Harambe Social Services will host its second annual candlelight vigil on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Winslow Township Municipal Building, an event that coincides with October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to honor victims and survivors of abuse.
Harambe Social Services – a statewide nonprofit based in Winslow – was founded in 2013 by executive director and Sicklerville resident Rose Williams. The organization is dedicated to promoting the well being of victims of domestic violence victims who are part of the African Diaspora, a global community of people with African roots.
“Our mission is to provide culturally relevant education and services rooted in the teachings and traditions of our collective cultures,” explained Fawn Ruiz, assistant executive director of Harambe. “We serve those who identify as Black/African American, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino, offering them the support they need.”
The inspiration for Harambe Social Services came from Williams’ extensive work as the Social Justice Administrator for the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV).
“I saw first hand the overwhelming need for culturally responsive services for survivors, especially Black and African American women,” Williams explained. “Survivors deserve support from professionals who deeply understand and connect with their experiences.”
Harambe’s approach is grounded in the principles of the Pan-African Nguzo Saba – the seven principles of Kwanzaa that celebrate African and African American culture – and adapted to serve domestic violence survivors.
“Our values, like Umoja (unity) and Kujichagulia (self-determination), are integral to how we support survivors,” Williams noted. “We provide a safe space that respects and builds upon their cultural norms, promoting self-determination in coordination with appropriate resources.”
Among the many services Harambe offers are intensive case management, housing and legal advocacy and individual counseling for both children and adults.
“We provide all services at no charge, thanks to funding from the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services, Division on Women and other supporters,” Ruiz said. “Our programs are designed to help survivors overcome personal challenges; heal from trauma; and build a brighter, more stable future.”
Harambe’s impact on the community has been significant.
“We’ve provided resources and services to nearly 300 survivors, with 76% being of the African Diaspora,” shared Londa-Vo`ncile “Lioness” Desormeau, the nonprofit’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “Through our efforts, many survivors have secured permanent housing and employment, demonstrating the power of culturally relevant support.”
The upcoming candlelight vigil will feature words of encouragement from local leaders; survivor stories; music; and a display of the Silent Witness, a banner that honors victims of domestic violence.
“This event is about unity and awareness,” Desormeau emphasized. “We want to educate the community, offer insight on recognizing abuse and provide resources to support survivors.”
All are welcome at the vigil – which will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. – including those who want to advocate for victims or volunteer their help at the event.
“Our message is clear,” Desormeau stated. “Through unity and awareness, we can end domestic violence for good.”
Looking ahead, Harambe plans to expand its services, including increasing transitional housing for survivors and training a new pool of volunteers to support outreach efforts.
“Our vision is a world where all people, particularly women and children, can live without fear,” Williams concluded. “We will continue to advocate for survivors and provide the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
For more information on how to participate or support Harambe Social Services, visit harambesocialservices.org. Contact Community Outreach at [email protected] or (609) 225-6936, ext. 105.
