When someone you care about tells you they have been assaulted, it's not always easy to know what to say—still, it's important to be supportive. Research shows that survivors who disclose and are met with an understanding reaction have a more positive healing journey...
Meet Jeanine Maldonado, October 2023 Volunteer of the Month
(She, Her, Hers) Victim Advocate What drew you to The Rowan Center? I found out about the agency through one of their former counselors in 2017. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to follow her footsteps and help others, especially when it came to survivors of...
Meet Ady J. Matos, September 2023 Volunteer of the Month
(She, Her, Hers) Counseling Intern and Advocate What drew you to The Rowan Center? The service and education provided, both to clients and to volunteers. What keeps you at The Rowan Center? I enjoy being able to help and educate those in need. What do you wish people...
Meet Mary Liz Licata, August 2023 Volunteer of the Month
She/Her/Hers What is your role at The Rowan Center? I am a Volunteer Sexual Assault Advocate and Crisis Counselor. What drew you to The Rowan Center? The wide range of services and inclusive sense of community drew me to The Rowan Center. What keeps you at The Rowan...
Meet Marissa Eve Ferrao, the May 2023 Volunteer of the Month
Marissa Eve Ferrao (she/they), Resident Counselor, LPCA, MAATC What is your role at The Rowan Center? I am a volunteer Sexual Violence Advocate and Counselor What drew you to The Rowan Center? I coordinated with the center for mental health awareness/wellness programs...
Human trafficking can happen anywhere, and to anyone
Human trafficking happens right here in Connecticut. Recent headlines make this abundantly clear: “Bristol Man Charged with Sex Trafficking, Related Offenses,” “Bridgeport man charged with trafficking, prostituting teenaged girl,” “Arrests made in connection to juvenile sex trafficking: Norwalk Police.”
Five Instrumental Women in the Fight to End Sexual Violence
Ending sexual violence takes all of us. This Women’s History Month, we’ve been highlighting and celebrating the activists and leaders who inspire us in our own work. Their legacy and example show what’s possible—and we are honored to recognize their impact this month...
Concerning Mental Health Trends in Teens
The latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior survey notes alarming rates of sadness in teenagers, especially in girls and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) teenagers. The Wall Street Journal reports that three in five teenage girls felt persistent sadness in 2021 (double...
Meet Cody Baird (she/her), the February 2023 Volunteer of the Month
Cody is a student of Public Policy & Nonprofit Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School. What is your role at The Rowan Center? I am a volunteer advocate at The Rowan Center. What drew you to The Rowan Center? I am interested in the intersection of policy and...
Take Action to End Human Trafficking this January
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. We are shining a light on this important issue in our community. When we think about human trafficking, it’s easy to imagine that it happens somewhere else or that it’s an issue that exists, but that doesn’t impact...