What's News at JBWS
Zonta International of Morristown Names Patty Sly
"WOMAN OF THE YEAR"
Patty Sly, Executive Director for Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) was named 2013 Woman of the Year by The Zonta Club of the Morristown Area at their recognition dinner in the Conservatory at The Madison Hotel on April 16, 2013. Each year the Club selects one woman they believe has contributed greatly to the community, especially in protecting women and advancing their status.
Zonta Club President Barbara J. Woodhull presented the award to Sly before an audience of family, friends, colleagues and government officials.
Patty Sly joined JBWS in 2007 and heads the full service agency that provides critical services for victims of domestic violence including a 24-hour helpline, safe house, transitional living resource center (including vocational education), resident and non-resident counseling programs for victims and their children, legal advocacy, community education, professional training, batterers’ intervention, and an active volunteer program.
She is a graduate of the 2011-2012 Fellow Class of the International Women’s Forum Leadership Foundation.
Prior to joining JBWS, Patty had over 20 years of health care management experience, including her leadership role at Atlantic Health in oncology, where she developed and opened Morristown Memorial’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center.
Patty has an extensive history of community service, including serving as chairwoman of the United Way of Morris County and chairwoman of Morris Tomorrow, an organization that advocates regional solutions to issues impacting quality of life. For many years, Patty was the public face of Morristown Memorial Hospital with community leaders and forged numerous partnerships to improve health and human service programming in the community.
Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives and professionals working to improve the legal, political and professional status of women. The first Zonta Club was established in Buffalo, New York in 1919. Today, there are approximately 40,000 members in 71 countries. As a premier non-governmental organization, Zonta International maintains recognized consultative status with United Nations agencies: Economic and Social Council, UNESCO, UN Research and Training Institutes for the Advancement of Women, UNIFEM, ILO, Council of Europe and UNICEF.
Coffee House and Tricky Tray Rockin' the Night Away for JBWS
The 5th Annual JBWS Coffee House and tricky tray raised $7,000 to support the work of JBWS. The March 23rd event was held at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Whippany.
JBWS Holds First
Youth Conference to Prevent Teen Dating Violence
Fifty high school peer leaders from area high schools participated in a youth conference that included workshops on bystander intervention and creating social change, along with a performance by SCREAM Theatre of Rutgers' University. To kick off the event, deputy commissioner of DCF Jeff Guenzel (far right) presented the Governor's proclamation for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month to JBWS executive director Patty Sly (on left) and to representatives of the Butler school district including superintendant Cardinale (2nd from right).
A JBWS Commentary on the Importance of Restraining Orders:
Emergency protection orders save lives
(January 25, 2013) New Jersey’s domestic violence laws are critical to protecting victims and their children. The violence is real and the courts must have the tools necessary to protect the victims.
On average more than three women a day are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the United States. 15.5 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and seven million children live in families in which severe partner violence occurred.
In New Jersey, there were more than 70,000 domestic violence offenses reported by the police in 2011. There were 40 domestic violence murders in New Jersey in 2011, up five percent from the previous year.
Temporary emergency protection orders must err on the side of safety until a final restraining order can be considered at a full hearing within ten days.
It takes great strength and courage to seek a restraining order. Victims do not take lightly the decision to pursue such protection, because it can place their personal lives in public view. The victim risks retribution by the abuser and re-victimization by the process. And yet, obtaining a restraining order provides an essential protection. It also serves as a critical tool in upholding the law that affirms every person’s right to live free from physical harm, abuse and threats in his/her personal life.
For more than three decades, domestic violence prevention advocates have been working to support measures that protect victims and their children. They have created safe homes for emergency protection; offered 24-hour phone assistance and counseling to victims and members of their families; supported laws and policies that hold abusers accountable; created batterer’s intervention programs to provide non-punitive rehabilitation opportunities; created public forums to break the silence; and provided prevention programs to teach children the importance of healthy relationships and alternatives to the use of abuse and violence.
During the same period that prevention and protection measures for victims have increased, the rate of domestic violence has begun to decline. Just when there is evidence that these initiatives are working, we cannot afford to backslide.
There is still so much more work that needs to be done to address and prevent domestic violence. This will only happen through the continued coordinated efforts of the many professionals in the domestic violence programs, the courts, the police departments, the healthcare community, and the houses of worship. Collectively, we must seek to assist victims, hold batterers accountable, and create a community-wide culture that refuses to tolerate any forms of intimate partner abuse.
As long as domestic violence exists, victims and their children assuredly need access to the protection of restraining orders. For assistance or information, please call the 24-hour helpline at 973-267-4763.
