10 Girls Graduate from Safe Dates Program

, graduated ten girls from the Safe Dates Program on March 20 at Kreps Middle School, according to a news release.

The graduates put on a short skit illustrating lessons they learned in the 10-session program, which includes lessons on defining caring relationships, defining dating abuse, why people abuse, how to help friends, helping friend, overcoming gender stereotypes, equal power through communication, how we feel/how we deal and preventing sexual assault, according to the release.

Hightstown Mayor Steve Kirson addressed the girls and their families at the graduation about life lessons, the release said.

“The self-esteem building skills in the Safe Dates program are important not just this year but for your entire life," Kirson said. "These lessons are valuable for your future, feeling good about yourself and awareness of what constitutes healthy behavior makes you a better person."

Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo’s (D-Hamilton) office brought dresses from the 14th district Princess Prom Project, the release said. Many of the girls modeled their new gowns after the program.

Leslie Koppel, executive director at Rise, said she was proud of the girls and the entire community for the support of the Safe Dates program. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Princeton Area Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls to bring this program to the community,” Koppel said. “Mayor Kirson, Rise Board Member Kathy Patten, the girls guidance counselors Ellen Gertel and Frank Vespe, District Supervisor World Language, Bilingual Education and ESL Kathy Natalizio, Rise Case Managers, Kreps Middle School Principal Lori Stein and the girls’ parents helped to bring the community together to create an awareness of the skills and resources for the girls to help themselves or friends in an abusive dating relationships, and equip them with the skills to develop healthy dating relationships, including positive communication, anger management and conflict resolution.”

Anna Vasquez, senior case manager at Rise and Safe Dates Program Coordinator, said she was pleased to see the outcome of the guests.

“The girls were encouraged when they saw so many important members of the community there to see them perform their skit,” Vasquez said in the release. “They were determined to put on a good show and they did. It was definitely an amazing feeling to see the program blossom with such great enthusiasm from both the girls and the community members.”

To participate in the 14th District Princess Prom Project, High School girls must be a resident of the 14th District which includes Hamilton Township, East Windsor, Hightstown, Robbinsville, Monroe Township, Jamesburg, Plainsboro and Cranbury. Gently worn formal or cocktail dresses can be donated at the 14th Legislative District Outreach Center located at 4621 Nottingham Way in Hamilton Township. Girls can also drop off an old gown and sign up for a swapping party day, which will be held April 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. or April 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.