HAPPENINGS
SAKHI
This month I was introduced to a team of inspiring women at Sakhi. Sakhi, meaning “woman friend,” is an organization that unites South Asian communities, survivors, and institutions in effort to eradicate domestic violence.
In spite of an abundance of religious and cultural centers, professional associations, and ethnic-specific groups within New York’s large South Asian immigrant population, there was no place for women to address the silenced subject of domestic violence prior to Sakhi’s foundation. So they worked to create a safe place with a full range of culturally sensitive, language-specific information, support, services, and advocacy for South Asian women facing abuse in their lives.
Through Sakhi’s efforts to serve survivors and mobilize community members to condemn abuse, Sakhi has changed the conversation on domestic violence in our community.
This year’s “Building Bridges” Gala will take place Thursday, April 30 at Guastavino’s New York. Join me in supporting their mission to end violence against women forever. Purchase a ticket at http://www.sakhi.org/.
HOUSING WORKS
At Jess Rizzuti New York, we believe in giving back to our community. This season we are partnering with Housing Works, the country's largest community-based HIV/AIDS nonprofit dedicated to ending the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS.
Housing Works currently has 12 upscale thrift shops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn that are fully funded through charitable donations. We are donating merchandise from past collections, and 100% of the proceeds will directly contribute to Housing Works’ mission.
Hundreds of premier designers and luxury retailers donate top-quality merchandise to the stores, helping to raise over $18 million annually in support of Housing Works' lifesaving health and housing services for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about their service and advocacy, visit http://www.housingworks.org/.