FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT JWI:
Meredith Jacobs, VP Communications
(d) 202‐464‐4803 (c) 301‐529‐8591
CONTACT Independence House, Inc.:
Donna Giberti, Director of Marketing &
Development 508‐771‐6507 x221
Children’s Library to Open in Cape Cod Domestic Violence Agency
Library at Independence House is Jewish Women International’s 54th in domestic violence shelters/agencies nationwide
April 12, 2016, Hyannis, MA — JWI (Jewish Women International), the leading Jewish women’s organization working to end domestic and sexual violence against women and girls, will dedicate a brand new children’s library at a domestic violence agency on April 26th on Cape Cod. The library, to be housed in Hyannis’ Independence House, is made possible by generous donations from the Gussack family and will be known as the Manya Kanof Gussack Library.
JWI’s National Library Initiative is working toward establishing 100 children’s libraries in domestic violence shelters across the country. The library on Cape Cod is the 54th to open as part of the initiative.
“JWI’s National Library Initiative puts the children front and center by providing a sanctuary where each child can find the comfort that only a good book and a safe place can provide,” said JWI’s CEO Lori Weinstein. “Our philanthropic commitment is anchored by our work across the country educating, training and advocating for the end of domestic violence.”
Independence House serves over 5,000 families throughout the course of a year and is Cape Cod’s leading resource, counseling and advocacy center to address and prevent domestic and sexual violence. The agency promotes healthy relationships and provides free and confidential services and widespread programs for adults, teens and children (ages 6 and up) who are survivors of, or affected by, domestic and sexual violence.
“The transformation of what was previously a childcare room has now been expanded to a vibrant colorful and cozy space that is a resource to all of the children and teens that come to Independence House for services,” said Donna Giberti, Independence House director of development and marketing. “We’re both thrilled to partner with JWI and enormously grateful to the Gussack family for their generosity and support.”
Press is invited to attend the event. Press contact: Donna Giberti at Independence House at donnag@indhouse.net 508‐771 6507 x221 or Meredith Jacobs at JWI mjacobs@jwi.org 202‐464 4803.
Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of NO MORE and the Establish National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.
Independence House, Inc., established in 1979 serves residents of all 15 towns on Cape Cod with offices in Hyannis, Falmouth, Orleans and Provincetown. The mission of Independence House is to help all domestic violence and sexual assault victims, survivors and their children by creating opportunities to find safety and become empowered through crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, referral, outreach, prevention, education and inspiring change in our community.
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