WARWICK, RI – Walking through the doors of the Event Factory in Warwick, it was hard to miss the positive energy brought by the team at Nora’s Haven for their first annual fundraiser.
A silent disco theme boasting three dj’s, a buffet and silent auction, the goal of the first annual fundraiser was to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence. “Tonight we’re celebrating reclaiming our voice,” says Jennifer Rourke, Founder of Nora’s Haven. “Folks who are going through situations of personal violence usually have their voices taken away. And tonight we want people to block out the outside noise and reclaim their voice by singing.”
An immediate crisis response team celebrating their first year as an official non-profit, the brave friends at Nora’s Haven have been committed to serving victims of domestic violence for 25 years.
“Whatever help you need, we’re gonna do it,” explains Thomas Rourke. From clothing to transportation, teddy bears for children to toiletries and daily necessities and even changing locks, the team works hard to ensure survivors are well supported. “If someone finally has the courage to call, we want to be there for them immediately,” says Jennifer. “On average it takes a person seven times to leave a situation of violence, so when someone has the strength and courage to call we want to make sure that we are there for them 24 hours a day.”
“If they have children, bringing the children with them, providing food and shelter and helping to move them on to a permanent, good future,” says Chris Varon, board member. “I wish (more people) knew how hard it was to get out of a situation. I am a survivor of domestic abuse myself, and when you really love the person -especially if the person is saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’ll never do this again’. You tend to believe them and the next thing you know you’re in a dangerous situation after another – a lot of people get judged for that.”
For all those that attended, Jennifer left a message she wishes all who attended could leave with. “I wish more people understood that someone they love or one of their friends might be in a situation like this and to not pass judgement, and the best thing you can say to someone is ‘I’m here when you’re ready’.”
To learn more about Nora’s Haven, visit their website.
To see more stories like this or if you have an event you’d like to pitch to Emmalyn to cover, email emmalyn@emmalynreid.com.
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Emmalyn Reid 