New Visions Blog

Larry and Lysa first became connected to Barrier Free Living through a touch of sparkle. The couple are members of Spread the Sparkle, a group which has created holiday events for the residents and tenants at Barrier Free Living's programs for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities for the past several years. In 2020, Larry and Lysa decided to step up their support of the agency, reaching out to friends and colleagues… read more

When Slick Chicks founder Helya Mohammadian learned about Barrier Free Living's work with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities, she knew it was a mission-match. Helya wanted to connect to and support a non-profit by donating her product - patented underwear "designed with side fasteners that make it easy for someone to put on or take off whether they are sitting, standing, or laying down." "We learned about BFL from (former… read more

https://www.bflnyc.org/core/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Freedom_House_covid_safety_-_SD_480p-en-5723460-39320.m4v… read more

What began as a close-knit effort to give a few dozen gift bags to survivors of domestic violence on Valentine's Day has bloomed into a community-driven project delivering nearly 600 bags to 5 different shelters. This year, Barrier Free Living is the latest recipient of beautiful, bountiful gifts (photo above) prepared by the Valentine Community Project, bringing joy to the residents and tenants at our domestic violence shelter and program. We… read more

Barrier Free Living (BFL) received nearly 100 gorgeous hand-knitted scarves at an event at New York City's Bryant Park today, as part of the annual Found But Not Lost Program. BFL Director of Communications Scott Hess spoke at the event, expressing the agency's gratitude. "We are incredibly grateful to Bryant Park Corp. for the scarf donations again this year. Receiving a beautiful new scarf means so much to the residents and their kids… read more

In 2018, Stephanie decided to channel her love of cooking and her commitment to her roots into a winning recipe: PhanousKitchen. With a catering menu that offers everything from 5 cheese Mac and Cheese to Siracha Scotch Bonnet Wings or Rum Pineapple Cake Jars, Long Island NY based Chef Steph relies on old family recipes to keep things authentic. As the first guest star Chef in Barrier Free Living's new… read more

A powerful article from the Queens Daily Eagle, ENDGBV Voices Committee posted Jan. 28. 2021. Dana thought that once she left her abusive ex-husband, she and her young son would be safe. Instead, her ex began calling her hundreds of times a day, driving by her house regularly, and showing up unexpectedly to threaten her and her son. She had to move twice, and both times her ex found her again. Sadly, Dana’s experience isn’t unique — over 6 million men and women… read more

Leaving a toxic 15-year relationship behind, Mels found safety and support at Barrier Free Living's Freedom House domestic violence shelter. Now settled in a home of her own, she curates a successful blog #thehalpernproject whose mission is community empowerment. Big fans of Mels, we caught up with her to talk about her journey. BFL: How did you find Barrier Free Living's Freedom House domestic violence shelter and what brought you there? Mels… read more

An article in Disability Insider states that 80% of women with disabilities suffer violence in Spain, 8 out of 10 during the COVID lockdown – a shocking fact. According to the experts, this situation has intensified during the coronavirus confinement. Read the full article here.  Barrier Free Living works with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities and is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary this year. Learn more. … read more

Drawing on her rich experience as a Social Work intern at Barrier Free Living's Freedom House, Jessica Rios-Flores turned her love of journaling into a publishing venture in 2020.  A life-long believer that writing can help us "uncover truths" Jessica put out "My Self Healing Journal" on Etsy. We caught up with Jessica this month to talk about her time at Freedom House and her latest adventures (she also owns a… read more

In addition to collaborations with groups like Winter Wishes and The Church of the Holy Trinity  Barrier Free Living is grateful to individuals donating toys to the kids at our domestic violence programs this season. Jason recently learned of our mission - working with survivors of domestic violence with disabilities - and decided to check out our amazon charity wish list, where he found toy suggestions. We reached… read more

Barrier Free Living team member Tony picking up donated toys to distribute to the kids at our domestic violence programs this month. BFL is grateful to our collaboration with Winter Wishes (part of NY Cares) who connected over 100 individual donors with gift requests from the kids living at our domestic violence programs this holiday season.… read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5S7O6oV2Kg&t=9s… read more

