Officials to kick off domestic violence awareness month at New Haven event

NEW HAVEN - Join BHcare and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Long Wharf Pier to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

The press conference will address the ongoing need for life-saving domestic violence services and will recognize the 26 Connecticut residents who lost their lives due to domestic violence in the last year.

Speakers include Mayor Justin Elicker, City of New Haven, Roberta J. Cook, President/CEO, BHcare, Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, David Zannelli, Assistant Chief of Police, City of New Haven, Esperina Stubblefield, Director of Domestic Violence Services, BHcare along with a domestic violence survivor.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. 

Domestic violence services providers are facing a fiscal cliff as the federal funds that support their services dwindle to record low levels. CT providers are facing a 70-80% reduction in funding from CT Judicial Office of Victim Services for hotline and court-based services, as well as the potential closure of programs directly funded by federal Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) grants. 

Last year, BHcare helped more than 6,000 victims and children find hope, safety and justice. Approximately half of its funding for domestic violence services is in jeopardy. VOCA funds support on-site court advocates in New Haven, Derby, and Milford, its in-home Assistance, Support, and Counseling program for high-risk victims of domestic violence, its Hope Family Justice Center in downtown New Haven, and 24/7 crisis services for victims throughout Greater New Haven and beyond.

Participants will honor the 26 women, men and children who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence in 2023. Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence. 

In addition, the event will honor local law enforcement who have been an integral part of BHcare’s domestic violence programs. 

Their dedication and tireless efforts have not only ensured the safety and well-being of victims of domestic violence, but have also fostered a sense of trust and collaboration that is invaluable to the pursuit of ending domestic violence once and for all. 

Those honored are Officer Daniel Evans, New Haven Police Department, Officer Evan Kelly, New Haven Police Department, Officer Heriberto Rodriguez, New Haven Police Department, Officer Igor Gloss, New Haven Police Department, Officer Mark O’Connor and Guilford Police Department, Officer Michael Stephens, North Haven Police Department.

For more information about the event or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

The Hope Family Justice Center, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence victims and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare. 

Vigil in New Haven to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

NEW HAVEN - To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center will hold a vigil Tuesday to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m.  at Long Wharf Pier.

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have lost their life as a result of domestic violence. 

Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all of our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. ncadv.org

Roberta J. Cook, President / CEO BHcare will open the ceremony followed by keynote speaker Jill Davies, Deputy Director, Attorney, Greater Hartford Legal Aid. 

The following police officers will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence: Officer Anthony Santagata of the North Haven Police Department and Officer Doug Bauman of the West Haven Police Department. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Candlelight vigil in Shelton to remember domestic violence victims, honor survivors

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that effects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is abused in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center of New Haven will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

Our annual Candlelight Vigil will be held Oct.11 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 38 Canal Street East.

Roberta J. Cook, President / CEO BHcare and Mayor Mark Lauretti will open the ceremony followed by keynote speaker Susan M. Omilian JD. 

Omilian is an attorney, author, trainer, and motivational speaker. She has helped hundreds of women reclaim their lives after violence, abuse, and trauma.

Lt. Robert Weymer of the Milford Police Department and Officer Jorge Nieves of the Ansonia Police Department will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Save the date: Vigil in Shelton to remember victims, celebrate survivors

SHELTON - Join The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Remembrance, Healing, Hope. 

Please join us to raise awareness, remember victims, and celebrate survivors of domestic violence. 

RSVP here.

Candlelight vigil in Shelton to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

 

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that affects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center of New Haven will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

Our 15^th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held at 6 p.m Oct. 11 at Veteran’s Park, 38 Canal St. East.

Rebecca Barry, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, will be the keynote speaker. Local police officers will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Vigil in New Haven to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services and Hope Family Justice Center will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 

The Annual Sound of Hope will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven. 

The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have lost their life as a result of domestic violence. 

Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring to light an issue that affects all of our communities. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. ncadv.org

Pat Griffin, Connecticut Chief State Attorney, will be guest speaker and members of the local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services visit www.BHcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, nearly 6,000 domestic violence victims, survivors and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

HFJC, a program of BHcare, is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. Victims of domestic violence receive support, healing and pathways to empowerment. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Save the date: Candlelight vigil in Shelton to remember victims, celebrate survivors

SHELTON -  The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services & Hope Family Justice Center will hold a Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. 

Remembrance, Healing, Hope. Please join us to raise awareness, remember victims, and celebrate survivors of domestic violence.

This event is free to attend; please RSVP.

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

BHcare to hold A Chance to Shine fundraiser at Quarry Walk in Oxford

OXFORD- BHcare will kick off its annual fundraiser, A Chance to Shine, June 4 with a walk dedicated to the victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The walk will be followed by a family fun celebration at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This year’s event will benefit all BHcare’s programs which include BHcare’s mental health and substance use programs, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, the Hope Family Justice Center, the Parent Child Resource Center, and Alliance for Prevention and Wellness. 

“The need for mental health and substance use services has increased significantly,” said Roberta J. Cook, President and CEO, BHcare. “We are seeing a record number of emergency room visits for both children and adults, the amount of domestic violence victims has increased dramatically over the past several years and suicide rates are on the rise yet again. All of this makes our services more important than ever.”

