January 2020 Impact Partner Spotlight
Why does Cox Media Group support and partner with Women In Distress (WID)?
We understand the history of Women In Distress and the organization’s growth from a small shelter for survivors of domestic abuse, to a force for change and advocacy for laws that will save lives in our community.
What initially enticed Cox Media Group to sponsor Women In Distress?
When we became aware of the pervasiveness of abusive relationships – among people of all ages, backgrounds, even genders – in our Community, and spoke to individual survivors who were able to pick up the pieces of their lives due to the support of Women In Distress, we couldn’t turn our backs on the issue.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen Cox Media Group’s charitable mission?
When we partner with Women In Distress, we’re able to touch people in every corner of the community. Domestic violence affects more than just those in the abusive relationship – it has a ripple effect that impacts children, family members, friends and co-workers. Women In Distress changes lives for the better – a key mission for Cox Media Group.
What is Cox Media Group’s philosophy regarding community?
We believe that ‘Community’ is more than just a group of people living in the same area. It’s about the relationships between people, the support people provide to each other, and the coming together of people to make a neighborhood a ‘home,’ to make neighbors ‘family’ and to provide the best life possible for all.
Any other thoughts you would like to share about our partnership?
Understanding that too many people are still afraid to speak up about domestic violence, that there is still a stigma attached to being in an abusive relationship – despite the fact that it affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds – we want to be a voice for Women In Distress, the thousands of people who benefit from the organization’s work, and the thousands more who have yet to seek assistance. We are committed to using our reach in the community to:
- Spread the word about Women In Distress and let people know there’s someone available to help 24 hours a day.
- Help reduce the stigma associated with domestic violence by talking about it openly.
- Assist in educating people about the signs to look for and the elements of a healthy relationship.
- Further the cause of Women In Distress in saving lives and ultimately reducing the prevalence of domestic abuse.
Thank you to our Impact Partner, Cox Media Group, for putting people first and making a huge difference in our community, one family at a time.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
DECEMBER 2019 Impact Partner Spotlight
Giving back and community service are inspiring traditions at Ultimate
Ultimate Software is a valuable Impact Partner with Women In Distress (WID), giving of their resources both financially and of their people to help us fulfill our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone. Felicia Alvaro, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ultimate Software also serves as a volunteer leader on the WID Board of Directors. WID asked Ultimate Software some questions about our partnership.
Why does Ultimate Software support and partner with Women In Distress?
Ultimate supports and partners with Women In Distress because our Women in Leadership group wants to contribute to the community’s needs for women in need; and to help empower those women to make productive progress in their lives as they positively move forward in their life’s journey.
What was the driving force behind Ultimate Software’s decision to sponsor this year’s Women In Distress Holiday Campaign?
There are more than just women impacted by domestic violence—their immediate families need Ultimate too.
What initially enticed Ultimate Software to unite with Women In Distress?
Ultimate was introduced to Women In Distress through a business relationship between Mary Riedel, CEO of Women In Distress, and Felicia Alvaro several years ago. Once the Executive Committee of Women in Leadership (WIL) of Ultimate had the opportunity to see the facilities and meet the staff, including Mary Riedel, at a campus tour, they were so touched by the organization’s mission and impact on the local community that a special partnership formed. It has not stopped since.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen Ultimate’s charitable mission?
At Ultimate, our PeopleFirst culture emphasizes taking care of our employees first and, in turn, they take great care of our customers. With 96% customer retention, that culture inevitably takes care of our shareholders. But that PeopleFirst culture doesn’t end there. Ultimate strives to give back to the communities in its various locations across the United States and Canada. Now we are starting a movement in Paris, our newest larger location from a recent acquisition. Since we are headquartered out of Weston, South Florida gets more of our charitable involvement and partnering with Women In Distress has become a natural part of our movement to help others. We want to share our good fortune, from not only the company itself but also from our employees who feel that same way, with others in the community who are less fortunate.