Patricia Sly
Executive Director
Safe Dating Challenge Raises Needed Funds for JBWS
Congratulations to Jim Sonneborn, winner of JBWS' 5K Safe Dating Challenge held at the College of St. Elizabeth on Sunday Oct. 28, 2012. Jim, a member of the JBWS Board of Directors is pictured with executive director Patty Sly. He was one of the 250 runners, walkers and volunteers who participated in the fundraising event. For more great photos from the event please visit us on Facebook.
Candles for Peace Sheds Light on Domestic Violence
DENVILLE, NJ: Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) is sponsoring Candles for Peace at Gardner Field in Denville at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 14th. The event aims to raise awareness about the problem of abuse at the local level and resources available to families hurting from domestic violence. This is the first time the annual event will be held in Denville.
As part of local National Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, the event will feature the Silent Witness Display to mourn those who have died as a result of the abuse; a candle lighting ceremony; and the Clothesline Project and Baring Our Soles display created by survivors. There will be music, the creation of ribbons for “hug blankets,” and messages of survival and hope during the brief program.
More than two million Americans are victims of physical domestic violence each year. Thirteen hundred women are murdered by their partners across the country. Thousands more victims landed in New Jersey’s emergency rooms. Candles for Peace sheds light on the problem of domestic violence. The event is free and open to the public. Gardner Field is located at Savage and Franklin Roads in Denville. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the Community Room of the Municipal Building at 1 St. Mary’s Place in Denville, NJ 07834.
For more information about Candles for Peace and other JBWS events please visit the Website of JBWS at www.jbws.org or call 973-267-7520 Ext. 124. JBWS is a full service domestic violence prevention agency serving more than 27,000 people last year through its’ 24-hour helpline (973-267-4763), counseling, safe house, transitional living, children’s services, life skills education, vocational counseling, batterer’s intervention, legal assistance, teen dating violence services, professional training, and education programs for youth and adults. Our dedicated volunteers provided nearly 12,000 hours of service.
JBWS Board Members Recognized at Annual Dinner
At its recent annual dinner meeting, JBWS executive director Patty Sly (3rd from left) thanks the outgoing board members for their service. Pictured at the Park Avenue Club are (l-r) Chris Reidy of ADP, Sunita Holzer of Chubb and Son, Patty Sly, Aru Kulkarni of The Jones Group, Brian Giovinazzi of The Provident Bank, and Deborah Dick Rath of Symphony Advanced Media.
New board members Mary Stine of The Provident Bank and Deb Hughes of ADP (l-r) are welcomed onto the board by the new board president Jim Gerace of Verizon and executive director Patty Sly. Also joining the board but not pictured are Joseph Longo of Longo Electrical-Mechanical and Nancy Miller-Rich of Merck & Co., Inc.
Hope Classic Set to
Raise Funds for JBWS
Bernardsville, NJ (May 30, 2012) – Jersey Battered Women’s Service’s (JBWS) 13th annual “Hope Classic” held at the beautifully manicured Somerset Hills Country Club on Monday, July 23, 2012, expects to raise $150,000 to help victims of domestic violence and their families.
“The Somerset Hills Country Club was designed by the renowned golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast and is considered one the hidden gems of the area,” explains avid golfer, JBWS board member and event co-chair Tee Golden of Goldcon, Inc. “I look forward each year to this rare opportunity to play on this challenging course, while supporting such an important cause and a terrific organization.”
Verizon Wireless is the proud lead sponsor for the “Hope Classic” for thirteenth consecutive year. “We are thankful to Verizon Wireless for their generosity and commitment and to our other key sponsors, Chubb & Son and Greenberg Traurig, LLP,” says JBWS board member and event co-chair John Gerity of Access to Care LLC.
The much needed funds raised will support the services of JBWS which include a 24-hour helpline, safe house, victim counseling, children’s programing, court accompaniment, vocational counseling, batterers’ intervention, community and professional education, teen dating abuse prevention and counseling services, and more. JBWS’ overall mission is the prevention of domestic violence.
At the end of the 18 holes, the golfers are invited to relax on the club’s large porch overlooking the golf course while enjoying a cocktail reception and BBQ style dinner. The event includes a silent auction with great prizes and an awards presentation. Each year, a former victim of domestic violence adds special meaning to the day by sharing her personal story of survival through the help of JBWS’ services. Guests who are unable to golf are invited to attend the dinner reception for $100.
Registration and luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and is followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun. Registration is available online at www.jbws.org. It is $750 for individual golfers (includes luncheon and dinner reception) and a range of sponsorships opportunities are available.
To learn more about JBWS visit www.jbws.org. For more information on the golf event and registration contact Carol Klug at cklug@jbws.org or 973-267-7520 Ext. 155.
