Reimagined Vision, Mission and Core Values
These powerful statements are the foundation of our organizational culture; they inform the healing work we do with survivors of domestic violence. A private non-profit established in 1978, S+SS is the designated lead agency and only organization in Somerset County providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic abuse and their families. Our trauma-informed, evidence-based programs are designed to provide safety, hope and healing to survivors and their families as they build independent lives, free from violence and abuse. abuse and strategically direct the way we impact our community.
Vision: We envision a community free from domestic abuse, where individuals and families thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
Mission: Safe+Sound Somerset prevents and responds to domestic abuse with programs that provide safety, support and education for individuals, families and the community.
Values: S.A.F.E. = Survivors. Accountability. Freedom. Equity.
Survivors: We believe survivors and place their healing in the center of all the work we do.
Accountability: Accountability creates transparency and authenticity for our organization, survivors’ healing, and the community.
Freedom: Individuals and families are entitled to live free from violence and oppression, and communities thrive when all members are free to pursue their best selves.
Equity: We are intentional in our pursuit of equity, centering the voices and needs of marginalized communities in our work.
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values are the guideposts for our programs, services and interactions with each other and the community. These words represent a shared strategic reflection and revision by Safe+Sound Somerset Board of Trustees, staff and
community volunteers. This process led us to reflect on our organizational culture through the critical lens of equity — examining the structures of race, gender identify, sexual orientation and ability, that shape the experiences and outcomes for survivors and show up in our community.
We realize that while words are powerful, they are only impactful and life changing when they are backed up by authentic action. As we move forward, the Board of Trustees and staff of Safe + Sound Somerset reassert the promise to continually listen to the feedback and input from survivors and our community, as we work to end domestic abuse once and for all.
Our Team
Safe+Sound Somerset is proud of its highly dedicated and qualified team of diverse professionals and volunteers. Whether an advocate in our emergency shelter, a counselor, an administrative staff member or an advocate that provides support to clients in court, each of us share a commitment to empowering survivors and engaging the community to end abuse.
Board of Trustees
Sheila Breeding, President
Allstate NJ, Senior Manager Stakeholder Relations (Retired)
Susan Sturges Spagnola, Esq., Secretary
JP Morgan Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Retired)
James Berg, CPA, Treasurer
WithumSmith+Brown, PC, Partner
Michelle Bauman
Sandoz, Global Head
Cassandra Bellfield
AON Consulting, Vice President
Denise Coyle, Esq.
Former Assemblywoman
Trudy Doyle
Superintendent of Schools, Somerset County Executive (Retired)
Susan Hutton
IEEE, Sales Director
Natalie Pineiro
Downtown Somerville Alliance, Executive Director
Deborah E. Preston, PhD
Raritan Valley Community College,Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sonia Rodrigues-Marto, MA, LPC
Rutgers University, Director, School & Community Programs
Center for Interpersonal Wellness, LLC, Co-Owner & Psychotherapist
Terry Thompson, Esq.
Friends of the Shelter, President
A Note From the Executive Director
Michele E. Boronkas, Executive Director, Ex Officio
Michele comes to us with an extensive background in leadership positions in New Jersey and in Somerset County in particular. She most recently was the Executive Director for the Workforce Training Center at Raritan Valley Community College, where she worked to launch the new Workforce Training Center. As Executive Director for the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, she worked to create innovative and progressive workforce training policies and investment strategies to benefit individuals and employers in the State. Furthermore, her experience with the American Cancer Society, Somerset County United Way and Women’s Health and Counseling Center solidified her successful record in program development, fundraising and organizational development successes.