its a prominent and accessible location. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, agent. released proposed changes to Title IX. o Employers with three or more The proposed changes would replace o Presently residing together in a employees are required to provide the Obama administration’s Title IX dwelling unit and making payments two hours of training and education guidance, which had called for more pursuant to a rental agreement. to an employee hired on or after aggressive enforcement of the 1972 law. • “Platonic roommates” are defined in October 1, 2019, not later than six These proposed changes would likely be subdivision (D) of the state’s “family or months after the date of his or harmful to survivors on college campuses household member” definition. her hire. and K-12 schools around the country. Therefore, our staff spent time drafting a public comment on the proposed changes to Title IX and engaging in this national conversation. The Women’s Center sent our letter directly to the Department of Education, highlighting these potential issues and offering suggestions on how they could be altered to be more inclusive and supportive of student survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and interpersonal violence.
Women’s Canter leadership at CCADV’s legislative reception with legislators.
2019 Annual Report 13 WOMEN’S CENTER | FYE 2019
(For year ending June 30, 2019)
Building/Rent $47,280 Sexual Assault Services Bonding 2% $619,704 $184,187 29% Government Building/Tenant 8% Contracts $34,596 2% City of Danbury & $1,103,782 Resource Services Surrounding Towns 49% $96,405 $72,581 5% 3%
Administration Total Income Total Expenses $222,745 $2,266,466 $2,129,208 10%
Domestic Violence Fund Development Fundraising Services $853,052 $252,728 $903,030 38% 12% 42%
Misc. Income $5,586 0%
FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS 2019
11th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast 12th Annual SafeWalk Annual Fund
Annual Gala 3rd Party Events
SPEAKING UP SPEAKING OUT ENRICHMENT CAMPAIGN | FYE 2019
Professional Services $37,257 Campaign 83% Donations $446,540 100%
TOTAL TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES $446,540 $44,841
Admin Expenses $7,584 17%
14 Women’s Center of Greater Danbury WOMEN’S CENTER LEADERSHIP 2019-20
Board of Directors Advisory Council
Chairperson Deborah Backes, Esq. Barbara R. Manners, Esq. Glori Norwitt, Esq. Brenda Berta Nancy Murphy Vice Chairperson/Development Chair Elaine Cox Wendy Wo Beurket Mark J. Nolan Vice Chairperson Rebecca Ciota, Esq. Kathleen Pape Eric J. Eggan, Esq. LouAnn Daprato Rona Rothhouse Treasurer Keri Tracy Paul P. Dinto John Royce Secretary Beth Ann Fetzer Paul Steinmetz Lisa Esneault Hillel Goldman, Esq. Allison Stockel Board Members Kathy Graham Eileen Walker Laura Becker Alexa Skalandunas Nancy Hawley Lori Berisford Todd Skare Nancy Hamlen Dambrosio Vicki Taylor-Bloch Dr. Evan Hack Mary Elizabeth Corso
Courtney McNevin (Emeritus & Founding Member)
Men Against Domestic & Sexual Violence Group
Co-Chairs: Eric Eggan, Esq. & Todd Skare
William Begg, M.D. Farooq Kathwari John Berisford First Selectman Matthew Knickerbocker Senator Richard Blumenthal Dr. Chris Kukk David Cappiello Joe Loth Ethan Carey First Selectman Rudy Marconi John Clark Gary Michael Paul Dinto Chief Robin Montgomery Mike Flynn Stephen G. Rosentel, CPA Monte Frank, Esq. John Royce Hillel Goldman, Esq. Fred Savenelli, LPC Irv Goldstein Jeremy Stein Noel Hord Paul Steinmetz
2019 Annual Report 15 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
We thank you for your financial contributions that enable the Women’s Center to continue its important work to “end the violence.” Every effort has been made to list names accurately. Please contact the Development Office at (203) 731-5200, ext. 237, if there are any errors or omissions and accept our apologies. Again, we thank you for your continued support of Women’s Center programs and services.