JBWS' Grand Tastings Event Reaches a Sellout Crowd and Record Revenue
May 2012 (West Orange, NJ)The Grand Tastings event celebrated JBWS volunteers and Honored Laurie Peter and Betsy Bernard, Sanofi and the William E. Simon Foundation for outstanding leadership.
Before a crowd of 380 people, Judy O'Hagen accepts the corporate philanthropic award on behalf of Sanofi.
The Simon Foundation has a long history of supporting JBWS including its lead gift to make the Simon House Transitional Living facility a reality. Aimee Simon Bloom congratulates JBWS for its strong values, ideals and high standards of efficiency and excellence.
Betsy Bernard and Laurie Peter were presented with the Distinguished Service Award at this year's event. Pictured at the event are Laurie Peter (r) with her niece Cheyenne Peter.
4th Annual Coffee House & Tricky Tray Serves Up Hope for Clients
(WHIPPANY, NJ) The 4th Annual JBWS Coffee House and tricky tray was held on March 24, 7-10 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center in Whippany to benefit the clients of Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) in Morris County. The Friends of JBWS Fundraising Committee hosted the evening to support local domestic violence survivors and their families. More than 170 people attended the successful event and raised $10.000!
“We appreciate the community's support and the tremendous effort that our ‘Friends’ volunteers contribute to making the Coffee House a success every year," says JBWS executive director Patty Sly.
Members of "Friends" are (l-r) Diane Gangemi,
Dawn Gabriel and Mary Gangemi.
More News
Holiday Donations Make the Season Brighter
The Friends of JBWS Raise Needed Funds through Shop for A Cause Holiday Bazaar and annual Communities of Light Campaign. December 2011.
Morris County Businesses Partner with JBWS to Help Shed Light on Problem of Domestic Violence December 2011
Mendham Township Sheds Light on Problem of Domestic Violence December 2011
Shop for Your Holiday Gifts and Support A Good Cause December 2011
Educational Forum and Vigil to Remember Nazish Brings the Community Together October 2011
JBWS Celebrates 35 Years of Vital Services for Those Hurting from Abuse October 2011
Victims of Domestic Violence "Bare Their Soles" to Increase Awareness of the Issue October 2011
"Hope Classic" Golf Event Supports JBWS. See photos July 2011
JBWS Welcomes New Board Members. June 2011.
Grand Tastings Event Celebrates JBWS 35th Anniversary May 2011
Men "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" to Benefit Services for Domestic Violence Victims March 2011
Program Takes a Look at Teen Dating Violence Prevention January 2011
Safe Dating Challenge 5K Run and Fun Walk Raises Funds and Awareness of Teen Dating Abuse Oct. 2010
Teens Use Rihanna-Brown case to Talk About Abuse March 2009
Ad Campaigns Increase Awareness of Help for Victims
Holiday Donations Make the Season Brighter
JBWS was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our very big-hearted donors this holiday season. In total, their generosity helped JBWS to provide gifts for nearly 200 families, including more than 400 children. The families were very grateful and expressed their appreciation through thank you letters. We are glad to be able to share a few excerpts with you here.
"As a mother, I thank you with my whole heart for helping me create joy in my children’s Christmas by sprinkling it with magic through your generous gifts. As a person, I thank you for reminding me of what hope is, created by kindness in people like you. May you receive the blessings you give others tenfold in return. Thank you, thank you and thank you."
"We never imagined finding ourselves in a shelter for victims of domestic violence but feel so grateful for the humanity that has been graced upon us. My son and I are especially grateful for the gifts we received from you. Thank you so very much for your generosity."
"My family is so blessed for what you have done for us! It’s been a very difficult year but I know so many have having hard times, but people like you make me always keep my faith and hope! You helped give my child and I a wonderful Christmas!"
Patty Sly Selected for The International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation 2011 - 2012 Fellows Class
The International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation unveiled its 2011-2012 Fellows Class, including JBWS executive director Patty Sly. From the largest and most competitive pool of candidates in Fellows Program history, 35 rising women leaders from 14 nations were selected. The Fellows Program is the world's most prestigious leadership initiative featuring creative partnerships with the Harvard Business School (HBS) and INSEAD, along with one-on-one mentoring with IWF members around the world. The NJ Women's Forum nominated Patty for the program and is underwriting the tuition. (Pictured with Patty Sly, above on left, is Ellen Weiss, the immediate past president NJWF and former fellow.)
