Please join your neighbors and friends for the 28th consecutive community rally to Defend Democracy in beautiful downtown Bethel. While the overall theme is Defending Democracy, each week there is a specific focus. On Saturday September 13th, 11am -12:30pm, the focus will be: Domestic Violence and Homelessness She found the courage to leave. Now she needs somewhere to go. Family and domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children. Statistics reveal a stark reality. According to the American Bar Association, 38 percent of all domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lifetime. In addition, more than 90 percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Survivors can experience obstacles both in looking for housing and maintaining safe housing. These obstacles are often amplified depending on a survivor’s race, immigration status, or English language proficiency. Domestic violence is also one of the leading causes of homelessness for children in the United States, with one quarter of homeless children having witnessed violence. These figures illuminate a troubling pattern: Abuse is a significant driver of housing instability. Transitional housing programs provide temporary, supportive housing, acting as an intermediate step between emergency shelters and permanent housing. These programs may offer services such as job training, life skills, and mental health support to help residents achieve stability and independence within a defined timeframe, sometimes up to two years. We have two wonderful speakers this week: Jennifer Seeley Jennifer Seeley, serves as the Executive Director of Road to Home at Amos House, where she leads with a deep commitment to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in the community. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for social justice, Jenn has dedicated her career to building programs that not only meet immediate needs but also empower individuals and families to move toward lasting stability. At Road to Home, she has strengthened partnerships across sectors, expanded access to housing resources, and championed innovative strategies that recognize the dignity and potential of every person. Her leadership is defined by collaboration, compassion, and a belief that meaningful change happens when communities work together. Beyond her professional role, Jenn finds her greatest joy in family. She and her husband, Will—a retired Marine Corps officer—are proud foster parents to three amazing children, ages 12, 16 months, and 5 months. Jenn’s vision is clear: to foster a future where housing is recognized not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right. Michelle Galeas-Carrasco When Michelle came to Road to Home, she was living in her car—her daughter Jenaviv, who has a rare genetic disorder, was in constant therapy, and Michelle had lost all sense of hope. They’d been through so much: housing instability, a flooded basement, depression, addiction, and separation. But everything changed the day she met Jennifer Seeley. The team made space for Michelle and her daughter before the house was even scheduled to open. That moment of compassion became the turning point. Today, Michelle is sober, employed, and has her very own apartment—with her daughter back in her custody. Lenny Levine The talented and accomplished Lenny Levine will be our musician this week. Lenny attended Brooklyn College, graduating in 1962 with a BA in Speech and Theater. Immediately thereafter, he forgot about all of that and became a folk singer, then a folk-rock singer and songwriter, and finally a studio singer and composer of many successful jingles, including McDonald’s, Lipton Tea, and Jeep. He has composed songs and sung backup for Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Peggy Lee, Diana Ross, Barry Manilow, the Pointer Sisters, Carly Simon, and others. In addition, he performed for a number of years with the improvisational comedy group War Babies. His work has been widely published in literary magazines and journals. He received a Pushcart Prize nomination for short fiction. His mystery novels Diehard Fan and Death in the Jingle Jungle are available in print, Nook, and Kindle on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. His website is [lennylevinewriter.com]. The rally is non-partisan. What this means is that like-minded people from diverse backgrounds are participating and are vital to our rallies. Defending Democracy crosses party lines: we have registered Republicans, Unaffiliated, Democrats, and non-voters, all coming together to fight for the rights of “We the People” to determine the type of society we want to live in. Never miss information about upcoming rallies by registering for our rally newsletter, bit.ly/BethelRalliesNewsletter (case sensitive). You can also provide feedback on what you'd like to see at future rallies. Questions and feedback are also always welcome anytime at: [[email protected]]. Visit [BethelRallies.org] to find videos and pictures from past rallies. A sign-making table and an information table will also be available. Note: Rally is rain or shine. There are 2 small benches at the square and we will have a limited number of camping chairs. Please bring your own lawn or camping chair. Approximate Rally Schedule: -11:00 - 11:15 Assemble and rally at curb (You are welcome to arrive prior to 11:00 for extra curb time) -11:15 - 11:45 Program -11:45 - Noon Rally at curb with chant leader -Noon - 12:20 March with chant leader -12:20 Closing Song -12:30 Disperse We collect for Bethel’s food pantry each week. All non-perishable items are greatly appreciated, but the food pantry especially needs: oatmeal, tea, soup, instant mashed potatoes, baking mixes, and any jam/jelly flavor other than grape. The pantry also requests clean empty egg cartons (any style). We ask that attendees refrain from sign holding or chanting at the curb during the speaking portion of the rally. We want to be sure everyone can hear the speakers, who are often discussing serious and sensitive topics. We are sharing a small square so we need your help to make the rallies comfortable for everyone. We have tried to arrange the rallies so there is a little something for everyone: chanting, marching, themes with speakers, live music, fun trinkets, sign making. We appreciate every one of you that attends. Together we can voice our frustrations, build community, and also hopefully learn a little something from experts or your fellow neighbors' experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. ❤️ Please park at one of the four public parking lots. The lot that is closest to the rally location, PT Barnum Square, is behind the municipal center. We ask that you leave the limited street parking spots open so they are available for patrons of downtown businesses - but definitely enjoy our beautiful town’s restaurants and shops after the rally! Bring your voice, your spirit, and your friends. Let’s make change visible. 💥 Because the fight for democracy continues through all seasons. Thank you 😊 A core principle behind all Indivisible events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.