Tag: Secret Garden Counseling

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Secret Garden Counseling

Secret Garden is a Program for People with Disabilities Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence

BFL’s Secret Garden Program: Insights On Safety Planning As A Crucial Part of Domestic Violence Counseling

January 30, 2018 Breaking Barriers in DV, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: , 0 Comments
For persons involved in abusive relationships, many steps must be taken to ensure their security. Developing a safety plan for residents at both Barrier Free Living's Freedom House Domestic Violence Shelter for People with Disabilities, and our Secret Garden domestic violence counseling program, is an essential component of this process. Traditionally persons received a handout of safety guidelines upon receiving services at a domestic violence agency. The safety guidelines include information for de-escalating potential incidents of violence… read more

Safety First: The Importance Of A Website’s Domestic Violence Related “Escape” Button

January 23, 2018 Breaking Barriers in DV, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: , 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living features a domestic violence related safety feature on our website. A purple “escape” button is located in the top right hand corner of every page of the site. The button conceals the fact that an individual is on a website offering services to domestic violence survivors. According to the team at our domestic violence counseling program, Secret Garden, the most dangerous time for a domestic violence survivor is when that individual attempts to leave the abusive relationship. The… read more

Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden Domestic Violence Program Offers Specialized Trauma Reprocessing Therapy

January 2, 2018 Advocacy, Breaking Barriers in DV, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 2 Comments
Contributor Gabrielle is a Social Worker (LMSW) at Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program. Gabrielle began her work at Secret Garden as a social work intern in 2014. After graduating with her Master’s Degree she joined the team. Gabrielle is currently enrolled in the Trauma Studies Program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and will soon be certified in the specialized therapy approach outlined in the article below.  It can be difficult… read more

BFL’s Secret Garden At Barrier Free Justice Conference

November 30, 2017 Advocacy, BFL News, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden team members participated in this November's annual Barrier Free Justice Conference. The conference explored the intersection between disability and elder abuse, with a focus on victimization within the elderly population. Presenters and panelists discussed recognizing the signs of abuse, how to navigate and facilitate conversations about disabilities within the geriatric population, as well as the importance of caregiver support. Additionally, the conference explored the current misconceptions about elder abuse, what resources (social and legal) are currently in… read more

BFL’s Secret Garden Wellness Group

September 25, 2017 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
This September, the occupational therapy team at Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden held a "seeds of hope" creative therapy and wellness group. Attendees painted containers and potted seeds within them. These “seeds of hope” represent a source of inspiration. The members discussed ways in which they  can strive to grow alongside the plants they created, and how that relates to their aspirations for the future… read more

Secret Garden At End Violence Against Women Conference

August 16, 2017 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden attended the End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) Conference in St. Louis, MO this August. The EVAWI conferences  address "attention focused on the many barriers confronting sexual assault victims, and the challenges associated with investigating and prosecuting cases. One critical step in changing this reality is to improve the way victims are interviewed. Better interviews will result in more thorough investigations that improve criminal justice outcomes: Excluding suspects where appropriate, and successfully prosecuting cases where the… read more

Deaf Justice Coalition Launches NYPD Pilot Program to Improve Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing New Yorkers

April 18, 2017 Advocacy, Current Events Tags: 1 Comment
The Deaf Justice Coalition announced the launch of a pilot program by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) aimed at improving access to law enforcement services for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). “Being able to contact the police if they’re in trouble is something that most people take for granted,” said Deaf Justice Coalition member and Barrier Free Living Secret Garden team member Nicolyn Plummer, who… read more

BFL Apartments Holds Easter Egg Hunt

April 13, 2017 Current Events Tags: , 0 Comments
The team at BFL Apartments held an Easter egg hunt and threw a party for the children living at the supportive housing facility this month. Kids enjoyed lunch, games and a thrilling Easter egg hunt. Every child also received an Easter basket chock full of goodies, these donated by Shannon O'Connor a regular supporter of BFL. Shannon also donated easter baskets to the agencies Secret Garden and Freedom House programs.… read more

Secret Garden Presents On Domestic Violence & Disability

February 6, 2017 Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Social Workers from Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden domestic violence program did a presentation on the intersection of domestic violence and disability to 15 Administration for Children's Services (ACS) workers In January. The interactive presentation aimed to raise awareness related to ACS practices.… read more

Barrier Free Living’s Secret Garden Empowerment Groups Thrive In 2017

January 6, 2017 BFL News, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
The Occupational Therapy team at Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden domestic violence program kicked off 2017 with a host of weekly empowerment groups for consumers, from Money Matters to Self Care. The monthly cycle of groups include Creatively Empowered, Money Matters, Beauty and Self Care, and Movement and Fitness. The groups provide a "safe and open environment for participants to learn steps to improve self-esteem and stress management skills. It allows clients to gain… read more

