Dear Friends of the Women & Family Life Center,

If you did not know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In Connecticut this past year, 38,789 victims received services from a CT-based domestic violence agency, and the domestic violence shelters ran at 156% capacity. Nationally, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner, and 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year.

The Women & Family Life Center is proud to spearhead the Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force (SDVSATF). This Task Force includes a group of informed non-profit agencies, municipal offices, and private practitioners. The mission of the Task Force is to provide education, coordinate resources, and aid in preventing domestic violence and sexual assault across Shoreline communities.

 W&FLC and the SDVSATF will host a documentary screening and discussion for the movie What Doesn't Kill Me on Thursday, October 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Guilford Community Center's Faulkners Room. We invite you all to come and join the discussion.

We also invite you to wear purple on Thursday the 19th, as it is Purple Thursday and is a National Day of Action where people are encouraged to wear all things purple as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and personal dedication to domestic violence awareness. If you need something purple, we will offer free purple ribbons all month for anyone who would like to wear one to support those affected by domestic violence. Feel free to stop by the center and pick one up!

As always, thank you all for your continued support. We cannot do this work without all of you!

October 2023 Newsletter

We had such a blast at the Guilford Parade.

Thank you to all who came out to show support!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change.

Taskforce Documentary Screening

Hosted by our Shoreline Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Taskforce (SDVSATF)

Event Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Event Date: Thursday October 19^th

Event Location: The Guilford Community Center’s Faulkner Room, 32 Church Street

Panelists: Pamela Ellman – Attorney at She Leads Justice

Lori Sudderth – Professor of Criminal Justice at Quinnipiac University

Kristen Hammel - Assistant Clinical Professor of Social Work and Associate Director of Clinical Services at the Yale Center for Traumatic Stress and Recovery and Yale Child Study Center

Purple Day

Purple is the designated color for domestic violence awareness, symbolizing hope and solidarity for survivors. Wearing purple on this day is a simple yet powerful way to show your commitment to ending domestic violence. By wearing this color, we not only honor survivors but also send a message that we stand united against the cycle of abuse, striving for a future free from violence and fear.

5K Run and Self-Defense Workshop

Hosted by Connecticut Wave Runners with Jay McMinn of Xtreme Martial Arts 

When: Sunday, October 29 @9AM

Where: West Beach Pavilion, Hammonasset Beach

We invite you to visit and show support by considering a donation. $10 suggested donation. Make a $25 donation and receive a CTWR shirt! Part of the proceed will benefit Women & Family Life Center.

General W&FLC Updates

Kate McGetrick Memorial Tournament

W&FLC wants to extend an enormous thank you to Ryan McGetrick and the Kate McGetrick Memorial Tournament held at the Guilford Racquet and Swim Club on Saturday, September 9th. This tournament donated all of the proceeds to W&FLC.

This event raised over $31,000.00 for the Center, and we will forever be grateful and proud for letting us be a part of Kate's incredible legacy.

Join Our Gift Card Drive

Join us in partnership with Women Recreating Retirement and spread smiles with our Gift Card Drive! 

How to Participate:

What: Gift Card Drive for any amount, any type of gift card

When: September 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023

Accepted Gift Cards: We're accepting gift cards from a variety of retailers, both online and in-store. Whether it's a grocery store, restaurant, clothing shop, gas or anywhere else, your gift card will make a positive impact.

How Your Gift Cards Will Be Used: Your generosity will directly benefit W&FLC participants, giving them the chance to purchase necessities and enjoy small luxuries during difficult times.

Gift Card Drop-Off: Women and Family Life Center (96 Fair Street, Guilford) or at the Women Recreating Retirement Activities.

Every gift card donated brings us a step closer to making a difference in someone's day. Let's come together and share the joy!

The Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task force (SDVSATF) has returned for the fall. SDVSATF next meeting is Thursday, October 26th at 9AM in our Carriage House (96 Fair Street, Guilford)

SDVSATF is a collaborative effort among providers on the shoreline to promote advocacy and awareness campaigns while coordinating resources and aid in the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault.

If you work within an informed non-profit agency, municipal office, or are a private practitioner from the area and are interested in participating, please reach out to Melanie, our Referral Navigator, at [email protected]

If you are a person without access to a phone or computer or are living in a home where you fear your computer/phone use is being monitored you can come to the W&FLC and use a computer and phone. This can be for calling counselors, lawyers, researching jobs, revising, and printing your resumes. Computer, internet, printer, copies, fax and phone are available. In addition to a secure location to keep documents for future use.

Open to all individuals from 16 towns  

Call 203-458-6699 for more information or stop by M-F between 10:00am – 3:00pm (please note the office is closed for holidays/private programs/events)

Lawyer Time

One-on-one 30-minute appointments with a volunteer attorney for legal guidance and to understand rights and the legal process better. Attorneys answer questions pertaining to family, real estate, and civil law matters.?

Financial Consult

One-on-one 1-hour appointments with a volunteer Financial Coach to review finances and help participants take control of their economic independence and success. This can include budgeting, divorce & finances, debt, death claims paperwork, and even more.

Achieve - Revamped

Starting in September 2023, W&FLC is pleased to announce the arrival of the new revamped Achieve Career Program. Following the success of Achieve's 4-part group workshops, this new program will offer participants the chance to meet one-on-one with experts to review the following: Review resume and cover letter writing, job search strategies, interview skills and more!

How to contact a Referral Navigator

Call us at the office 203-458-6699 or email us at [email protected] through our website. Participants in our 16 towns can also make in-person appointments for further guidance.