On Sunday February 10, enthusiastic community leaders, elected officials, and friends of The Second Step celebrated the groundbreaking for our second residence. After a brief groundbreaking ceremony at the residence, attendees celebrated with a reception at the Central Congregational Church. When renovations are completed in September 2002, the residence will provide housing for nine additional families and will include living and dining space as well as a playroom for the children.

As part of the ceremony Newton Mayor David Cohen commended The Second Step on its important work and said he was pleased that the city could play a key role in this project by providing initial funding through the Community Development Block Grant program. Alan Solomont, chairman of the community reinvestment committee of Boston Private Bank, remarked that the bank provided the construction loan and mortgage for the new residence because of its commitment to affordable housing and domestic violence. Dan Gaulin of the division of private housing, Department of Housing and Community Development also spoke about the need to support programs like The Second Step. State Representatives Ruth Balser and Peter Koutoujian offered greetings and congratulations to The Second Step, and Koutoujian read a proclamation commending The Second Step.

In addition, The Second Step Board of Directors President Sheila Ardery and Executive Director Liz Kirsch thanked the federal, state, and local officials for their support in enabling us to double the number of women and children served. "This is our next step," said Ardery. "This residence will fulfill our founders' vision of owning our own property."

In her remarks, Kirsch stated that "doubling our capacity means that we can help even more women and children escape the damaging effects of domestic violence. There are so few residential programs of this sort that every additional bed helps. We are thrilled with the support from the community for this effort."

At the groundbreaking ceremony, campaign co-chairs and Second Step board members Ruth Dzau and Susan Pettit introduced the Step-By-Step: Building a Future For Survivors of Domestic Violence Capital Campaign. According to Dzau, the campaign has three components: purchasing and renovating a second residence, renovating the existing facility, and expanding programs.

To accomplish these objectives, the campaign plans to raise $3 million and has already secured $1.9 million from federal, state, and local public sources. "Now we need to raise an additional $1.1 million from individuals, corporations, and foundations," she said. "Thanks to generous leadership support from board members, foundations, and individuals, we are well on our way to achieving that goal and have already raised over $600,000."

In addition, Pettit announced a challenge grant program offered by three special friends of The Second Step to match the first $250,000 in contributions given to the campaign between September 2001 and August 30, 2002. "This means that contributors can double their gifts. We're excited about this challenge grant and hope that it helps us meet and exceed our goal," she added.

The audience was moved by the eloquent words of a recent graduate as she recounted what The Second Step meant to her and how the new residence will help additional families escape from domestic violence.

The Second Step supporters Anita Adelson and Joan Banks organized the groundbreaking ceremony with donations from Barry's Village Deli, Devlin's Bar and Bistro, House of Party Favors, David Hubelbank Magician, Myrtle Baptist Church, Orange Shield of Newton North High School, Star Market, Starbucks, Phyllis Tobin Caterers, Virginia's, and the Waban Market. KPC Christopher Thomas provided design services for the invitation.