New Dawn receives over $22,000 at domestic violence awareness event in North Salem

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - New Dawn Family Resource Center received more than $22,000 in financial support as prosecutors, elected officials, advocates and community members gathered at the North Salem Courthouse on Oct. 28 for a program recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The event, titled "Healthy Relationships, Safer Families, Stronger Communities," brought together representatives of the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, municipal officials, mental health professionals, educators and residents to raise awareness about domestic violence and the resources available to survivors.

Among the highlights was the presentation of a $16,500 check to New Dawn from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, with County Legislator Erika Pierce participating in the presentation.

The organization also received $5,661 raised through a Domestic Violence Awareness Month bake sale organized by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Susan Cacace attended the gathering, which recognized the efforts of prosecutors, courthouse employees and community supporters who contributed to the fundraiser.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone at the Westchester County District Attorney's Office who helped raise $5,661 for New Dawn," said Lynn Borsellino, president of New Dawn Family Resource Center. "These are people who work every day with victims facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, yet they still found the time and energy to do even more."

Borsellino said the funds would help the organization provide trauma therapy, emergency financial assistance, food, housing support and other resources to survivors.

"Their compassion extends well beyond the courtroom, and we cannot thank them enough," she said.

Following the check presentations, the program featured a community discussion addressing domestic violence, its effects on children and families, and the importance of recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships among teenagers.

The discussion was also designed to explore challenges survivors face when seeking help through the justice system, including difficulties gathering and preserving evidence in domestic violence cases.

The announced panelists included Marisa Moran, a peer support moderator at New Dawn; trauma therapist Bonnie Roscinski; victim advocate Courtney Helly; and Jackie Kammenstein, a community volunteer and member of New Dawn's advisory board.

The gathering emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement, schools, local governments and community organizations in supporting survivors and preventing abuse.

"Domestic violence doesn't affect only the individual experiencing abuse," Borsellino said. "Its effects can reach children, families, schools, and entire communities. By bringing people together to listen and learn from one another, we hope to strengthen awareness and ensure that survivors know where they can turn for support."

Founded in 2018, New Dawn is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization based in North Salem that assists individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, teen dating violence and other crimes.

Its services include twice-monthly survivor peer support groups, trauma therapy, advocacy, emergency financial assistance and referrals to community resources.

As of September, the organization had conducted 124 peer support sessions, serving 92 individual participants and recording 660 cumulative attendances. Participants have come from 43 towns and communities, reflecting the organization's reach beyond North Salem.

New Dawn also receives ongoing financial support from the towns of North Salem, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, Bedford and Somers, which helps maintain its facility and local services.

The Oct. 28 gathering also provided an opportunity to highlight the organization's partnerships with those municipalities. A separate, private discussion with the five town supervisors was planned following the public program to address New Dawn's services and continued collaboration.

Through its community outreach and support programs, New Dawn aims to ensure that survivors of abuse have access to assistance while encouraging greater awareness of domestic violence throughout northern Westchester.