Project SAFE tour
Thursday, June 12th, 2008, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(optional lunch afterwards)
Women In Distress Jim & Jan Moran Family Center
Join us for this insider’s tour of Women In Distress and hear from our President/CEO, board members, staff and survivors.
RSVP 954.760.9800 X1235 or jstewart@womenindistress.org
Can’t make this month’s tour? Other dates are listed below:
July 10th, 2008
August 14, 2008
Creative Innovations in Violence Prevention Expo
Friday, August 8, 2008
Registration: 8:15-8:45 a.m. -- Conference: 9:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Women in Distress Auditorium
1153 S. Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33302
Featuring eight informative and highly interactive workshops, the Creative Innovations in Violence Prevention Expo will bring together scholars, educators, social service providers, activists, students, and others interested in sharing ideas and strategies for preventing violence in all its forms. Sessions will be applications to educators at all levels, as well as providers of various social services and parents. Additional information, as well as related products and services, will be available for purchase on site.
Topics will include violence prevention activities with young children, arts-related programming, teaching cultural diversity, innovative conflict resolution strategies, media literacy, working with LGBT students, dating violence prevention programs, and many more. Women In Distress will provide 6 CEU credits for those eligible through the Board of Nursing (Provider #50-2182), the Board of Psychology (Provider #PCE 68), and the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling (Provider #BAP 504).
WID staff and volunteers may attend the event for free! Staff from other DV centers and students with ID will pay $30 for the day ($60 including CEUs). All others will pay $45 ($75 including CEUs).
Proposals for workshop leaders and vendors will be accepted until July 14.Please contact Dr. Laura Finley at liveandteachpeace@gmail.com or via phone at 954.592.7893 for the submission requirements.
10th Annual SAFEWALK-RUN
Take the FIRST STEP - click here to learn More About the SAFEWALK-RUN
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Past Events
WOMEN IN DISTRESS COMMEMORATED THIRD ANNUAL WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY - Public Candlelight Vigil and Ceremony
Sunday, June 15, 2008 marked the 3rd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, serving as a global call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about a devastating problem that affects an estimated 2.1 million older Americans each year.
To commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Women in Distress of Broward County Inc. held a candlelight vigil and ceremony on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Jim and Jan Moran Family Center, 1153 S. Andrews Ave. An informational fair with resources and literature on elder abuse proceeded the ceremony.
“Every person, no matter how young or how old they are, deserves to be treated with respect and has the right to be safe from harm and abuse,” said Erica Herman, Director of Social Change at Women in Distress. “Educating seniors, caregivers and the public is critical to preventing elder abuse, and our goal is to not only raise awareness but to let victims know there are resources available to help them.”
Prohibited by Florida law, elder abuse is generally defined as any knowing, intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.
Too often elder abuse victims are forced to suffer in silence, and the devastating consequences can include loss of independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity and security. Anyone who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited should immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
Community and Corporate Leaders Honored For Making A Difference One Person At A Time: Second Annual Women In Distress Starfish Luncheon
Over 300 guests recognized this year’s honorees at The Second Annual Starfish Luncheon with Women In Distress (WID) on May 14th, 2008 . Under the leadership of event co-chairs, Gale Butler (AutoNation, a Maroone Company) and Melinda Lee (BankAtlantic Foundation), and auction chairs, Hal and Lois Herman, the event raised more than $80,000. The funds raised will support emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children in Broward County.
WID honored those making a difference in Broward County, one person at a time, one life at a time. The Starfish Honorees included:
- Corporate Citizen: AutoNation
- Community Leader: John Primeau
- Community Volunteers: Ira and Sara Jane Drescher
Special recognition was also given to presenting sponsors JM Family Enterprises and Sun-Sentinel. Other corporate supporters included BankAtlantic, AutoNation, Great Florida Bank, Publix, WaMu, Memorial Healthcare, Roof System Services, Comcast, Vista Healthplans, Floridian Community Bank, Christine Marie Communication, and Toshiba.
