Illuminating the Night to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Help light up the community with Womanspace during our Annual Communities of Light™ event held each December.

During the winter solstice in December, Communities of Light™ (COL) candles line the streets of central New Jersey – a powerful symbol of hope for women and children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Communities of Light raises awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and the services available to help victims in Mercer County. The candles come from luminary kits which help spread our important message that Peace Begins at Home.

Each year, more than 200 volunteers sell, distribute and display the luminary kits. Volunteers sell the luminary kits to their friends, neighbors and co-workers. Participants can also buy the kits from a variety of local retail stores and online (this option will be available at the end of September). If you would like to help Womanspace by selling luminary kits read more on our COL Volunteer page.

At dusk on the day of the event, hundreds of people, scores of organizations and community groups, and the municipalities within Mercer County  light thousand of their candles. Each luminary kit costs $10 and includes supplies and safety instructions for assembling 6 luminary displays to cover 150 linear feet. Kits will be available for purchase this fall at various retail locations throughout Mercer County.

100% of all proceeds from event sponsorships, luminary kit sales and donations to Communities of Light benefit Womanspace programs that serve over 10,000 adults and children each year, who are impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.

It is our hope that families who struggle with violence in their homes will see that their community stands with them and learn that help is available. In order to succeed, we need the support of the Mercer County community; supporters can contact Lauren Nazarian, Director of Development, at (609) 394-0136 or at [email protected]. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Susan Adams at 609-394-0136 or at [email protected].