The new Fellows began their program year with orientation and training in Washington, DC in October, and it will be followed by programs at HBS in Cambridge, MA and at INSEAD's global campus in Singapore. Together, the IWF and its Leadership Foundation are promoting better leadership for a changing world. "I am so honored to be a part of this incredible group and look forward to learning, networking, and representing New Jersey and the domestic violence non-profit field," says Sly.
The Friends of JBWS Raise Needed Funds for through Shop for A Cause Holiday Bazaar & Communities of Light
DECEMBER 2011 - Rose-Emily Callos and Terri Stanton lead the efforts to promote the sale of lanterns to benefit JBWS' second annual Communities of Light Campaign. They are pictured here staffing a table at the Shop for a Cause Holiday Bazaar, another successful fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of JBWS group. To learn more about becoming a member of the Friends volunteer group contact, Hlefrois@jbws.org.
Educational Forum and Vigil to Remember Nazish Brings the Community Together
OCTOBER 2011 (Boonton, NJ) JBWS along with the faith based community in Boonton, Wafa House and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, paid special tribute to Nazish Noorani and those victims who have lost their lives to domestic violence. The October 16th forum and vigil was in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
JBWS Executive Director Patty Sly and members of Wafa House Zillehuma Hasan and Seema Lodhi talked with participants about resources for victims of abuse.
JBWS Celebrates 35 Years of Vital Services for Those Hurting from Abuse
OCTOBER 2011 (Morristown, NJ) Supportes of JBWS joined together to recognize the agency's 35 years of service to the community. Held at the Morris Museum, attendees met the award winning Young Adult fiction author, Swati Avasthi and viewed the creative and poignant artwork of the many clients who have benefited from JBWS services. To see more photos from the event, please visit us on Facebook.
Victims of Domestic Violence "Bare Their Soles" to Increase Awareness of the Issue
OCTOBER 2011 (New Brunswick, NJ) JBWS joined with other members of the NJ Coalition for Battered Women the second annual "Baring Our Soles" awareness event held on the campus of Rutgers University. It featured a display of shoes made by adult and child survivors living in safe houses throughtout the state, including JBWS in Morris County. The shoe in this picture was made by a small boy living in the JBWS shelter.
This child hid a clay figure of himself
inside the shoe.
Hope Classic Golf Event Supports JBWS
JULY 2011 (Bernardsville, NJ) This year's Hope Classic, sponsored by Verizon Wireless, was held at the beautiful Somerset Hills Country Club. The event included a day of golf, silent and live auctions, luncheon and an awards dinner.
Board Members
JBWS board president Aru Kulkarni of The Jones Group welcomes new members at the annual board meeting held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ. Pictured (l-r) are Kulkarni; John Gerity, CO-CEO for Access 2 Care; Vincent Grenier, Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch; JBWS executive director Patty Sly; and Cindy Beth Weiss, VP of Finance and Administration for NJ Automobile Club. Also joining the board is Terence "Tee" Golden, owner of Goldcon, Inc.
Patty Sly thanks the board members whose terms expired for their dedication and six years of service to JBWS. Patty is pictured here with Fred Gruel of AAA, Lynn Castrataro of Ingersoll Rand, William Gourgey, and Laurie Peter. Also completing his service on the board is Joseph Bloom.
Grand Tastings Event Celebrates JBWS 35th Anniversary
MAY 2011 (West Orange, NJ)JBWS was thrilled to have a sellout crowd and record revenue at this year’s Grand Tasting event as we celebrated our 35th anniversary. A total of $315,000 was raised to help families hurt by domestic abuse.
Many former leaders returned to join in the celebration including DiAnne Arbour, former ED and Evelyn Self, former board member, both of whom were instrumental in holding the first Grand Tastings.
Bobby Gilmore was the featured speaker. It was his mother’s tragic death that sparked the community to raise the necessary funds to open the safe house in 1978.
This year's corporate honoree is Ingersol Rand and its philanthropic honorees are Kevin Maher and Twig 21.
Robert Gilmore and executive director Patty Sly.
Carole Graham and former
board member Baxter Graham.
Former executive director DiAnne Arbour with JBWS associate executive director Jane Shivas.
A magnificant ice sculpture in honor of the
agency's 35th anniversary.
"Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" to
Raise Money and Awareness for JBWS
University President Robert Weisbuch (center), stands in red high-heeled shoes with assistance from Drew Communications Associate Michael Bressman (l) and Drew student and Civic Scholar Stephanie Danckert. President Bob commended the students for their great work and added a personal matching gift.
Drew University Rugby Team
joins the fun for a good cause.
The money raised supports the services of JBWS. Pictured l-r are JBWS board member Vlasta Moravkova of Ernst & Young; Drew student Mike Kelly of Morristown; Rachel Schachter of Drew Civic Scholars, the group that organized the event; and Juli Harpell Elam,
JBWS Coordinator of Prevention Services.
