Corzine Honorary Chair as Womanspace Launches “Communities of Light” at Governor’s Mansion

Ellen Gilbert

In spite of intermittent rain, most of the luminary candles placed around the front steps of Drumthwacket remained lit last week during the launch event for Womanspace’s 2008 Communities of Light campaign.

In a heated tent behind the Governor’s mansion, volunteers and elected officials learned about the work of Womanspace and the December 14 event when people throughout Mercer County will light their own luminary candles in front of homes, houses of worship, government offices, and businesses to show solidarity with victims of domestic abuse. The sale of luminary candles, along with pins and note cards, began at the Wednesday evening event, which included an appearance by this year’s honorary chair, Governor Jon Corzine.

Womanspace Executive Director Patricia Hart described the campaign as “a project that brings us right back to a grass roots level; it really involves the community.” It also marks the conclusion of Womanspace’s year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary, she noted.

Describing itself as “dedicated to improving the quality of life for women in crisis,” the nonprofit agency serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mercer County from all geographic, socio-economic, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. Its 24-hour, seven days a week services address the immediate and long-term needs of victims for safety, counseling, and housing.

The launch event included entertainment by the Trinity Episcopal Church Choir, and the viewing of a brief video about Womanspace services. “My car was my home,” said one of the video’s subjects, “Ann,” a victim of domestic abuse. Women of all ages in the video — some with scarred faces — expressed their appreciation for the safe haven and sense of empowerment they received as a result of their contact with Womanspace.

“Violence in any form is unacceptable,” said Governor Corzine in his comments afterwards. “Violence in a family is just wrong. What Womanspace is doing is just remarkable.”

Luminary kits, which cost $10 for six candles, are available at Fantastic Sams, The Front Porch, Gloria Nilson-Pennington, Marrazzo’s Thriftway, McCaffrey’s (Princeton and West Windsor), N.T. Callaway Real Estate, Pennington Quality Market, PNC Bank branches, Sign-A-Rama, Terhune Orchards, Weidel Realtors, Windsor Nissan, and the Womanspace office at 160 Brunswick Avenue in Lawrenceville. For more information call (609) 394-0136, or visit www.WOMANSPACE.org.

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