* Women’s Center Members
Founder $25,000+ Ellen Solomon Fairfield Processing Corporation Town of Ridgefield Finance Of America Cares Almira Famly Charitable Foundation Jessica and Briggs Tobin Barbara Flanagan Anna-Marie and Stephen Kellen Foundation United Way Of Western Connecticut, Inc. Christine and Jess Gaspar Anonymous Webster Bank Mr. and Mrs. Peter Grierson Lori and John Berisford* Bernice Wollman and Warren Rubin The Gordon F. Linke and Jocelyn B.Linke Foundation The Burch-Safford Foundation Women’s Council Of Realtors Rayna and Scott Havelock* City of Danbury The Helen Breznicky Testamentary Charitable Trust Elaine and Kevin Cox* Advocate $2,500+ Susan Herron Linde Charles Howell and Sandra Anderson-Howell Mithun Family Foundation Nina and Charles Allred Janet Hoyt Glori and Adam Norwitt* Antares Capital LP Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation, Inc. Augusto DaSilva Enterprises, LLC Lynn Leritz The Barker Welfare Foundation Litchfield Crossing, LLC Ambassador $15,000+ Laura and Irving Becker David and Taylor Mazza Richard and Susan Buckanavage The Angel Family Foundation Marcia and Richard Nelson Bruno DiFabio Anonymous Deb and Mark Nolan Emerson Charitable Trust The Robert G. and Marguerite M. Derx Foundation of Non Profit Rental Housing Corporation Lisa and Doug Esneault* New Fairfield, Connecticut Maryellen O’Connor Foundation John Katz Fairfield County Community Foundation Olde Crabs Hockey Club, Inc. Annmarie and Michael Gilligan Amy and Brendan Naughton Felicia Paduano* The Goldstone Family Foundation Todd and Bonnie Skare* Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Ptogram, Michael and Deborah Grissmer Union Savings Bank Foundaion, Inc. Lizette and Cory Plock Bruce Haims Virginia and Roy Young Suzanne and Daniel Rabinowitz Health Products For You Kristin and Michael Reed James Kilkenny and Laura Young Kilkenny Leader $10,000+ Barbara Manners and Morgan Weber The Betty and Leo Balzereit Foundation Nancy and John Murphy William and Wendy Beurket Newtown Savings Bank The Breaking the Cycle Foudnation Olga Sipolin Children’s Fund Rebecca Ciota Kathleen and Jack Pape* Fairfield County Bank PepsiCo Foundation GE United Way Campaign Joan and Leonel Rodriguez* Nancy and David Hawley Ed and Pamela Simoneau Pullman & Compley, LLC Alexa and Gary Skalandunas* The Ridgefield Thrift Shop, Inc. Allison and Jon Stockel The Stewart B. McKinney Foundation, Inc. TIAA Trust Company Town of Newtown Town Of Bethel Eileen and Jay Walker Union Savings Bank Wells Fargo Foundation Western Connecticut Health Network The Woman’s Club of Danbury/New Fairfield Benefactor $5,000+ Geraldine and David Schneider Patron $1,000+ The Albert Wadsworth & Helen Clark Meserve Memorial Fund Gregory Schnuck Algonuin Gas, An Enbridge Company Aetna Foundation, Inc. Schwab Charitable Fund American Express Foundation Alexander Family Foundation, Inc. Donna Sexton* Anonymous Bank Of America Jessica Solomon Tia Cibani Alliance Bernstein Town Of New Fairfield Connecticut Community Foundation Allen and Sara Beatty* Town of Redding Danielle and Scott Edwardson* Mike Bendjouya James Travers Ethan Allen Global, Inc. Brenda and Daniel Berta Carol and Richard Vazzana The GE Foundation Jonathan and Laura Brennan* Margaret and Russell Vernet Gloria Gray Foundation, Inc. Patrick and Linda Broderick Western Connecticut State University IBM Employee Services Center Capitol Hill Group, LLC Wooster School The Inner-City Foundation for Charity and Education Janine and Antonio Capanna Anna Wysowskyj Karen Johnson and David Solomon Pamela Chapman* Yoga Dimensions Mary Kiniry* Community Health Charities Pamela Klem and Thomas Dubin Cotton Candy Fabrics, Inc. Friend $500+ Christine and Philip Lodewick LouAnn Daprato* Ability Beyond Linda and Vincent McMahon Kathleen and Harry Dayton* Aldi Near and Far Aid The Danford Foundation, Inc. Gail E. Anderson Paul Dinto Electrical Contractors, Inc. Eric and Jean Eggan Anonymous Anne M. Roby The Elizabeth G. Butler Angel Foundation Benchmark Senior Living at Ridgefield Crossings Constance Solomon Robert Elliott Kimberly Bishop 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
