This is a time of year when we reflect on the gifts and blessings we have in our lives. For me, of course, that begins with my wonderful family who support my dedication to the work we do here at The Center for Family Justice. They share my goals of fostering kinder communities and lives that are free of abuse, violence and trauma. They inspire me in these efforts on a daily basis and I’m especially grateful to them this year.

 

Before the holiday season kicks into full gear and we are overwhelmed with parties, shopping and the social whirl of this joyous season I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the many people who make the work we do possible. The help us live out our mission that Hope Starts Here.

 

In that hopeful spirit, here are some things I’m grateful for right now:

 

  • Our incredible volunteers, beginning with our Board of Directors who are constantly generous with their time, financial support and expertise. They make this organization stronger.
  • Our selfless staff. Every day they tirelessly go above and beyond to turn victims into survivors. They personify our mission that Hope Starts Here.
  • Our law enforcement partners, first responders and mandated reporters. They save lives by taking– and making– the urgent “911” calls that have the power to transform and save lives.
  • The White Ribbon Committee of Men who join us in refusing to be bystanders. They are taking a stand that violence against women and girls is never acceptable. Their work has never mattered more.
  • The team behind Camp Hope Connecticut, New England’s first trauma informed camp for childhood victims of domestic and sexual violence. We are grateful to bring this camp to children and teens, working in close collaboration with the Coastal Connecticut YMCA, beginning in summer 2017.
  • Our corporate and business supporters whose generous grants, event sponsorships and philanthropic donations have made a real difference in our ability to become the state’s first Family Justice Center.
  • The support of our state domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions and the collaborative work they do with us to strengthen laws and protect victims in places ranging from our local college campuses to courtrooms.
  • Our legislators and elected leaders on a local, state and national level who truly understand that the need to eradicate domestic and sexual violence in our communities is paramount.
  • The local medical community; particularly the staffs at our hospital emergency rooms who treat victims of sexual assault and domestic violence when they are injured and so vulnerable. These medical responders know to call our hotline 24/7 and make that first vital connection to help our clients become survivors.
  • Our private and individual donors who make a deeply personal commitment to provide victims with the best possible services and programs. They support our steadfast goal of providing these services as part of the “under one roof” Family Justice Center model so that victims get all the support they need in one safe place. Their gifts to our annual appeal are greatly appreciated.
  • Our dynamic teen community leaders who join us as members of our Youth Advisory Board as well as active, engaged members of abuse awareness clubs in our local high schools. They give us hope that the future is bright by standing together to say, “No More.”

 

 

My best wishes for a peaceful, safe and hopeful holiday season!

 

Debra A. Greenwood,

President/CEO

The Center for Family Justice