By: centraljersey.com
Princeton residents will light candles at dusk on Monday in recognition of Womanspace’s ninth annual Communities of Light, the largest single project in Mercer County designed to increase awareness about the serious issues of domestic violence and sexual assault.
A formal ceremony with Princeton Township Mayor Bernard P. Miller and Borough Mayor Mildred T. Trotman will begin at 5:30 p.m. at McCaffrey’s Market in the Princeton Shopping Center, 301 N. Harrison St.
Womanspace uses this annual awareness event to raise funds by selling luminary kits containing votive candles that will be lit in public ceremonies or vigils at dusk on a night during the winter solstice. Volunteers coordinate participation within their neighborhoods, businesses, police stations, faith groups and community organizations to illuminate the night and send the message that "Peace Begins at Home." Porches, walkways, driveways and sidewalks will be lit in a united message of hope for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Each luminary kit costs $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling six luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. Kits are for sale at various retail locations throughout Mercer County, including McCaffrey’s, Terhune Orchards, and PNC Bank. Please visit www.womanspace.org for the full list of 22 retailers.
Womanspace encourages Princeton residents to hold lighting ceremonies in their own neighborhoods. Public lightings will also be held at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton and at municipal buildings in East Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell, Lawrence, Pennington, and West Windsor.
Corporate sponsors include Compass Healthcare Marketers (Beacon Sponsor); J. Knipper & Company, PNC Bank, and the Times of Trenton (Starlight Sponsors); 94.5 WPST, Janssen, L.P., McCaffrey’s, Princeton Magazine, and Sign-A-Rama of Hamilton (Illuminate Sponsors); Mason Griffin & Pierson, P.C., and Dr. Brian Zack & Ginger August (Candlelight Sponsors).
Proceeds from this event enable Womanspace to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families, ensuring that no victim is ever turned away. Services include emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, victim assistance, and transitional housing.
Founded over 30 years ago, Womanspace Inc. is the only nonprofit agency serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault and are in need of assistance, please call Womanspace’s 24-Hour Hotline at (609) 394-9000. On the web: www.womanspace.org.
