A new facility for women and children seeking resources and assistance while transitioning from instances of either domestic violence or sexual assault is now open in Danbury.  The ribbon was cut on the facility last month by the Center for Empowerment & Education, formerly the Women's Center. 

Following a multi-year fundraising campaign entitled “Speaking Up Speaking Out Enrichment Campaign,” The Center completed the new residential facility to more efficiently serve the individuals and families seeking safe and secure housing.  The new residential facility features nearly a three-acre campus that offers an ADA compliant safe housing option as well as a walking path and playground for children. The new facility has been named “Patricia House” in honor of Patricia Zachman, who has served as  the organization’s President & CEO for nearly 30 years.   

The Center for Empowerment & Education, formerly the Women's Center, provided services to more than 36,000 people during the past fiscal year.  Included in that total was 12,000 children.  The Center provides no cost Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Resource Services programs. 

Specially trained and certified direct service staff and volunteers provided intervention, support, and counseling to adults and children in person, via the hotlines and virtually while Education, Training and Outreach staff members offered comprehensive primary prevention and education programs to a wide range of audiences both traditionally and using social media platforms. 39 women and children were relocated with new rapid rehousing and there were 2700 hotline calls. 

Most of the assistance was provided to Danbury residents, at 27,530 while the next highest service town was Ridgefield at 2,463.