Would you like to share anything else?
Ultimate encourages other companies in South Florida to invest some of their funds and their time in helping this great cause. Women In Distress has proven to Ultimate that we can make a noticeable difference in assisting in the amazing vision and mission that makes Women In Distress such a mainstay part of the community to help others less fortunate.
Thank you to our Impact Partner, Ultimate Software, for putting people first and making a huge difference in our community, one family at a time.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
OCTOBER 2019 Impact Partner Spotlight
For many years, JM Family Enterprises, Inc./Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC has partnered with Women In Distress to help us in our mission. We asked Brent Burns, President and CEO, JM Family Enterprises, Inc. about their Impact Partnership.
Why does JM Family support and partner with Women In Distress (WID)?
JM Family’s corporate giving objective is to build stronger families in the communities where our associates live and work, and Women In Distress mission of ending domestic violence in Broward County continues to be a strong driver of that goal.
What initially enticed JM Family to sponsor Women In Distress?
JM Family began its relationship with Women In Distress as a result of our founder and his wife. In 1995 Jim and Jan Moran pledged a lead gift along with JM Family totaling $600,000 to build the Jim and Jan Moran Family Center in Fort Lauderdale.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen JM Family’s charitable mission?
Domestic violence and abuse tears individuals and families apart. One of our main objectives is to strengthen families and assist in the community’s efforts to rebuild them where we can, which is a natural parallel to the goals of this hard-working and incredible organization. We regard Women In Distress as a pillar in our community and are honored to support their effort to end domestic violence through intervention, education and advocacy.
What is JM Family’s philosophy regarding community?
By sharing our time, talents and resources, we keep the spirit of our founder, Jim Moran, alive and cultivate something significant and lasting – stronger families and communities. We strive to be a leader in corporate citizenship, using our resources to support organizations in our various business locations.
Any other thoughts you would like to share about our partnership?
Outside of our annual contributions, JM Family associates help individuals Women In Distress serves with job readiness through resume building, interview guidance and reviewing workplace tips to prepare them for new employment. Additionally, associates – along with their friends and family – have completed various volunteer projects at the center, including facility refresh projects, professional attire collection and assisting with toy donations during the holiday season. JM Family has also had regular representation on the organization’s board of directors.
On behalf of the domestic violence survivors we serve, thank you to JM Family Enterprises, Inc./Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC for your long-lasting and generous partnership in our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
SEPTEMBER 2019 IMPACT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
“WOMEN IN DISTRESS HELPS MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK. SUN SENTINEL’S MISSION INCLUDES IMPROVING THE LIVES OF OUR READERS
AND INSPIRING MEANINGFUL CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY.”
For many years, Sun Sentinel Company has partnered with Women In Distress as a longtime Impact Partner to help us in our mission. The newspaper sadly reports on incidents of domestic violence in our community, but also shines a light on the complex issue of domestic violence and critical resources Women In Distress provides in an effort to break the cycle of violence in our community. Sun Sentinel employees and leadership team have provided support through grants, event participation and donation drives. We asked Sun Sentinel a few questions about their Impact Partnership.
Why does Sun Sentinel support and partner with Women In Distress (WID)?
The Sun Sentinel has supported and partnered with Women In Distress in various ways for many years. The Sun Sentinel believes in the mission of Women In Distress, “To stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy.” Sun Sentinel applauds Women In Distress for the impact they’ve made in our community over the past 45 years, making our community a safer place to live and work and providing hope for survivors of domestic violence to live new lives free of fear.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen Sun Sentinel’s charitable mission?
WID helps make our community a safer place to live and work. Sun Sentinel’s mission includes improving the lives of our readers and inspiring meaningful change in our community. We provide investigative reporting and expose crime, corruption and dangers in the community so that people have a safer and better place to live, work and play.
What is Sun Sentinel’s philosophy regarding community?
