October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; a time for organizations and individuals to bring light to an issue that effects so many in our communities and around the world.

A staggering one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with young people aged 16-24 experiencing domestic violence at the highest rates.  This month, and all yearlong, CANY stands with each and every woman, man & child who survives the physical and emotional abuse of domestic violence.

All of us at CANY are honored to personally know the incredible strength of domestic violence survivors through our drama therapy work.  One client in particular, however, is an inspiration to CANY staff and supporters alike.  She bravely shared her story of growth and transformation at CANY's 2013 Pearl Gala. 

Click the photo below to view her speech on YouTube:

   

program year; ReStart Academy (NYC Department of Education). ReStart Academy sites provide educational services for 16-21 year old students who are currently in temporary/involuntary settings, including substance abuse treatment, mental/behavioral health treatment, transitional housing, social service agencies and other transitional settings.

Beginning this week, CANY will be bringing drama therapy groups to five ReStart Academy sites throughout the city.  CANY's programs with adolescents represent over half of our work, and we look forward to bringing the transformative power of drama therapy to these adolescents and young adults.