Center for Hope & Safety to Host Free Virtual Conversation with Bestselling Author Sarah Dessen on Intimate Partner Violence

Rochelle Park, N.J. (January 8, 2026) – Center for Hope & Safety, a nonprofit organization committed to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives from domestic violence, will host a free virtual conversation with bestselling young adult author Sarah Dessen on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The event will center on Dessen’s novel Dreamland and its exploration of intimate partner and domestic violence.

Held via Zoom, the conversation will bring together Sarah Dessen and Julye Myner, CEO of Center for Hope & Safety, to discuss the themes of Dreamland and how they reflect the real-life experiences of survivors, the dynamics of abusive relationships, and the behaviors that often characterize them. First published in 2000, Dreamland has remained a powerful and widely read novel for more than two decades, offering an honest portrayal of dating violence through the perspective of a teenage girl. The discussion will explore why the book continues to resonate with readers of all ages and how it can serve as a starting point for important conversations, particularly among teens and parents.

The event also marks the beginning of Center for Hope & Safety’s 50th anniversary year. For five decades, the nonprofit has supported Bergen County adults and children impacted by domestic and intimate partner violence, providing a range of services including safe housing, safety planning, financial empowerment workshops, career support, free legal services, and other critical resources to help survivors and their families move forward safely.

Community members are invited to take part in this free virtual conversation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. There is no cost to attend, and advance registration is required by January 12. To RSVP, visit: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/KEh279-TUayNMBa1lF5FzA. 

About Center for Hope & Safety 

Center for Hope & Safety, formerly Shelter our Sisters, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults and children in Bergen County rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence. Since 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has been providing a safe haven and critical support services for domestic violence survivors and their children. Our mission is to assist adults and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, economic, sexual, and physical abuse. We offer a full spectrum of free services designed to help survivors be safe, heal and thrive, including confidential safe housing, risk assessments, safety planning, counseling, advocacy, support groups, career counseling, legal services and creative arts therapy for children. Our free, confidential hotline operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year - call (201) 944-9600. For more information, visit www.hopeandsafetynj.org.