Eye on the Prize

On June 1, The Center for Women and Families of Eastern Fairfield County was designated a website finalist and contender by Pepsi Cola for a $50,000 grant based on its in-school project "Hands are not for Hitting."

“We need everybody’s help,” said the Center’s Chief Executive Officer Debra Greenwood, who oversees the non-profit’s ongoing campaign against domestic violence, sexual abuse, bullying and teen rape in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.

“With $50,000, the Center will be able to launch its 'Hands are not for Hitting' program in the preschools and kindergartens of our six towns,” she added.

The program teaches children how to build healthy friendships and violence prevention.

According to national statistics, bullying and teen dating violence, though often invisible, are increasing within school systems. Long unrecognized, it has lead to the fact that every 15 seconds a woman in the United States is abused. The Center’s early in-school program is aimed at breaking the cycle of violence, but it needs to win Pepsi’s $50,000 grant to initiate the program.

Greenwood is urging everyone to take a few minutes everyday throughout June to cast a vote online for their "Hands are not for Hitting" project.

“Simply go to http://www.refresheverything.com/handsarenotforhitting   and push the VOTE button. After registering, you can cast a vote every day until July 1. And you can cast a power vote worth 100 votes 10 times a day by using a code printed inside the cap or carton of Pepsi,” said Greenwood. “Your votes will be a crucial step in helping young, local lives to eradicate violence and abuse.”

The Center is asking readers to alert friends, family (especially computer-savvy teens), fellow workers and colleagues, classmates, union and service club members, everyone who is against violence and abuse and for children living without intimidation and fear.

The Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield County was founded in 1895. It has built its lifesaving free services and reputation on confidentiality, professionalism and valued partnerships with state and local advocates for victims of all kinds of abuse. Headquartered at the corner of Park and Fairfield Avenues (753 Fairfield Ave.) it is dedicated to keeping clients safe and strengthening families through education in Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.  Visit cwfefc.com.