Spread The Sparkle Holiday Event For Barrier Free Living

December 29, 2016 Our Stories, Uncategorized Tags: , , 0 Comments
Spread The Sparkle hosted a holiday event for Barrier Free Living on December 25, providing a sumptuous dinner buffet, a visit from Santa and gifts for nearly 180 attending. Tenants of Barrier Free Living apartments, residents of the agency's Freedom House domestic violence shelter and consumers of BFL's Secret Garden domestic violence program attended the festivities. The day's events included a photo booth, Santa Claus, caroling and more. Spread The… read more

Spread the Sparkle, Evento Festivo Anual de Barrier Free Living

December 29, 2016 BFL Blog en Español, Our Stories Tags: , , 0 Comments
Spread the Sparkle organizó un evento festivo para Barrier Free Living el 25 de diciembre, ofreciendo un suntuoso buffet de cena, una visita de Santa y regalos para casi 180 asistentes. Los inquilinos de Barrier Free Living Apartments, los residentes del refugio de violencia doméstica de la agencia, Freedom House y los usuarios del programa de violencia doméstica del Secret Garden… read more

Música y Misión

September 23, 2016 BFL Blog en Español, Our Stories Tags: 0 Comments
Cuando no está explorando las oportunidades de beneficios y vivienda para los sobrevivientes sordos / con discapacidades auditivas de la violencia doméstica, el Administrador de Casos de Secret Garden probablemente está tocando su saxofón. Atraído por la misión de Barrier Free Living, en particular el poderoso trabajo de la agencia con sobrevivientes sordos y con discapacidades auditivas, Caelan se unió al equipo el año pasado y arrancó a toda velocidad. Él se tomó… read more

Georgette Delinois, Director of BFL Secret Garden Program, Retires

May 18, 2016 Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Georgette Delinois, Director of Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden domestic violence program has retired. "After nearly 14 years of service at Barrier Free Living (BFL) as the director of the Non-Residential Domestic Violence Program, AKA Secret Garden, I am happily retiring to be with my family." says Delinois. "I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude to BFL for the opportunity to work at Secret Garden, to … read more

Barrier Free Living Secret Garden Case Manager Caelan Manning IRCares Scholarship Grant Winner

April 22, 2016 Current Events Tags: 0 Comments
Caelan Manning, a case manager at Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden program,is one of three IRCares Scholarship Grant award winners for 2016. The IRCares Scholarship Grant is an award of $1,000 in unrestricted funds. Three winners are chosen, based on a nomination for the award by another employee from his/her organization. This Grant is designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of direct care and/or support-level workers in nonprofit… read more

Secret Garden & Freedom House Teams Outreach At Hunter College Community Fair

March 29, 2016 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: , 0 Comments
Team members from Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden and Freedom House programs participated in the Department of Women & Gender Studies at Hunter College's  Grassroots Democracy & Community Fair on March 29. The Fair introduces the Hunter community to progressive community organizations  that aim to transform the lives of people, especially women and children, by supporting, educating, activating and organizing people around crucial issues, such as the epidemic of gender based violence, the lack of living wages, the stalling… read more

Devuelva el Favor – Pay it Forward

January 23, 2016 BFL Blog en Español, Our Stories Tags: 0 Comments
Tan orgullosa como ella es de su propio jornada trabajando con nuestro programa de violencia doméstica Secret Garden BFL-Pay-It-Forward, Zenaida T. habla más apasionadamente sobre el impacto que su libertad del abuso ha tenido en sus hijos. Después de años de violencia doméstica que "se sintió como una camisa de fuerza que nunca fue removida" Zenaida encontró seguridad, consejería y curación en el Jardín Secreto. Mientras recuperaba su propia vida y dignidad, empezó… read more

Pay It Forward

January 23, 2016 Our Stories Tags: 0 Comments
As proud as she is of her own journey working with our Secret Garden domestic violence program, Zenaida T. speaks most passionately about the impact her freedom from abuse has had on her children. After years of domestic violence that “felt like a strait jacket that was never removed” Zenaida found safety, counseling and healing at Secret Garden. As she reclaimed her own life and dignity, she began to see the changes… read more

BFL’s Nicolyn Plummer Testifies At Council Committee Hearing On Technology And Safety

January 15, 2016 BFL News, Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Nicolyn Plummer, Social Worker at Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden Domestic Violence Program, was one of three Deaf/Hard of Hearing advocates who testified on communication access for the Deaf/Hard of hearing at the council committee on technology and public safety on 1/14/2016 in New York City. Plummer says part of the mission is "making text to 911 accessible for everyone." View testimony video here.… read more

Remembering Theresa A. H. McIntosh: Survivor. Advocate. Inspiration.

