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Who We Are

In 1975, Alice Chapman, Mary Elizabeth Corso and Bonnie Law founded the then Women’s Center of Greater Danbury (WCOGD) as a place where individuals and families could gather and explore ways to improve their lives. Harnessing the energy of the Women’s Liberation, they established what became a lasting institution for the community.

Since then, The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) has been a safe haven as the sole provider of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties that provides state approved domestic violence and sexual assault resources and services.

Our History

1975

1983

1989

CEE is one of only four CCADV/Alliance member agencies throughout the state that provides both domestic violence and sexual assault victim services and the only area agency that provides comprehensive prevention education programs for local schools, colleges, and the community at no cost.

CEE is a client-focused organization that empowers individuals and families to make their own decisions, especially decisions affecting their autonomy, well-being, and safety. We strive to ensure that our clients find safety and are empowered to gain or regain their voice so that they may become their own best advocate.

Each year, CEE serves over 30,000 individuals from our area communities. Our no cost and confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

All funds provided to CEE support our critically needed domestic violence, sexual assault and resource services for adults and children in our 11-town service area, including: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Roxbury, and Sherman.

OUR MISSION & VISION

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.

Our vision is to create safer communities free from interpersonal violence for all individuals in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties.

Our Leadership

Our leadership comprises an esteemed group of individuals included in our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Men’s Council, and our Leadership Team.

  1. We provide confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including individuals and families, at no cost.
  2. We staff two 24-hour hotlines: One for domestic violence and one for sexual assault.
  3. We have a 13-bed shelter, Patricia House, to house individuals and families fleeing violence in their homes. Alternate safe housing options are provided for adult male victims.
  4. We are on call 24/7/365.
  5. We provide on-site emergency response at local hospitals, police departments, and at court. Walk-ins are served at our main office at 2 West Street office in downtown Danbury.
  6. Our counseling services cover a broad range of topics such as self-esteem, ending relationships, separation and divorce, coping with stress and anxiety, bullying, and LGBTQ+ issues.
  7. We provide free education programs for all ages—from preschool to senior citizens. These programs are provided in schools, colleges, businesses, social and civic groups, and faith-based organizations.
  8. We are the only state-certified provider of these support services in our 11-town community: Bethel, Brookfield, New Milford, Redding, Roxbury, Bridgewater, Danbury, New Fairfield, Newtown, Ridgefield, and Sherman.
  9. We serve more than 30,000 individuals and families annually.
  10. We rely on donations for more than half the funds needed to run CEE, so we can be there for all those who turn to us for help.

DOWNLOAD TEN FACTS ABOUT CEE

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 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.

Types of Abuse

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship in which one partner tries to control and dominate the other. 

The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) is staffed with skilled and experienced professionals to assist those in immediate need, provide ongoing support, and conduct prevention education.