Connect / A New York Corporation

Community empowerment program (cep): Connect recognizes the vital role of community involvement in preventing and ending interpersonal violence. As part of its comprehensive approach to eliminating family violence, Connect established the community empowerment program (cep) and its training institute (cti) to help local organizations across new york city respond to the needs of victims and survivors in their communities. Connect has engaged almost 200 community partners in their efforts to eliminate interpersonal violence. As a result of the covid epidemic in nyc from 2019 to 2022 and its impact on individuals, families, and communities throughout the city, many have experienced intimate partner violence and related issues in increased numbers without access to usual resources. In response, Connect pivoted and expanded its holistic approaches, moving from traditional methods to addressing and preventing violence for survivors, witnesses, and abusive partners. To address these pressing issues, Connect expanded its reach online through remote platforms and now operates using a hybrid model that combines in-person and online services. This approach allows us to maintain our outreach and meet the needs of individuals and community partners. By offering both in-person and online services and programs, we can be responsive to the evolving needs of the communities we serve while being mindful of the ongoing impact of covid and other emerging health issues on certain populations.