NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office presented a donation of $3,353 to the New Dawn Family Resource Center on Friday, Oct. 31, at the North Salem Courthouse, following a monthlong fundraising effort in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The fundraiser, organized by the DA’s Special Prosecutions Division, brought together staff from across the office for a community bake sale and raffle benefiting organizations that support domestic violence survivors. Staff members baked and packaged treats, while local restaurants and businesses contributed raffle prizes.
Fredric Green, Second Deputy District Attorney and Special Counsel to the District Attorney, said New Dawn was a natural choice to receive the funds.
“Domestic Violence prosecutors in Westchester have become well acquainted with New Dawn and the wonderful support they have demonstrated when victims face an emergency need to find a safe place to have shelter in the aftermath of crime,” Green said. “We also know about the wonderful things that happen when survivors can participate in survivor peer-to-peer support groups, brought together by New Dawn. We wanted to assist the survivor support New Dawn offers and thought they were the perfect agency to receive the proceeds of our first-ever fundraising event. This was such a special endeavor the entire DA’s Office staff got behind with all their heart led by our Special Prosecutions Division. We’re so proud of what New Dawn does and of our ability to support their young but growing agency.”
This year, the department handled more than 2,000 domestic violence cases in Westchester. Green also took time to highlight the important work done by everyone at the DA’s office and their efforts to bring awareness.
“Every case is dangerous,” Green added. “Everyone in this world is making extra efforts to shine light on Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
District Attorney Susan Cacace joined Green and other members of the DA’s Office for the presentation, along with ADA Wendy Parra, Acting Co-Division Chief of the Special Prosecutions Division; ADA Joyce Miller, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau; Janelle Armentano, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau; and several local officials, including North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas, Deputy Supervisor Peter Kamenstein, Town Board members Katherine Daniels and Martin Aronchick, Chief of Staff Janine Kourakos, Police Chief Tom Howley, Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano, Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansan, Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves, Lewisboro Supervisor Tony Gonçalves, and Police Chief David Alfano.
Based in North Salem, New Dawn Family Resource Center provides vital support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and trauma. The organization offers survivor peer support groups, emergency assistance, and educational programs across Northern Westchester. New Dawn operates with fiscal sponsorship from the towns of North Salem, South Salem, Pound Ridge, Bedford, and Somers.
Lynn Borsellino, Board President of New Dawn, expressed gratitude for the donation and the community’s continued support.
“We are so deeply grateful for this incredible show of compassion and support from the District Attorney’s Office,” Borsellino said. “Domestic violence can be isolating, especially in more rural areas, but this fundraiser reminds survivors that they are seen, believed, and supported. This partnership brings real hope and tangible help to our community.”
After receiving the donation, Borsellino, added a message of hope.
“This is a message that people are seen,” she said. “This event proves that compassion is within reach.”
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