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Giving

Support our Work to End the Violence

It is thanks to the support of people like you that The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) is able to provide no cost and confidential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other major life challenges. Funds provided to CEE support our critically needed services to more than 30,000 adults and children annually throughout our 11-town service area.

CEE, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, offers several ways to contribute including:

Ways to Give

Personal Donation

Donations can be made in person, by mail, over the phone, or through our website. We accept cash, check or credit card. You can make a donation in person by stopping by CEE on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM. All checks should be made payable to The Center for Empowerment and Education.

In Person or by Mail
The Center for Empowerment and Education
2 West Street, Danbury, CT 06810
203.731.5200

Gifts in Memory or Honor

This is a very special way to make a memorial gift in honor of a friend or loved one or to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or graduation.

Make a secure online donation in someone’s memory or honor to make a difference in the lives of all those that turn to us for help in rebuilding their lives and planning a future that is violence free.

Corporate Giving

Each year, dedicated companies and their employees support CEE’s lifesaving work.

Foundation Giving

Let our Development staff help you to identify CEE initiatives that best match y our organization’s programmatic goals.

Become a Member

Originally founded as a membership organization in 1975, CEE continues to rely on the commitment and support of its members. When you join the CEE, you will be welcomed into a family of dedicated individuals committed to serving the needs of individuals and families in crisis.

Membership benefits include invitations to special events and, most importantly, the pride of being affiliated with an organization that provides free and confidential services through our Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Resource Services programs as well as our comprehensive primary prevention, education and training programs

Demonstrates year-round support of crisis services and for individuals and families;

Entitles you to vote at our Annual Meeting;

Enables you to be recognized in our Annual Report;

Shows public officials and funders that CEE is backed by the communities it serves;

Helps pay for hotlines, shelter, counseling, and prevention programs;

Gives you early notification via email of when our sell-out breakfast tickets become available;

Receive a hard copy of our Annual Report.

Fundraising Events

Corporations, local merchants and families can support our services through our Annual Dinner, our Annual “Hearts of Hope” Breakfast, our Annual 4k SafeWalk, and many other special fundraisers.

Host an event to raise awareness and funds to support The Center for Empowerment and Education.

CEE's mission is to break the cycle of interpersonal violence through empowerment, education and support services utilizing inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices for all individuals in the community.

CEE welcomes third party fundraising and promotional events sponsored by outside organizations on its behalf. A third party event or promotion is one that is conceived and created completely by volunteers – an individual, organization or business – with the purpose of helping to raise awareness and funds for CEE. Such events and promotions must be consistent with CEE’s mission and maintain a positive image for the organization.

While we actively encourage third party fundraising as these events and promotions help with our fundraising goal, they all must be approved by CEE in advance. These events demonstrate a strong commitment on the part of our friends to support the work we do. They also make a real financial impact, and we are grateful. Once you have reviewed our policies and decide to proceed with your event – please contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager at (203) 731-5200, ext. 232 or via email at linda.c@thecenterct.org to fill out the Third Party events from and return it by mail or email.

How CEE Can Help with your Fundraising Event:

  • Provide a letter of authorization to validate the authenticity of the event and its organizers.
  • Provide event planning tools on a limited basis, and some guidance and advice for event planning.
  • Review promotional materials and, if appropriate, approve the use of and provide camera ready artwork (CEE’s logo) for approved promotional materials.
    • The name The Center may be reproduced on signs, banners, publications, literature, or printed materials only after consultation with CEE’s Development Department.
    • CEE may be identified as the beneficiary of the event, and events should be promoted as such; for example “The Golf Outing to benefit The Center for Empowerment and Education.”
  • Post the event on CEE’s website, Facebook and other calendar listings as appropriate, with your contact information.
  • Schedule a minimum of one email blast about the event.
  • Provide information regarding current programs and services provided by CEE for distribution at the event or for public relations efforts conducted by the sponsoring organization.
  • CEE will make every attempt to have representatives at your event.

For legal and other reasons, CEE cannot perform the following activities or functions for events it does not sponsor directly:

  • Extend our tax exemption to you.
  • Extend our tax ID number for purchases.
  • Issue receipts for donations not made directly to The Center.
  • Provide insurance coverage or secure permits.
  • Provide mailing lists of donors, employees, service participants or volunteers.
  • Provide CEE letterhead for your use.
  • Provide on-site staff or volunteers to work at your event.
  • Provide banking, funding or reimbursement of expenses.
  • Solicit sponsorship revenue for your fundraising activities.
  • Guarantee attendance of The Center staff at the event.
  • Provide auction services or systems.

No party may use CEE’s logo or otherwise indicate to the public that an event is being held for the benefit of CEE without written consent from a member of CEE’s leadership team.

Please make checks out to The Center for Empowerment & Education and mail to The Center for Empowerment and Education, 2 West Street, Danbury, CT  06810.  Cash is also accepted.

If your event involves a raffle or other type of gambling activity or if you plan to sell or serve alcohol at your event, you must obtain a license/permit from the state of Connecticut.  You will be solely responsible for obtaining the license/permit.

You may want to inquire as to obtaining liability insurance for your event.  Please note that CEE’s insurance policy does not cover Third Party events.

Event sponsors will be liable for all event expenses.  The Better Business Bureau recommends no more than 50% of proceeds raised should be spent on event expenses.

The event sponsors or hosts agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Center for Empowerment and Education and its affiliates, from all claims and liabilities, including attorney’s fees that may arise from any acts or omissions of their agents, volunteers, or employees, or from any claim by them or anyone else relating to the quality, performance, or failure to perform during the specified time period of the event.

Planned Gifts

Include a gift to CEE in your trust or estate plans and leave future generations a proud legacy – support for the invaluable work of CEE.

In-Kind Giving

To consider in-kind donations of personal care items, toys, cleaning supplies, paper goods, non-perishable food items, etc. please email us at thecenter@thecenterct.org or visit our up-to-date Amazon wish list below.
The holidays – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Chanukah – are typically joyful celebrations, but for domestic violence survivors, they can bring many challenges. The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) has been blessed with many members, supporters, and friends. Every year, dozens of people and organizations donate food and gifts to our clients so that they and their children can enjoy a holiday meal and celebrate together.

Some people give gift cards to area stores so that the parents can do their own shopping. Others “adopt” families, get lists, and do the shopping for them. There are several groups who forego their own gift-giving so they may give to others.

If you would like to adopt a family, deliver a food basket, give costumes or candy for Halloween, or make a cash donation, please contact CEE at 203-731-5200.

Thanksgiving Gift Card Donations

Each year we reach out to approximately 100 families in need with donated gifts and food baskets.

Holiday Giving Program

The generosity and dedication of our supporters and volunteers is heartwarming and overwhelming year after year. We couldn’t do it without YOU!!

Where we Help

CEE is available to help anyone, though we focus on the following towns and zip codes.

Success Story

Beth
In the deep cold of winter, Beth’s partner, provider, and her abuser, purposefully did not pay the energy bill. How would Beth keep herself and her three children warm without heat?

CEE Events

Our events are a key part of our fundraising program, as well as a platform with which to share our success stories, engage with each other, and have a good time.

CEE Mission

Our mission is to break the cycle of interpersonal violence through empowerment, education and support services utilizing inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices for all individuals in the community.

Volunteer

Be a part of the solution!

The support provided by our dedicated volunteers enables The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) to reach an average of 30,000 people each year.