To the Editor:

Monday, December 12,marked the 10th year of the lighting of the Womanspace Communities of Light luminaries. Over 3,000 candles were lit throughout our community from Township Hall, through Witherspoon Street, Borough Hall through Nassau Street, and Prospect Avenue and the Princeton Shopping Center.

The purpose of Communities of Light is to bring attention to the services offered by Womanspace and to help focus attention on the plight of victims and the good work of the community to provide aid to victims in recovering from the trauma of domestic and sexual violence. The problems of domestic violence are not confined to any group of people, but cut across all economic, racial, and societal barriers, and are supported by societal indifference. The lighting of candles, especially at this time of year, allows us to pay homage to the bravery of the women who seek the help of Womanspace and serve to remind women who are living with violence that there is help available.

On behalf of the clients, staff, and volunteers we thank the many volunteers including Cynthia Mendez, Department of Human Services, former mayor Bernie Miller and mayor Mildred Trotman for their support of the work of Womanspace all year. A special thanks also to the Princeton University SHARE Group whose volunteers from the athletic departments extended the lighting to Washington Road and Prospect Street. Thanks to McCaffrey’s for hosting our reception and also for being a steady supporter of Womanspace.

Last year Womanspace served over 10,000 adults and children. For over 33 years, Womanspace has provided quality services to women and their children who have had to flee their homes to avoid the horrors of domestic abuse. Through a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, transitional housing programs, domestic violence and sexual assault response teams, counseling services, chaplaincy, legal clinic and advocacy, and professional training and community education, coupled with the help of over 300 community volunteers, Womanspace has provided services and support to over 298,700 people since we first opened our doors.

Thank you to our corporate sponsors, the retail sponsor stores and the 70 neighborhood volunteer coordinators who sold luminary kits and to everyone who light their candles during this wonderful holiday season. Many Happy Returns to All, Remember Peace Begins at Home.

Joan Bartl and Ingrid Reed
Womanspace Board Members 
and Co-coordinators for Princeton