The Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, which has helped countless women, men and children heal after experiencing poverty and abuse, reaches out to the community for financial support to continue services.

Local non-profit Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower International is implementing new domestic violence prevention programming, thanks to a $90,000 grant it received from the Verizon Foundation. Watsonville police chief Manny Solano and executive director of Kidpower Irene van der Zande are partnering to address “people safety” in the Santa Cruz community and internationally.

Through the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center, students mentor kids who witness domestic violence. By providing a safe space for personal expression, mentors model healthy relationships.

7-Eleven homicide-suicide on Ocean and Broadway sparks conservation about local safety for the year to come. With escalated crime from 2007 to 2009, residents and students hope for increased security and community involvement.

Throughout the month of October, domestic violence centers in Santa Cruz County have been celebrating Domestic Violence Awareness Month. But the celebration has been, at best, bittersweet.