A Celebration of Survival

This year the Community Advocacy Program (CAP) of the Center for Community Health Education Research and Service, Inc. (CCHERS) marks twenty-two years of exemplary service to hundreds of individuals and families affected by domestic violence. The annual "Celebration of Survival" is a testimonial to the resiliency of survivors with inspiring stories of growth, perseverance, and transformation. At this year's event we will honor Lorraine Lafata, who has worked in the domestic violence field for over forty years.

The mission of the Community Advocacy Program (program within CCHERS) is to provide and increase the availability and quality of domestic violence services for victims and their families in community health centers, offering these services in an accessible and safe setting. CAP provides free and confidential domestic violence services for community health center clients and community residents. The Community Advocacy Program has Family Advocates placed within four of its partner community health centers, providing a range of services to victims and survivors of dating and domestic violence and their loved ones, including: crisis intervention and counseling, safety assessment and planning, advocacy, assistance with housing and shelter, legal assistance, including court accompaniment, information and supported referrals, and support groups for adult women and teens. Services are provided in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole.