With “Communities of Light: Peace Begins at Home” program
FLEMINGTON — SAFE in Hunterdon is bringing light to Hunterdon County with its participation in the statewide “Communities of Light: Peace Begins at Home” program, Dec. 13.
Communities of Light is an annual public awareness campaign and fundraiser that brings multiple New Jersey counties together to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse and services available to victims and survivors in their communities.
Domestic violence agencies across the state are enlisting volunteers to sell luminary kits that contain tea-light candles, bags and instructions. Teams will gather to place the bags and then light the candles at dusk this coming Sunday.
Volunteers will coordinate participation within their neighborhoods, businesses, and faith-based and community organizations to illuminate the night and send the message that “peace begins as home.”
Warming stations will be hosted by The Kalmia Club in Lambertville and Grace United Church of Christ in Flemington (at the Women’s Club Building).
”The members of the Kalmia Club are honored to host the warming station for the volunteers of SAFE in Hunterdon during this year’s Communities of Light event in Lambertville. As longtime supporters of the agency, we welcome the opportunity to continue our support, as the luminaria lighting expands and brings awareness to the issue of domestic violence to Lambertville residents,” said Millie Fischer, co-president of the club.
”Each year, we come together as a community to show, through the lighting of these luminarias, that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our community. We send a message of silent support to victims and survivors, and spread awareness of the empowering programs and services we offer here at SAFE,” explained Kim Spangenberg, SAFE in Hunterdon’s executive director. “In addition, this campaign acts as a fundraiser for us, providing monetary support so we can continue to deliver these critical services, free of charge, to so many in our community that suffer from domestic and sexual abuse.”
There are several ways members of the community can show support for the campaign:
— Sponsor individual kits at $10 each, which will be used to light public areas in Flemington, Frenchtown, Lambertville, Milford, Tewksbury, and Stockton;
— Volunteer to sell kits in your neighborhood and/or buy kits to light your own walkways and sidewalks;
— Volunteer to help with the lighting on Dec. 13;
Buy kits at several locations throughout the county, including: All Women’s Healthcare at 1100 Wescott Drive in Flemington; ShopRite of Flemington; Zanya Spa and Salon at the Laceworks Building, 287 S. Main Street in Lambertville; City Market at 74 N. Main St., Lambertville; and at SAFE in Hunterdon headquarters at 47 E. Main St in Flemington.
Businesses, corporations and community organizations, can choose to become a title sponsor or sponsor individual kits. Title sponsorships begin at $500 and include recognition with custom plaques, inclusion in newsletters and on the Web site and in all promotional materials, and acknowledgement at an upcoming donor recognition event. Sponsors will also receive luminaria kits. Sponsorship forms are available at www.safeinhunterdon.org.
In addition, there are other ways to show support: encourage employees to adopt Communities of Light as their holiday-giving program; illuminate corporate campus; publicize support through company newsletter and employee communications; display Communities of Light posters and sell luminary kits at office; purchase kits as gifts for key customers and suppliers.
To participate, call SAFE’s coordinator of community mobilization and education at 908-788-7666, ext. 213, or sign up at www.safeinhunterdon.org.
The mission of SAFE is to provide safety through free and confidential services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, including all ages, genders, cultures, religions, sexual orientations and abilities; empower victims, survivors and their families to live enriched lives free from violence; heighten our community’s awareness of domestic and sexual abuse; and end domestic and sexual abuse in society.
If you or someone you know is in need of help, please call the 24-hour hotline at 1-888-988-4033 or 908-788-4044.