14 W

est M

ain

Stre

et

Mer

iden

, CT

0645

1

Pro

mo

tin

g h

ealt

hy

rel

ati

on

ship

s,

safe

fa

mil

ies,

a

nd

vio

len

ce-f

ree

co

mm

un

itie

s.

P r o m o t i n g h e a l t h y r e l a t i o n s h i p s , s a f e f a m i l i e s ,

a n d v i o l e n c e - f r e e c o m m u n i t i e s .

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Phone: 203.630.1638 .............................. Fax: 203.237.1097 24-hour hotline: 888.774.SAFE .............. or 203.238.1501

In Espan ola: 844.831.9200

Your life is yours to make. Keep on the path and make it a great journey.

- Melissa

Page 2

Dear Friends and Partners, 2015 marked a courageous crossroads in how we function in partnership with other community systems and organizations. To further help improve the quality of life of those affected by domestic violence, we saw the integration of the Lethality Assessment Program into Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services, CT State Police, Wallingford Police Department, and Meriden Police Department. This remarkable program, originally from Maryland and supported statewide by CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has been fully embraced throughout our service area. In partnership, Chrysalis and local Police Departments are demonstrating courage by putting aside blame and stigma to ensure safe alternatives for survivors and their families. Other notable enhancements included the ongoing integration of Real Strength, our primary prevention program, throughout our communities, and the Moms and Kids Empowerment Club, for survivors of violence and their children. In spite of continued challenges in a climate near-merciless to the non-profit sector, our community continues to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference. We dedicate this year’s Annual Report to those who demonstrate tremendous courage in their efforts to ease the burden of domestic violence, and end its perpetuation. To our staff and students, volunteers, community partners and allies, thank you. In Gratitude,

Doreen Bottone President, Board of Directors

Sharlene Kerelejza, LMSW Executive Director

C h r y s a l i s . . . Y O U !

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 11

… special thanks to Michelle Noehren of

CTWorkingMoms.com for designing our new

website!

Last year, 19 volunteers donated 2,551 hours of service to Chrysalis. Over 70 churches, organizations and civic groups offered goods or services.

Joanne Muniz Vhyiheem Muniz Sara Naiss New 2 U Consignments Nina’s Cafe Michelle Noehren Ladies Auxiliary North-ern Italy Home Club Inc. Office of Violence Against Women Dylan Patel Linda Pello Martin Piech Jill Quinn Red Hat Society- Ruby Red Ruth Riera-Pedeoso Lori Rivenburgh Joann Rogers Sean D. Rush Johnna Rush Salon G Diane Saunders Greg & Liz Schacht Elise Schreier Allyson Sega Matt Singer Carlton Smith

South Central Deanery of the Episcopal Church South Meriden Lions Club Kriste Stevenson St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church St. John the Evangelist Church St. Joseph Church St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church The Bradley Home Resi-dent Council The Healing Zone Tariq Farid Foundation Florence Thibodeau K. Thorp Mr. & Mrs. William Ti-tley, Jr. Tony's Trucking Compa-ny, Inc. Tri-Town Golden K Kiwa-nis Social Justice Council Unitarian Universalist Church in Meriden United Methodist Women

United Way of Meriden and Wallingford Marianne Urbanski Value Store It Walling-ford, LLC Verizon/ Hopeline Foun-dation Verizon Wireless Victor Advertising Beth Vumbaco Lauren Vumbaco Wallingford Adult Educa-tion Wallingford Community Women Wallingford Elks Lodge Wallingford Rotary Foun-dation Linsey Walters Ward Street Church of Christ Mary Warfield Virginia White Women of the Moose Chapter 2409 Women Who Care