George and Anita Bossis Kurt Raschi and Catherine Riordan Mary Lou and Robert Alberetti* Ephraim Brennan Ridgefield Hardware Co. Cosmo and Nancy Alberico Bridgewood Fieldwater Foundation Ridgefield Police Union Myriam Albis Robert Byrne The Ridgefield Woman’s Club Olivia Alessandro Nadine Cancell and Craig Curry* Stephen and Judith Rosentel Tina Allegrezza David Cappiello Karen Ross andn James Shriber* Ann Allen Ann and Steve Carlson Patricia and Stephen Ross Sanaa Almarayati and John Erickson Christ Church Rotary Club of Ridgefield Pablito Almira* Congregation Shir Shalom Rona Rothhouse and Gary Lehman* Whitney and Michael Altopp The Congregational Church Of Brookfield Linda and John Royce* Kelly Alves Robert and Amanda Cordano The Selz Foundation, Inc. Roberto Alves Barbara Cottingham and Bernard Yemc Seventy2architects Carlos Alvidrez Craig’s Fine Jewelry Norma Schlager* AmazonSmile Foundation Danbury High School Linda Spaziani The Amber Room Colonnade Danbury Surgical Center St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Catherine Ambrosi Mark Darlington Carol and John Stetson Marguerite Amente Bridget DePasqual James Siewert and Alysa Wakin Mary Ellen Amerighi* Anita and Nicholas Donofrio Colleen Sullivan-Palus Amy Day Darleen Driver* TR Paul, Inc. Janice Anderson Joseph Duva Vicki Taylor-Bloch* Lorraine Anderson Jeffrey Elliott Joel Third* Linda Andrews Lynn Everdell Jeanann and Bob Thuss Mary and Stephan Anglade* Isabelle Farrington Town of Sherman Anonymous Barbara Klebanow Feinson Patricia Van Buren Diane Antici Beth Ann Fetzer Barbara Volz Jackie Apgar Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Walmart Foundation Donna and John Apple* First Congregational Church of Ridgefield Rita Warford Elizabeth Archibald Renee Fozouni Mary Ann and Chuck Wyand James Arconti Andrea Gartner Edward and Deborah Zane* Francis Armstrong Hillel Goldman YardApes Landscaping Renuka Arunkumar Kathleen Graham* Patricia Zachman* At Home Design Jeanine Guerrero Karen August Evan Hack and Diane D’Isidori* Sustainer - Up to $499 Stephen and Lauren Auresto Ashley Hamedi Vonnie Aurigemma* A2 Land Consulting, LLC Hancock Hall Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Christel Autuori* Dick Aarons Tamar and Noel Hord* William and Sara Babyak Beth Aaronson and Davi Goldsmith Mary Jascha Ted and Ronni Backer* AARP Chapter 1067 The Jean Widmark and Richard Widmark Foundation, Inc. Erin Badillo Dona Abel Peggy Kaufman Susan and Edward Bailey Klickers Hair Studio Cheryl Bakewell Mary Koenig Nancy Baldaserini Virginia and Mark Konopka Ralph Baldelli Robert Kornhaas, Jr. Richard and Gayle Baldelli Alan Kraut and Jane Steinberg AnneMarie Balogh Law Offices of Lawrence M. Riefberg, LLC John and Jacqueline Bamman Blandine Lewine Bank Of America Charitable Foundation Lions Club of Ridgefield, Inc. Bank Of America United Way Campaign LoPresti & Sons Carting Co. Karen Banoff Philip Lopresti and Sons* Gretchen Barbieri* The M&T Charitable Foundation Robert Barlow Margaret and Rudy Marconi Livia Barndollar Miriam Martinez and Roger Restaino* Christopher and Verna Barrett Marturano, Gaspare Bart’s Tree Service McCarthy, Debra Jo and John Pam Bates Dewey and Paul McNamara Triica Bauer The Mohegan Tribe Ann and Andrew Bazos The Rev. Dr. Jenny Montgomery Amanda Becker Larry Morgan Molly Becker Mulvaney Mechanical Inc. John Beckett Nanavaty, Nanavaty & Davenport LLP Belardinelli Tire Company Glenn Nanavaty Jane and Joseph Belsky Arnold Newman The Benevity Community Impact Fund Russell and Holly Neumann* Videen and Christopher Bennett* Newtown Rotary Club Foundation Terese Benham David Arconti The Newtown Woman’s Club Sylvia Berger Elizabeth Adam Christina Nolan Kenneth Berntsen Philip and Melissa Adams Stuart Orsher and Gladys George Tiffany Bertanza Bethany Agliardo Pamby Motors Bethel Women’s Club Dale and Richard Ahearn Donna and Joseph Pastore* Mary Betz-Lord William Aher Peale Foundation John Beyers Lucia Ahnemann The Pottery Factory Dayna Beylouni Lucia and Skip Ahnemann 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Kristin and Darren Beylouni Nicole Burns Jeanne Colin Therese Bhatt Judith Burroughs* John and Jennifer Collins Douglas and Barbara Bigham Iris Busch* Seamus Collins Martiza Billegas Amy Butera Reed Collyer Nancy E. Birmingham Olga Butera Marybel Colon Gail Bizer Patricia Butler Colonial Cleaners (K.P.D.J., Inc.)