Media Contact:
Rosemary Brutico
Quintessence Communication
rbrutico@quintcomm.com
781-270-0480
The Second Step’s Eighth Annual Celebrating Success Honors
Recent Graduates of Its Domestic Abuse Prevention Program
Broadcast Personalities, Marjorie Clapprood and Susan Wornick, Preside as Emcees
Newton, Mass., May 1, 2002 -- The Second Step, a private, nonprofit agency that provides long-term transitional housing and support services to survivors of domestic abuse and their children, will pay tribute to eight women who have recently completed The Second Step program. In a celebration similar to a commencement, these women graduates will be recognized and honored for their courage and determination in acquiring the essential life and job skills they need to make a successful transition from The Second Step’s transitional housing to independent living.
Titled "Celebrating Success 2002," the benefit will be hosted by radio and TV personalities Marjorie Clapprood and Susan Wornick, two longtime champions of The Second Step. More than 450 people are expected to attend the celebration, which will be held at the Newton Marriott on Wednesday, May 8, 2002, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. A silent auction and reception begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the graduation program. Celebrating Success 2002 is made possible in part by the generous contributions of Bridgitt and Bruce Evans, Tristin and Martin Mannion, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs, and Boston Private Bank & Trust Company.
"Over the past several years, I have met many amazing women who have gone through The Second Step program. Celebrating the lives of these women -- who were encouraged, nurtured, and buoyed while facing overwhelming questions, questionable options, and few answers -- also means celebrating the success of a program that saves lives," said Susan Wornick, WCVB-TV’s (Channel 5) reporter.
According to Marjorie Clapprood, president of Marjorie O'Neill Clapprood Associates, "It’s been an honor to be associated with The Second Step over the years. I get to participate in a rare and wonderful phenomenon -- a celebration of women who have found the resolve to overcome domestic violence with the help of The Second Step. This celebration is nothing short of a miracle, and I feel fortunate to be a witness."
The Second Step enables women who are in abusive situations to break the cycle of domestic violence and rebuild their lives by gaining the life skills and self-confidence to become financially self-sufficient and emotionally independent of their abusers. The agency has been in existence since 1992 and has worked with more than 780 women and children through its outreach programs. Residents are referred to The Second Step’s transitional housing program by more than 32 battered women’s crisis shelters throughout Massachusetts. Qualified residents, who come from diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, must demonstrate a serious commitment to The Second Step’s work-study and job-training programs. The Second Step boasts a high success rate: 97 percent of its residents have remained free of domestic abuse; 85 percent are in their own apartments; and 80 percent are no longer on welfare.
"Domestic violence does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone. The Second Step’s mission is to reach out to women from all walks-of-life who have left their abusers and are struggling with the financial and emotional roadblocks to independence. Through our program, our residents receive the professional counseling and family services that enable them to regain their dignity and self-worth so they can go out into the world and lead abuse-free and economically productive lives," said Liz Kirsch, executive director of The Second Step.
Other highlights of the evening include a silent auction. Some of the unique items that will be included in the auction are a dive in the New England Aquarium; tickets to the Conan O’Brien Show in NYC; and Red Sox tickets.
The cost of admission ranges from $125.00 for an individual; $500.00 for a patron, $750.00 for a benefactor, and $1,500 for a table of 10. The proceeds from the benefit go to support The Second Step’s outreach programs. To RSVP, please contact Leeanna Varga at 617-965-2026.
The press is welcome. Please contact Rosemary Brutico at 781-270-0480 to obtain a press pass.
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 will 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, foundations, corporations, and community organizations. More information about the agency can be found at www.thesecondstep.org.
