Center for Hope & Safety Marks 50 Years of Service with Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events Across Bergen County

ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. (September 18, 2026) – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Center for Hope & Safety, formerly known as Shelter Our Sisters, will host a series of community events across Bergen County to raise awareness, support survivors and engage the public in meaningful conversations around domestic abuse, prevention and healing.

This year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month holds special significance as Center for Hope & Safety marks its 50th anniversary. Since its founding in 1976, the organization has grown from an emergency shelter for survivors into a comprehensive domestic violence agency providing safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, therapeutic services for children and other support to individuals and families throughout Bergen County.

With more than 70,000 domestic violence incidents reported in New Jersey in 2023 and new national data showing that 61% of women and 45% of men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime, the need for support remains urgent.

In 2025, Center for Hope & Safety served more than 1,500 individuals and answered more than 5,000 calls through its free, confidential 24/7 hotline. The organization also provided residential housing support to nearly 200 adults and children through its emergency shelter, transitional housing and Safe & Sustainable Futures programs. 

“For 50 years, Center for Hope & Safety has been a place survivors and their families can turn to for safety, support and a path forward,” said Kristine Pendy, LCSW, CEO of Center for Hope & Safety. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to bring our community together, honor survivors and remember those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence. It also reminds us that raising awareness is something we all have a role in, not just during October, but throughout the year.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month events hosted by Center for Hope & Safety during the month of October include:

Light Up the Night Against Domestic Violence

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
6:15 p.m.
Van Saun County Park, Near Parking Lot 4
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

The annual outdoor candlelight vigil will bring the community together near the Pathway to Self-Sufficiency garden to honor those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence and recognize the strength and resilience of survivors. Bergen County survivors and family and friends of victims will share personal stories of survivorship, hope, healing and remembrance throughout the evening. The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to register here.

The Art of Survival Annual Reception

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6:00–7:30 p.m.
The Art School at Old Church
561 Piermont Road, Demarest, NJ

Through The Art of Survival, artwork created by Bergen County survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will be showcased during an annual reception at The Art School at Old Church. Led by Center for Hope & Safety Art Therapist Marta Levy, the therapeutic art program gives survivors an opportunity to express themselves creatively, build confidence and find connection and support alongside others with shared experiences. Registration for the event is available here. 

In addition to the annual reception, artwork from the program will be displayed throughout October at libraries in Westwood, Rochelle Park, Ramsey, Montvale, Maywood, Hillsdale, Glen Rock, Franklin Lakes, Washington Township and Hackensack, bringing survivors’ artwork and stories of healing to communities across Bergen County. 

The program is made possible by a grant administered by the Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs from funds of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. 

Purple Thursday: Wear Purple, Share Hope

Thursday, October 15, 2026
All Day – Online and In-Person

Individuals, schools, businesses and organizations across Bergen County are encouraged to wear purple in recognition of Purple Thursday, a national day of action supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence. Community members can share photos on social media using #PurpleThursday and tag @chsbergennj on Instagram and @hopeandsafetynj on Facebook to help spread awareness and show their support for survivors.

WALK TOGETHER Against Domestic Violence

Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30 a.m. Check-in | 10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
Van Saun County Park, Near Parking Lot 9, Pavilion I
216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ

The family-friendly 3K walk through Van Saun County Park will bring community members together in support of survivors and all those impacted by domestic violence. Participants will walk alongside survivors, families, friends and the professionals who support their journey toward safety and healing while helping raise awareness about domestic violence throughout Bergen County. Proceeds support Center for Hope & Safety’s comprehensive services for adults and children impacted by domestic violence.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available online. Supporters can also create individual fundraising pages or make a donation to benefit Center for Hope & Safety’s programs and services.

As Center for Hope & Safety marks 50 years of serving Bergen County, the organization continues its commitment to raising awareness, fostering healing and ensuring survivors have access to the resources and support they need to move forward.

If you or someone you know needs help, call Center for Hope & Safety’s free, confidential 24/7 hotline at (201) 944-9600. Learn more at www.hopeandsafetynj.org.

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.