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Thursday, October 22, 2020 - 7:30PM EDT
PRESENTED BY
On Thursday, October 22, Town Clock CDC and our friends and supporters gathered virtually for an inspirational and uplifting event honoring survivors of domestic violence: Being Brave 2020. While the pandemic prevents us from gathering in person, the need to raise awareness and support for Town Clock’s work is still present, especially during this time. It was certainly an event to remember, with musical performances and impassioned words from an array of artists, advocates, and supporters of this cause. Being Brave 2020 was hosted by Lisa Guerrero, Inside Edition’s award-winning, internationally acclaimed chief investigative reporter.
Being Brave honors women who bravely pursue safety and fiercely embark upon a new beginning. This event showcased the importance of permanent, affordable and supportive housing for these brave survivors and encouraged a nationwide expansion of the "housing first" model in which we operate upon at Town Clock. Currently, there are only 40 facilities in the United States that operate under this model. We want to change that - and we have some exciting news to share!
Town Clock was thrilled to present the 2020 Being Brave Award to Tony-nominated actor, philanthropist, and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph. Sheryl produces the annual benefit concert, DIVAS Simply Singing! (celebrating its 30th year anniversary), which raises awareness for HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases, including COVID-19, and is a strong proponent for supporting movements that empower women.
Another special guest was Dr. Arabia Mollette, a doctor on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 and a survivor of domestic violence. Dr. Mollette shared her inspiring story of survival and resilience. Click the link above to see the full lineup of local honorees, performers, speakers, and other notable guests!
Town Clock Community Development Corporation
Town Clock Community Development Corporation is a New Brunswick, NJ-based organization which operates Dina's Dwellings, a housing unit that provides shelter to survivors of domestic violence and their children.
Town Clock CDC’s first housing project (Dina's Dwellings) transformed the sanctuary of the 200-year-old First Reformed Church of New Brunswick into 10 supportive, long-term, affordable housing units for survivors. It is one of only 40 establishments of its kind in the entire United States. When the facility opened in April 2016, it instantly became the largest, permanent housing program for survivors of domestic violence and their children in New Jersey.
“Thousands more units are needed throughout the U.S. Our goal is to replicate our model by working with other organizations and creating at least two facilities in every state,” says Tow Clock CDC Executive Director Susan Kramer-Mills. “We hope that Being Brave will shine a national spotlight on this national crisis/shortage and enable us to create the affordable, permanent, and supportive housing so desperately needed by survivors of domestic violence.”
57% of homeless women report domestic violence as the root cause of their homelessness.