Businesses invited to be ‘heroes’ for SBAP

TORRINGTON — The Susan B. Anthony Project, which provides support to men, women and families impacted by domestic violence, depends on donations and sponsorship to keep its programs going. One group of sponsors are local businesses.

For the last few years the agency has offered a HERO Program, which stands for “Helping Empower and Rebuild Others,” giving businesses a way to donate money and involve their employees.

This year SBAP is recognizing four local participants in the HERO PRogram: Energy Fitness Factory, Lily and Vine Floral Design and Wright’s Barn and Café, all in Torrington; and Litchfield Hills Fitness in Litchfield.

To be a HERO, businesses are asked to collect donations from employees and customers to benefit SBAP. Those gifts are then matched by the business. All donations collected support SBAP’s services for women, men, and children experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence.

Free of charge to victims and survivors, services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional living services, court and medical advocacy, individual counseling, and support groups, all of which help victims to live safer lives, according to SBAP.

“We are so grateful to these businesses for becoming HEROs to our clients and for supporting our work,” said Ashley Cerruto, SBAP Business Development Associate. “Even during this time when local businesses are facing their own challenges due to the pandemic, they have stepped up and shown their commitment to supporting victims and creating a safer community.” The funds are collected in a box provided by SBAP and displayed by the business. The collection box also provides outreach information to the public, including take-away cards with the agency’s 24-hour crisis hotline phone number.

“The HERO program is equally invaluable for outreach as it is a fundraising,” Cerruto said. “For those who may be experiencing violence, or know someone who is, these HERO boxes can serve as a lifeline, offering critical information on how they can find help.”

Businesses interested in becoming a Susan B. Anthony Project HERO, or who are interested in supporting the agency via event or program sponsorships or volunteering, should contact Cerruto via email at acerruto@sbaproject.org or by phone at 860-489-3798.

From the website: Founded in 1983, Susan B. Anthony Project promotes safety, healing and growth for all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. SBAP provides 24/7/365 crisis and support services, as well as education and prevention programs, free of charge, to two cities and 18 towns in Northwest Connecticut. For more information about the services and programs offered by Susan B. Anthony Project, visit http://sbaproject.org, or call 860-489-3798. The 24-hour crisis line is 860-482-7133.

Susan B. Anthony Project / Contributed photo Susan. B. Anthony Project’s HERO Program offers an opportunity for local businesses, as well as their employees and customers, to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing domestic and sexual violence.