Writer's Block Ink and Safe Futures Announce 2017 Collaboration

 
New London, CT – Writer’s Block Ink and Safe Futures are pleased to announce that they are partnering again in Raising Voices Against Domestic Violence, a collaborative project using the arts to spread awareness of domestic violence in Southeastern Connecticut. Writer’s Block Ink and Safe Futures believe that every person has the power to raise their voice to heal, educate, and prevent domestic violence. The project, which will run through the spring, will kick-off with an opening reception on Monday, February 27th. The reception will take place from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, at the Harris Place Atrium located at 165 State Street in New London. For more information, visit www.writersblockink.org or www.facebook.com/RaisingVoicesAgainstDomesticViolence
 
The reception will feature speakers from both community organizations as well as a display of artwork created throughout last year’s program. Information about the upcoming Raising Voices Against Domestic Violence art studios will be distributed at the event. All programs are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at (860) 442-5625.
 
The spring will feature a series of Open Arts Studio. The studios will create a space to engage, reflect, heal, create, restore and share around first- and third-person experiences relating to domestic violence -- direct or indirect. Each studio will feature a different arts mediums, including painting, music, writing, dance, and storytelling. Expert teaching artists will lead each session. The teaching artists will be available to guide participants through telling their stories with art. Artists and non-artists alike are invited to explore and share their experiences with domestic violence through each art medium. No personal experience with domestic violence required; the issue impacts us as a community and the goal is to share our varying perspectives on the issue to creating awareness and change.
 
Domestic violence affects people in our communities both locally and globally, regardless of race, gender, class, age, sexuality, ethnicity, or ability. We are impacted as direct victims, but more often as witnesses and as supporters for someone going through abuse.
 
The Raising Voices Against Domestic Violence project is funded by the Community Foundation’s Southeast Women & Girls Fund.
 
Individuals, organizations, businesses are encouraged to get involved in this powerful community movement by contacting Writer’s Block Ink at (860) 442-5625 or writersblock2@gmail.com. Visit www.RaisingVoicesAgainstDomesticViolence.org or www.facebook.com/RaisingVoicesAgainstDomesticViolence for more information.
 
Writer’s Block Ink arms young voices with the power of pen and prose, reinforcing teamwork, accountability, and responsibility; igniting social change on the page and stage. It is a New London-based nonprofit founded in 2003 to encourage youth in Southeastern CT to use writing and performance as tools to address personal and social challenges. Writer’s Block Ink serves 300-400 youth per year through its programs and school partnerships, and engages thousands of community members through events, performances, and presentations. Youth participants create and perform original pieces and productions addressing social issues that affect their daily lives. Writer’s Block Ink finds, feeds, and launches young leaders. www.writersblockink.org
 
For 40 years, Safe Futures has been saving lives, restoring hope and changing the future for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault throughout southeastern Connecticut. Safe Futures, founded in 1976 as the Women’s Center of Southeastern CT, operates two 24-hour hotlines, an emergency shelter and a transitional living program. It also provides legal assistance, counseling and advocacy, case management, support groups and educational programs for schools as community groups.  All 21 towns in New London County are served by the agency. www.safefuturesct.org
 
Safe Futures is part of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV).  Safe Futures is also a Partner Agency of United Way and its programs are funded in part by the State of Connecticut’s Departments of Social Service, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Office of Victim Services, Judicial Branch. 
 
Who: Raising Voices Against Domestic Violence: Collaboration with Writer’s Block Ink and Safe Futures 
What: 2017 Opening Reception 
Where: Harris Place Atrium, 165 State Street, New London, CT 06320 
When: Monday, February 27th, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 
How: RSVP please: (860) 44-BLOCK