Page 10

W e c o u l d n o t d o t h i s w i t h o u t 3M Navine Acevedo Rosemary Agudo Carmen Agular Anthem Osvaldo Arevalo Ashlar Village Philip and Jane Ashton AT & T Employees Arbella Baba-Lanza Keri Banack Bank Of America- Wallingford Center Rosemarie Barbieri C. Marilyn Barillaro John Benedict Cara and Yoli Bergrstrom-Lynch Bible Way Church Worldwide Rebecca Blazejowski Steven Bogatz Jane Bond Remi Borak Doreen Bottone Bristol-Myers Squibb Neil Brockweil C.E. Floyd Company Inc. A. Lee Campione Miguel Cardona Ben Carrero Sharon Carr-Martin Castle Craig Camera Club Center Congregational Church Megan Cerbie Donna Cerreta Kevin Chase Sheila Choromanski City Mission Society City of Meriden Community Development Block Grant Cheryl Christi Collett Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic

Violence CONNEX Adriana Copeman CT Legal Services, Inc. Lorraine Cullen Barbara Davey State of CT Department of Social Services Jennifer Dufresne Johnna Duprey Larry Elliot Emergency Food And Shelter Program Kerilynn Engel Andrea Epperson Marianne Erdos Fiderio & Sons First Baptist Church of Meriden First Church of Cheshire First Congregational Preschool First United Methodist Church of Wallingford Sharon Flanagan Fosdick Fulfillment Corporation Sharon Fox Mr. & Mrs. Mark Fritz Jennifer Ford Frontier Communications Employee Services Fund Gaylord Hospital Sandra Gerber Barbara Geremia JoAnne Grabinnski Grace Communion International Susan Graughran Greater Meriden AAUW Evelyn Grenon Patricia Hayes Axtmayer Hamden Middle School Elizabeth Harris Karen Harrison Carolyn Heckler

Jessica Hendrickson Denise Herbacewicz Heritage Quilters Claudis Holder Impact Branding & Design LLC Jerry Jaboin S. Gregory Jaboin Alberto Jimenez John J. Napier Foundation Natacha and Sharlene Kerelejza Kick for A Cause Jeanne Kovach Cindy & Joe Kopitor Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. L. Suzio Concrete Company Inc. Lake Financial Services, LLC Marc LaComb Chantal LaLiberte Employees of LaRosa Contruction Company Nancy & Luke Lauretano Marilyn Leiner Joanne Lewis Robin Linsley Bidgetti Klaudia Lobeska Lyman Hall High School Key Club Lyman Hall High School Lyman Orchards Harry Mangle Maxpoffle Foundation Meriden Manufacturing, Inc. Meriden-Wallingford Chapter of Haddassah Midstate Medical Center Laboratory Staff Paul F. Mik, Sr. Mother's Day Bar Crawl Mr. D's Bakery

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 3

F a c e s o f C o u r a g e

Coming into work every day to face the ugliness of society isn’t the easiest task. My entire adolescent life I had one goal, do the most I could to help the most people that I could. I never thought about how to help myself. In helping others in this line of work, you see and hear things that can be difficult to swallow. Sometimes the heaviness of it all hits me. I marvel at the courage that long standing staff members have exhibited by walking in the door every sin-gle day. In my short time here I have been emotionally test-ed and I have learned about self-care and its importance. I can’t imagine how much strength it takes to continue to do this work after years of witnessing some pretty ugly sides of the world. My colleagues are my role models. Through supporting each other we have managed to maintain our hope. Our team is a strong one and a brave one.

Nazly G. Bokhari, Shelter Advocate

I heard courage this year in a shaky voice asking for help on the hotline. I saw courage when a daughter left her mother’s car and entered our van to seek a safe place to live. I knew courage when I watched a woman and her children leave Chrysalis and move into their own new apartment. -Trudy Brady, Shelter Advocate

Page 4

Total Number of Activities = 59 People Served = 1,898

I know no greater example of courage in response to pain and personal loss than our partnership with the Meriden Police Department and the 1st Annual Loredana Nesci Memorial 5k. Our community of

supporters exhibited moral courage by taking strides to end domestic violence. Courage is a choice and a willingness to step up. Our community took a big step to raise awareness and support a great cause.