* Blanket Real Estate Alexine Buttress Linda Conaty* Margie and James Blansfield Jeffrey and Lisa Buzaid* Barb Conetta The Blazer Pub Lynne and James Byington Kate Conetta Jules Blight Jane Byrnes Gail Conetta Claude Blouin Carlos and Anna Cadena Pat Conetta Claude and Ilona Blouin Grenda Callahan Nicole Connelly Matthias Blumrich Sophia Callahan Tristen Connelly Peter Boccarossa Marilyn Camarda Sally and John Conroy* William and Elisa Bodnar Marilyn Campbell Carol and Anthony Conte* Rebecca Bonacci Candlewood Center For Women’s Health Tracy Conte Bob and Michele Bonvicini Candlewood Valley Pediatrics Kristen Contreras Katherine and John Borbely Jose Cantadori Douglas and Kathleen Coombs Charles Borchetta Canterbury School Gayle Fernandez Cooper Jill and Jeff Bornstein Kenneth Capozzi Joseph and Indra Coraci Victoria Boshell Keri Cappiello James Cordello Kathleen and George Bossers Nina Caraluzzi Alison Cordova Mary and Donald Bostwick* Caraluzzi’s Markets* Andrea and Andrew Coreau Christine Botticelli Emma and Tomaz Cardoso Gregory and Ann Marie Corso* Christine & Bruce Botticelli Kathleen and Joseth Carillo* Sarah Corso Leslie Bouchard Carl Bailey Maria De Lurdes & George Costa Mark D. Boughton, Mayor* Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey Costco Wholesale Temi Bova Steven and Diane Carneiro Teresa Costello Nancy Bowen Kelly Carr Suzanne M. Cottone Bert T. and Courtney Page Bowler Craig and Clare Carragan Campbell Coughlin Laurie Bradbury* Manny Carreras John and Anne Coviello Branson Ultrasonics Corporation Georgia Carrington Jacqui Cowley Suzanne Brennan Audra Cartelli Sarah Cox Crystal Carvalho Elsie Craig* Cascades At Bethel Health Care Center William Craig Elizabeth Casey and James Moore* Barrett and Vicki Cram Matthew Cassavechia Cramer & Anderson, LLP Cassio Kennels, LLC* Randie Creamer Thomas and Antoinette Catalina Wilma Creatore Cavalier Karen Critelli Celtic Croft Sabine Crozier Karen Chance* Joseph and Colleen Cugine Alan Chapin Linda Cummins Megan Charette Mary Cummins Charles Calitri Eileen Curran Andrea Chasanoff Curtis Instruments, Inc. Patricia Cheh Alyssa Damato Laurie Brentlinger Joseph Chelednik Nancy and Ron Dambrosio Bridgewater Congregational Church Alice Chemiske Danbury Plumbing and HVAC Supply Co. Barbara Briggs Mark S. Chory Danbury Ski Club Peggy Brignam Christina Calabro Andrea and William D’Angelo* Barbara and William Brimmer Christine Carnicelli David Dannin Anil Britto Linus Chuang Rebecca Darst Amy Britton Virginia Chulkovs Elinor and Murray Darvick Cathi Brody Arthur Ciccolo Daryl Noble Brooke Bernstein* John and Lisa Cilio Daughters Of The American Revolution- Mary Wooster Bruce Brown Ciota Legal Group, LLC Chapter Debby Brown Debora Tita Clark* Karen Dauk Janice Brown* Mary and Alan Clavette Barbara E. Davidson Judith and Christopher Brown* Joseph Cleary* Marjorie and William Davidson Margaret and William Brown Rebekah Cleary Christi Davis Stephen Brown Marlie Cleveland Darryl Davis Tamara Brown Aryn Cluney Lori Davlos Suzanne Browning Harrison Cluney Joan Day* James and Cynthia Bruno Hayden Cluney Laura Day Tom Bryne Michael and Shannon Cobb Lisa De Crescenz0 Lois Buchanan Susan Cocco Marydale DeBor Cecilia Buck-Taylor* Kathleen Cococcia Deborah and Arthur Sfondrini Kenneth and Britanny Burdick Laura Cococcia Deborah and Scott Linke Jessica Burke Breeda Coffey Daniel DeCarlo Mary Burnham and John Bestor* Roni Cohen-Sandler* Christine and John Deep 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Sharon and Thomas DeJoseph John Farrell Tracy Delaney Bob Fasekas Julie DeLange Faye Walton Nina Dell’Aquilla Jessica Feighan Jeanine DelPozzo Michael Fein Donna DeLuca Deborah and Robert Feinson* Wendy and Michael Delucia* Irene Fennell Anissa and Stephen DeMatteo Emily Fennessey Patricia and William DeMichiel Mary Fernand Dental Associates of CT Laurie Fernandez Wendy DePasse Karen Ferraro Michael DePaul Donald Fertman Marie Desmons-Cullerton Sarah Finbow Maureen Devane Nancy Fink* Melanie and Anthony DiCaprio* Katherine Fischer Bonnie Dietzek* Alex Fischetti Alison DiPinto* Nicholas and Andrea Fischetti The Di Salvo Engineering Group, Inc. Walter Fisher Diray Media Aubrey and Scott Fitch Luciana Giacon Susan Dodd Bill Flanagan Diane Giarratona Doherty and Deleo Development Judy and Jerry Flanagan Susan & David Gill Ryan and Penelope Doherty* Wayne Floegel Gil’s Auto and Truck Repair Christine Dolan Allen and Barbara Flood Lissette Gines Christine Donato Alfonso Floyd Lucian Giordano* J. Gavin Donnelly Mary Foreman Flynn Giving Assistant, Inc. Dorothy and Michael Dono Patricia and David Flynn Meyer Glaser Elizabeth Dore Samantha and Robert Flynn* Elizabeth Gold Susan and Jan Dorenbosch Hazel Fogle* Irv Goldstein Mark Dorso Veronica Foncello Joan Goldstein Elisa & Benjamin Doto Nicholas and Lynn Forese Liz and Steve Goldstone Susan Dow Fox Hill Inn* Assunta Gonegoto Michael and Kimberly Downs Jim Frain Max Goodman Marilyn Doyle Linda Franco Ellen Goyda Dr. Alfred S. Costanzo Chiropractic Physician Monte Frank and Leah Fogelman* Grabel Business Services* Barbara Drayer Beth Frasco Steve Graham Patricia Drew Michael Frederic