Prudence Crandall Center Inc.

Mission: Prudence Crandall Center, Inc. provides caring support, beneficial information and individual advocacy to women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence. The center operates emergency shelters for women and their children, and strive to educate the community to reduce and ultimately eliminate domestic violence.

Background: At age 36, Prudence Crandall Center is the oldest domestic violence program in Connecticut and the second oldest nationwide. It is the only program serving New Britain, Bristol, Berlin, Kensington, Plainville, Southington, Burlington, Plymouth, and Terryville. The combination of services provided at the new Rose Hill Campus is the first of its kind in Connecticut and one of only a few in the nation.

Prudence Crandall Center has designed a comprehensive array of services to address the complex needs of those experiencing domestic violence, ranging from basic needs — such as safety, security, food and shelter — to court-based advocacy, supportive counseling, sufficient income, and affordable housing. The center also focuses on intervention and prevention through the New Britain and Bristol courts, and through supportive individual and group counseling and community education sessions with schools, civic groups, and religious groups.

In the past year, Prudence Crandall Center provided services and community education to more than 10,000 clients.

Major Fundraiser: The Fifth Annual Silent No More Auction & Reception will be held on Thursday, June 3, at CCSU’s Student Center, Alumni Hall. The event is sponsored by the Petit Family Foundation and all proceeds support the services of Prudence Crandall Center. Go to www.prudencecrandall.org for more information.

Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are needed to serve as hotline counselors, adult support group co-facilitators, child support group co-facilitators, child advocate assistants, office assistants, and development assistants. Call Jackie at 860-225-5187, extension 32, for more information.

Leadership: Barbara Damon, executive director; Lorraine Gauthier, associate director; Ann Evans, director of development; Mary Healey, president, board of directors; Karen Kulak, vice president; John Jakabauski, secretary; Katherine Lapico, treasurer.

Contact Information: Prudence Crandall Center, 594 Burritt St., New Britain, CT 06052; 860-225-5187; www.prudencecrandall.org