- Carlton Smith

ENGAGING MEN AND BOYS TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

NON VIOLENCE * ACTIVE BYSTANDER * HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS * ALLY

O u r B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s 2 0 1 5

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 9

Doreen Bottone, President KeriLynn Engel, Vice President Florence Thibodeau, Treasurer

Nancy Lauretano, Secretary Neil Brockwehl Miguel Cardona

Larry Elliot Beth Galligan

Dr. Dave Hergott Joann Rogers

Dianne Saunders

Liz Schacht Beth Vumbaco

Lisa Yarbor

I see courage not only in the decision to leave the abu-sive relationship in every step taken after that decision. Our clients face their lives head on and overcome obsta-cles that many would not be able to face. I hope to in-still in them the confidence and awareness to appreciate and recognize their own courage each day.

-Alicia McCoy, Shelter Advocate

I commend all of the Advocates who pick up new transports alone. We do not think twice about the assignment, despite our knowledge of the violence our clients experience. It takes both courage and trust to meet a stranger (especially one who may or may not be traumatized at the moment), allow them to get into a van with you and to then transport them to an ap-pointed destination. Just one more thing Chrysalis and Advo-cates are willing to do without hesitation – risk our safety in order to protect the safety of the women and families we serve.

-Adriana Copeman, Shelter Advocate

F i n a n c e s

Page 8

Expenses: $889,507

Revenue: $890,085 In this program I have witnessed some of the most courageous women, I have seen them build themselves up one day at a time to the point where they no longer need me to help them think things through. In no other position have I been more proud to no longer be needed than this one. My clients are courageous women who continue to take steps forward because they have the courage to do so.

-Priscilla Arroyo, Transitional Housing Program

Often, when clients access our services, the emotional wounds seem deeper than the physical wounds they’ve endured. I see our clients as the most courageous when they begin to share some of their burdens and emotional wounds. They are often deep, shameful thoughts/memories that keep them stuck in the same habits of coping. For some clients, sharing is the first of many steps in the process of rebuilding.

-Linsey Walters, Director of Programs

“Never be ashamed of a scar, it simply means you were stronger than whatever

tried to hurt you” -Unknown.

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 5

T h e c o u r a g e t o k e e p t a k i n g s t e p s . . .

98% of clients feel safer 94% of clients know more about the services, resources and op-tions available to them.

P r o g r a m S t a t i s t i c s

Page 6

Courage is the decision of a woman who has been victimized countless times over the years to leave the situation and it’s familiarity, for something that is uncertain because she realizes her worth. -Olo Selema, Shelter Advocate

Program # Clients

Shelter 117

TLP 50

Civil-Legal & Criminal Advocacy 1272

Community and Self-Sufficiency 99

Courage: Seeing survivors come together to show awareness, to take a stand, to be visible against domestic violence.

-Rosie Agudo, Adult Advocate

I see more courage in the eyes of our clients than any-where. Courage to face fear and uncertainty while striv-ing for a better tomorrow.

-Evan LeClair, Child Advocate

A d v o c a c y

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 7

In January of 2015, Chrysalis was fortunate to be awarded new funding through CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Office of Victims’ Services for a new Civil-Legal

Advocate position. This position supports victims and survivors of domestic violence through the court process, through issues such as restraining orders, divorce and custody, visitation modifications, housing rights and more. In 2015, this new program served 128 clients.

Courage: Being able to offer services and support to a client; for the victim to gain the courage to say enough is enough; and when the victim begins to feel safer in her home. Courage for this client started with her picking up the phone and calling Chrysalis. “

- Guadalupe Arevalo

“I wanted to thank you personally for the moral support. I think you are the true meaning of a real domestic violence advocate. I actually was able to get some rest and really feel safer in my home. I know the restraining order is just a piece of paper but what stands behind it is so much greater.”

-Client

Since being hired, I’ve realized the victims of Family Vio-lence are the ones with "Real Courage" . Subsequently, I've learned to appreciate what is important in life. I want to thank the Chrysalis Family for giving me this opportunity.