Long time Women In Distress supporter Randy Rogers served as the event’s Emcee. In addition to an impressive silent and live auction, silver starfish necklaces, provided by Miss Katie’s Charm School, were sold as mementoes. Guests also received starfish themed note cards which included the inspiring starfish story on the back, along with the WID logo, so that everyone could spread the message. Gale Butler recognized the talented student musicians from the Dillard Center for the Arts who performed at the luncheon, and she then elaborated on WID’s new Social Change Department and the outreach to which they are committed in Broward’s schools, and throughout the community. She highlighted an important initiative of Women In Distress – to educate, change perceptions and advocate for non-violent standards of behavior, so that domestic abuse and dating abuse is unacceptable by anyone, anywhere, at any time in any way.
Women In Distress President and CEO, Mary Riedel, closed the program by launching a new WID awareness initiative, the “Pledge Campaign”. She challenged everyone to learn more and join in. “We are very excited about the potential reach of the Pledge to End Domestic Violence campaign which has been launched under the leadership of board member Wendy Croquet,” said Mary Riedel, President and CEO of the agency at the Starfish Luncheon on May 14th. To learn more about this campaign and get involved, please visit: www.pledgetoenddomesticviolence.org.
At the conclusion of the day, Starfish Honoree, Sara Jane Drescher, commented that, “The Starfish Luncheon was beyond anything I could ever have dreamed of. I know that through Donnah’s Fund we are not only saving lives we are saving generations. Donnah would be so proud of what we are doing”. It was an inspirational day for all.
Co-Chair Gale Butler, Honoree John Primeau, Honorees
Ira and Sara Jane Drescher, Honoree Audrey Ring, Co-Chair Melinda Lee, WID President Mary Riedel
Silent Auction Chairs Lois and Hal Herman 
Signature Grand hosts celebration for Mary Riedel,
new CEO of Women In Distress
Over 100 community leaders and advocates gathered at the Signature Grand on Thursday, May 1st to celebrate prominent community figure, Mary A. Riedel, APR, ABC, in her new role as Chief Executive Officer of Women In Distress of Broward County. Previously the Director of Major Gifts at Nova Southeastern University, Riedel officially assumed her new position with Women In Distress on March 31, 2008.
“This is a major step for our organization and we are thrilled that Mary has accepted an opportunity to lead our efforts to end abuse in South Florida,” said Carol Molnar, Chairman of the board of directors of Women In Distress of Broward County. “Mary is a very well-respected member of the community and someone who has contributed significantly to so many wonderful causes and organizations throughout the years, including serving as a past board member and chair of Women In Distress.”
Riedel commented that, “The community, supporters, staff and volunteers have made me feel so welcome at Women in Distress,” The mission to make our community a safe place for everyone is a cause that we all can embrace. As a longtime volunteer and supporter of Women in Distress, it is a privilege for me now to be in this new role leading the staff of the organization and working with the Board.”
Presenting sponsor, Signature Grand, created an unforgettable atmosphere, with additional support from Comerica Bank, McKinley Financial Services, and Valley Bank.
 
Commisioner Kristin Jacobs Joe Stepenovitch, Judge Martin Dishowitz, Judge Robert Rosenber
and Mary Riedel with Linda Stepenovitch and Arlene Pecora
Mary Riedel with Holly Bodenweber, Dr. Silvia Flores,
Marianne Ferro, and Cindy Levin
Women In Distress 2008 Annual Meeting
Women In Distress of Broward County celebrated another successful year with Board, staff, volunteers and supporters on Friday, February 2nd at the organization’s Annual Meeting. The event took place in the AutoNation Tower and featured a slideshow of highlighted moments from the year, as well as the presentation of Women In Distress’ 2007 Annual Report.
Outgoing Vice Chair, Barbara Goldberg of O’Connell & Goldberg gave special recognition to the Women in Distress Board of Directors. This group of committed individuals was the presenting sponsor for the evening. Barbara gave thanks to supporting sponsor Floridian Community Bank for helping make the evening possible; and also thanked AutoNation and Comerica Bank for their generosity in contributing to the event.