Charlie Gralling Ken and Kerry Anne Ducey Paul Fredricks Mickey Grasso Laurie Ducey Linda Freeman and Jay Page* Cynthia Graziano* Mary-Jo Duffy Eric and Amy Freidenrich GRC Wireless, Inc. Janice Dunn John Frey Greater Danbury Business Association David Durbin and Constance Alexander Scott Friedman Bruce Green Elizabeth Durkin Nicole Friedrich Mary L. Green* Edith Macy Center Christopher Frison Greenwood Physical Therapy Edward Jones Susan and Adolf Froehlich Mary Griffin* Bryon Eggan Leanne & Joseph Fuccillo Teresa and Jacques Grimes Eric J. Eggan* Jessica Fuentes Marcia and Daniel Grise Nelson Ehinger jennifer Fuenzalida Kenric and Katherine Gubner Stella Eidt Michelle Funfgeld Elizabeth Guerrera Barbara Eler* Danielle Furey Kate Gullen Yleana Elgado Barbara and Louis Furlo Jennifer Gully Eliza Elhayek Cynthia Gaffney Deborah Gundel Eleanor M. Elias Pat Gagne Kyle Gundel Barbara and Jon Elkow Kathleen Gale Deborah Gurney Pamela Elkow Anna Gallacher Carol Gurski Nicole Ellington Frances Gallagher Denise Gutierrez Kathleen and David Elmore Mary Gallagher-DeLucia* Jennifer Habeeb Heather Elsesser Annmarie Galowski Kristen Haber Cheryl Engels Becky Gannon Hacienda Don Manuel Liliana Escobar Priscilla Garamella Kristen and Stewart Hackett Edgardo and Amy Escribano Sharon and Gerald Garavel Patra Hadley Zachary Esterman Gartner on Main Mary Hajj Pilar Estrada Enver Gashi Frances Halamandaris Wendy Eurell Fay and Vernard Gaudet* Karne Hale Barbara Everdell Jennifer Gauthier Khristina Hall* Caitlyn Everett GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Margot Hall ExxonMobil Foundation Georgetown Lions Club Nancy Hall* Warren Faber and Linda Gould-Faber Joan Gereg-Bradley* Vickie Hambrecht Jean Fagernes Barbara Geremia John Hamilton Howard S. Fales* Meagan Gerosa Samantha Hamilton John Faraguna* Fred Gervasoni Marlene Hancock Rita Farhat Renato and Alicia Ghio Patty Hanlein 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Joseph and Katherine Hanley Tara Inigo Katherine Kohrman and Meyer Glaser Lynda Hanley Regina and Dominic Ippolito Basil Kolani Tara Hanlon David irving Peter and Colleen Kolf Elizabeth Hanna Deanne Isaacson* Tyler Kolle Hansen Brothers Landscaping, LLC Elizabeth and Kenneth Isaacson* Mark and Sheilah Krasnickas Marvin and Janet Happel Rita and Paul Iverson* Catherine and David Kreiger Sean Hargraves Ivette E. Diaz M.D., LLC* Joseph and Marilyn Kreitz Harold and Helaine Fischer J. Seitz & Co.* Judith Kriegl* Lucille Harriman Richard and Lori Jabara Kerry Kruger Rebekah Harriman-Stites Catherine Jacke* Tracy Kulikowski Marilyn Harrington Judith Jackson Cheryl and Frank Kunst Kathleen Hartford Harry Jaacobs Joanne Kushner Theresa Hartley Margot Bradley Jacobs* Wendy Labarge Lisa Hartwig David Jacobson Patricia Labozzo Sharon and William Harvey Tracey Jaeger W Daines Ladah Judy Haskins-Conde JAG Properties Barabara Laine* Joyce Hass Jennifer Gagliardi Gilead and Mary Lancaster Dennis and Mary Hattie Jennnifer Pappas Olin and Pamela Lancaster Frederic and Jennifer Haubrich Kristen Jsensen Vincent and Diane Landers Ellen Hauptman John Jesse and Philip Segan Anthony and Dorothy Langley Dean Havelock Jessica and Moe Mancini Philip LaPorte* Ann and Ted Hawkins Joann Petrini and John Leopold Taryn Larkin Anne Hawkins Jodi Rell* Kristin Larson Andrea Heap Joe’s Salon & Spa Sharon Larussell The Heart Space Studio Carol Johnson* Joan Laucius Karen and Clifford Heidinger Kate Johnson Laura Goldstein and Steven Vine Cheryl Heinonen Susanna and Nick Johnstone Craig Laurer Judy and Les Heise Barbara Jones Courtney Lauria Andrea Henchcliffe Kenneth and Patricia Jones Laurie Bradbury Nicole Henderson Pamela Jones Cheryl Leamon Fernando Henriques Robert G Jones Christine and Carl Lecher* Dr. and Mrs. Jose Henriquez* Cathy Joseph Laura Lee* Barbara Henry* Theresa Joseph Prisiclla Lee Betty and Thomas Hensal Aurelia and Daniel Joslin* Thomas LeFebvre Geoffrey Herald Patricia Joyce Janice Leggett Robert Herber Guen Kaffenberger Lawrence Lemieux Tim Herlihy Paula Kaltman Lenore and Sydney Bland Charitable Foundation Michael and Kimberly Hicks Kaplan Isabel and Barry Lisa Lent Sandra Hicks* Jacqui Kaplan Christopher Levesque Jane and Ronald Hill Laura Kara Daniel Levine Hillcroft Consulting Karin Ruebeck* Barbara and Joel Levitt* Barbara Hillery Gaby Kartchner Betty Liberty Hilltop Book Group Deborah Katchko and Scott Gray* Katherine and Nicholas Lieder Katherine Hinds Jeanne and Jeffrey Katz Kristen Liederbach Tatyana Hixon Steven and Linda Kazlauskas Beth Lighthouse Laura A. Hoeing* Patricia Keckeisen