The Sun Sentinel works to make things better for the community and people’s lives by raising issues that are important such as exposing institutions that fail us and holding leaders accountable.
On April 15, 2019, the Sun Sentinel was awarded journalism’s top honor, the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, for its coverage of the February 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The Sun Sentinel’s coverage sparked significant changes in law enforcement and school safety and led to legislation to hold schools more accountable for crimes that occur on their campuses.
“It means so much to win the gold medal Pulitzer for public service because that’s the spirit in which we approached our Parkland coverage,” said Sun Sentinel Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. “We wanted our reporting to make a difference so that this never happens again.”
Managing Editor Dana Banker said: “This was the biggest and the saddest story our newsroom has ever covered. More than anything else, we wanted our work to serve the greater good. In a world where the next school shooting seems inevitable, we believed we had to do everything we could to expose what went wrong and the lessons to be learned.”
Any other thoughts you would like to share about our partnership?
The Sun Sentinel exists because we care about the everyday lives of the people and communities we serve. We’re proud to partner with Women In Distress and provide them opportunities to amplify their message of hope and second chances in South Florida.
Supporters of Women In Distress may access Sun Sentinel news, entertainment and information at www.sunsentinel.com and may sign up for free newsletters to your inbox click here.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
August 2019 Impact Partner Spotlight: Nova Southeastern University
“Education – which is what we’re all about – is one of the keys to a brighter and more hopeful future.”
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has joined with Women In Distress as an Impact Partner to help families in our community heal from the effects of domestic violence. Dean of NSU’s College of Psychology, Karen Grosby, Ed.D, is a Women In Distress Board member who encourages NSU, faculty and students to address domestic violence and provide evidence-based mental health services through the campus’s Psychology Services Center.
We asked NSU a few questions about their Impact Partnership.
Why does NSU support and partner with Women In Distress (WID)?
One of NSU’s core values is “community” and we have long been proud to champion the rights, growth and strengths of women. Women In Distress fills a critical need in Broward County for women and families suffering from intimate partner violence. The university trains students across disciplines about the nature of and warning signs of domestic violence, the staggering incidence of abuse, the victim’s experience, and ways to assist victims in handling the trauma and accessing resources needed for safety. Students in psychology, counseling and marriage and family therapy provide supervised services to WID.
In addition, the university faculty have conducted research across the globe to better understand domestic violence and to improve interventions for battered and abused women and their children. NSU is proud to provide ongoing support and assistance to WID, including sponsorship of the annual Starfish Luncheon and other awareness events.
What initially enticed NSU to sponsor Women In Distress?
The university values outreach and sought to respond to community need. WID’s work is so critical that it was natural to support their efforts.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen NSU’s charitable mission?
There are few social issues more important to NSU than supporting the safety, empowerment, education and security of women and children in need. Through the many counseling, career, education support, and housing programs that WID provides, NSU feels we’re helping to shine a light on hope for a better future for women who need this support. Education – which is what we’re all about – is one of the keys to a brighter and more hopeful future.
What is NSU’s philosophy regarding community?
In pursuit of defining the Nova Southeastern University of tomorrow, President George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., collaborated with faculty members, deans, staff, alumni, student leaders, community members and the Board of Trustees to create a single-shared vision based on eight core values. They are:
- Academic Excellence
- Student Centered
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Opportunity
- Scholarship/Research
- Diversity
- Community
NSU is a community of faculty, staff, students and alumni who share a common identity and purpose, and engage with the university’s external community through diverse services, clinical programs, and community-based research and resources. Our community extends into professional, intellectual, as well as geographical domains that both support and are the focus of our educational mission. These issues provide the focus for the activities of the university.
Any other thoughts you would like to share about our partnership?
By sponsoring and attending the WID Starfish Luncheon, we are reconnected to the meaningful stories and examples of the life-changing services provided by Women In Distress. NSU is proud to be a partner.