Safe Dating Challenge 5K Run and Fun Walk Raises Funds and Awareness of Teen Dating Abuse
(October 2010) JBWS' 8th annual Safe Dating Challenge was held on a beautiful day on the campus of the College of St. Elizabeth. Runners, walkers, families, coworkers, and volunteers joined together to have a good time and to raise money for a good cause—teen dating abuse prevention.
This year's Presenting Sponsor for Safe Dating Challenge was ADP and the Reidy Family.
Event Sponsors were Ingersoll Rand and Verizon Wireless. The Partner Sponsor was Merck.
Fourteen-year-old Emily Chin was
the first place female winner.
Fran Libasci and JBWS board president Aru Kulkarni
were among the runners.
Children of all ages enjoyed the Kids' Races.
At the finish line, each child received a toy.
Jennifer Grubb, coach and player for Sky Blue FC women's soccer team addressed the crowd during the awards ceremony. She encouraged the participants to remain physically active and to seek help for problems like dating abuse when needed. She is joined here with members of the Mendham High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team (l-r) Robin Chernow, Jennifer Grubb, Melissa Chernow and Ellie Meyers.
Author and Psychotherapist Dr. Susan Weitzman Discusses the Hidden Abuse in Upscale Marriages at a Recent Women to Women Luncheon.
(March 31, 2009) The beautiful Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ was the setting for a luncheon and lecture on a topic that for too long has remained hidden in suburban NJ. Abuse in upscale marriages was the subject of Dr. Weitzman's years of research and recent luncheon presentation sponsored by JBWS and the Rachel Coalition.
Teens Use Rihanna- Brown case to Talk About Abuse
Group views special broadcast of Oprah to stimulate discussion
By Matt Kadosh • Daily Record • March 13, 2009
Teenagers take part in a discussion led by the dating abuse prevention staff of Jersey Battered Women Services as Juli Harpell-Elam, of JBWS, hands a dating abuse prevention brochure to freshman Eric Smith of Morristown on Thursday at the end of a special Oprah show.
Photo by: ELBALIZ MENDEZ/DAILY RECORD
MORRISTOWN -- Area teens got a lesson in domestic abuse Thursday when they watched a live broadcast of Oprah at the Neighborhood House.
The topic of discussion? The relationship of singers Rihanna and Chris Brown. The teens, along with representatives of Jersey Battered Women Services based in Morristown, talked about Brown's alleged abuse of Rihanna.
"It was a teachable moment and an opportunity to say it's OK to talk about domestic abuse," said Juli Harpell-Elam, licensed professional counselor for JBWS. "The children were very perceptive and open after they warmed up.
"Melissa Avila, 16, of Morristown said it's important to take an active role against domestic abuse, and doesn't believe Rihanna and Chris Brown should be held to a higher standard because they are celebrities.
"If it's someone you really care about, you can't say 'just let them deal with it on their own,'" she said.
The youth listened attentively as Kevin Frazier, weekend anchor and correspondent for Entertainment Tonight, described to audiences how the abuse in the famous couple's relationship began when Brown became angered over a text message.
"Brown lashed out," Frazier said.
Harpell-Elam said Rihanna and Brown's situation is typical of people who are in abusive relationships in that they are getting back together. The only major difference is the duo is producing an album, "Trials and Tribulations of Love.
"The counselor for JBWS explained why couples with abusive relationships get back together.
"They (the person abused) go back for the good parts of the relationship. They don't go back for the abuse," Harpell-Elam said. "The person who abused them may be convincing. It's easier to believe and go back than to break free.
"Regina Braham, director of community relations for JWBS, emphasized this is a common problem with teens.
"Research shows that one in five teens will experience at least one incident of dating violence before they graduate from high school and that one in three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner," she said.
Eric Smith, 14, of Morristown, said he felt strongly about the issues.
"I feel bad for Rihanna because she was abused," he said.
JWBS, which reaches more than 7,500 Morris County teens each year, offers educational programs for parents, teens and professionals on issues of dating abuse and prevention, Braham said. They have programs in 21 high schools in the county and at least a dozen middle schools, she said.
They also teach in freshman seminar classes at Fairleigh Dickinson University. JWBS also provides counseling to teens and young adults through their Dating Abuse Prevention Program in addition to their services for victims of abuse.
The message from Oprah was clear: "Love doesn't hurt." And like JBWS, she emphasized that the cycle of violence can be broken.
Donate now, it may help save a life. JBWS is a non-profit tax exempt 501 c 3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible.