September 2023

Hola Women Against Abuse Familia,

September 15^th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time for us to recognize the diverse cultures and valuable contributions of the Latino community. For me, it is a time to celebrate my Costa Rican and Puerto Rican roots, and the values and traditions my family have fostered through generations.

I also took the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of intimate partner violence on the Latina community while representing Women Against Abuse at a number of key gatherings of Latino leaders during a recent trip to Harrisburg. I spoke at the PA Latina Women's Conference and at the Capitol Rotunda Latino Legislative Agenda, where I urged Latinos to stand with us in the effort to end intimate partner violence and gun violence.

In this issue:

• Support our capital campaign to help us finish the renovations taking place at our Ameya's Place emergency shelter.
• You'll have an opportunity to get to know Maritza Padua, our new Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives.
• Don't forget to join us for our 16th annual iPledge Campaign on Wednesday, October 11th.

En solidaridad,

We are in the homestretch of renovating and expanding Ameya’s Place, one of only two domestic violence shelters for Philadelphians experiencing abuse.

The construction crew has been hard at work, but we must raise $200,000 to complete this crucial project. Will you help us cross the finish line, so that survivors can continue to count on Ameya’s Place as their home away from home?

Maritza Padua joined Women Against Abuse in July as Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives - a new role charged with overseeing the organization's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming; ensuring the implementation of Women Against Abuse's strategic plan; and guiding the organization’s advocacy and public policy efforts.

In this interview, get to know Maritza and the imprint she's looking to make at Women Against Abuse and beyond!

Read our interview with Maritza. (It's a good one & a quick read, so don't miss out!)

The 2023 iPledge® Campaign is almost here and we hope you'll join us!

This year’s campaign, The Power to Heal, will amplify the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence and its impact on our entire community.

We are excited to honor Lorina Marshall-Blake as our 2023 Social Impact Awardee for her legacy of creating a safer and healthier Philadelphia.

We'll also hear from Mayor Kenney and others!

Date: Wednesday, October 11

Time: 12:00pm Eastern

Location: Philadelphia City Hall Courtyard