Barrier Free Living President/CEO Paul Feuerstein is being honored at this year's NCDAV Power Up National Conference on Domestic Violence (Oct. 25-28) with the prestigious Recognizing (Y)Our Power Lifetime Impact Award. "I am honored to be the recipient of the Recognizing (Y)Our Power Lifetime Impact Award, as a part of the NCADV 2020 Power Up National Conference on Domestic Violence. I am honored to have collaborated with so many wonderful staff members over… read more

With experience as a doula* and and a teacher of belly dancing, Karisma's love for working and writing about people in complex and creative situations led her to seek out a volunteer opportunity with the Barrier Free Living Communication Department. Karisma will offer support with social media messaging for the agency, as well as writing for the blog and being involved in events. We chatted with her as she began her… read more

Sara Eldridge, Assistant Director at Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden domestic violence program is in conversation with Lucy Ayala, the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at Secret Garden. They talk about the differences in the type of support they each offer to survivors… read more

Secret Garden team member Sara Eldridge will be featured on the Exhale to Inhale mental health panel on Sunday Oct. 18 at noon. Sara's participation is part of Barrier Free Living's Domestic Violence Awareness month outreach efforts through October. The panel is part of Exhale to Inhale's Week of Courage which includes Trauma-Informed Yoga Classes, a DJ Dance Party, a Meditation and a Sound Bath. Each event will provide a unique opportunity… read more

When Barrier Free Living first connected with Global Innovation Design student Sophie Horrocks in December 2019, we had no idea what an impact she'd have on the work we do. At the time, Sophie was finishing up her studies in New York and wanted to "give back" in a useful way before heading back to London.  After reaching out as a volunteer, she signed on to spruce up the… read more

Lucrecia Ayala, MSW is a bilingual Social Worker (Spanish and English) and the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at Secret Garden. She graduated from Stony Brook University, School of Social Welfare as a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Integrated Health, including a certification in Trauma Informed Care & Crisis Response. She has 10 years’ experience working with teens and adults in community and clinical settings, specializing in crisis services, housing… read more

Lucrecia (Lucy) Ayala joined Barrier Free Living (BFL) this summer as the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at our Secret Garden program, a brand new position at the agency. We touched base with Lucy to find out what drew her to the work, and what she hopes to achieve.  BFL: What drew you to apply for this new position at BFL? Lucy: I recently graduated from my Master's of Social Work program… read more

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Marcus Clemons, bilingual (Arabic/English) case manager at Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden, shared a poem (see below) inspired by his work with a survivor of domestic violence at the agency's recent Small & Mighty zoom event introducing the team. Marcus is creative in the work he does with survivors and considers himself a “partner on their journey towards well-being and security.” Learn more about Marucs and the team. View the recent… read more

Tiffany Williams joined the Barrier Free Living (BFL) team in 2004 driven by a fierce determination to give back to a community that saved her life. “I was homeless from age 6 to 13. The Lower East Side (of New York City) is where I was helped. I wanted to give back to the community that gave me life,” says Tiffany, who is bidding farewell to BFL this month.  “It took six months… read more

The Barrier Free Living Apartments' tenant-led Garden Club is thriving with a strong sense of community and an abundance of fresh vegetables this summer. Gigi, an original member of the club, says the roof top garden at the Bronx-based supportive housing program, which includes flowers as well as a host of vegetables, is providing a rich crop. More important, she adds, the club is making sure that members who… read more

ZOOM EVENT August 5, Noon-1pm Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86961852721 For over 20 years Barrier Free Living’s award winning Secret Garden program has provided one-on-one counseling, weekly support groups plus housing, legal and financial guidance to survivors of domestic violence with disabilities in the New York City area. We have a brand new team for 2020 and would love you to join us for this special event featuring poetry, live music and a chance to… read more

Sit Down With Sara: Domestic Violence & LGBTQ+ Relationships from barrier free living on Vimeo. Sara Eldridge, Assistant Director at Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden domestic violence shelter shares insights and tips on topics related to domestic violence and the services and support offered at Barrier Free Living. Coming Soon: a special Zoom event celebrating the… read more

Still We Rise: Barrier Free Living Celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month through Music, Literature & Performance HOSTED by Scott Hess & Amanda Miller FEATURING: JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL John co-created Hedwig and the Angry Inch (two Tony Awards, Best Director at Sundance, Golden Globe nomination). He directed Shortbus (2006); Rabbit Hole (2010) (Oscar nom for Nicole Kidman) and How to Talk to Girls… read more