Watch the Webinar Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGZFHFDxckk
The Westchester County Office for Women (OFW) held its June webinar of the Empower Hourseries featuring OFW Acting Director Catherine Borgia and guest, Westchester County Director of Faith-Based Initiatives Rev. Kym McNair, MDiv. S.T.M. They spoke about the different roles of spiritual leaders and service providers in supporting Domestic Violence survivors, understanding the effect of power dynamics within the various relationships and the indicators to help assess if a clergy person or religious institution is a safe space for a DV survivor. In acknowledgement of June as Pride Month, they also touched on how those who identify as LGBTQ+ face similar issues when looking for a spiritual sanctuary.
Borgia said: “Thank you so much to Rev. Kym McNair for this thoughtful and interesting discussion about how the faith-based community can partner with service providers to serve those experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence. Faith can be a powerful component in the healing journey, and her compassionate and practical guidance will help victims and those who seek to assist them.”
McNair said: “Healing can take a lifetime and conversations like these are important for providing hope, embracing a life free of violence and being a source of peace in the world and in the lives of people who experience violence. This is where we meet survivors at the point of their need and walk with them in their healing journey.”
For those interested, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding “Soul Shop for Black Churches” training for church leadership – both ordained and lay – on Saturday, July 11 at Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains https://ssbcjuly2026.attendease.com/
In a partnership with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health + NAMI Westchester + AFSP, NAMI Westchester can provide a “Bridges of Hope” presentation program to houses of worship upon request:https://namiwestchester.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/faith-net/.
To reach the Office for Women, please call: White Plains Office weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (914) 995-5972, in Spanish, (914) 995-6581, after hours and weekends, (914) 995-2099.
For resources and to view past Empower Hour webinars, go to https://women.westchestercountyny.gov
