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Bowl a Strike Against Domestic Violence

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Register for BHcare's Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services! Lanes are filling fast!

BHcare's Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services March 3, 2019 Bowlero, Milford, CT Why should you participate? Strike out domestic violence! All proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS). UCDVS provides services and programs to over 6,000 victims & their children each year. Fun for everyone! 90 minutes of bowling Event giveaway Shoe rental Soft drink Prizes! The highest fundraising team per session will receive a special prize! Collect pledges from your friends, family & peers. Raffles! Each session will feature a variety of fun raffle items! Raffle tickets can be purchased during each session & winners will be chosen at the end of the session. Register now! Click here to register your team and start  fundraising today! ‌ ‌

BHcare | 435 East Main Street, Ansonia, CT 06401

HGTV Star to Appear at Valley Event

Master craftsman Mark DeVito

ANSONIA - Mark DeVito, master craftsman from HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, will be at the Armory Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the My Sister’s Place Flea Market Flip fundraiser. The Armory is at 25 N. Cliff St.

The event is free and open to the public and will feature more than 45 “flipped” items, upcycling and crafting demonstrations and refreshments. 
Proceeds from the sale of each flip item will benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

 

My Sister's Place Flea Market Flip is a fun, creative twist on recycling or up-cycling similar to the HGTV show with the same name, Flea Market Flip. 
Individual participants or teams of two must purchase their flip item(s) at MSP for $50 or less and no more than $50 may be spent on repurposing/up-cycling the item(s). 

 

This year we have over 45 awesome and creative pieces for sale. 
Some of the items purchased for the flip include dressers, chairs, tables, yarn, glassware, and a special piece by Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti. 

Here are a few of the entries:

My Sister's Place, a program of BHcare, is a family thrift store at 380 Main St. All proceeds support The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.
(This is a press release from BHcare)

Vigil to Honor Survivors and Victims of Domestic Violence

NEW HAVEN- To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence.

 

The 19^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held on Wednesday, October 3 at 1:00 pm at Long Wharf Pier, New Haven, CT. The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence.

 

Each person will receive a flower to toss into the harbor. The flowers represent the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they strive to become free from violence. The flower also gently reminds us of the lives that have been taken from us due to domestic violence.

 

Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

 

Kevin Glen, Deputy Chief of Police of North Haven, will be the guest speaker and members the local police departments will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence. The following members will be recognized: Sergeant Clifford Hill, Sergeant Matthew Falcon, Officer Valdemar Queiroga of North Haven, Sergeant Craig Michalowski, Sergeant Anthony Rybaruk, Detective Jeff Vailette, Officer Luke Rasile, Officer Joe Carangelo, Detective Joseph Finoia, Sergeant Joseph Mulhern Officer Jason Anderson, Officer Anthony Fiorillo, Lt. Joseph Murgo and Sergeant Paul DeCrosta of East Haven, Sergeant Dom Eula and Officer Jacob Cheesman of Branford, Officer Scott Shumway, Officer Eric Pesino, Officer Jeff Suchy, Officer Chris Lawerence, Officer Paul Vitale, Sergeant Jim Evarts, Sergeant Craig Dixon, Detective Lenny Soto, Officer Maegan Moran, and Detective Cherelle Carr of New Haven and Officer Brian Salemme and Officer Mark Berretta of West Haven.

 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call (203) 736-2601, x1381, or visit www.bhcare.org.  If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

 

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. Learn more at bhcare.org.

 

(This is a press release from BHcare)

Flea Market Flip Contest Underway

Mark DeVito

 

ANSONIA -  If you have an eye for style and a knack for reinvention, we invite you to put your talents to the test and sign up for My Sister’s Place (MSP) Flea Market Flip!

 

MSP's Flea Market Flip is a fun, creative twist on recycling or upcycling similar to the HGTV show with the same name, Flea Market Flip. Proceeds from the sale of each flip item will benefit BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

 

Individual participants or teams of two must purchase their flip item(s) at MSP for $50 or less by September 30. Registration forms are available at the store and must be completed at the time of purchase. No more than $50 may be spent on repurposing/upcycling the item(s).

 

Receipts must be shown when submitting the repurposed item.

 

Items will be displayed and sold on October 14 at the Ansonia Armory located at 25 N. Cliff Street in Ansonia.

 

The day will feature special guest Mark DeVito, Master Craftsman from HGTV’s Flea Market Flip along with DIY demos including furniture destressing, furniture white washing, knitting and crocheting. Attendees will also have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite flip. The flip with the most votes wins!

 

For more information, visit bhcare.org or stop by the store located at 380 Main Street in Ansonia.

 

MSP, a program of BHcare, offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture and house wares at discount prices. All proceeds from MSP support BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS).  Each year UCDVS helps more than 6,000 adults and children who are experiencing domestic violence; all services are provided free of charge.

 

To learn more about the flip, visit our store at 380 Main Street, Ansonia, or find us online at www.bhcare.org, and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace.

 

(This is a press release from BHcare)

Valley Thrift Shop Dedicated to Domestic Violence Victims Now Online

Donations Sought for Valley Thrift Store

ANSONIA - My Sister’s Place Thrift Store & Donation Center has supported victims of domestic violence for more than 30 years. 