-Jim Olivero, Family Violence Victim Advocate

P r o g r a m S t a t i s t i c s

Page 6

Courage is the decision of a woman who has been victimized countless times over the years to leave the situation and it’s familiarity, for something that is uncertain because she realizes her worth. -Olo Selema, Shelter Advocate

Program # Clients

Shelter 117

TLP 50

Civil-Legal & Criminal Advocacy 1272

Community and Self-Sufficiency 99

Courage: Seeing survivors come together to show awareness, to take a stand, to be visible against domestic violence.

-Rosie Agudo, Adult Advocate

I see more courage in the eyes of our clients than any-where. Courage to face fear and uncertainty while striv-ing for a better tomorrow.

-Evan LeClair, Child Advocate

A d v o c a c y

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 7

In January of 2015, Chrysalis was fortunate to be awarded new funding through CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Office of Victims’ Services for a new Civil-Legal

Advocate position. This position supports victims and survivors of domestic violence through the court process, through issues such as restraining orders, divorce and custody, visitation modifications, housing rights and more. In 2015, this new program served 128 clients.

Courage: Being able to offer services and support to a client; for the victim to gain the courage to say enough is enough; and when the victim begins to feel safer in her home. Courage for this client started with her picking up the phone and calling Chrysalis. “

- Guadalupe Arevalo

“I wanted to thank you personally for the moral support. I think you are the true meaning of a real domestic violence advocate. I actually was able to get some rest and really feel safer in my home. I know the restraining order is just a piece of paper but what stands behind it is so much greater.”

-Client

Since being hired, I’ve realized the victims of Family Vio-lence are the ones with "Real Courage" . Subsequently, I've learned to appreciate what is important in life. I want to thank the Chrysalis Family for giving me this opportunity.

-Jim Olivero, Family Violence Victim Advocate

F i n a n c e s

Page 8

Expenses: $889,507

Revenue: $890,085 In this program I have witnessed some of the most courageous women, I have seen them build themselves up one day at a time to the point where they no longer need me to help them think things through. In no other position have I been more proud to no longer be needed than this one. My clients are courageous women who continue to take steps forward because they have the courage to do so.

-Priscilla Arroyo, Transitional Housing Program

Often, when clients access our services, the emotional wounds seem deeper than the physical wounds they’ve endured. I see our clients as the most courageous when they begin to share some of their burdens and emotional wounds. They are often deep, shameful thoughts/memories that keep them stuck in the same habits of coping. For some clients, sharing is the first of many steps in the process of rebuilding.

-Linsey Walters, Director of Programs

“Never be ashamed of a scar, it simply means you were stronger than whatever

tried to hurt you” -Unknown.

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 5

T h e c o u r a g e t o k e e p t a k i n g s t e p s . . .

98% of clients feel safer 94% of clients know more about the services, resources and op-tions available to them.

Page 4

Total Number of Activities = 59 People Served = 1,898

I know no greater example of courage in response to pain and personal loss than our partnership with the Meriden Police Department and the 1st Annual Loredana Nesci Memorial 5k. Our community of

supporters exhibited moral courage by taking strides to end domestic violence. Courage is a choice and a willingness to step up. Our community took a big step to raise awareness and support a great cause.

- Carlton Smith

ENGAGING MEN AND BOYS TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

NON VIOLENCE * ACTIVE BYSTANDER * HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS * ALLY

O u r B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s 2 0 1 5

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 9

Doreen Bottone, President KeriLynn Engel, Vice President Florence Thibodeau, Treasurer

Nancy Lauretano, Secretary Neil Brockwehl Miguel Cardona

Larry Elliot Beth Galligan

Dr. Dave Hergott Joann Rogers

Dianne Saunders

Liz Schacht Beth Vumbaco

Lisa Yarbor

I see courage not only in the decision to leave the abu-sive relationship in every step taken after that decision. Our clients face their lives head on and overcome obsta-cles that many would not be able to face. I hope to in-still in them the confidence and awareness to appreciate and recognize their own courage each day.