The 2008 Executive Committee was installed to include Board Chair, Carol Molnar, Vice-Chair Josette Van Putten (Great Florida Bank), Vice-Chair Cindy Bibliowicz (Sun-Sentinel), Wendy Crocquet (Athena Marketing), and Karen Sylvester (JM/Southeast Toyota). The gavel was then officially passed to Carol Molnar who announced new Board members: Frank Gutta (Frank Gutta C.P.A., P.A.), Charlotte Sundquist (PEARR President), Carla Albano (Alternative Home Health Care) and Ray de la Feuilliez (James A. Cummings, Inc.).
(left to right) 2008 Board Chair, Carol Molnar, and outgoing Vice Chair, Barbara Goldberg, accept a $100,000 check from WIDA (Women In Distress Auxillary) President, Sue Ellen Boatright, and WIDA Treasurer, Elizabeth LeBrecht
Golf event raises $12,000 for Women in Distress
 
The CDM Live Boldly Golf Challenge last month raised $12,000 for Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc.
The funds were donated to Broward County’s only state-certified, nationally accredited, full-service domestic violence program through its professionals auxiliary PEARR: Professionals Educating and Advocating Respect in Relationships.
The event, CDM Fort Lauderdale Office’s second annual golf challenge, was held Oct. 27 at Oaks Golf Course, Palm-Aire Country Club, in Pompano Beach. The Live Boldly theme that was chosen for the event was created by PEARR in its inaugural year in 2006 and advocates taking a stance against domestic violence.
Former first-year PEARR Executive Council member Dora Florindo, who served on the golf challenge committee and was essential to its success, is an employee of CDM, a consulting, engineering, construction and operations firm with private and public clients worldwide.
The $12,000 raised by the golf challenge will be used to fund Women In Distress’ counseling and educational programs, 24-hour crisis hotline and confidential emergency shelters.
Women In Distress S.A.F.E. Series
presented by Athena Marketing
Women In Distress of Broward County Inc. recently hosted a S.A.F.E. Series (Stop Abuse For Everyone) reception to highlight the prevalence of domestic abuse, provide information on the agency and its programs, and thank their many supporters. The event, sponsored by Athena Marketing and held at Blue Martini, featured a compelling testimonial from a former Women In Distress participant.
Mary Billotta told more than 100 guests how the police escorted her and her children to Women In Distress after she survived a violent attack at the hand of her husband in 1994. They were embraced by the supportive staff and provided safety at the emergency shelter. Mary and her children are now committed to helping victims by promoting awareness of domestic violence and Women In Distress through speeches, health fairs, school based programs and fundraising.
“To see a young, vivacious woman overcome such a tough situation and make it out so successfully was incredibly moving,” said Wendy Crocquet, President of Athena Marketing. “In addition to her single-minded determination and courage, Mary’s new life is a testament to the excellent work of Women in Distress.”
Women In Distress also took a moment to recognize the many supporters who make it possible to provide a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling and supportive services free of charge to Broward County domestic abuse victims. Special recognition was given to members of the new Project SAFE Giving Society and Annual Impact Partners. Annual Impact Partners demonstrate their commitment to ending abuse in Broward County through a year long partnership with the Agency. Women In Distress 2007 Annual Impact partners include JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel, Memorial Healthcare System, Verizon Wireless and Comerica.
Women in Distress is Broward County’s only state-certified, nationally accredited full service domestic violence center in Broward County. Its mission is to provide victims of domestic violence with safe shelter, crisis intervention and resources, and to educate the community in order to Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) through intervention, education and advocacy.
“S.A.F.E. Series is one way in which we raise awareness about the violence that occurs all too often in many homes,” said Andrea Bradley, CEO of Women in Distress. “We thank Athena Marketing for stepping up to sponsor this important event.”
Athena Marketing, Inc. is a strategic marketing company based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The company is led by Wendy Crocquet who has served as the president for the last 6 years. Athena Marketing, Inc. works with companies to help them develop and implement strategies to grow their business and win in the marketplace. For more information, please contact Wendy at 954-294-6467 or wendy@athena-marketing.com.