Rosalind and Gary Liljengren Arlene Devine Hoffman Jessica Keeler Wendy and Mark Lionetti Sean and Jana Hogan Maura Keenan James and Angela Liptack Lynn Holley Erika Keeton Ellen and Richard Lipton Holmes Fine Gardens* Christopher and Pamela Keever Roxanna Llovet and Rainer Gonet Jonathan Holmes Jason Keller Margaret and John Loehr Ruth Holzthum* Michael Kells Kenneth Loerzel Karen Hores Nichola Kelly O’Donnell Walter and Eleanor Loesch Lior Horesh Kristina Kelly Loire and Robert Leavitt Susan and David Horner* Joseph Keneally Corey Londoner and Drew Berman Karen Horsey Lisa Kenny* Lisa Long Sam Houry Laura Kent Michael and Gina Long Mary Lynn and William Howard Peggy Kiely Jen Longmire Victoria Howland Rosanne and John Kiley* Joan and Brendan Loughlin Patricia & John Hubertus* Kimberly-Clark Employees Louis and Jeanine Memoli Mildred Huffmire King Street United Church Of Christ Gina Love Deborah and William Hull Lynn Klar Patricia and George Lowell Melissa and David Hunter Pamela Klem Janet and Stephen Loya Rebecca Hussey Karen and Peter Klemm Janice and John Lucchesi Casey Hutchinson Sabine and Kristof Kloeckner Catherine Lucia-Durante* Tricia Hyacinth Marvin Knisley Herlen Lucien Samuel and Alice Hyman Matthew Knickerbocker* Rosalie Lucifora Kayla Iacopucci Kenna Knowles Carol Luf Antonio Iadarola Ernest Koch Claire Luks Ingersoll Auto of Danbury Sherrill Koch Patricia Lutnes Carol Ingher Diane Koehm* Kristen Luzzi 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Kathleen A. Lynch Dorothy McCafferty Joseph Mulvaney Laurie Lynch and John Zachman* Anne McCarthy Gary Mummert and Iris Rainone Michael and Marianne Lyons Martin McCarthy Laura and Charles Murad John and Sue MacDonald* Pauline McCarthy Jeanne Murphy Jane and Neil Mackenzie Laura McConnell Robert and Joellen Murphy Neil MacKenzie Barry McConway Thomas and Sinead Murphy Jeanne and John Madden Christina and Henry McDermott Murray and Harriet Merll Kathleen and John Madzula Lesli McDevitt John Murren Jill and Bruce Maguire Colleen McDonough-Ramos Patricia Murtha Carol Maiolo Margaret McEachern* My Tribute Gift Foundation Inc. Gina Maira Douglas and Paula McGraime* Jerry Myers Barbara Maisonpierre Diane and Michael McGrath Richard Myers Dominique Malacarne Monica McInerney Sue Myers Richard Malek Ralph McIntosh, Jr. Antonia Nabholz and George Huse* Vivian and David Maletzky Lois and David McKee Frank Nalepovic Diane Malinowski Sean McKee Annmarie Napolitano Renee Mallozzi Erin McKinnyy Daniel Nastasi Jay Malone Elisabeth McKnight Anitha Nayak Eileen Maloney Ann McLellan Andrews Neblett Grace Mancuso Doreen and Timothy McManus Candice Nelson Robert Mandra Joan McManus Jon Nelson Karen Mannhaupt The McMaster Family Foundation Keven Nelson Mike Mannhaupt Ann Marie McMenamin Lisa Nelson Megan Mannion Lisa and Patrick McMinn Ryan Nelson Ena Manochi James and Erin McMurray Sherri Nelson Audrey Manolakis Courtney McNevin Denis Nesterov Emily Marchetti Jim and Diane McNulty Lily Newman Danielle Marchionne Noreen McPartland Monnie Newman* Ruth Marcus Margaret McVey Newtown Middle School Lauren Mariani Joan Meehan Newtown Nail Spa II Jamie Marro Melissa Mejia Claire Nicholson-Liston Alexa Marshall Susan and John Melillo* Annette Nikolis Darrn and Mary Marshall Maura Melody* Ronald and Cathy Niles* Annette Martin Donald and Gertrude Menzer Jennifer Nirenberg Tiffany Metti Sharon and James Nisch Nancy and Jeffrey Metzger* Joshua Nisenbaum Susan Michalak Gerald Nissly Jenine Michaud & Paul Steinmetz* Karen Nixon Arianna Middleton Stephen Nocera Guy Miglinas Norbert Mitchell Co., Inc. Jacqueline Millan Dorothy Norman Anne Miller and Annelie Hardwick Kathleen Norton Medge Miller Pamela Norwitt Scott and Toni Miraldi Katie-Rose Nunziato Megan Mitchell* Nvidia Mithun Family Foundation Amy Obrien Holly Mohney Melissa O’Connor Elaine Mok Nancy O’Connor* Justin Molito Odyssey Logistics and Technology Corporation Jackie Monahan Jennifer and Terrence O’Grady Jeffrey and Charlotte Monroe* Amy O’Meara Andrew Montanari, Jr.