On behalf of the domestic violence survivors we serve, thank you to Nova Southeastern University for your long-lasting and generous partnership in our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
JUNE 2019 Bright star: THE THOMAS FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Thomas Family Foundation, led by Phyllis and Al Thomas, have been very important Impact Partners with Women In Distress over the past ten years. Women In Distress is privileged to call Phyllis and Al Thomas friends and partners in our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone. Phyllis and Al also chair one of our biggest fundraisers, the annual Golf Tournament. Below, Phyllis and All provide a message about partnering with Women In Distress and taking a stand against domestic violence in our community.
The Thomas Family Foundation supports Women In Distress because we believe all women, children and men deserve a safe loving family environment at all times. Sometimes obstacles and harmful behaviors prevent that to be the case and family members have to escape to a safe place. Women In Distress not only provides immediate safety but is instrumental in enabling emotional and behavioral growth through its counseling, therapy, occupational and developmental education. Women In Distress provides outreach programs, for example, seminars to teens in schools, assistance to adults in its satellite offices throughout Broward County, and a beautiful respite center for the young children at the facility.
Additional services were added in 2018 for professional legal assistance. Women In Distress works very closely with the legal court system of Broward County.
Professional training and preparedness on-site at the family center is available in the computer lab to participants which was designed, built and is generously supported by Ultimate Software.
Yes, “IT TAKES A VILLAGE” and Women In Distress is very hard at work.
All these programs and services are the reason we support Women In Distress. It gives families the opportunity to rebuild their lives knowing they are loved, important and supported by this community. We are honored to help and encourage anyone who is able, to please do so through the website.
Thank you to Phyllis Thomas and the First Presbyterian Women’s Group for a wonderful Mother’s Day lunch for the participants at Women In Distress. The Women’s Group provided decorations and food and served a delicious spread for our domestic violence survivors, everything from ham to bread to desserts. They also generously gave each survivor a beautiful scarf, a rose and a gift card. It was a warm and wonderful break for our families and children who are going through some tough times. The mothers (and children) were so grateful to the First Presbyterian Women’s Group for making them feel so special and loved.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
March 2019 Bright star: BROWard college
Broward College has been an important partner of Women In Distress for more than 16 years. Gregory Adam Haile, President of Broward College, provides a message about partnering with Women In Distress and taking a stand against domestic violence in our community.
Broward College takes domestic violence very seriously. That is why we are grateful for what the team at Women in Distress has achieved by its unrelenting determination to eradicate domestic violence. But, we also know there is more work to be done.
Accordingly, we are extremely proud to have hosted Women in Distress career readiness seminars on campus. We have learned that although domestic violence occurs across all income levels, women from low wage-earning families are, in fact, more frequently victimized than their peers. When we prepare more women to meet workforce demands and secure good-paying jobs, we continue to defuse that dynamic.
We also want to open more eyes to domestic violence and inspire honest dialogue. Just a semester ago, we welcomed Women in Distress again to campus for a presentation during which students and community leaders learned how domestic violence impacts their daily lives. The event was organized by our psychology and nursing students, some of whom are working toward an associate degree in Human Services, which offers tracks in family violence that cover child abuse and neglect, and domestic and partner violence.
But we know that a curriculum alone won’t put a stop to domestic violence. Victims will need to know that perpetrators of violence will be held accountable and those who have been victimized will have the safety and support they need to learn, grow and finish their studies.
Since we first opened our doors in 1960, Broward College has firmly stood by our mission to provide a high-quality education that is affordable and accessible to all. During these last 60 years, we have also considered ourselves a partner in the community. We have always believed that together, we can make our county a better place through education and community service. As partners toward this goal, the onus is on us to stand with Women in Distress. Together, we will make it happen.
