Connecticut can be a cold and hard place this time of year, particularly for victims of domestic violence.
That’s why the members of AFSCME Local 196, representing more than 400 state administrative and clerical employees in the Central Connecticut area, stepped up to help residents at Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain.
Local 196 President Ruby Blackmon delivered several boxes filled with urgently needed supplies for residents at Prudence Crandall, which has been providing comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence since 1973.
Local 196 members donated everything from paper towels and diapers to laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products.
“Prudence Crandall Center is doing amazing work to support our neighbors who are coping with the devastation caused by domestic violence,” said Blackmon, who works as a Processing Technician at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. “As state employees and union members, we feel it’s important to give back to the communities where we live and work.”
Emmeline Mysliwiec, Development Associate at Prudence Crandall, thanked Local 196 for their contribution to the cause.
“We are grateful to AFSCME Local 196 members for their generous and heartfelt donation of gifts and household essentials,” Mysliwiec commented. “The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for victims and families. Donations like this tell them that they are not alone as they try to heal and move forward with our help.”
Local 196 Supports "Love Wins" on Sandy Hook Anniversary
On the the Dec. 14 anniversary of the Sandy Hook School tragedy, AFSCME Local 196 members joined with the New Britain community at Central Connecticut State University to send a message of “Love Wins” in support of the Marquez-Greene family and the CCSU Ana Grace Project.
Ana Grace was one of the children killed in the shooting, and her mother Nelba Márquez-Greene heads the Project. Local 196 donated 20 coats as part of a communirty effort to collect toys, winter clothing, toiletries and food for children in need.
Pictured, from left, are Local 196 members Audrey Riggins, Secretary; Stephanie Waldman, Steward; Ruby Blackmon, President; Donna Pettinelli, Volunteer/Donation Facilitator; and Heidi Huguley, Vice President.
