Mother’s Day 2018

As the founder of the first shelter in North America for battered women in the home I shared with my three children in 1970, I’ve had the opportunity and occasion to meet many people from all walks of life.  It may be a student in my class – someone who calls to make a donation – or being recognized when walking in the woods or down the street – I’m constantly told these words “Thank you for the work you’re doing – I, too, was a battered woman/child”.  And, as an anthropologist, I’m aware that statistics show that most mass murderers are also batterers and been battered as a child.

As you know, we at Strengthen Our Sisters (SOS) have been working diligently (with no paid staff)  to break the cycle that is perpetuated from one generation to the next.  In our efforts to publicize this situation and to honor the many people who have reached out to us, we are kicking off a special tribute to our Mothers, the earth and children who have suffered the ravagers of this travesty, by holding an “Honor Your Mother” celebration on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th, at Treasurers’ Thrift Store (196 Lincoln Ave., West Milford) from 5PM to 10PM.  We’ll unveil a dedicated wall for great women with pictures and stories.  We’ll also have hand painted rocks in the garden with your loved ones names, either alive or passed on.  Food and music will be provided and a $25.00 contribution is requested, more if you can, less if you can’t.

Prior to the Mother’s Day event on the 13^th,  we will drive to Washington D.C.  on the May 4^th, for the 13^th Annual Mother’s Custody Conference.  Then on Friday,  May 11^th, there will be a support march in front of the Paterson Court House, 401 Grand Street, joining with women all over the world supporting mothers who have lost custody of their children to their batterers and child molesters.   The march is from 12 to 1:30; the speak-out from 1:45 to 2:30.

For any information regarding these events, please call Sandra Ramos at 973/831-0898 or Suzette at 862/337-9220.

In addition, because the anticipated substantial donation that would have saved the shelter did not come thru, we are looking for someone who has the means to either donate or hold our mortgage for $482,000.00.  We will be announcing this person and naming the main house in honor of either their loved one or his/her self.

We have also initiated an “SOS – Spark our Shelter “for monthly donations to pay the astronomical utility bills.  We’re always on the verge of shut offs.  Payments can be either a personal check or thru PayPal.

Come join us and show your support for the battered and homeless women and children our mission is striving to serve.

Sandra Ramos

Founder, MA