NYC Gazette

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Wurzweiler's Care Café organized the third event in its Community Safety Series on October 13 in Washington Heights. The event was held in collaboration with Drip Sweat Fitness Studio and Long Live Our Butterfly, Inc. (LLOB).

The venue for the gathering was Drip Sweat Fitness Studio, a local gym run by Janice Rodriguez. Known for promoting strength, fitness, and nutrition, the studio provided an empowering environment suitable for discussions on healing and self-expression.

Attendees participated in various activities including self-defense training sessions led by Suzana "Suki" Komonaj, CEO of Hit Like A Gurl. Her organization specializes in tactical skills training for women. Suki emphasized the importance of health and fitness as part of the healing process while teaching practical self-defense techniques to enhance community resilience.

Frances Montas, MSW and a supporter of Care Café, conducted a presentation focusing on domestic violence awareness. She discussed statistics, definitions, signs of abuse, and available resources to help survivors navigate support systems.

Additionally, Wurzweiler doctoral students Oyindanola Jemilawon, LMSW, and Chanette Bovell, MSW were present at the resource table offering personalized consultations throughout the day.

The series highlighted collective efforts to combat domestic violence with positive feedback from participants who felt empowered to advocate for themselves and others.

Care Café expressed gratitude towards Janice Rodriguez for hosting at Drip Sweat Fitness Studio and acknowledged Suki Komonaj's team at Hit Like A Gurl for their interactive sessions. Special thanks were extended to Frances Montas along with Oyindamola Jemilawon and Chanette Bovell for their significant contributions.

For more information about Care Café events or inquiries, contact Kimberly Moore via email at kimberly.moore@yu.edu.