THE RETREAT LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING ABUSE IN LATER LIFE PROGRAM TO SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS IN SUFFOLK COUNTY
THE RETREAT JOINS SUFFOLK COUNTY INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS CHILD TRAFFICKING ON LONG ISLAND
Suffolk rolls out multiagency campaign to beat back ‘epidemic’ of human trafficking Suffolk Measure to Fight Human Trafficking
By Joe Werkmeister, Newsday February 6, 2025 Suffolk County officials on Thursday unveiled a new multiagency, coordinated approach to find missing children and curb what they say is an “epidemic” of human trafficking in the county. The initiative, dubbed “Operation Safe and Lasting Return,” brings together law enforcement, social services and community organizations to break down what […]
A ‘Tremendously Impactful’ Law for Protection Against Domestic Violence, The Retreat Says
Christopher Walsh on Dec 3, 2024, 27East.com State legislation expanding protections in domestic violence cases in criminal and family court to include all family and household members was commended by officials at The Retreat, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse on the South Fork. Governor Kathy Hochul on November 25 […]
Governor Announces $575,000 for The Retreat
By Christopher Walsh, 27East.com During her whirlwind visit to East Hampton Town on Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul visited The Retreat’s Stephanie House Shelter to announce that the state will allocate $575,000 to the nonprofit, which provides safety, shelter and support for victims of domestic abuse. The money will be used for building improvements and technological […]
Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence
East Hampton’s The Retreat works on prevention from the ground up. By Jenna Lebovits, The Purist In the ’80s on the East End, talk of domestic violence was hush-hush. Pastors, therapists and school employees offered quiet, underground support. Resources in the region were scarce, yet vital, for abuse survivors, so a grassroots movement began: In […]
My Experience as a Social Worker
By Sarah Samson, , MPH, CHESProject Coordinator of Long Island Safer Bars My experience as a social worker in domestic violence began while working with families who were formerly unhoused. Most of my clients had experienced some form of domestic or sexual violence leading up to becoming unhoused. When the opportunity to work in preventing […]
Teaching Teens How to Ask for Help
By Christina, a Retreat Volunteer and College Student In light of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) received training on how to ask for help when experiencing unhealthy or abusive behaviors in relationships. TLC learned to make a Resilience Plan consisting of three different groups of people–parents/other trusted adults, peers, […]
Students Shine a Light on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Michelle Trauring on Feb 21, 2024 | 27East.com SEE THE FULL ARTICLE SPREAD HERE. A hot topic of conversation among Salome Galindo and her girlfriends at East Hampton High School is, perhaps unsurprisingly, love found and lost, and the relationships they immerse themselves in. She can say, with certainty — through what she’s learned as […]
Art+Activism: Empowering Student Voices During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
The Retreat and The Watermill Center present a unique opportunity for high school students interested in positively impacting their community. Art+Activism: Social Justice Makers will be held at The Watermill Center on Tuesdays in February from 5:30 to 7 PM.
Students participating in Art+Activism: Social Justice Makers will draw inspiration from the work of Artists-in-Residence at the Watermill Center who have utilized art to express their voices and work together to harness the power of art as a means for social change. The series will culminate in a final project showcasing work created by the students at The Watermill Center, with the goal of bringing attention to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February.
“We’re excited for students to embark on this transformative journey as they delve into the powerful combination of art and activism,” said Courtney Hyland, Associate Director of Education. “The Retreat works to empower young people of all ages, including through our Teen Leadership Council, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage our youth leaders in community initiatives. This program does just that, while aligning with our mission to promote respect and prevent abuse.”
From Ava Locks, Education and Public Programs Manager at The Watermill Center, “Our Art + Activism program introduces teens to Artists who are driving social change through their creative practice. We are thrilled to expand our enduring partnership with The Retreat and to support the vital work of their Teen Leadership Council. I hope these workshops will ignite their sense of agency as community advocates and creative thinkers.”
The Retreat and The Watermill Center have been collaborating for over 10 years.
“The Watermill Center has generously invited Retreat clients and staff to use its space and programs to create and inspire. Our shelter families have participated in fun and educational experiences, and they have found healing through these programs,” said Loretta K. Davis, Executive Director of The Retreat. “The students in our Teen Leadership Council have also benefited from advocacy and art projects there.”
Students who actively participate in Art + Activism will be granted community service hours.
“This is a unique opportunity for teens to use their voices in empowering and artistic ways. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone eager to learn about social activism, Art+Activism is designed for you,” said Hyland.
Registration is here: https://forms.gle/ETvaGhpcx1TbxnVt6
