Unique way to support domestic violence survivors
By Claudia Hilario; Bristol Press; Mar. 24, 2026
BERLIN — A community book-themed fundraiser brought residents together to support survivors of domestic violence while celebrating women’s voices in literature.
Grassroots Berlin hosted the “Blind Date with HER-Story” event at Coles Road Brewing. The event, held during Women’s History Month, invited guests to choose from wrapped “mystery” books written by female authors, creating a surprise reading experience while raising funds for the Prudence Crandall Center.
“We were thrilled by the strong turnout from our community — so many people came out to support both our event and the Prudence Crandall Center and their generosity through book purchases and monetary donations was truly heartwarming,” organizers told the Herald.
“We had between 30-40 people attend the event over the four hours of the fundraiser,” coordinators said.
More than 50 books were sold, including selections for both adults and children. In total, the event raised $1,000 for the Prudence Crandall Center, a regional organization that provides shelter, advocacy and support services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence.
The event’s idea is directly tied to the missions of both Grassroots Berlin and the beneficiary organization.
“Grassroots Berlin is a community organization that believes that real change begins at the local level, and to that end, we look for opportunities to support local organizations who are doing positive things for our community,” coordinators said.
They added this month has been a meaningful time to partner with the center, which supports thousands of women and children each year.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will help fund critical services offered by the Prudence Crandall Center.
“Prudence Crandall uses the donations to run their 24/7 crisis hotline and provide emergency shelter, supportive housing, counseling, court advocacy and basic needs for adults and children who are survivors of domestic violence,” organizers said.
In addition to raising money, the event aimed to bring the community together in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Attendees browsed books, connected with neighbors and learned more about the work being done to support survivors.
Organizers said they were encouraged by the public response.
“We raised $1,000 for Prudence Crandall and have arranged to bring the check to them on March 30,” they said.
Grassroots Berlin plans to continue hosting community-focused events in the coming months, including educational and fundraising efforts tied to local causes.
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PCC Guest Spot on MetroHartford Alliance Pulse of the Region Podcast
Hosted by Kate Baumann; MetroHartford Alliance Pulse of the Region Podcast; Mar. 25, 2026
This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re discussing 860Gives, a 48-hour community-wide fundraising campaign powered by United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. Here to discuss 860Gives are Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, Corrianne Chipello, CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant, and Carolyn Jasper, Chief Development Officer of Prudence Crandall Center.
860Gives kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, and concludes at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2. Find out more about 860Gives and over 140 nonprofits that are participating in the giving campaign this year by visiting https://www.860gives.org/.
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New board members look to continue mission
By Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald & Bristol Press; Mar. 11, 2026
NEW BRITAIN — The Prudence Crandall Center has appointed four new members to its board of directors, strengthening leadership at the nonprofit organization that supports survivors of domestic violence across central Connecticut.
“Each of the four new Board members brings a deep passion for Prudence Crandall Center’s mission and a breadth of experience that will serve our clients well. I look forward to their contributions to our Board of Directors,” board chair David Rackliffe said.
The new board members are Christine Laprise, Destiny Rosado, Breana Vessichio and Dylan Yaworski.
Prudence Crandall Center, based in New Britain, has served survivors of domestic violence and their families for more than 50 years. The organization provides services such as emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy and community education programs aimed at preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors.
The organization said its board of directors plays an important role in providing guidance, oversight and long-term planning to support its mission.
Laprise, vice president of operations for Bristol Health, is one of the new members. In 2025, she helped lead a partnership between Bristol Health and the Prudence Crandall Center to strengthen services for survivors and increase prevention efforts in the Greater Bristol area.
“The Prudence Crandall Center must maintain a strong presence in our community. We will create a safe space for those who experience teen dating violence and domestic violence. And, we will create a conduit for hope, connecting survivors with the experienced professionals at the Prudence Crandall Center,” Laprise said.
Laprise holds a Master of Legal Studies and has more than 25 years of experience in human resources, corporate compliance and operations administration.
Rosado, a certified public accountant and senior tax manager at Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP, also joins the board. Since 2022, she has been involved with the organization’s engagement team, helping strengthen community connections through events and outreach.
“I’ve seen firsthand the amazing efforts and hard work that goes into developing their programs, their events. I hope that my contribution to the board is valuable and I look forward to giving back and learning in a more deeply meaningful way,” Rosado said.
Vessichio, an attorney and counsel at Travelers Insurance, brings more than a decade of advocacy and legal experience related to domestic violence awareness and survivor support.
