East Windsor Township is encouraging residents and businesses to light candles in support of victims of domestic violence as part of Younity’s 25th annual Communities of Light campaign on Monday, October 26.
Mayor Janice S. Mironov and Township Council members announced the township’s participation in the countywide event, which raises money for Younity, formerly known as Womanspace, and draws attention to domestic violence and the services available to victims and their families.
The annual observance, held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, brings together residents, businesses, schools, faith communities and local organizations throughout Mercer County. Participants display candlelit luminaries outside homes, businesses and other gathering places as symbols of hope and support for people affected by domestic and sexual violence.
Residents can participate by purchasing luminary kits for $15 each at the East Windsor Police/Municipal Court Building, 80 One Mile Road. Each kit contains six candles, six white paper bags and instructions for setting up the display.
All proceeds from kits purchased through the township will go directly to Younity, which provides emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, crisis intervention and other services to individuals and families affected by abuse.
“We hope that our participation will help focus public attention on the important subject of domestic violence and to encourage residents to become more aware of support efforts available to victims and families,” Mironov said. “As a community, we wish to express our strong support for Womanspace and to recognize the important assistance they provide to victims of domestic violence.”
The mayor said the luminaries serve as a visible reminder that domestic violence remains a concern in communities throughout the area.
“The lighting of luminaries is a unique means of increasing local awareness of the ongoing presence of domestic violence in all of our communities and to serve as a symbol of hope for all those who struggle with violence in their homes,” she said.
Communities of Light marks its 25th anniversary this year. What began as a small community initiative has developed into a countywide tradition, with thousands of luminaries displayed along sidewalks, driveways and storefronts each October.
In addition to purchasing kits, participants can organize neighborhood lighting displays, encourage participation through schools or community groups, or attend municipal lighting ceremonies. Businesses also can serve as retailers or sponsors of the campaign.
Younity was established in 1977 as Womanspace, initially focusing on services for women experiencing domestic violence. The organization adopted its new name in 2024 to reflect its commitment to assisting survivors of all genders and backgrounds.
Over nearly five decades, it has expanded its services to include emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, housing assistance, prevention education and crisis response for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
According to figures published by Younity, the organization answered 6,777 hotline calls in 2025 and provided personalized support to 3,483 individuals through its housing, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning and crisis response programs. Another 405 individuals found refuge in its Safe House. The organization reported serving 10% more individuals across its programs than in the previous year.
The Communities of Light campaign helps support those services while encouraging residents to recognize the warning signs of abuse and the resources available to people seeking assistance.
Younity is also organizing a countywide gathering at Palmer Square in Princeton on October 26, featuring performances by the Princeton Girlchoir of Westrick Music Academy and the Princeton University Wildcats, along with remarks from Princeton Mayor Mark Freda and representatives of Younity and Princeton University’s SHARE program.
East Windsor residents seeking information about purchasing luminary kits can call the township at 609-448-5678, ext. 232. Kits are also available through participating retailers, including Hickory Corner Farm, 201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor.
Additional information about Communities of Light and online kit orders is available at younitynj.org.
Younity operates a 24-hour crisis hotline at 609-394-9000 for individuals seeking assistance with domestic violence or sexual assault.
