Ellafi Kind to Host “Strength in Action” