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Riley Honored for Work to End Domestic Violence

(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) will be honored this weekend by I’m Free Ministry, an organization that provides transitional housing to victims of domestic violence, for her work with women and legislative efforts to stop domestic violence.

“I’m humbled by the recognition. It is especially gratifying, coming from an agency that provides a safe haven for women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse,” said Riley, who has championed the cause of domestic violence victims in the Assembly. “Many victims of domestic violence feel like they can’t break away from an abusive situation because they lack the financial resources to leave or have nowhere to go. I’m Free Ministry gives them an escape route. Through my work as a legislator, I have pushed for policies to support women afflicted by domestic violence, and promise to continue to work for the best interest of these and all women in New Jersey.”

Riley, who has sponsored several laws to combat domestic violence, will be honored along with Mo’Shay LaRen, a Philadelphia radio personality and founder of the Pledge to Love Yourself organization, during I’m Free Ministry’s first annual Love Shouldn’t Hurt Spring Gala.

The organization works to empower women affected by domestic violence, while providing them with a safe and loving home where they can recover from the abuse. It runs a 24-hour shelter and transitional housing for women and their children. Proceeds from the gala will benefit this shelter.

“I’m Free Ministry gives women who have escaped abusive relationships the resources needed to heal and succeed at life. This important work needs our support, so I encourage everyone to join us on Sunday to help this organization continue to empower these women,” said Riley.

The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Mansion, 3000 Main St., Voorhees. NJ, and will feature food, live jazz and more. Donations are $40. All proceeds will go to fund needed repairs to the Pendlebury Transitional Home, the non-profit emergency shelter used by I’m Free Ministry to house women and children victimized by domestic violence. For more information, contact Jennifer Patterson at (856) 364-7246 or I’m Free Ministry at (856)782-6757.