* Patricia O’Neil Lisa Montemurro Frances O’Neill Robin Montgomery and Marianne Gaffney Honorah O’Neill Joseph and Helga Moody Wendy and Robert Opotzner Andrea Moore Matthew Orienter Carol Martin Jame Moore Patricia and Paul Orsino* Leonard Martin and Mary Dowd-Martin Kimberly Morabito OrthoConnecticut Audrey Martin (in memorium) Geraldine Moran Margaret O’Shea* Pamela Martino* Hannelore and Daniel Moreno Katrina Otto Raymond and Marie Martucci John & Maureen Moreno Marjorie Overmier* MasterCard Employee Engagement Fund Heather and Martin Morgado Owl Cyber Defense Solutions Vickie Mathews Brian Morgan Angela Paduano Jennifer Matlack Kara and Nils Morgan Anthony and Carolann Paduano David and Lauren Matte Kevin and Kimberly Morgan David Graham* Ellen Matthews Charles and Mary Morris Roger Palanzo Bonnie Mausolf Jackie and Eliot Morrison* Babette and Stephen Palmer Scott and Lisa Mayer Kelli Morrison Cynthia Palmer Tiffany Mayr Mr. and Mrs. Tom Koobatian Julie Paltauf Lori Mazzola Laura Mullen Eileen Pambianchi Ward Mazzucco and Tami O’Connor Jake Muller Jill Papanek 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Prime Pub Susan Ruczaj Joseph Prince Frank Ruiz John Priola Run Like A Mother Anthony Provens Kirk and Clair Rundhaug* Ellen Prunty Rupert Mechanical Systems, Inc. MaryBeth Prunty Marita Ryan* J. T. Pryor-Bennett Albert L. Ryff* Jane Przekora Thomas J. Saadi Bonita Puche Lindsay Sabel Bonnie Puglisi Sabrina Style Boutique Purkiss Capital Advisors Iris Stein Sacher Debra and Paul Purvis David Sachs and Linda Shackelford Mary Alice Putnam Julia Sadler Brian and Denise Qualey Maureen Salerno* Linda Queiroz Linda and Perry Salvagne Patricia Quigley Ruthanne Salvatore Pamela Quist Chip Salvestrini Jeanne Paparazzo* Racing Brook Meadows #1 Condominium Association, Inc. Jimmetta Samaha Kevin Pape Jillian Rae Daniel Samuelson Carol Papov Maureen Raftery* Amelia Sanchez Christy Pappas Rahul Rajan Donna and Steven Sanford Kristen Papucci Michael and Madeline Raleigh Cheryl and Amandio Santos Aarti Paranjape Shari Ramponi* Farley and Kathleen Santos Rosemary and Thomas Pardalis* Rhonda Rand Hill* Eleanor Saperstein* Carolyn and Nicholas Parker Walter Rand Sarah Feldman Kelly and James Parker T James Ranney Annmarie Sarbello Parma Market Hollie Rapp Maria Scaros-Mercado* Michael Partington and Leslie Holley Danika Rasmussen Barbara Schancupp* William Pasnau Carrie Raybeck Carolyn Schanze Ralph Passarelli Patricia Ann Reese* Gerald and Sharon Scheffler Joseph Patore Celia Regan Patti and John Schmidt Doreen Pastorok David Reiner Jillian Schnaudigel Rina Patel Michael Reiter Gilda Schneider Shari Geller Pavlicek Michael and Theresa Rettger Lynn Schneider David and Bonnie Pazer Bruce and Jami Richardson Linda Schramm Maureen Peet Ridgefield Academy Brenda and Henry Schultz* Toni Pepe Ridgefield Glass Kelly Schutzman Carlos Pereira Ridgefield Golf Course Anmarie and Lewis Schwartz John and Maria Pereira Ridgefield High School Mel Schwartz* Jan Perkins Ridgefield Police Benevolent Association, Inc. Anne Scott Jennifer Perkins Ridgefield Police Department Karen Scott Jessica Perkins Ridgefield Running Company Seagull Speech & Language Services LLC Jaime Perrotta Ridgefield Supply Nikki Searles Debora Perry Ridgefield Tiger Touchdown Club Stephen Sedensky Elizabeth Perry Dennis and Christine ring Susan and Paul Seeger* Kathleen Perry Ann Rivera Maria Pia M Seirup Steven and Diane Peterson Edwrad Robbs Carla and Christopher Setaro Elizabeth Petrone* Mark roberts Lynne Sewell* Kim Petruska Annette Robertson Catherine Shaffer Patricia Phelan Carol Robertson* Terrence Shanahan Bonnie and Anthony Phillips Tanya Rodriguez Hilary Shapiro Lynne Phillips and Charlie Manos Rogers Park Middle School Joseph Shapiro and Ilene Traiger Physicians For Women Tim Rogers Laurie Sharinay Tracy Piccuillo Kathleen and Pat Roig* Peggy Anne Sharlow Claire Picone Suzanne Roman Evangeline Shepard Tom Pitasi Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Linda Shepard Pitney Bowes Foundation Carol and Arnold Rosenberg* Shepaug Valley Regional High School Rosaria Pock Susan Rosengrant Barbara and Robert Shohet Susan Poitras Ana Ross Julie Shull Amy Polacko Karen Ross David Siegel Elyssia Poland Ronnie Ross Sharon and Paul Siegel* Nancy Poliquin Dan and Ellen Rossini* Thomas Siegel and Susan Laverty Cheryl Pollack Stephanie Rossini Thomas Sigismonti Julie Pollack Dale Rothbell Daniela Sikora and Keitha Kinne Sandy Potts Rachel Ruth Rothschild* Laura Silver Joanna Pound-David Mary Lee and John Roulat* Melanie Silver Margaret Powell Ssuan Rowe Iris Silverman Mary Jeanne Preziosi Roxbury Congregational Church Corinne Silvert Price Financial Group, LLC Justin Royce Steven Simmons Audrey Price* Elizabeth Ruane Terry Sinclair Gregory Price Myrna and Robert Rubin* Jennifer Singer 2019 Women’s Center Annual Report Donors
*Women’s Center Members