“I so believe in [PCC’s] mission, helping victims and survivors of domestic violence through comprehensive services, to allow for them to live beautiful, fulfilling lives of love and happiness,” Vessichio said.
Yaworski, vice president of strategy and enterprise development for Corbin Advisors, also joins the board. He has more than 10 years of experience in corporate strategy and advising organizations on long-term planning.
“It was important to me to get involved with my community locally and it was important to me to find an organization where they place the mission at the center of everything that they do… It’s for that reason I’m honored and humbled to join the Board of Directors,” Yaworski said.
Organization leaders said the new board members will help guide the agency as it continues to respond to the growing needs of survivors and families across the region.
According to the Prudence Crandall Center, about 30% to 40% of its funding comes from private donors and community partners, underscoring the role of community support in sustaining its programs.
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Locals to receive Women & Girls Fund grants
By Brian Johnson; Bristol Press; Jan. 19, 2026
BRISTOL — The Main Street Community Foundation’s Women & Girls Fund will announce $59,150 in grants to area 12 organizations at DoubleTree by Hilton.
The grantee reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the hotel and banquet facility at 42 Century Dr. The event will include refreshments and networking opportunities as well as the grant presentations.
Samantha Rajotte, scholarship and program officer with the Main Street Community Foundation, said the recipient organizations and programs are all “working to improve the lives of women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott.”
“They will be awarded grants and honored for their commitment to their mission,” she said.
Rajotte said the presentation and program will begin at 6 p.m. that day. The majority of the grantee organizations, she said, will be present to speak about the impact that the grants will have.
“Join the Women & Girls Fund in celebrating Main Street Community Foundation and all the ways we partner together to make it possible for women and girls to improve the quality of their lives,” she said.
Here is the grantee list:
Boys & Girls Club of Bristol – $5,000: SMART Girls: Giving Girls Confidence program for girls ages 8-12 to teach responsibility and to develop a healthy attitude and lifestyle by engaging in discussions and activities that reinforce positive behavior.
Bristol Family Resource Centers – $7,000: Expansion of the Girl Up! program, a targeted small-group intervention to build leadership skills in girls ages 6-12 in three Bristol Public Schools: Greene-Hills School, South Side School and West Bristol School.
BristolWORKS! – $6,150: Ready to Rise: Confidence, Leadership & Wellness for Rising Women, a series of interactive workshops for early-career woman that combines leadership development, confidence building and wellness strategies.
Community Counseling Centers of Central Connecticut – $1,500: Holistic Wellness and Self-Care Retreat at Pillwillop Therapeutic Farm, a three-day immersive experience designed for women mindfulness practices, self-care workshops, and expressive arts sessions, participants will learn practical wellness tools to enhance emotional resilience, manage stress and support ongoing mental health and well-being.
Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut – $1,550: Women’s Outdoor Adventure Series at Indian Rock Nature Preserve, a four-day program to empower women and girls, ages 8 through adult, by providing opportunities to connect with nature and engage in a variety of outdoor activities
PARC – $5,000: Golden Gang Senior Women’s Program, a year-round program designed to increase and improve the quality of life for senior women with developmental disabilities.
Plainville Youth Services – $4,000: A Space to Shine program which will empower young girls to reach their fullest potential and develop confidence, leadership and coping skills using arts and humanities workshops.
Plymouth Community Food Pantry – $2,500: Access to Personal Care Items for Senior Women (APCISW) program to provide senior women with personal care products falling into four categories: hygiene, incontinence, dental and other, which SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase.
Prudence Crandall Center, Inc. – $5,000: Domestic Violence Counseling and Support Groups for Women and Girls program offering counseling services focused on women’s mental health and wellbeing, providing emotional support and practical assistance to address the complex impact of domestic violence on their lives.
Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center, Inc. – $6,250: Women’s Equine Gestalt Group, an on-going program to strengthen mental health, well-being and self-esteem for mature women.
The Carousel Museum – $5,200: The OWL Society: Older Women Learning – New Skills, New Joy, Lifelong Learning, a six-month program to enrich lives of women 55 and older by fostering connection, lifelong learning and a sense of belonging.
The YWCA of New Britain – $10,000: The Sexual Assault Crisis Service program for women and girls provides free and confidential services to survivors of sexual violence. Services include: 24-hour crisis hotlines, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, accompaniments and advocacy to medical, police, and court proceedings, campus services, information and referrals, state certification training for Counselor Advocates, prevention education for all ages/groups and outreach events in the community.
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