Community Initiatives

Opportunties Develop Innovative and Comprehensive Solutions to Solve the Puzzle of Domestic Violence in Somerset County

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, its the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead

Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive social problems in society today.  It can be found in just about every corner of our community.  It affects not only individuals but families and even extends to acquaintances and those who witness signs of abusive behavior.

For over 30 years, the Resource Center of Somerset has been in the forefront of providing protection, education and resources to victims of abuse.  During that time, people in the communities throughout Somerset County have helped by providing support and good will to help victims overcome the devastation of an abusive relationship.

We think the community is ready to take a bigger role in preventing domestic violence and making Somerset County a safer and better place to live.  In 2011, the Resource Center is launching a new program—Community Initiatives—encouraging people to become actively engaged in finding solutions and putting forth the efforts that help end domestic abuse. 

Efforts have always been underway to help facilitate change.  The agency was founded by volunteers in 1978 to help provide a safe place for women to go to flee an abusive relationship and those efforts have expanded over the years to include a professional staff providing counseling, legal advocacy, safety and more.

The Friends of the Shelter, founded in 1987, provides much needed financial support that assists in the operation of our safe house and the countless hours they volunteer to help our agency reach our goals.

Now, in 2011, the community initiatives are just as fresh and vibrant as ever.  Student organizations, civic groups, corporations and community-minded individuals are recognizing the painful effects of domestic abuse and are making contributions to the efforts of prevention.

Through corporate programs that encourage and underwrite employee participation at all levels of community service and initiatives designed to advance a culture of service, there is opportunity to develop and implement constructive solutions to problems of domestic violence that will result in making Somerset County a better place.

Here are some examples of how our community has done their part to stop the violence.

North Plainfield High School Drama Club

produced the play, “don’t u luv me?,” a story about teen dating violence and how an abusive relationship affects not only the dating couple but everyone else around them.  The play was performed to a full house not only for students in the middle and high school, but also for the residents of North Plainfield.

MASK (Montgomery Advocates for Solidarity and Kindness)

founded by high school junior Nikki DeSario, is a theater group of students who provide interactive peer instruction to prevent teen dating violence.  Nikki was also appointed to the national advisory board for the National Dating Abuse Hotline, an affiliated program that works with the Liz Claiborne, Inc. company and www.loveisrespect.org web program.

Hillsborough High School Student Council

gets into the holiday spirit by helping at the annual Client Holiday Party.  Not only do they volunteer to help with party activities, but also contribute $1,000 for the party and donate 100 ten dollar gift cards as presents for the children of our clients. 

Hillsborough High School Interact Club

volunteers to staff the Resource Center office reception after school as a community service project.

Somerset Hills Towing

created a program that provides free towing and service calls to our clients when they have vehicle trouble in the road.  Owner Frank Sanchez recognized the importance for our clients to have a safe and dependable vehicle, worry free should they have a need for repairs during their regular routine.

Raritan Valley Community College Continuing Education Program in Cosmetology

has created a program to educate salon owners as well as college students about recognizing the signs of domestic abuse and how to make referrals for assistance.  The program received a Gold Award in the national Skills USA competition for students enrolled in career and technical education programs in public high schools and college/post-secondary technical educational programs.

The Somerset County Business Partnership

in collaboration with the organization Citizens’ Campaign supports a partnership between the corporate and non-profit sectors which encourages them to work together to bring individual skills, knowledge and experience to the service of our communities. 

The Resource Center of Somerset continues to encourage this great work in our community.

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