Women In Distress is thrilled to thank and recognize our partner, Broward College, as an Honoree at our 13th Annual Starfish Luncheon. Each year at this luncheon, Women In Distress honors members of the community that have made a significant contribution to improve the lives of survivors of domestic violence. Historically the event welcomes over 500 community and business leaders. All proceeds benefit Women In Distress and help us continue to provide critical services to families affected by domestic violence. For more information about the Starfish Luncheon, please click here.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
February 2019 Bright star: memorial Healthcare system
Memorial Healthcare System is a long-time partner of Women In Distress and our mission, dating back to 1996. Aurelio M. Fernandez, III, President and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, provides a message about the partnership and why they support Women In Distress and the families we serve.
Every day, hundreds of patients come through our doors, seeking to learn what ails them and hoping to heal. We start with a greeting and a smile, extending compassion as we hold each patient’s hand. We go through a series of questions as we look to capture much medical history for the record.
Of the series of questions our clinicians ask in the privacy of patient care, one stands as a game changer: “are you safe?” We recognize that good health is not just about treating the disease, but treating the person. If anyone is not feeling safe at home or in their current living situation, his or her overall health is affected and impacted. Asking, “are you safe?” is as important as asking, “where is your pain?”
The answer to this question from a battered woman, a man, or even a child, spurs a level of activity in our clinical areas that aims at moving this patient away from a harmful situation into a safe environment. We also link them with community resources that can provide social services to usher a different kind of healing.
This is why it is so important to support social service organizations like Women In Distress because it provides shelter and the basic necessities to help bridge from abuse to independence. We believe that one of the greatest gifts in life is that of a second chance, and this may come in the gift of a heart or kidney transplant that breathes life back into a person or in the opportunity to start again free from harm.
We are honored to be recognized by Women in Distress as we continue our commitment to our community to raise awareness about this cause and many others that aim to heal the body, mind and spirit of those we touch. We urge everyone to join the efforts of Women in Distress to help raise awareness about domestic violence because in the words of this organization “together we can end domestic violence.”
Women In Distress is thrilled to thank and recognize our Impact Partner, Memorial Healthcare System, as an Honoree at our 13th Annual Starfish Luncheon. Each year at this luncheon, Women In Distress honors members of the community that have made a significant contribution to improve the lives of survivors of domestic violence. Historically the event welcomes over 500 community and business leaders. All proceeds benefit Women In Distress and help us continue to provide critical services to families affected by domestic violence. For more information about the Starfish Luncheon, please click here.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
JANUARY 2019 BRIGHT STAR: city of hallandale beach
Women In Distress recently asked the City of Hallandale Beach a few questions about their long-standing partnership with us in our fight against domestic violence. Here’s what they had to say:
Why does the City of Hallandale Beach support and partner with Women In Distress?
It is the City’s goal to maximize its resources by partnering with “qualified” non-profit organizations that support meaningful community programs that benefit the residents of Hallandale Beach.
How long have the City of Hallandale and Women In Distress worked together to stop domestic violence for everyone in our community?
Women In Distress has been a valued partner since 1998 bringing much needed services to the children and families in the Hallandale Beach Community. Women In Distress provides emergency shelter nights, as well as advocacy services, support groups, therapy, children’s services, information and referrals, transitional assistance, food and clothing, as needed, to Hallandale Beach residents and their children to assist with a positive transition into a safe and violent-free life. When Hallandale Beach residents seek emergency shelter and are admitted to the Residential program, they also define and establish their goals and a personalized safety plan. WID makes continuous improvement as part of the organizational culture as they strive for efficiency and effectiveness in providing services to women and children in Broward County. A satellite office opened in Hallandale Beach in October 2017 to expand services for outreach, prevention and education services.
Tell us more about your mission to help the residents of Hallandale Beach in need of social services.
