New Visions Blog

Lebanon County Domestic Violence Intervention wants to fill 100 SHARP kits, which stands for “stalking, harassment and rape prevention.” January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Read the story here. … read more

BFL's award winning Secret Garden program for people with disabilities who have experienced domestic violence has launched a S.P.E.A.K. (Strength. Positivity.Empathy.Action.Kindness.) workshop aimed at building a sense of "self, confidence, awareness and gut feelings." Topics range from safety planning to mind-body connections. Info: [email protected]… read more

Disability Scoop reports: The number of federal workers with disabilities is on the rise, with a new report finding that such employment has reached its highest level in more than three decades. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management said in a report released Thursday that the nation’s largest employer added 16,653 new employees with disabilities during the 2012 fiscal year, bringing the total to nearly 220,000. Read the full story here. … read more

Lucille Obarzanek had the education and the drive to get ahead in her career. What she lacked was experience, something her 2013 internship at Barrier Free Living (BFL) provided. “I was having a hard time finding a job. I had finished the certificate program in accounting at Baruch College in April but I did not have on the job experience,” said Lucille. “I wanted book keeping experience and to also… read more

Homeless Services United's letter to the editor regarding the New York Times "Invisible Child" article series  will run on Saturday Dec. 14. The article follows one young girl and her family, as they struggle to leave shelter and find a place to call home. Read the NY Times story here.… read more

BFL's Breaking Barriers in Domestic Violence December Newsletter about holiday safety was highlighted by Futures Without Violence. Read the article here.… read more

The Barrier Free Living Speakers Bureau has released its winter holiday newsletter. The Speakers Bureau was founded in May 2012 by Theresa A.H. Macintosh.  Ms. Macintosh, a survivor of Domestic Violence and an amputee, is a Mayoral Appointee of the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and is a Trustee on the Board of Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House.The Speakers Bureau provides training and encouragement to disabled Survivors of Domestic Violence. Click here to view the newsletter.… read more

Singer Blake Drummond debuted Barrier Free, the song he wrote for Barrier Free Living at the agency's holiday event this month. Drummond, who also created the agency's mission film, was part of BFL's 25 Videos of Hope Campaign running in December and was inspired to create the song about the agency… read more

A Teen Art Sale to benefit the children of Barrier Free Living's Freedom House Emergency Shelter will be held December 15, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Hastings Yoga, 45 Main St., Hastings on Hudson NY. Freedom House  is nationally recognized as the first fully accessible emergency shelter for disabled victims of domestic violence and their families. All proceeds will go toward purchasing art supplies for the shelter kids. View the flyer. To organize an event to benefit… read more