Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Hosts Hope, Love, & Support Event

On Wednesday, November 03, 2022, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) hosted the Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event: Hope, Love, & Support – an evening of activities, games, and enjoyment to build community with those affected by domestic violence (DV).

The event ran from 06:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m., which allowed community members as well as KHCC’s participants and their families to join in supporting one another and fortifying relationships.

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Hosts Hope, Love, & Support Event

The cultural and healing event was held within KHCC’s main building, a landmarked historical building in the heart of Kingsbridge, with activities that emphasized self-care, self-expression, and awareness of the issues surrounding DV.

The event was decorated with beautiful artwork created by different members of the KHCC community, which captured different feelings and thoughts that come up when experiencing DV. The highlight of the event was the poetry reading section, where KHCC staff, participants, and community members shared pieces that they wrote or resonated with them.

“Everything included the arts. People got to express their feelings through art. That is one of the goals of this event to make sure people take care of themselves and have fun,” said Sagrario Garcia, Community Organizer Coordinator, KHCC.

The overarching theme of all activities and the event as a whole is that “You are never alone. There is nothing but Support, Love, and Hope here at KHCC.” It is important to surround yourself with like-minded people who can relate to your experiences but can also provide assistance in your healing. You cannot heal alone, you need a community to lean on. This event was a stepping stone in the healing process, which is continuous.

“Everyone was respectful. I am glad I read my poem to those in the audience and hope I opened up closed ears about the topic,” said Steven Rosario, a Youth Leader in the Teen Center at KHCC. “Intimate partner violence is destructive and can take the lives of those we love. Let us unite to educate, support, and end the violence!”

Those in attendance became part of a very caring KHCC family. These events allow us to be in conversation with people who need and want it. This event was a success!

About Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) was founded in 1974 by a group of passionate community organizers. The group was led by three neighborhood women: Mary McLoughlin, Patricia Burns, and Janet Athanasidy.

Upon hearing in 1972 that the 50^th Precinct was moving out of its turn-of-the-century building on Kingsbridge Terrace, the three jumped at the opportunity to realize their vision for a community center.

KHCC provides resources to empower Bronx residents from cradle to career to advance education and well-being for a vibrant community. We achieve this in an environment that fosters academic milestones, literacy, mental health support, nutrition, technology, and the arts.