All store proceeds benefit BHcare’s Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

The store prides itself on offering quality items for resale to the community. 

More than 25 volunteers work tirelessly, seven days a week, sorting through box after box of donations. 
Sometimes they find items that cannot be used. Any item that has mold or mildew, has been contaminated by rodents, has an unpleasant odor and/or is badly damaged is disposed of and will not be sold in the store.
 

The generosity of donors is appreciated and staff and volunteers try their best to get every dollar possible out of the items donated. 
Ripped and stained clothing pieces are sold as rags and wires are stripped from broken electronics for resale/recycle. 
 

“At a time of uncertainties with the state budget, we are truly grateful for the support we receive from My Sister’s Place,” said Esperina Stubblefield, Director of The Umbrella. “This source of revenue allows us to continue to help thousands of victims of domestic violence."

 

UCDVS provides free and confidential services to more than 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children. 

Services such as emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, walk-in crisis centers, counseling, advocacy, and other supports are provided to those fleeing from domestic abuse. 

My Sister's Place, a program of BHcare, offers quality new and gently used clothing, furniture and housewares at discount prices. 

 

To learn more visit the store, 380 Main St., or visit www.bhcare.org and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace.

(This is a press release from BHcare)

Fashion Show for a Cause

Bowlers & Sponsors Needed to “Bowl a Strike” Against Domestic Violence

Ansonia- The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS), a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers and sponsors to participate in the 28^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit being held Saturday, March 12, 2016, at AMF Lanes in Milford, CT.  All proceeds benefit UCDVS which provides services to over 6,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley, and Shoreline communities.  UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services.

 

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the state, attracts over 1,500 community members.  Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in teams of 4-5, in one of five bowling sessions scheduled for 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm.  Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts.  Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event t-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes.  The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations and families.

 

The Bowl-2-Benefit offers sponsorship opportunities for all budgets, with levels starting at just $75.  Sponsors reap the benefit of exposure to the more than 1,500 participants as well as additional exposure online.  Tee shirt sponsors receive continued exposure with their logo printed on the event tee that is distributed to all bowlers.  Tee shirt level sponsorships start at just $500.

 

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised over $90,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd. 

 

The 28^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include Channel 3 Eyewitness News, WPLR 99.1-FM and Star 99.9-FM.  Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at (203) 736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit www.bhcare.org.  Deadline for bowler registration is March 1, 2016.

 

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

(This is a press release from BHcare)

Music Therapy Program Expands for Victims and Children of Domestic Violence

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) received a grant of $3,500 from the Michael Bolton Charities, Inc. to continue and expand its music therapy program for victims of domestic violence.

 

The music therapy program will now be offered twice a week at UCDVS safe houses.

 

The program, lead by Music Therapist Cyd Slotoroff, has had a positive impact on the families at the shelter. The children and mothers gather together for sing-a-longs and the moms with babies to learn to sing lullabies.

 

“The moms have been able to create new nonviolent experiences and positive memories with their children,” said Jane Adamik, Child Advocate, UCDVS.  “The children look forward to seeing Cyd every week and ask me when she will be back again.” 

 

The Michael Bolton Charities, Inc., founded in 1993, is dedicated to assisting at risk children and women through education and effective programs, creating social awareness to broaden horizons and expanding opportunities for youth across socioeconomic and multicultural lines.

 

BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) is dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, empowering those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to working for social change to eliminate domestic violence.  Each year UCDVS provides free and confidential services for more than 6,000 victims and their children. Learn more at www.bhcare.org.

 

(This is a press release from BHCare)

 

Valley Vigil to Honor and Remember Victims of Domestic Violence

Shelton = Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

 

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) will hold a vigil to honor and remember survivors and victims of domestic violence on Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 pm at the Gazebo at Huntington Center Green, Shelton, CT. Chief Kevin Hale, Ansonia Police Department will be the keynote speaker. The vigil will also include recognition of law enforcement officials and community members.

 

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call (203) 736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org. If you need immediate assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

 

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. Learn more at bhcare.org.

 

(This is a press release from BH Care)

Spector Furniture and My Sister’s Place in Ansonia to raise money in fight against domestic violence

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

ANSONIA >> Two downtown businesses have teamed up in the fight against domestic violence.

Spector Furniture, located at 385 Main St., and My Sister’s Place, a thrift shop and donation center at 380 Main St., have partnered for a special “trade-in” furniture event throughout the month of June.

According to Spector Furniture owners, brothers Howie and Ken Kreiger, customers can trade in their old and gently used furniture, and receive a discount toward the purchase of something new. The donated furniture will be re-sold at Spector’s neighbor across the street, My Sister’s Place, where all proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services programs.

“Donate the old … refresh with new,” the Kreiger brothers say on their promotional flyer announcing the event. “It’s simple, it’s easy, it’s good for the community.”

Read more here.

Walnut Hill Community Church in Derby to host annual Easter run/walk

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> A local church is once again asking the community to lace up their sneakers and do their part to help victims of domestic violence.
Walnut Hill Community Church’s Derby campus is gearing up to host its 3rd annual 5K Easter Run/Walk to Fight Domestic Violence.
The net proceeds from the event will benefit BHCare’s Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. The Umbrella serves Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton,as well as towns along the New Haven Shoreline area.

