Dear Friends,

It's hard to believe October and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month has come to a close; our work of course goes on 24/7/365.

We have had a busy month serving our families and helping them heal from domestic violence while making enhanced efforts in our community to raise awareness. Along with the National Network to End Domestic Violence, we have taken part in a national coordinated conversation which reinforces the theme that, "Every1 Knows Some1". Our social media this month has highlighted statistics and stories and brought to light a fact that is more prevalent than most realize: one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.

Highlights of our work this past month:

  • Hosted our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event at the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank with over 70 attendees on a beautiful fall evening.
  • Thanks to a very generous donor we have three billboards running throughout Monmouth County which will continue well into the winter months and help raise awareness of domestic violence.
  • 14 new volunteers received a two week-40 hour Crisis Response Team Training which enables them to serve victims of domestic violence at police stations and hospitals throughout Monmouth County.
  • The Ms. Race Committee presented 180 with a check in the amount of $21,000 resulting from this past summer's sailing regatta in Atlantic Highlands. Subsequently, we were saddened to learn about the passing of Ms. Race co-chair, Eileen Campbell who so selflessly dedicated herself to our mission for many years.
  • The National news story of Long Island, NY Gabby Petito, saturated our local news outlets and her legacy enabled us to educate a captive audience on the warning signs of domestic violence and the lethality of strangulation.
  • A very generous anonymous donor provided a $50,000 donation to help us further our mission.
  • Brookdale Community College took on a variety of awareness efforts including "chalk the walk for 180", hosted a webinar for community members and students regarding domestic violence & launched a fundraiser in support of our work. Next month they will host the Amanda's Easel art exhibit to further the discussion.
  • Outreach Staff presented to students at 4 high schools this month - Marlboro, Colts Neck, Raritan and Long Branch.
  • The Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School Gymnastics Team hosted a successful food drive to help us restock our pantry in Long Branch.
  • Jersey Central Power & Light employees took up a Winter Hats, Gloves & Coat Drive for our families.
  • OceanFirst Bank and Manasquan Bank both awarded us grants and presented these generous donations to us.
  • We launched our Holiday Gift Card Drive which will help us make our families holiday season a little brighter.
  • And so much more!

For those of you who may have missed our social media posts this month, the round-up below will give you a quick review.

Many thanks to everyone involved in the efforts to end domestic violence in Monmouth County. Let's keep the conversation going the whole year through!
With warm regards,

Anna Diaz White
Executive Director

Brian M. Nelson
Board President
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we are pleased to be able to broaden our reach in the community through a newly implemented billboard campaign. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous local donor, 180 has a presence on three high traffic roadside billboards placed throughout Monmouth County. Read more: https://180nj.org/anonymous-gift-provides-unique-dv.../
An important discussion regarding domestic violence, coercive control and common myths about DV. Follow the link to listen: https://180nj.org/janet-lee-180-clinical-supervisor.../
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Eileen Campbell, long time 180 volunteer and dedicated Ms. Race co-chair. Eileen put her heart and soul into the Ms. Race and the mission of 180. Eileen was instrumental in the success of the race and her presence, ideas and fortitude took the Ms. Race to the next level with record breaking fundraising again this past year. Eileen’s passion was sailing and she raced in every Ms. Race starting with the first race in 2005 on her prized C&C 33 named CODA. 180 will always remember Eileen's bright spirit, her positive outlook and dedication to our mission. We extend sincere condolences to her husband and entire family - including her Ms. Race Family and friends at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club. Sail on Eileen, sail on.
Like many of you, we have been following the tragic story of Gabby Petito and extend sincere sympathy to the Petito Family as we mourn her murder. Earlier today it was announced and confirmed that Gabby died by strangulation. At 180 we know that strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and we implore you to read the following article and review helpful links on our website: https://180nj.org/facts-about-strangulation-gabby-petito.../
---> Help is always available. 24/7, free, anonymous & confidential. Call: 888-843-9262
Last night we held our signature Domestic Violence Awareness Event at the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank. Thank you to our friends at JBJ Soul Kitchen Red Bank for helping us capture the heart & soul of 180 while highlighting the restorative power of our special mission. ---> read more: https://180nj.org/a-special-night-for-180-thanks-to-you.../
President and CEO Jim Vaccaro of Manasquan Bank presents 180's Alison Loder with a generous gift in support of our mission. We appreciate Manasquan Bank's tremendous efforts to enhance the work of our domestic and sexual violence programs. Manasquan Bank provides hope & help to local families seeking emergency shelter, crisis support and counseling. We are forever grateful!
We know it feels a bit early but……please join us in supporting our families this upcoming winter season. 180’s Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive has begun! Email Amanda at amandaf@180nj.org and learn more: https://180nj.org/holiday-gift-cards/
Thank you Jersey Central Power & Light for supporting our families! Dedicated employees from across Monmouth County took up a collection of winter items for our families. Hats, socks, gloves and more were delivered today by employee, Jo Anne Hands. Thank you JCP&L!
Thank you to our volunteer advocates who help spread awareness of our organization. Volunteers help us maximize our presence throughout Monmouth County. Pictured below, here we are in Hazlet, Red Bank and Long Branch during the National Night Out gatherings. Would you like to volunteer? Read more here: https://180nj.org/give-help/volunteer/
Kristine and Linh from 180 spent the afternoon earlier this month with students from Colts Neck High School. 180 visits local schools to educate teens on the signs and symptoms of unhealthy relationships and we empower them to identify abusive situations and cultivate healthy relationships. We let students know where to get help and provide resources. For more information about our Outreach Programs visit: https://180nj.org/get-info/community-outreach/
This is an interesting article we would like to share with you from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The article addresses a question many often ask: “Why didn't they just leave?” At 180, we see every survivor of domestic violence as an individual, who is already empowered with personal strengths, lived experience and courage. At 180 we work with the survivor to create an individualized plan that addresses their specific needs. This may include safety planning including safe housing, legal information and support, counseling for adults and their children to help heal from the trauma of abuse, and information on Batterers Intervention Programs. Read more about the complexities here. https://180nj.org/why-didnt-they-just-leave/
180 was honored to partner with Jersey Shore Medical Center on Project HEAL which provides services for individuals who have suffered from all degrees of violent crime, including domestic violence. Read about Project Heal in the newsletter attached here. https://180nj.org/180-partners-with-jersey-shore-medical.../
Sunita, Ashley and Illuminada represent a few of the dedicated staff members of 180 Turning Lives Around. We are so grateful to our caring counseling team whose dedicated work helps to transform lives. Learn more about the programs that they represent here:
* Sunita Rajan, Housing Program Coordinator & *Illuminada Espaillat, Case Manager: https://180nj.org/.../180.../180s-emergency-safe-house/ *Ashley Butler, Program Coordinator, Family Justice Center: https://180nj.org/.../180-programs.../family-justice-center/
Inside each bedroom at the Safe House we have a board for messages & daily reminders. This particular client and her children stayed with us for more than eleven weeks. Upon exiting the program, she left us this note that we wanted to share with you. Please know, your support truly makes a difference. Learn more about our Safe House here: https://180nj.org/.../180.../180s-emergency-safe-house/
Brookdale Community College’s WILL group (Women in Leadership & Learning) spends time with 180 discussing domestic violence, empowerment and advocacy. Professor Roseann Alvarez produced the webinar with her students in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month which was well attended by students, professors, advocates and members of 180. A GoFundMe has been set up by the group to benefit 180. Read more here: https://www.gofundme.com/.../will-fundraiser-for-180...
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We’re honored to have been awarded a grant by OceanFirst Foundation. Because of this generosity, we are able to provide expanded counseling, emergency shelter and crisis support to Monmouth County families affected by domestic and sexual violence. Thank you to our friends at OceanFirst Bank!
October is designated National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and as you know, at 180 our critical mission of supporting survivors and their families is a year-round focus. Because of you and the support of our community, our nonprofit agency is able to serve the estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men that have been victims of domestic violence. Read more: https://180nj.org/october-2021-national-domestic.../
Children are the silent victims of family violence. They often cannot express their feelings about traumatic events in their lives using words alone - and this is where our Amanda's Easel Program can help. Amanda’s Easel is a free creative arts therapy program designed to help children and their non-offending parent heal from the effects of domestic violence. Our program strengthens self-esteem, helps to develop coping skills, improves parent-child communication, and breaks the cycle of family violence. **Thanks to the generosity of our community, this program and all 180 programs are free of charge.**
We are proud of our work to cultivate a safe, confidential, and empowering environment for the LGBTQ+ community. We stay current on LGBTQ+ issues and healthcare concerns and our counselors & advocates take part in ongoing professional development. At 180, we ensure continuous dialogue with LGBTQ+ community leaders in Monmouth County and beyond. Learn more here: https://180nj.org/.../safe-space-180-and-the-lgbtqi.../
Women aged 16 to 24 experience domestic violence at the highest rate of any age group. 43% of dating college women have reported experiencing violent or abusive behaviors from their partner. Additionally, over 13% of college women report that they have been stalked. Of these, 42% were stalked by a boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. The following link is a reading "must" for you and your teen/young adult: https://180nj.org/.../information.../teens-dating-violence/
--> Information about 180 in our schools and domestic/dating violence prevention: https://180nj.org/get-info/community-outreach/
This particular statistic is so important - especially for victims who have been strangled. Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes. Strangulation is a serious act of violence, and it is important to know the signs and symptoms. It is essential to seek immediate medical care. Learn more: https://180nj.org/.../information.../signs-of-strangulation/
Domestic violence can be physical, financial, psychological, verbal and sexual. Statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence tell us that 1 in 10 women have been raped by their partner. Our Counseling Programs provide safe spaces for victims to share their experiences while healing from the trauma that accompanies a sexual assault. At 180, you are never alone. Call our 24/7 hotline: 888-843-9262. We can begin together.
--> Additional reading about the intersect of domestic violence & sexual assault: https://assets.speakcdn.com/.../2497/sexual_assault_dv.pdf