From Darkness To Light

      As The OisF’s mission to empower survivors of domestic abuse and violence evolves, we become more intimately acquainted with the desperate needs of families who are on the front lines of their personal struggles with domestic abuse and violence. Because these hardships are often shrouded in silence, shame and darkness, The OisF is working to shine a light of hope for survivors by developing SEA, Survivor Emergency Assistance, a brand-new, community-funded program that provides resources to survivors. 

The Facts

    Domestic abuse and violence is an overlooked and underrepresented epidemic in our country, impacting millions of people nationwide and countless families living in our own communities. In fact, 1 in 3 women in New Jersey will be in an abusive relationship. To further compound the negative impacts of this pervasive issue, research reveals that 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence every single year.

     For those of us who are fortunate enough to have never been affected by the trauma inflicted by abuse, we often question why survivors “don’t just leave”. According to Women Against Abuse, one of the leading reasons why survivors stay in dangerous partnerships is because they lack resources.

     While New Jersey has many life-saving services available for survivors and their families, there are still gaps in assistance that social service programs simply cannot meet. To address these lapses in resources, The OisF is hopeful that SEA will be able to provide those necessary, tangible resources to help victims on their journey towards becoming survivors.

 The Solution- We are The SEA

             “The OisF was built on a belief that one tiny ripple of positivity has the infinite capacity to make big waves of change. With that concept in mind, we have great hope that by providing just some of the resources that fall outside the scope of what other organizations provide, The OisF can be a part of a network that helps survivors have a choice and a chance.” 

            Alli Scaduto, Founder of The OisF explains, “At our fourth annual ‘Waves Of Change Fundraiser’ we announced this program and were able to raise over $2,000.00 for this new program. With these funds, we were able to take on our first SEA case and provide resources to assist a family secure transportation needed for employment and other purposes.

           Working alongside remarkable organizations like 180 Turning Lives Around and others providing vital resources to survivors in the community, gives us greater insight as to what these families need. This allows us to respond with action to these highly specific calls for assistance. We have hope that SEA will give families reassurance that they can leave an unsafe situation and that help is out there to make that transition a little easier. SEA allows us to be on the precipice of acting on one of our greatest hopes for The OisF - to help survivors not only heal from past trauma, but also to help them in the midst of crisis happening in real time. It is so meaningful that our community stands with us to make this happen for our local survivors. Together we are that ripple of light, we are that wave of change, together, we are the SEA of hope for a safer, happier, healthier future for New Jersey’s survivors.”

Be a part of the SEA

     We welcome you to help us keep this 100% community-funded program accessible to survivors by making a financial donation. Please visit the link below to make a contribution and to learn more about SEA.

DONATE + LEARN MORE ABOUT "SEA"