The City of Hallandale Beach located in Southern Broward County has a population of 39,051 residents. For more than 40 years, the Austin Hepburn Center, Human Services Department has been a gathering point for the City’s residents in need of social services. The Department promotes self-sufficiency by providing a wide array of social services that foster the economic, physical and social well-being of residents who come from all areas of the community. While other communities closed their social services divisions and ceded operations to Broward County Health and Human Services, Hallandale Beach has continued to offer these much needed services to its residents. To serve this mission, the City of Hallandale Beach awards community partnership grants to local non-profits to supplement programs and services that meet the needs of the community.
Anything else you’d like to tell our supporters?
Quote from one of the Advocacy Program Participants “They helped with counseling, Thanksgiving, Christmas (turkey and toys) which I was struggling to provide for my kids. The strongest feature of the program is encouragement and to keep pressing on!”
On behalf of the domestic violence survivors we serve, thank you to the City of Hallandale Beach for your long-lasting and generous partnership in our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
DECEMBER 2018 BRIGHT STAR: Cox media group and easy 93.1fm
“When it comes to helping others, nothing matters more than action.”
Cox Media Group and Easy 93.1FM have joined with Women In Distress since 2015 as Impact Partners in the fight against domestic violence in our community. We asked Cox a few questions about our partnership.
Why does Cox Media Group and Easy 93.1FM support and partner with Women In Distress?
At Easy 93.1, we recognize the prevalence of domestic violence in our community. Because of the work of Women In Distress, we understand how much of this crime remains hidden behind closed doors. In a society that too often blames the victims, and where others don’t want to get involved because they believe it’s a ‘personal problem’, we recognize the importance for educating the public about the reality of domestic violence to help eliminate outdated, mistaken beliefs.
As Women In Distress is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County, and with the organization’s remarkable record of success, we can’t imagine NOT partnering with and supporting Women In Distress. Your involvement in every aspect of the domestic violence problem – from advocating to improve legal processes for people seeking safety from an abuser; to educating and training law enforcement members about how to deal with active domestic violence incidents; to bringing free support services to offsite locations throughout the county – have saved countless lives. We value your work and want to support your mission.
What’s been the main focus of our partnership?
Easy 93.1 and Women In Distress began our partnership in 2015. Since then, we’ve made Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) the main focus of community programming during each of those periods. On our public affairs program, Easy’s Community Focus, we’ve featured weekly interviews with a range of guests, including CEO/President of Women In Distress, Mary Riedel, as well as Women In Distress Education and Outreach Director, and several survivors (anonymous) who’ve sought shelter at Women In Distress. We’ve also brought members of the law enforcement and legal communities to the program. Our aim is to educate the public on all aspects of domestic violence, from multiple perspectives, to better enable people to recognize domestic violence, know how to help when they see it, and take steps to prevent the cycle from repeating in the next generation.
In addition to focusing our programming on domestic violence during October and February, we believe in the importance of maintaining awareness throughout the year, and work together with Women In Distress to include messaging year-round regarding awareness of Women In Distress, support services provided by Women In Distress and fundraising for Women In Distress.
What is the Cox Media Group philosophy regarding community?
Cox Media Group and Cox Enterprises believe that ‘Actions Speak’ – that we’re defined by our actions, not our intentions. Our core values include social responsibility, being good citizens in our community and giving back to the community.
Cox Media Group Miami lives those values. Our company, comprised of 4 radio stations – Easy 93.1, Hits 97.3, 99 Jamz and Hot 105.1 – is filled with people on a mission to serve our communities. We support our communities in need with:
- over 1,500 on air interviews annually with organizations helping our communities
- over 200 community shows per year
- over 1,000,000 non-paid Public Service Announcements and Public Affairs Programs
- supporting non-profit and service organizations
- over 6,500 volunteer hours per year by our employees
At CMG Miami we are built on a culture of service. One of our key areas of focus is Empowering Women and Children. To that end, we also partner with Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and the Women’s Breast and Heart Initiative. Combined with our partnership with Women in Distress, we believe we’ve placed a 360 degree focus on women and children in our community, working toward their education, health and wellbeing, and helping to raise the next generation of Good Citizens.