The 10 a.m. walk will raise awareness and funds to support domestic violence services for adults and children. This year, we walk to remember Lori Jackson whose life was sadly taken as a result of domestic violence. 

"We are so honored and thrilled to have the walk dedicated to Lori! Thank you for always thinking of Lori and helping us keep her memory alive," said Kacey Mason, Lori's sister. 

Early bird registration for the walk until May 27 - $20 per person/$40 per family of 5; May 28 - June 4 - $30 per person/$50 per family of 5. “I Walk to Remember” yard signs are available for $25 and will be placed along the walkway during the event. 

Register for the walk and/or purchase a yard sign in memory of a loved one at AChancetoShineCT.org.

The walk will be followed by a day of celebration that will feature live music by Frantic City, inflatables, food trucks, touch-a-truck, raffles, lawn games, and more! 

Sponsors include Haynes Group, Haynes Construction, USI, Liberty Bank, Peralta Design, and the Bassett Family Fund.  

For more information or sponsorship opportunities visit  AChancetoShineCT.org.

BHcare provides a comprehensive and integrated system of care with wrap-around services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence and other health-risk behaviors.  

Visit BHcare.org for more information.

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare now offering on-site appointments in Ansonia, Branford

Shared from the BHcare Facebook page:

IMPORTANT COVID-19 CHANGES

We are here for you!

BHcare is offering limited on-site appointments and new client intakes in its adult clinics in Ansonia and Branford and at the HOPE Family Justice Center. 

The majority of appointments and services will continue via tele-health. We are not accepting any walk-in clients at this time.

We have prepared our staff and sites with all the applicable precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 
When making an appointment our staff will help you to prepare for your appointment if in person, which will include a health screening and temperature taking.

To make an in-person or telehealth appointment call:
BHcare Ansonia: 203-736-2601
BHcare Branford: 203-483-2630

To make an appointment at the HOPE Family Justice Center call: 203-800-7204

Children’s services will continue via telehealth. To make an appointment call:
PCRC Derby Clinic: 203-954-0543

We thank all of our staff, clients and community supporters as we work through this challenging time together. We strive to continue to serve our clients in the most effective manner possible while keeping everyone safe.
For further information call the numbers listed above.

• The Valley Social Club, OPTIONS, YAS drop-in centers, and UCDVS Ansonia office are temporarily closed.
• My Sister’s Place and The Clothing Bank are open, but with safety precautions in place.

Please do not leave donations outside the Clothing Bank or MSP as they will have to be discarded

BHcare to host opening of HOPE Family Justice Center in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Aug. 5 for the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven. 

The event, featuring New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, will be held at 1 p.m. at 142 Temple St., 3rd floor. 

The public is invited to celebrate the center’s opening and discover more about the comprehensive, wraparound services, as well as support those affected by domestic violence. RSVP to dmorfi@hbcare.org.

HFJC is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

It can take a victim over 25 hours to travel to multiple appointments to receive services. With each appointment, the victim must re-tell their story - reliving every painful detail as they meet with various providers. 

“Here, victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment,” said site manager Paola Serrecchia. "We’re dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope.”

The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. 

There are many documented and published outcomes in the Family Justice Center model including reduced homicides, increased victim safety and reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children. 

HFJC initiative is a community project and anyone who is interested to learn more or get involved should contact Project Coordinator Julie Johnson at (203) 780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

Follow HOPE Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.  If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

BHcare slates opening of HOPE Family Justice Center in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will launch a soft opening Tuesday of the HOPE Family Justice Center at the City of New Haven’s Opportunity Center, 316 Dixwell Ave.

HFJC will be open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

HFJC consists of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide coordinated services to victims of family violence.
The center will provide one place where victims can go to talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, interview with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, receive medical assistance, receive information on shelter, and get help with transportation.

“Our fundraising campaign has begun and we are excited to make the HFJC a reality,” said Julie Johnson, HFJC Project Coordinator.
“Our goal is to open a permanent site in March of 2019.”
To learn more or get involved, contact Johnson at 203-780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org.

Follow HOPE Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.

If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 203-736-9944 and 203-789-8104 or toll-free, 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge.
Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help, and hope.

Learn more at www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Umbrella to host HOPE Family Justice Center kickoff in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will host a campaign kick-off event from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at BAR for the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven. 

The public is invited to discover the Greater New Haven community plans to offer comprehensive services and support those affected by domestic violence. 

RSVP by Oct. 22 to j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

The HOPE Family Justice Center will consist of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who work together, under one roof, to provide coordinated services to victims of family violence. 

The center will provide one place where victims can go to talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, interview with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, receive medical assistance, receive information on shelter, and get help with transportation.

The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. 

There are many documented and published outcomes in the Family Justice Center model including reduced homicides, increased victim safety and reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children. 

The HOPE Family Justice Center initiative is a community project and anyone who is interested to learn more or get involved should contact Project Coordinator Julie Johnson at 203-780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

Follow HOPE Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.  If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 

Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Learn more at www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.