Womanspace, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing abuse, protecting families and transforming victims into survivors, celebrated the next chapter in its nearly 50-year existence by revealing its new identity, Younity.
At an invitation-only event on November 13, staff and board members joined community leaders, local dignitaries, advocates and victim-survivors to celebrate the organization’s history and introduce its new name, an evolutionary step toward meeting the needs of today’s victim-survivors.
NEW NAME
After more than a year of careful research, focus groups, and meetings between the organization’s leadership team, board and marketing partner, Imbue Creative, a new name and tagline that embody the spirit of inclusivity and support was created: “YOUNITY. Together we are stronger than abuse.“
The new brand was unveiled at the event by Nathalie S. Nelson, CEO and president of Younity, formerly Womanspace, during a speech, in which she honored the organization’s five women co-founders: Barbara Boggs Sigmund, Deborah Metzger, Ellen Belknap, Mary Ann Cannon and Valorie Caffee. She also recognized several staff who have been with the organization for anywhere from 10 to 40 years. “We honor the foundation built by our history, while stepping into a future that better reflects the strength, diversity and resilience of those we serve,” said Nelson.
Nelson characterized the gender-neutral rebranding as a “pivotal moment” and “a chance to expand our legacy and connect with a new generation of survivors and supporters.”
SAME MISSION
While Womanspace was created to give Mercer County women and families a new path to safety from domestic violence, the organization has evolved now “to provide that same new path to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault from all genders and walks of life,” explained Board Member Stephen Sigmund, daughter of a cofounder. “It’s time for a new name that matches that evolution. Younity represents our expanded mission, bringing people together, survivors and providers alike, to provide new opportunity and new hope.”
Board chair Meaghan Cannon said, “As the daughter of one of Womanspace’s founding members, I am deeply honored to continue my mother’s legacy of compassion, empowerment, and resilience. Today, as we evolve into Younity, I am proud to support this transformation.”
MORE INCLUSIVE
The name Younity was chosen to underscore the organization’s commitment to providing each person affected by abuse with an entire community, regardless of age, race, gender or orientation. The brand is designed to reach a more inclusive audience, deepen the organization’s impact, and empower everyone affected by abuse.
“This transformation not only celebrates where we’ve been, but also where we’re going as we continue to foster hope and healing for those who need it most,” Nelson said.
Younity provides a comprehensive array of emergency and follow-up services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for victim-survivors and their families. Bilingual services and programs include 24/7 crisis intervention, safe, short-term emergency shelter, short and long-term transitional housing, individual counseling and therapeutic support groups for adults and children, court advocacy and the 24/7 crisis hotline 609-394-9000. Younity also operates the 24/7 New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline 800-572-SAFE and the NJ Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline 800-601-7200.
The YOUNITY rollout includes a new website—younitynj.org—as well as signage and other marketing materials.
