Soulful Closet Sale Success for Secret Garden
The first annual Soulful Closet Sale was held Jan. 23, with a portion of proceeds going to BFL’s award winning Secret Garden program for people with disabilities who have experienced domestic violence.
Event organizer Lori (Dame) Sutherland, pictured at right with Secret Garden Assistant Director Denise Baker (center) and Secret Garden Director Georgette Delinois (left) was thrilled to create the event featuring one of a kind sale items. Yael Yekutiel was… read more
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports: Awareness months provide an opportunity to coordinate efforts that bring attention to specific issues. February is the time to get the word out about teen dating violence (TDV). The following are some resources that can help you with your efforts throughout February as well as all year long!
Visit the TDVAM website to learn about the issue and to check out resources and innovative ideas for engaging youth. Campaigns and events… read more
BFL Team Member to Attend Developing Leaders Program at Columbia University
Scott Hess, Organizational Development Manager and part of the HR/ODT Team at Barrier Free Living, has been accepted into the Columbia University Developing Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals, March 2014.
"I'm excited to be part of the intensive program. As an agency, Barrier Free Living is in the midst of amazing growth and crucial change and this program allows me to reach higher as a part of the leadership team," said Hess.
Hess… read more
Kessler Foundation Coat Drive for Freedom House Emergency Shelter
Kessler Foundation sponsored a coat drive for BFL's Freedom House Emergency Shelter, donating warm coats to the families at the facility.
Several hundred coats were received, said Occupational Therapy Coordinator Patricia Motus, who added that "It was amazing. Residents came and everyone found a coat that fit them perfectly. It looked like the coats were made for them."
Freedom House is nationally recognized as the first fully accessible emergency shelter for disabled victims of domestic violence and their families. Kessler… read more
DeafHope Glimmer of Hope Lavender Film Fest 2014
DeafHope is seeking entries for its 11th Annual Glimmer of Hope: Lavender Film Festival 2014 – Lights.. Camera.. ACTIVISM!
The entry Deadline: February 10, 2014 at 12:00 Noon Pacific.
Entry form here.… read more
Wounded Warrior Walking Tall
CNN Reports: On Veterans Day, former Army special ops officer Gary Linfoot took a brisk stroll around the Statue of Liberty.
That's remarkable because Linfoot is a paraplegic -- injured while on one of his many tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's been wheelchair-bound and paralyzed below the waist since 2008. But new technology has offered Linfoot the opportunity to walk again.It's possible because of a kind of wearable robot -- a full-body apparatus developed by California-based Ekso Bionics… read more
Winter Wonderland Party for Children at Freedom House Shelter
A Winter Wonder Land event, funded by Events by Secrets catering and the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) was held at BFL's Freedom House emergency shelter.
Events by Secrets provided Freedom House families brunch, a hot dog cart, popcorn cart and gifts. Harlem Children Zone provided gifts,a cookie decorating table and arts and craft for the children as well.… read more
Soulful Closet Event Supports BFL’s Secret Garden Program
The first annual Soulful Closet Sale will be held Jan. 23, with a portion of proceeds going to BFL's award winning Secret Garden program for people with disabilities who have experienced domestic violence.
Lori (Dame) Sutherland, who organized the event says: "We will be selling prized outfits, shoes, accessories and jewelry – either brand new (with tags!), or gently worn (and are in beautiful condition). From Banana Republic to Laboutins, darlings!… read more
Homeless Services United’s Christy Parque Interview On Aljazeera America
Christy Parque, Executive Director at Homeless Services United was interviewed live on the nationally syndicated show Aljazeera America about the next steps the new administration can take to begin addressing homelessness.
You can view the interview here .… read more
Soul Food Truck Feeds Homeless
DNAInfo New York reports: A food truck fit for the Midtown lunch crowd has started feeding the homeless and hungry in the East Village.
Soul Food Truck, a new initiative of Middle Collegiate Church on Second Avenue and East Seventh Street, serves savory free meals including fried chicken and collard greens to anyone who steps up to its window in Tompkins Square Park on Sunday afternoons.
Read the story.… read more
Documentary Explores People With Disabilities In The Work Force
NY1 reports about an award-winning new documentary exploring the challenges people with disabilities face in the work force, and the growing movement to get companies to employ them.
The documentary "A Whole Lott More," which won the audience award at the Hot Docs Film Festival, is a rare look inside a factory in Toledo, Ohio called Lott Industries. It's unique because since 1956, it primarily employs people with disabilities.
Read more.… read more
Domestic Violence Agency Collecting Items For Rape Prevention Kits
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 Secret Garden Launches S.P.E.A.K. Workshop
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
Feds Report Boost In Disability Hiring
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
Barrier Free Living Intern Gains Invaluable Skills
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 Letter to NY Times Editor Appearing Dec. 14
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