Irene Skrybailo Patricia Tharrington* Isabella Warren Susan Davis Slater and Leslie Paul Slater Jane and Edward Thomas Tracy Warren Sabina and Walter Slavin Abby Thompson Shepperd Wayne Marilyn Sloper Elizabeth and Robert Thompson* Karen Webb Cherire Sludock Marion and David Thompson* Melinda Webb David and Maria Smith Elaine Thorn Michael and Filomena Weiner* Heather Smith* Connor Robert Thuss Deborah and Arthur Weinshank* Mary Ann Smith Patricia Tistan Rita Weinstein Thordis Smith Anthony and Jennifer Tomaino Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Andrew and Elizabeth Smolenack Loni Toomey Dorothy Werden Maryellen Smolinsky Sarah Tornow* Donna and Mark Werner Kathleen Soares* Jean Touscany Lloyd and Denise Werner Richard and Roberta Sol* Karina Towne Eleanor Weseloh Solimine Contracting Keri and Dennis Tracy Western Connecticut State University Foundation, Inc. Liz Spero Manfred and Renate Trautner Western CT Car Club Donald Spiegelman Travelers Community Connections Sandra Weston Jennifer Spike Traveling Chic Boutique Donald and Luise Wicks Valerie Spinner Marisa Triebe Kristin Wilhelm Harold Spratt* (Deceased) Tracy Tritchonis* Dudley Williams Lindsay Sprovkin Laureen Trotto Terry McDonald Williams Squash’s Ridgefield Office Supply Tanya Truax Jody Wilson Brian and Linda St. George Truist Comprehensive Distribution Kathie Wilson Stadley Rough School Elizabeth Tuomala Sherry Winston Jane Stanton Kate and John Turner Tara Winston Peter and Carole Stathis* Grace Turoff Ken Wipperman Olga Stefanski Howard and Wendy Tuthill Matubeth Wisnieski Lauri Stein-Jones Doris and Jack Tyransky Kelly Wohlfarth Ellen Steir* UK Gourmet Barbara Wojcik Daniel Stepanek* Kevin Umeh Stanley and Beverly Wolf Brian and Michele Stevens United Methodist Women of Danbury Women Of The Moose, Danbury Chapter 314 Cynthia Stevens The UPS Store Angela Wong Greg and Susan Stevenson Urban 925 Jewelry Angela Wood Craig and Peggy Stewart George Uss Kaye and Donald Wood Megan Stifel Vacuum Mart Paula and Bryan Woodhouse Maribeth Stolzer Raymond Valade Roland Wright Birgitta Stone Valley Presbyterian Church Sandra Wright Jeanne Stone Kim Valzania Paul Wronsky Greg Straiton Vani Bettegowda* Barbara and William Wyman Rebecca Strominger* Robin VanNess Matt Yale Zuleyma Stryker Gisella Varano Melissa Yantorno Karlyn Sturmer Kim M. Venterea-Zonenshine* Marie Yapoujian Patrizia Sullivan Debra Verbeke Victoria and David Yolen Ann Sunderland* Elisabete and David Vieira Danielle Young* Allision Suser John Vignoli Greg Young Lynn Sussina Arthur Villamil Manuela Young David Suter Delta Villavicencio Sara Young Kathy Swift Danny Villegas YourCause, LLC Kerry Swift Jen Villegas Deborah Zaccagnini* Andrea Syryla Diane and Steven Villodas Deborah Zachman* Barbara Tangredi Victor Vinogradov Regina Zafrin Lauren Tanis Terra Volpe Brenda and John Zamary Richard and Dawn Tanner Mari Vuileumier Cindy Zane Ellen Tarsi* Maya Wadhwa Lauren Zane Kristina Tartaglia* James Waldron Troy Zane Chuck and Laura Tashjian Kathleen Waldron Katelyn Zaniewski Tauck Family Foundation Catharina and Peter Walker German Zarate and Lee Penyak* Barbara and Zachary Taylor Luciana Walker Henry and Kathleen Zembrzuski Kristina Teneyck Joseph Walkovich Stacey Zerrenner Patricia and Harral Tenney Rosemarie and Lewis Wallace* Cindy Zhao Renee and Walter Terbrusch Lawrence and Barbara Wanzer Anna Zielinska Terhaar Builders Stephanie Wanzer Elizabeth Zimiles Matthew and Shelley Terry Donald Warfield Bonnie and Tom Zinn* Domestic Court Sexual Resource Violence Advocacy Assault Services 2,684 463 846 Cl ents 2,846 Cl ents Cl ents Domest olen e 9,859 an e ual Assault 2,512 661 Cr s s a et t ms pro e t Counsel n upport Counsel n ess ons lann n er es en an e le al er es Re erral a o a t rou t e 19,083 r m nal ust e an 4,286 1,009 l le al s stem otal Domest olen e otal e ual Assault otal Resour e er es ro e er es ro e er es ro e Total Clients Served: 32,271
3,142 Total Hotline Calls u at on ra n n utrea 28,278 art pants 138 Sexual assault victims accompanied 1,023 to hospital by counselor/advocates otal e u at on tra n n an outrea pro rams or hotline volunteers
955 32 36 Total Direct Services Provided schools, colleges professional adult & youth trainings community organizations presentations 24,378
We’re Here to Talk About It. Sexual Assault Hotline: 203-731-5204 | Domestic Violence Hotline: 203-731-5206 | www.wcogd.org
Headquarters: Services also provided at the following satellite locations: 2 West Street Danbury Superior Court WCSU Midtown Campus Danbury, CT 06810 146 West Street, 3rd Floor White Hall, 003A Phone: 203-731-5200 Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury, CT 06810 Fax: 203-731-5207 Phone: 203-207-8701 Phone: 203-837-3939
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