According to the Center for Disease Control and The National Institute of Justice, “One in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.” By advocating as a community we empower women who have experienced violence and let them know that there is hope in continuing their lives free of emotional and physical abuse.
The 4th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Canterbury Park in Montclair, NJ. Participants may choose to participate in our walk either individually ($10.00) or as a team captain ($35.00 which includes a free S.O.F.I.A. T-shirt). Full details can be found on our website “Events” section. Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that provides advocacy, supportive services and referrals for temporary housing to women and children who have experienced or are at risk of Domestic Violence. S.O.F.I.A.’s mission is to empower those who have been affected by Domestic Violence to become self-sufficient, positive, and successful.
According to the Center for Disease Control and The National Institute of Justice, “One in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime.” By advocating as a community we empower women who have experienced violence and let them know that there is hope in continuing their lives free of emotional and physical abuse.
“At S.O.F.I.A. our focus is to assist and heal those emotional wounds that bind. As women, we stand strong to be supportive of everyone around us. Our responsibilities to family and peers are a priority, although we must take time to heal ourselves. Domestic Violence can tear us down emotionally,” said Cynthia Walker,Founder of S.O.F.I.A.
S.O.F.I.A is currently developing a plan to open the S.O.F.I.A. Safe House that will also serve as a healing and wellness center for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. In addition to housing, we will offer the following programs within our S.O.F.I.A Success Center: Life Coaching, Abuse and Neglect Counseling, Mentorship, Money Management, Etiquette Instruction, Professional Development/Image Consulting, Referrals for Educational Assistance/GED programs, Trade Schools and College Counseling, Interviewing Techniques/Job Training and Placement/Internships, Work Trials etc.
The 4th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence will raise funding to support the emergency needs of Domestic Violence victims and secure funding for operational expenses of the S.O.F.I.A. Success Center. We encourage our community to support Domestic Violence awareness, prevention, healing and education. Join us in making a difference in the lives of VICTIMS and SURVIVORS to prevent Domestic Violence in our community.