December 8, 2015 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: , , , 4 Comments
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Theresa A. H. McIntosh, founder of the Barrier Free Living (BFL) Speakers Bureau and a BFL Freedom House trustee. Theresa was a survivor of domestic violence who was also an above-the-knee amputee. Theresa was born, raised and educated in England. Following a car accident in 1992, Theresa became a resident at Barrier Free Living’s Transitional Housing Program… read more

Toy Donations Brighten Holiday At Barrier Free Living Domestic Violence Shelter

December 4, 2015 Uncategorized Tags: , 0 Comments
December toy donations from both individuals and agencies like the FPWA and Second Chance Toys brighten the holiday for the 144 children living at Barrier Free Living's Freedom House domestic violence shelter and BFL Apartments as well as our Secret Garden program. Learn more about donating a toy, your time or much needed financial resources to Barrier Free Living here.… read more

BFL Speaker’s Bureau & VOW DV Awareness Event

October 8, 2015 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
The BFL Speakers Bureau and The Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW) held their domestic violence awareness month event "We Are Victors" on October 8. A standing room only crowd were empowered by inspirational spoken word, dance and several special guest speakers. Theresa McIntosh, Coordinator of the Speaker's Bureau created the event, working with Raquel Singh, Executive Director of VOW. Speakers included: Paul Feuerstein, President/CEO BFL; Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough… read more

Secret Garden Presents At Domestic Violence Conference

October 2, 2015 Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden will be presenting at the The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) Annual Domestic Violence Conference November 2-3, 2015 in Columbia, SC. Secret Garden Team member Jules Perkel, LCSW will be part of a roundtable covering "Perspectives of Disability & Domestic Violence: Available resources and overcoming challenges of accessibility." The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is a statewide coalition made up of the 23 domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy organizations in… read more

Music and Mission

September 23, 2015 Our Stories Tags: 0 Comments
When he’s not exploring benefit and housing opportunities for Deaf /Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic violence, Secret Garden Case Manager is likely jamming on his sax Attracted to Barrier Free Living's mission, in particular the agency’s powerful work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors, Caelan joined the team this past year and hit the ground running. He took time out to answer a few questions about his first few months at… read more

Secret Garden Caregivers Celebration

June 19, 2015 BFL News, Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities, Uncategorized Tags: 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden Domestic Violence program held a Caregivers Celebration on June 18. The event was to honor "all caregivers--parents, family, friends and foremost all the people who have cared for us and our ability to care for ourselves." Program Director Georgette Delinois (pictured at far left) kicked off the program which include an interpretive dance performance, a display of crochet work and a lunch buffet.… read more

Secret Garden Creates Domestic Violence Informational Video In American Sign Language

June 12, 2015 BFL News, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
Barrier Free Living's Secret Garden domestic violence program has filmed a video in American Sign Language to explain domestic violence and inform survivors with hearing loss how to seek assistance. Development of this video is an activity of BFL's 2012 Office on Violence Against Women disability grant program award, which focuses on building capacity to serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors. Above photo: Secret Garden intern Morgane Vincent… read more

BFL Keynote Address Kicks Off St. John’s Turn Off The Violence Week

April 22, 2015 BFL News, Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: 0 Comments
BFL President/CEO Paul Feuerstein kicked off St. John University's Turn Off The Violence Week with a moving keynote address. Joining Paul was Zenaida T., who shared her story as a survivor of domestic violence. Picture are (L to R): BFL's Scott Hess, Paul Feuerstein, St. John's Hannah Stravers, Zenaida, Secret Garden's Georgette Delinois and St. John's Ruth DeRosa. Read more.… read more

Spread The Sparkle Hosts Easter Event For BFL Domestic Violence Programs

April 6, 2015 Uncategorized Tags: , 0 Comments
Families from BFL's Secret Garden and Freedom House domestic violence programs were the honored guests at an Easter event featuring a sumptuous luncheon, an Easter egg decorating station and a whole lot of sparkle. Spread The Sparkle, an organization whose mission is to "create events focused on celebrating family for individuals and kids who have no prior traditions",  treated 8 BFL families to a day of joy. The luncheon, prepared by Valerie and… read more

Spread The Sparkle Hosts Easter Event For BFL Domestic Violence Programs

March 31, 2015 BFL News, Current Events, Domestic Violence and Disabilities Tags: , 0 Comments
Spread the Sparkle will host a special Easter event for residents and participants at Barrier Free Livings' Freedom House and Secret Garden Domestic Violence programs. The event, for singles and families, will include a sumptuous meal prepared by special chefs and a performance by an opera singer. Spread the Sparkle Founder Abbey LeVine shares her story on how this new organization got started: After decades of unsuccessfully looking for… read more

Donated Toys Bring Cheer & Hope To BFL Children

December 17, 2014 BFL News, Current Events Tags: , 0 Comments
Toys donated to Barrier Free Living during the holiday season bring joy and hope to the children at programs like the Secret Garden (pictured here with toys from the FPWA) and Freedom House Emergency Shelter… read more