FLEMINGTON, NJ, FEBRUARY 10, 2009- SAFE in Hunterdon’s annual Communities of Light: Peace Begins at Home event was a
tremendous success, thanks to the efforts of individuals, businesses and entire neighborhoods across Hunterdon County. The grassroots
campaign, which began in 2002, is quickly becoming a statewide effort to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence and its
widespread effects in our communities.
Motivated by the very real problem of domestic violence in Hunterdon County, SAFE in Hunterdon assembled a committee of dedicated
volunteers to participate in the 2008 campaign. Luminaria kits were sold to neighbors, businesses, schools and faith-based organizations as a
means to show their support for those living among us who suffer, often silently, from domestic violence. The kits were used to create
beautiful sidewalk displays in entire neighborhoods and on downtown streets, lighting up the evening of December 14. The shining lights
represented our collective voice, stating that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our community, and that we stand together to support the
victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The kits also raised funds that directly support the vital services that SAFE in Hunterdon offers, including safe shelter, counseling, advocacy
and support—free of charge—for victims of domestic violence and their families. In 2008 alone, SAFE in Hunterdon provided shelter for 114
women and children, answered over 6,000 24-hour hotline calls, administered over 2,300 hours of counseling for children who have witnessed
violence, provided almost 750 clients with legal advocacy and served and supported nearly 2,000 clients through agency programs.
SAFE in Hunterdon and the many families it serves are grateful for the support of its generous sponsors:
In addition, SAFE in Hunterdon would like to recognize the Young Event Planners, an all-volunteer, teen-run organization that helped to raisefunds for the event. As part of the evening’s activities, the talented team also held a two-hour concert at the Zion Lutheran Church in
Flemington, and passed out hot chocolate to those who braved the cold.
“SAFE in Hunterdon extends a very special thanks to the corporate sponsors, volunteers, donors and supporters who were instrumental to the
success of this important campaign,” said Kim Spangenberg, the agency’s executive director. “Your efforts have made such a difference in
ensuring families have a safe, trusted place to turn in times of crisis.”
About SAFE in Hunterdon
In an atmosphere of professionalism, excellence and compassion, the mission of SAFE in Hunterdon 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. Through a 24-hour hotline, safe and transitional housing, legal
advocacy, individual and group counseling, community education and PALS, a unique children’s arts therapy program, SAFE in Hunterdon
delivers critical support services to the many families that have experienced violence in their lives. For more information, please visit www.
safeinhunterdon.org or call (908) 788-7666. If you or someone you know is need of help, please call our 24-hour hotline at (888) 988-4033 or
(908) 788-4044.
tremendous success, thanks to the efforts of individuals, businesses and entire neighborhoods across Hunterdon County. The grassroots
campaign, which began in 2002, is quickly becoming a statewide effort to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence and its
widespread effects in our communities.
Motivated by the very real problem of domestic violence in Hunterdon County, SAFE in Hunterdon assembled a committee of dedicated
volunteers to participate in the 2008 campaign. Luminaria kits were sold to neighbors, businesses, schools and faith-based organizations as a
means to show their support for those living among us who suffer, often silently, from domestic violence. The kits were used to create
beautiful sidewalk displays in entire neighborhoods and on downtown streets, lighting up the evening of December 14. The shining lights
represented our collective voice, stating that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our community, and that we stand together to support the
victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The kits also raised funds that directly support the vital services that SAFE in Hunterdon offers, including safe shelter, counseling, advocacy
and support—free of charge—for victims of domestic violence and their families. In 2008 alone, SAFE in Hunterdon provided shelter for 114
women and children, answered over 6,000 24-hour hotline calls, administered over 2,300 hours of counseling for children who have witnessed
violence, provided almost 750 clients with legal advocacy and served and supported nearly 2,000 clients through agency programs.
SAFE in Hunterdon and the many families it serves are grateful for the support of its generous sponsors:
 | Archer & Greiner, P.C. |
| AT&T Pioneers |
| Comic Fusion |
| Grom Associates Inc. |
| Hunterdon County Democrat |
| LSR Investigations, LLC |
| Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corp. |
| sanofi aventis |
| ShopRite of Hunterdon County |
In addition, SAFE in Hunterdon would like to recognize the Young Event Planners, an all-volunteer, teen-run organization that helped to raise
Flemington, and passed out hot chocolate to those who braved the cold.
“SAFE in Hunterdon extends a very special thanks to the corporate sponsors, volunteers, donors and supporters who were instrumental to the
success of this important campaign,” said Kim Spangenberg, the agency’s executive director. “Your efforts have made such a difference in
ensuring families have a safe, trusted place to turn in times of crisis.”
About SAFE in Hunterdon
In an atmosphere of professionalism, excellence and compassion, the mission of SAFE in Hunterdon 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. Through a 24-hour hotline, safe and transitional housing, legal
advocacy, individual and group counseling, community education and PALS, a unique children’s arts therapy program, SAFE in Hunterdon
delivers critical support services to the many families that have experienced violence in their lives. For more information, please visit www.
safeinhunterdon.org or call (908) 788-7666. If you or someone you know is need of help, please call our 24-hour hotline at (888) 988-4033 or
(908) 788-4044.
| Hunterdon Brings Light to Darkness: Recognizing the Domestic Violence Issue SAFE in Hunterdon teams with local communities in a show of silent support for victims and survivors of family violence |
| SAFE in Hunterdon • 47 E. Main Street • Flemington, NJ 08822 • Outreach office: 908-788-7666 • 24-hour hotline: 888-988-4033 |
Media Contact:
Andrea Lovas
Manager, Donor Relations
& Events
(908) 788-7666 x213
alovas@safeinhunterdon.org
Andrea Lovas
Manager, Donor Relations
& Events
(908) 788-7666 x213
alovas@safeinhunterdon.org
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Serving victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse for over 30 years