Read more here. 

Help needed to “Bowl a Strike” against domestic violence

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit being held Saturday, March 14, at AMF Lanes in Milford.

All proceeds from this non-competitive benefit UCDVS which provides services to nearly 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley, and Shoreline communities. UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services.

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the state, attracts over 1,500 community members.  Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome but pre-registration is required. While the 4:30pm session is sold-out, there is still plenty of room in the 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. sessions.

Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts.  Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event t-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes. The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations and families.

CJ Forcier is a six year veteran of the event and team captain of the New Haven Family Condors, the event’s top fundraising team in recent years. “The New Haven Family Condors became involved with the Bowl-2-Benefit as a team building event and to support our court-based Victim Advocacy Program in the New Haven Court. The day of the bowling event is unlike any other as it is filled with a lot of laughter, comradery, and heaps of fun. I would strongly encourage anyone to be part of the event; you’ll have a great time,” said Forcier.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised over $93,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd.

The 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include Channel 3 Eyewitness News, 99.1 WPLR and Star 99.9-FM.  Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at 203- 736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit http://www.bhcare.org/.  Deadline for bowler registration is March 5.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. For more information, visit www.bhcare.org. ­­

Bowl-2-Benefit event, helping fight domestic violence, set for March 14 in Milford

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

It’s time to once again bowl a strike against domestic violence.
The 27th annual Bowl-2-Benefit will take place March 14 at AMF Lanes, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford. Proceeds from the event go to the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, or UCDVS, a program of BHcare, based at 435 E. Main St. in Ansonia.
The Umbrella Center provides services to more than 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline communities. Services include free emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy and support.

Read more here. 

The Umbrella to host workshop in New Haven on domestic violence

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, will host a workshop Sept. 30 for members of the community to learn about the psychological and emotional abuse, stalking and how technology interfaces with domestic violence. 

The workshop will be held at Anthony’s Ocean View restaurant in New Haven.
The cost of the workshop is $95 for the public and $65 for students. Fee includes lunch, and continuing education and training credits are available.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month; a time to educate the community about healthy relationships, change attitudes that support violence and recognize that domestic violence can be prevented. 
Every nine seconds a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten. 
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. 
In 2012, there were 12 reported homicides from intimate partner domestic violence in Connecticut. So far this year, five lives have been lost. (Source: CCADV).

The workshop will feature critically-acclaimed author Leslie Morgan Steiner. 
Her 2009 memoir about surviving domestic violence, Crazy Love, was a New York Times bestseller, People Pick, Book of the Week for The Week magazine, and subject of the first TED Talk by a domestic violence survivor. 
Other speakers include Mark Wynn, veteran police officer devoted to ending family violence, and Hema Khan, Program Attorney for the Stalking Resource Center at the National Center for Victims of Crime.

For information or to register, visit www.bhcare.org or contact Linda Luongo, Event Coordinator, at 203-736-2601, x1334, lluongo@bhcare.org.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge.
 Each year, more than 9,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Update shared on thrift store in Ansonia

This information is from My Sister's Place Facebook page:

"MSP Update: The painting of the store is complete! The store is now being measured for new carpeting and the renovations continue.  

"Stay tuned for our grand re-opening date. Donations are being accepted Mon - Sat from 9am - 4:30 pm."

My Sister's Place in Ansonia received smoke damage after a March 11 fire at the Asylum Nightclub next door.

All proceeds from the store's sales benefit The Umbrella, a program for victims of domestic violence run by BHcare, a behavioral health organization.

The store has been a vital part of the community for many years and no doubt Valley residents are looking forward to its grand re-opening.

 

Time to register to bowl a strike against domestic violence

Bowlers, sponsors take note

The registration deadline is quickly approaching for bowlers and sponsors for BHcare’s 25th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit March 9 at AMF Lanes, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford.  

All proceeds benefit domestic violence programs and services throughout the Valley, Greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Services include emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, advocacy, support and other critical services free of charge for individuals and children affected by domestic violence.

Please join us to “bowl a strike” against domestic violence. Participants of Bowl-2-Benefit raise money for the event by forming bowling teams and collecting pledges. 

Bowl sessions are at 9 and 11:30 a.m., 2, 5, or 8 p.m. Sessions are filling up fast. The 5 p.m. session is already full.

Individuals and/or businesses and organizations can also get involved by becoming an event or lane sponsor.  

Sponsorships start as low as $75.

According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 20 persons lose their lives to domestic violence in the state of Connecticut annually.

 Last year, the Center for Domestic Violence Services provided free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis, counseling, advocacy, support and other crucial services to more than 9,000 battered women and their children. 

Decreases in state and federal funding, coupled with increases in demand for services, make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.

The 25^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is sponsored by Bassett Brands and by Cox Radio: WPLR 99.1-FM and Star 99.9-FM.

For information or to participate, call Debbie Soulsby, 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit the BHcare website at www.bhcare.org.

Deadline for registration is Feb. 27.