New Visions Blog

A look at Purposeful Parenting as it relates to domestic violence. BFL's Cynthia Amodeo explores the topic. July was Purposeful Parenting month, which led to a flurry of articles, Facebook posts and twitter bites regarding the concept.  In general, Purposeful Parenting aims to build healthy relationships with children, to understand a child’s development and to help them grow in a way that emphasizes their potential.  Being “purposeful” in parenting can include meeting a child’s essential needs (bathing, feeding) or involve more… read more

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

The AHA Foundation's 3rd Annual Conference will take place on December 4, 2013 in New York City. The AHA Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to prevent violence against women and girls.  The 2013 conference will address the topics of Honor Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation - issues that affect individuals and youth from a wide variety of immigrant communities, in New York City and beyond. View the conference agenda.… read more

Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Yolanda B. Jimenez has unveiled a multi-layered public service campaign that will empower victims of intimate partner violence to seek the help they need. "That's Abuse" will appear at bus shelters, subway cars and platforms, grocery store circulars, community-based organizations, businesses throughout key neighborhoods, and common areas at numerous City agencies. This citywide campaign seeks to connect with victims through words and images that capture the emotional impact of abuse. Survivors of domestic violence… read more

The AWARE October 18th fundraiser at NYC Bar 13 to benefit Barrier Free Living’s Freedom House raised over $25,000 for disabled domestic violence victims and their families. Pictured, Paul Feuerstein, President/CEO BFL and Isa Martinez, Director, Freedom House. Visit AWARE to view event photos, donate or learn more.… read more

Opening this month, the film The Intouchables is the true story of a wealthy, physically disabled risk taker, the picture of established French nobility, who lost his wife in an accident and whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young, good-humored, black Muslim ex-con as his caretaker. Their bond proves the power and omniscience that love and friendship can hold over all social and economic… read more

Senate ForumVideo The Senate Democratic Conference held a public forum on the need to provide additional protections for those affected by domestic violence. The forum was convened to highlight legislation sponsored by members of the Democratic Conference which the Senate Republican Majority has refused to move out of committee and bring to the floor for a vote. Attendees at today’s forum included Democratic Senators as well as activists, legislators and criminal justice professionals… read more

Volunteers from Goldman Sachs were on hand to make the annual Freedom House Emergency Shelter summer BBQ a success on June 2. Eighteen team members from Goldman Sachs ran activities and helped create a summer feast for fifteen families at the shelter… read more

On May 24, 2012 BFL successfully closed on a $3,050,000 loan with the Corporation for our newest Supportive Housing vision. BFL now officially owns the property and we can get our architects and engineers working on designing the building. See Supportive Housing page for details.… read more

BFL's Freedom House Emergency Shelter held the annual Handprints of the Heart event this May, working with volunteers from Goldman Sachs. Resident families and children took part in crafts, empowerment activities and created a garden on the patio.… read more

Art Connects New York opens the group exhibition, "Ask and I Will Tell" Thursday, May 17th at Amethyst Women's Project, a Coney-Island based organization serving women adversely impacted by substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence.… read more

BFL's Women's Day Event on May 5 drew a standing room only crowd from the Secret Garden and Transitional Housing Programs. View the event video.… read more

Freedom House director Isa Martinez presented at the Organizational Development Session of the HRA Non-Residential Director's meeting on May 4, highlighting the success of the programs Financial Clinic for residents. The clinic, facilitated by Becky Smith, Director of Strategic Initiatives, The Financial Clinic, is made possible through a grant from the United Way. Ms. Martinez has been invited to do another presentation at the June 1 meeting… read more