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THE SECOND STEP PRESENTS FLOWERS AREN’T ENOUGH AS PART OF STEP UP TO THE ARTS BENEFIT
Local Nonprofit Partners with Actress Naomi Ackerman to Recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Newton, MA., October 8, 2004 -- The Second Step, a Newton-based transitional program for survivors of domestic violence and their children, presents its annual event in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Step Up to the Arts benefit entitled Flowers Aren’t Enough is a monologue about domestic violence written and performed by Naomi Ackerman. The performance will occur on Tuesday, October 26, 2004, at the Rashi School in Newton. Doors open at 6:45 pm and the performance will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. A dessert reception with the actress will follow. Ticket prices range from $35 to $150, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Naomi Ackerman, an American-born Israeli, wrote and performs Flowers Aren’t Enough, a compelling monologue that tells the story of Michal, a young woman from an upper-middle-class family who finds herself in an abusive relationship. Michal describes how her partner gradually narrows her world, isolating her from her surroundings. Members of the audience will see her denial, her guilt, and how social conditioning intensifies her shame and despair. They will witness Michal sink into darkness and then watch her take charge of her life and rediscover herself. Ackerman created the monologue from true stories and actual incidents graciously shared by women willing to talk about their all too common experiences.

An internationally acclaimed actress, Ackerman received a BA from Hebrew University and teaching credentials from David Yellin Teachers Seminar. She is a graduate of the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio and successfully completed a two-level film-acting course run by Ruth Dichess. Her credits include theater, musicals, films, and television. She consults with organizations to adapt and create drama techniques to deal with social, gender, and educational issues.

“Domestic violence occurs at all levels of American society,” said Liz Kirsch, executive director of The Second Step. “Flowers Aren’t Enough shows how women misread warning signs because they don’t think domestic violence will happen to them. Naomi Ackerman’s compelling monologue illustrates the insidious effect of domestic violence and the strength needed to escape it.”

To order tickets, become a sponsor, or for more information, call 617-965-2026 or visit the website at www.thesecondstep.org.

About The Second Step
Founded in 1992, The Second Step is a private, nonprofit organization that provides long-term transitional services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Its mission is to help women develop life and job skills that enable them to make a successful transition to independent living. The agency is funded through federal, state, and local grants as well as donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations. More information about the agency can be found at www.thesecondstep.org.