-Alicia McCoy, Shelter Advocate

I commend all of the Advocates who pick up new transports alone. We do not think twice about the assignment, despite our knowledge of the violence our clients experience. It takes both courage and trust to meet a stranger (especially one who may or may not be traumatized at the moment), allow them to get into a van with you and to then transport them to an ap-pointed destination. Just one more thing Chrysalis and Advo-cates are willing to do without hesitation – risk our safety in order to protect the safety of the women and families we serve.

-Adriana Copeman, Shelter Advocate

Page 10

W e c o u l d n o t d o t h i s w i t h o u t 3M Navine Acevedo Rosemary Agudo Carmen Agular Anthem Osvaldo Arevalo Ashlar Village Philip and Jane Ashton AT & T Employees Arbella Baba-Lanza Keri Banack Bank Of America- Wallingford Center Rosemarie Barbieri C. Marilyn Barillaro John Benedict Cara and Yoli Bergrstrom-Lynch Bible Way Church Worldwide Rebecca Blazejowski Steven Bogatz Jane Bond Remi Borak Doreen Bottone Bristol-Myers Squibb Neil Brockweil C.E. Floyd Company Inc. A. Lee Campione Miguel Cardona Ben Carrero Sharon Carr-Martin Castle Craig Camera Club Center Congregational Church Megan Cerbie Donna Cerreta Kevin Chase Sheila Choromanski City Mission Society City of Meriden Community Development Block Grant Cheryl Christi Collett Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic

Violence CONNEX Adriana Copeman CT Legal Services, Inc. Lorraine Cullen Barbara Davey State of CT Department of Social Services Jennifer Dufresne Johnna Duprey Larry Elliot Emergency Food And Shelter Program Kerilynn Engel Andrea Epperson Marianne Erdos Fiderio & Sons First Baptist Church of Meriden First Church of Cheshire First Congregational Preschool First United Methodist Church of Wallingford Sharon Flanagan Fosdick Fulfillment Corporation Sharon Fox Mr. & Mrs. Mark Fritz Jennifer Ford Frontier Communications Employee Services Fund Gaylord Hospital Sandra Gerber Barbara Geremia JoAnne Grabinnski Grace Communion International Susan Graughran Greater Meriden AAUW Evelyn Grenon Patricia Hayes Axtmayer Hamden Middle School Elizabeth Harris Karen Harrison Carolyn Heckler

Jessica Hendrickson Denise Herbacewicz Heritage Quilters Claudis Holder Impact Branding & Design LLC Jerry Jaboin S. Gregory Jaboin Alberto Jimenez John J. Napier Foundation Natacha and Sharlene Kerelejza Kick for A Cause Jeanne Kovach Cindy & Joe Kopitor Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. L. Suzio Concrete Company Inc. Lake Financial Services, LLC Marc LaComb Chantal LaLiberte Employees of LaRosa Contruction Company Nancy & Luke Lauretano Marilyn Leiner Joanne Lewis Robin Linsley Bidgetti Klaudia Lobeska Lyman Hall High School Key Club Lyman Hall High School Lyman Orchards Harry Mangle Maxpoffle Foundation Meriden Manufacturing, Inc. Meriden-Wallingford Chapter of Haddassah Midstate Medical Center Laboratory Staff Paul F. Mik, Sr. Mother's Day Bar Crawl Mr. D's Bakery

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 3

F a c e s o f C o u r a g e

Coming into work every day to face the ugliness of society isn’t the easiest task. My entire adolescent life I had one goal, do the most I could to help the most people that I could. I never thought about how to help myself. In helping others in this line of work, you see and hear things that can be difficult to swallow. Sometimes the heaviness of it all hits me. I marvel at the courage that long standing staff members have exhibited by walking in the door every sin-gle day. In my short time here I have been emotionally test-ed and I have learned about self-care and its importance. I can’t imagine how much strength it takes to continue to do this work after years of witnessing some pretty ugly sides of the world. My colleagues are my role models. Through supporting each other we have managed to maintain our hope. Our team is a strong one and a brave one.

