Keep the Strength Going.
Connection. Education. Empowerment. Hope.
Thank you for being part of Strength in Action, hosted by Ellafi Federal Credit Union and Ellafi Kind in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
On October 18, 2026, we brought our community together for meaningful conversations about domestic violence awareness and prevention, personal safety, mental wellness, financial independence, and the importance of supporting one another.
But the conversation doesn't end here.
Whether you attended the event, want to learn more, or are looking for support for yourself or someone you care about, we've brought together helpful resources, community organizations, and information from our speakers and partners.
Because strength grows when we support one another.
Meet Our Speakers
Mimi Gonzalez | Creator House Founder, Speaker & Community Builder
Mimi Gonzalez is a creator, creator economy strategist, speaker, and community builder who has spent her career bringing people together around ideas that create change. Her roots are in community organizing and social impact, including her work as an Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps Fellow, before she became one of the youngest executives at a Fortune 500 company at 24 years old. She also holds a Masters in Organizational Psyhology and held several positions in Human Resources, DE&I, and Communications throughout Corporate America.
Today, Mimi is the founder of Creator House, where she builds community, experiences, and partnerships that create more opportunities for creators, while advising businesses and institutions on how to meaningfully work with the creator economy. She also founded and hosts griefsense, a media platform born from her experience navigating profound loss and exploring what it means to create, rebuild, and romanticize life after loss.
Mimi’s work and story have been featured across NBC, FOX61, Univision, CT Buzz, and other media. Across everything she builds is a philosophy that has become both her personal mantra and an invitation to others: life is a privilege.
Money, Mental Wellness & You
LaQueshia Clemons, LCSW, AFC® | Freedom Life Therapy & Wellness
Our financial lives and mental wellness are often more connected than we realize. LaQueshia Clemons is a financial therapist and founder of Freedom Life Therapy & Wellness, where she helps individuals and couples understand the emotional and behavioral roots of their relationship with money.
Through a trauma-informed, judgment-free approach, LaQueshia helps people move from financial stress toward greater confidence, clarity and stability. Her message will explore the connection between financial wellness and overall well-being.
Top 10 Personal & Home Safety Tips
Justin Hanson | Hanson Security Group
Learn practical safety tips you can use at home and in everyday life from someone with more than 28 years of law enforcement and protective services experience.
Justin Hanson is the owner of Hanson Security Group and a former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent who spent more than 25 years in federal protective services. His career includes protecting high-level government officials, coordinating complex security operations around the world and leading investigations into financial crimes.
Justin will share 10 practical personal and home safety tips designed to help you become more aware, prepared and confident in your everyday surroundings.
Domestic Violence Prevention & Support
Kathleen “Kasey” Harding, MPH | Center for Key Populations & New Horizons Domestic Violence Services
Kasey Harding brings extensive experience working with vulnerable populations and community health programs. She currently serves as Director of the Center for Key Populations and Director of New Horizons Domestic Violence Services, a program dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence through advocacy, education, safety planning and connections to resources.
Kasey will share insight into domestic violence prevention, available services and ways our community can better support survivors. Her message will help attendees better understand the resources available and how each of us can play a role in creating safer, more supportive communities.
Self-Defense Mini Class
Kayla Stomberg | 360 Defense Martial Arts
Get hands-on with simple, practical self-defense techniques designed to help you feel more aware, prepared and confident.
Kayla Stomberg is the owner and Head Instructor of 360 Defense Martial Arts in Middletown, CT. With more than 18 years of teaching experience and a lifetime in martial arts, Kayla is a 5th Degree Black Belt in the 360 Defense System and a Black Belt with the United States Krav Maga Association.
Her approach to self-defense is empowering and approachable, focusing on practical skills, awareness, boundaries and confidence. Attendees will learn simple techniques they can put into action.
Resources & Support
You are not alone. Help and support are available.
Whether you're seeking information, supporting someone you care about, or exploring ways to become involved, these organizations offer valuable services, education, and resources.
New Horizons Domestic Violence Services
New Horizons provides services and support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, including advocacy, safety planning, and access to resources.
Learn more: New Horizons Domestic Violence Services
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
CCADV works to strengthen Connecticut's response to domestic violence through advocacy, education, prevention, and a statewide network of domestic violence service providers.
Learn more: Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Online: thehotline.org
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
For individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or a crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7.
Call or text: 988
Online: 988lifeline.org
Supporting the Next Generation
Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut
We're proud to recognize members of the Girls Inc. Teen Advocacy Council, whose project focuses on domestic violence awareness.
Their commitment to education, advocacy, and encouraging important conversations reminds us that young voices have the power to create meaningful change.
Learn more: Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut
Thank You to Our Community Partners
Strength in Action would not be possible without the generosity, collaboration, and commitment of organizations and individuals who believe in building a safer, stronger, and more supportive community.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our event sponsors, community partners, speakers, volunteers, and everyone who helped bring this event to life.
A special thank-you to:
- IMPACT Middletown for welcoming our community and hosting this event.
- Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut Teen Advocacy Council for helping raise awareness and sharing the importance of youth advocacy.
- Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence for its continued commitment to education, advocacy, and survivor support.
- Our speakers and community partners for sharing their time, expertise, and resources.
About Ellafi Kind
Be Kind. Spread Kind. Live Kind. Together, Ellafi Kind.
Ellafi Kind is Ellafi Federal Credit Union's charitable initiative, focused on making a meaningful difference in our communities through support for young girls, housing needs, and individuals impacted by domestic violence.
Through community partnerships, financial assistance, education, and initiatives like Strength in Action, we're working to create opportunities, build resilience, and support those who need it most.
Proceeds from Strength in Action benefit Ellafi Kind and its efforts to provide meaningful assistance to domestic violence survivors.
Keep the Conversation Going
Domestic violence awareness doesn't end when October does.
Sometimes making a difference begins with a conversation, sharing a resource, checking in on someone you care about, or simply reminding someone that support is available.
We encourage you to stay connected, share these resources, and continue helping us build a community where everyone feels safer, supported, and empowered.
Together, we can turn awareness into action.
Strength in Action is a community education and awareness event hosted by Ellafi Federal Credit Union and Ellafi Kind. Resources provided are for informational purposes and do not replace professional, legal, medical, or emergency assistance.