Women In Distress Booth at the Florida Marlins Game!
Women In Distress Starfish Awards Luncheon Honors Community Members
Making a Difference One Person At A Time
Fort Lauderdale (June 8, 2007)……. The First Annual Women In Distress Starfish Luncheon presented by Maroone was a huge success. Under the leadership of co-chairs Gale Butler (AutoNation, a Maroone Company) and Melinda Lee (BankAtlantic Foundation), the event raised more than $100,000 to support emergency shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence in Broward County and honored those making a difference in Broward County, one person at a time, one life at a time. The event was the start of a new tradition for Women In Distress to say thank you to community leaders and volunteers.
“Women In Distress is sincerely grateful to AutoNation, a Maroone Company for making this new event a reality,” said Andrea Bradley, President and CEO of Women In Distress, “Maroone’s title sponsorship and Gale Butler and Melinda Lee’s roles as co-chairs were instrumental in making the First Annual Starfish Luncheon a fabulous success.” Special recognition is also given to presenting sponsors JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Sun-Sentinel and other supporters including BankAtlantic, Edward Angell, Palmer & Dodge; Great Florida Bank; Memorial Healthcare System, Motorola, Vista Health Plan, Worth International Media Group, Bliss & Nyitray, Inc. and SuRealty Title
Honorees at the Starfish Luncheon Included:
Corporate Citizens: BankAtlantic and Alan and Susie Levan - Alan Levan established the BankAtlantic Foundation in 1994 to support a wide array of activities in the arts, education, social welfare, Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $10 million to charitable organizations throughout the State of Florida.
Susie Levan is Founder, CEO and Board Chairwoman of The Work-Life Balance Institute for Women. The Institute publishes Balance Magazine, provides scholarships for women looking to advance their careers and provides corporations with speakers to assist employees with work-life balance issues.
Community Leader: Silvia Mansons - Silvia Mansons founded the Women In Distress Auxiliary in 2004 and has since helped raise several hundred thousand dollars. Although her term as President ended in 2006, she remains committed to the sustainability and growth of WIDA and stays involved as the advisor to the 2007 President, Sue Ellen Boatright.
Community Volunteer: Lois Herman- Lois Herman has distinguished herself as a tireless advocate for the women and children helped by Women In Distress. She has made it her personal commitment to make sure WID’s food pantry remains stocked, cell phones keep coming in, and toys are available to the children during the holidays. She volunteers in WID’s respite center and at the children’s holiday party.
WSVN Channel 7 anchor and long time Women In Distress supporter Lynn Martinez and Randy Rogers served as the event’s emcees. A silent auction included a trip to Atlantis Paradise Island and a Carnival Cruise in the owner’s suite. Raffle tickets were sold for tickets in the BankAtlantic Suite at the BankAtlantic Center for the Beyonce concert, courtesy of BankAtlantic, and a trip to a Florida Bluegreen Resort, courtesy of Bluegreen.
Gale Butler recognized James Moran for the impact he has had on Broward County and attendees observed a moment of silence in his honor. Women In Distress announced that the agency will plant a tree at the Jim and Jan Moran Family Center in honor of his impact on the lives of those he has helped.
Click here for photos of the event
Be a M.A.N. this Father's Day.
100 Black Men of Greater Ft. Lauderdale, Women In Distress, and FIPER sponsored a Father’s Day Be a M.A.N. Cookoutt with the goal of celebrating healthy relationships and encouraging men to being a M.A.N, Men Advocating Nonviolence. The event was Saturday, June 16 at Mills Pond Park in Ft. Lauderdale and was free to families. Hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and water were served. The event featured live radio coverage and entertainment. For more details on Men and Boys activities and the Be a M.A.N. program, contact Laura Finley, Director of Social Change at Women In Distress, at 954.332.3445 or email lfinley@womenindistress.org.
Click here for pictures.
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