The nonprofit Wynona's House Child Advocacy Center recently hosted its “Protect and Empower: A Community Walk for Victims’ Rights,” bringing together about 100 community members, advocates, service providers, survivors, and public officials in downtown Newark.
“We are grateful to everyone who joined us in standing with survivors and raising awareness during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” said Robert Crocker, executive director/CEO of Wynona’s House. “Events like this remind our community that hope, healing, and justice are possible when we come together to uplift and empower victims and their families.”
Held during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the event highlighted the importance of supporting survivors, removing barriers to justice, and building safer, more compassionate communities. Participants gathered at Wynona’s House before walking a one-mile route through downtown Newark featuring messages focused on victims’ rights, safety, consent, empowerment, and community support.
The event opened with remarks from Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29), Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-29), and Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens, each emphasizing the importance of advocacy, prevention, and ensuring survivors have access to the resources and support they deserve.
A powerful part of the program featured survivor speakers, including Maria Benero and Aziza Kibibi, who courageously shared their personal stories and experiences.
“During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I want every survivor to know that there is hope and there is healing,” said Kibibi, survivor and founder of the nonprofit, Precious Little Ladies. “But my story is proof that life after abuse is possible, not only can you survive, but you can truly thrive. That is why organizations like Wynona's House are so important, and why I am proud that Precious Little Ladies can partner with them to raise awareness, share resources, and support survivors on their healing journey.”
Wynona’s House also recognized the valued support and participation of community organizations and partners that helped make the event impactful, including the Newark Community Street Team Trauma Recovery Center, Partnership for Children of Essex, Family Service League of Newark, Ironbound Community Corporation, Robert Wood Johnson Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Precious Little Ladies Inc., and the Essex County Family Justice Center.
About Wynona’s House Child Advocacy Center
Wynona’s House is an incorporated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization named in honor of its legislative champion, the late Senator Wynona Lipman, who helped develop the center to promote hope, healing, and justice for the child victims of abuse and neglect in Essex County by coordinating investigation, prosecution, treatment, prevention, and supportive services utilizing the “child-centered” multidisciplinary team approach. Located in Newark, Wynona’s House is the first fully co-located Child Advocacy Center in New Jersey, serving the residents of Essex County and providing direct services to child victims and their families in more than 950 cases of child abuse and neglect each year.