Any other thoughts you would like to share about our partnership?
We consider it a privilege to work with the caliber of people who make Women In Distress their priority. From the leadership, to the support staff, volunteers, supporters and donors, we’ve seen the kind of commitment and passion that truly creates change in the world, starting in our own community. We’re honored to partner with Women In Distress and grateful to be part of your life-saving work.
Thank you to our Impact Partner, Cox Media Group / Easy 93.1FM, for helping to eradicate domestic violence in our community. They are truly making a difference in raising the awareness of domestic violence abuse and how people can get help from Women In Distress.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
November 2018 Bright star: ultimate Software
Giving back and community service are inspiring traditions at Ultimate
Ultimate Software is a valuable Impact Partner with Women In Distress (WID), giving of their resources both financially and of their people to help us fulfill our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone. Felicia Alvaro, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ultimate Software also serves as a volunteer leader on the WID Board of Directors. WID asked Ultimate Software some questions about our partnership.
Why does Ultimate Software support and partner with Women In Distress?
Ultimate supports and partners with Women In Distress because our Women in Leadership group wants to contribute to the community’s needs for women in need; and to help empower those women to make productive progress in their lives as they positively move forward in their life’s journey.
What was the driving force behind Ultimate Software’s decision to sponsor this year’s Women In Distress Holiday Campaign?
There are more than just women impacted by domestic violence—their immediate families need Ultimate too.
What initially enticed Ultimate Software to unite with Women In Distress?
Ultimate was introduced to Women In Distress through a business relationship between Mary Riedel, CEO of Women In Distress, and Felicia Alvaro several years ago. Once the Executive Committee of Women in Leadership (WIL) of Ultimate had the opportunity to see the facilities and meet the staff, including Mary Riedel, at a campus tour, they were so touched by the organization’s mission and impact on the local community that a special partnership formed. It has not stopped since.
How does WID help fulfill and strengthen Ultimate’s charitable mission?
At Ultimate, our PeopleFirst culture emphasizes taking care of our employees first and, in turn, they take great care of our customers. With 96% customer retention, that culture inevitably takes care of our shareholders. But that PeopleFirst culture doesn’t end there. Ultimate strives to give back to the communities in its various locations across the United States and Canada. Now we are starting a movement in Paris, our newest larger location from a recent acquisition. Since we are headquartered out of Weston, South Florida gets more of our charitable involvement and partnering with Women In Distress has become a natural part of our movement to help others. We want to share our good fortune, from not only the company itself but also from our employees who feel that same way, with others in the community who are less fortunate.
Would you like to share anything else?
Ultimate encourages other companies in South Florida to invest some of their funds and their time in helping this great cause. Women In Distress has proven to Ultimate that we can make a noticeable difference in assisting in the amazing vision and mission that makes Women In Distress such a mainstay part of the community to help others less fortunate.
Thank you to our Impact Partner, Ultimate Software, for putting people first and making a huge difference in our community, one family at a time.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
August 2018 Bright Star: Publix Charities
Survivors fleeing abusive relationships often arrive scared and emotionally exhausted with nothing more than the clothes on their back and their children under their arms. At Women In Distress, our survivors oftentimes get to choose the meals they serve their families for the first time. Control over the simplest decisions is often part of the pattern of domestic violence. Funding from Publix Charities for food in our emergency shelter not only provides basic needs, but also empowers our survivors to make independent decisions on what they feed their children for dinner.
Publix Charities has also provided funding which helped with other vital improvements in our emergency shelter.
Thanks to Publix Charities for partnering with us in our mission to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education and advocacy. With their help we continue to provide critical services to more than 730 survivors of domestic violence and their children over the year. We are grateful for Publix Charities who are making such a positive impact in the lives of these survivors and in our community.
For information on how to become an Impact Partner with Women In Distress please contact Maddison Clyne, at 954-760-9800 ext. 1436 or mclyne@WomenInDistress.org
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