Nazly G. Bokhari, Shelter Advocate

I heard courage this year in a shaky voice asking for help on the hotline. I saw courage when a daughter left her mother’s car and entered our van to seek a safe place to live. I knew courage when I watched a woman and her children leave Chrysalis and move into their own new apartment. -Trudy Brady, Shelter Advocate

Page 2

Dear Friends and Partners, 2015 marked a courageous crossroads in how we function in partnership with other community systems and organizations. To further help improve the quality of life of those affected by domestic violence, we saw the integration of the Lethality Assessment Program into Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services, CT State Police, Wallingford Police Department, and Meriden Police Department. This remarkable program, originally from Maryland and supported statewide by CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has been fully embraced throughout our service area. In partnership, Chrysalis and local Police Departments are demonstrating courage by putting aside blame and stigma to ensure safe alternatives for survivors and their families. Other notable enhancements included the ongoing integration of Real Strength, our primary prevention program, throughout our communities, and the Moms and Kids Empowerment Club, for survivors of violence and their children. In spite of continued challenges in a climate near-merciless to the non-profit sector, our community continues to demonstrate their commitment to making a difference. We dedicate this year’s Annual Report to those who demonstrate tremendous courage in their efforts to ease the burden of domestic violence, and end its perpetuation. To our staff and students, volunteers, community partners and allies, thank you. In Gratitude,

Doreen Bottone President, Board of Directors

Sharlene Kerelejza, LMSW Executive Director

C h r y s a l i s . . . Y O U !

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T Page 11

… special thanks to Michelle Noehren of

CTWorkingMoms.com for designing our new

website!

Last year, 19 volunteers donated 2,551 hours of service to Chrysalis. Over 70 churches, organizations and civic groups offered goods or services.

Joanne Muniz Vhyiheem Muniz Sara Naiss New 2 U Consignments Nina’s Cafe Michelle Noehren Ladies Auxiliary North-ern Italy Home Club Inc. Office of Violence Against Women Dylan Patel Linda Pello Martin Piech Jill Quinn Red Hat Society- Ruby Red Ruth Riera-Pedeoso Lori Rivenburgh Joann Rogers Sean D. Rush Johnna Rush Salon G Diane Saunders Greg & Liz Schacht Elise Schreier Allyson Sega Matt Singer Carlton Smith

South Central Deanery of the Episcopal Church South Meriden Lions Club Kriste Stevenson St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church St. John the Evangelist Church St. Joseph Church St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church The Bradley Home Resi-dent Council The Healing Zone Tariq Farid Foundation Florence Thibodeau K. Thorp Mr. & Mrs. William Ti-tley, Jr. Tony's Trucking Compa-ny, Inc. Tri-Town Golden K Kiwa-nis Social Justice Council Unitarian Universalist Church in Meriden United Methodist Women

United Way of Meriden and Wallingford Marianne Urbanski Value Store It Walling-ford, LLC Verizon/ Hopeline Foun-dation Verizon Wireless Victor Advertising Beth Vumbaco Lauren Vumbaco Wallingford Adult Educa-tion Wallingford Community Women Wallingford Elks Lodge Wallingford Rotary Foun-dation Linsey Walters Ward Street Church of Christ Mary Warfield Virginia White Women of the Moose Chapter 2409 Women Who Care

14 W

est M

ain

Stre

et

Mer

iden

, CT

0645

1

Pro

mo

tin

g h

ealt

hy

rel

ati

on

ship

s,

safe

fa

mil

ies,

a

nd

vio

len

ce-f

ree

co

mm

un

itie

s.

P r o m o t i n g h e a l t h y r e l a t i o n s h i p s , s a f e f a m i l i e s ,

a n d v i o l e n c e - f r e e c o m m u n i t i e s .

2 0 1 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Phone: 203.630.1638 .............................. Fax: 203.237.1097 24-hour hotline: 888.774.SAFE .............. or 203.238.1501

In Espan ola: 844.831.9200

Your life is yours to make. Keep on the path and make it a great journey.

- Melissa