BRIDGEPORT, CT — Steve Pemberton, The Center for Family Justice’s keynote speaker for its 27th Annual Speaking of Women event, entered the foster care system when he was just three-years-old, starting what he describes as a nomadic journey going from one foster family to another.
Pemberton was eventually placed with a family when he was five-years-old, where he would remain for 11 years in isolation and physical abuse. He was finally removed from that home at 16, when a kind high school counselor, who had recognized Pemberton’s potential, took him in.
Pemberton would eventually graduate from Boston College, establish a successful career as a human resources executive, and start a family. He attributes much of his success to his “human lighthouses”, people who would support and inspire him to follow the right path.
Pemberton, author of “The Lighthouse Effect: How Ordinary People Can Have An Extraordinary Impact In the World”, will bring his inspiring story to Speaking of Women, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at The Waterview in Monroe.
“I know how important the work is because I lived it,” he said of the free and confidential services provided by CFJ staff. “And I’m aware that there is a degree of fatigue, and exhaustion, and quiet questioning as to whether or not we’re having an impact. And I’m the answer. I’m how their work turns out.”
Debra Greenwood, president and CEO of CFJ, said Pemberton is an inspirational speaker who will shed light on the important work CFJ does.
“When we think of a lighthouse, we think of people who help guide someone who’s in the middle of a storm,” Greenwood said. “At CFJ, we see people come in at the darkest points in their lives, suffering from domestic and sexual abuse. Through our work with children and adults, we help people realize there is hope; that they are resilient and can have successful lives and that we believe and support them.”
Presented by M&T Bank, Speaking of Women will also feature Star 99.9’s Anna Zap, of “The Anna and Raven Show”, as master of ceremonies, a silent auction and more. VIP tickets include a reception that starts at 11:15 a.m. with the main program starting at noon.
Tickets to the event are available at bit.ly/cfjsow2024. For information, call CFJ at 203-334-6154.
The Tri-chairs of Speaking of Women 2024 are CFJ Board Vice Chair Sofia De Carvalho, Patti Masarek and CFJ Board Member Sarah Cwikla Mastropole.
More about Steve Pemberton
In his 2012 memoir, “A Chance in the World”, Pemberton talks about his journey from a child navigating the harsh realities of the foster care system to a man of resilience and determination. His story was made into the 2018 movie of the same name, starring Kelly Owens and Tom Sizemore.
In his follow-up, “The Lighthouse Effect”, Steve writes about how anyone can be a “human lighthouse” by featuring the stories of those who have moved through tragedy and have helped inspire others.
Speaking of Women raises vital funds that allow CFJ staff to continue to provide free, confidential, trauma-informed services for anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse.
The Center for Family Justice’s services include the operation of 24-hour crisis hotline, an emergency safe house for survivors of domestic violence as well as comprehensive supportive services for those seeking to rebuild their lives after trauma. These services include safety planning, support groups and self-sufficiency programs.
Its programs also feature our Prevent and Education Unit, a Child Advocacy Center, and The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport and Pathways to HOPE programs for youth ages 7-17.
The towns CFJ serves include Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.
About The Center for Family Justice
The mission of The Center for Family Justice is to break the cycle of domestic, sexual, and child abuse and violence by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.
Its vision is to end domestic and sexual abuse and violence in our communities.
CFJ believes:
- Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
- Collaboration with its clients, partners and communities is vital to achieve individualized choice, success and empowerment.
- Trust is essential for its work in building self-sufficient survivors.
- Compassion and hope allow people to thrive and feel safe.
- Community education, awareness and outreach are essential to drive and maintain social change and justice.
For information about The Center for Family Justice, visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call 203-334-6154. CFJ, 753 Fairfield Ave. in Bridgeport, serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.
24/7 Hotline Numbers:
- Domestic violence (203) 384-9559
- Sexual abuse (203) 333-2233
- Spanish (203) 568-8332
