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Sydney Kaiman, a resident of Fair Haven, NJ and a Junior at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School has launched a project called “The Pampered Pillowcase” – whose mission is to provide local women in crisis a special gift to show them that they are supported by their community. Sydney adopted this project in the hopes of bringing comfort to women in Monmouth County who have fled domestic violence and who are staying with 180 Turning Lives Around at our emergency shelter. Sydney and her cadre of caring friends, collected donations from local businesses and residents so they could fill each pillowcase with items such as cozy pajamas and slippers, lotions and special beauty products. Each mother at 180’s Safe House received a personalized pillowcase with items sized especially for them just in time for Mother’s Day.

“180 Turning Lives Around is so grateful to this impressive group of young ladies who took the time to make the lives of those struggling in our community a little brighter this Mother’s Day. We know that these gifts will help to bring peace to the women in our shelter during a most trying time in their life.” said Lynn Lucarelli, 180 Director of Development.

For more information about 180, or if you are in need of our free and confidential services, please contact our 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 888-843-9262 or our 24 Hour Sexual Violence Hotline: 888.264.RAPE

For youth and teens in our community who are in need of any type of support, please contact our 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline: 888.222.2228 or visit us at www.2ndfloor.org

ABOUT 180’s SAFE HOUSE

When domestic violence forces individuals, children and families to leave their homes, 180’s Safe House is a safe haven. The Safe House, situated in a confidential Monmouth County location, can accomodate 45 individuals for aproximately 60-90 days. There are 12 family bedrooms with private baths, a communal kitchen and dining and living areas as well as laundry facilities. The Safe House has a teen “rec” room and two creative arts therapy studios where childen are counseled. A computer and library resource room provide needed space for homework and job search activities. An outdoor playground and garden make the Safe House feel like a home.

ABOUT 180 TURNING LIVES AROUND

180 Turning Lives Around is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to empower survivors and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to find the courage and strength to turn their lives around. 180 supports this mission through 24/7 hotlines – including the 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline, counseling, legal advocacy, emergency shelter and transitional housing and art, play and music therapy for children.

The holiday season can be stressful for all, including children, teens and young adults. In these times when youth face enormous pressures at school, at home, in their social circles and beyond, it is important to listen to what our young people are saying. The 2NDFLOOR text and helpline has been there for New Jersey’s 10- to 24-year-olds for over a decade. 2NDFLOOR is the only interactive text and helpline in New Jersey that has professional counselors supervising 24/7, is open to discuss any topic, and is geared toward 10- to 24-year-olds. No matter what problem/issue an adolescent is experiencing, 2NDFLOOR is a resource for them.

This statewide service is operated by the Monmouth County nonprofit organization 180 Turning Lives Around. 2NDFLOOR is a toll-free and confidential youth text and helpline available for texting or calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all New Jersey young people, ages 10 to 24. Youth can text or call 2NDFLOOR at 1-888-222-2228 to text/speak with professionals and trained volunteers to find nonjudgmental and supportive responses to questions about bullying, unhealthy and abusive relationships, dating violence, mental health concerns and other challenging issues they may be facing at home or in school. The text and helpline is for New Jersey, always answered in New Jersey. and provides local New Jersey resources to youth. Additionally, the website www.2NDFLOOR.org has information and a message board for youth to share their concerns as well.

Keeping open the lines of communication with our young people is vital. It is important that they, their parents, teachers, counselors and other concerned adults all know that help is just a text or call away.

Anna Diaz-White

Executive Director

180 Turning Lives Around

$50 – helps a domestic or sexual violence survivor receive counseling with a licensed professional.

$75 – Provides crisis intervention, information and referrals to a rape survivor at all five area hospital emergency rooms after an assault.

$100 – helps to fund a counseling session which educates victims about restraining orders and prepares them for their day in court.

$250 – enables 180’s 2nd Floor Youth Helpline to visit a high school and distribute educational materials and information regarding topics such as suicide, safe dates and healthy relationships.

$500 – provides one of our art studios at 180’s Amanda’s Easel Program with paint, clay, canvases, puppets and all of the items our therapists need to work with our children.

$1,000 – provides a family with emergency shelter, food and supportive services at 180’s Safe House.

You can help 180 deliver holiday cheer this season by donating gift cards to families in need. Your donation of a gift card, in any denomination, will enable clients to gather what they need most for the holiday. For some, that will be the special toy their child is hoping to receive under the tree, for others it could mean tasty treats for the holiday meal, or essential items for their household.

When sending or dropping off gift cards, please be sure to include your name and address so that we may acknowledge your generosity. Gift cards can be mailed or dropped off to: