BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) is hosting its 25th annual Speaking of Women luncheon at The Waterview in Monroe at noon Wednesday, Sept. 14. Stephanie Land, the New York Times bestselling author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Wages and a Mother’s Will to Survive”, is the featured speaker.
The book is the real-life inspiration for the Emmy-nominated Netflix original series “Maid”.
“Speaking of Woman is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the funds we receive helps to support the programs and services we provide for our clients,” said Debra A. Greenwood, president and CEO of The Center for Family Justice.
“Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen an uptick of more than 25 percent,” she said. “In my 15 years, this is the worst I’ve ever seen it. Our food pantry is also suffering, which is heartbreaking, not having the ability to fill a big box or bag to give to a client is terrible. Blame it on a lot of things — inflation, the cost of food, transportation.”
“We rely on the support of the communities we serve and we hope that anyone who can, will continue to donate so we can help individuals and children who are impacted by domestic violence and sexual abuse,” Greenwood said.
For tickets, information or to donate, visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call Lisa Labella (203) 334-6154 ext. 121.
Stephanie Land
This year’s Speaking of Women, presented by M & T Bank, features Stephanie Land, the New York Times bestselling author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Wages and a Mother’s Will to Survive”, which is the real-life inspiration for the Emmy-nominated Netflix original series “Maid.”
The live luncheon program will feature Land sharing about her financial and domestic abuse struggles and how she found the strength to carry on as a single mother. Anna Zap, host of the Anna & Raven Show on Star 99.9, will moderate a Q & A discussion after Land’s presentation.
Guests who do not wish to come in person, can purchase a virtual ticket to view the program via a livestream broadcast. A V.I.P. ticket is also available for those who wish to meet and get a photo and autograph with Stephanie Land.
This inspiring annual event raises funds to provide critical support allowing CFJ staff to offer transformative services to individuals and families in crisis, and to serve the children who most need our help in breaking the inter-generational cycle of violence.
Each year, CFJ provides crisis and support services to more than 4,500 adults and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence and child abuse living in the communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Stratford, Monroe and Trumbull. The impact for clients is life changing.
CFJ’s services
The Center for Family Justice’s services include the operation of 24-hour crisis hotline, and 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.
Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport is another program that CFJ offers for youth ages 7-17 impacted by the trauma of domestic or sexual violence.
The tri-chairs of Speaking of Women 2022 are Sophia Goncalves of Trumbull, Patti Masarek of Milford and CFJ Board Member Sarah Cwikla of Easton.
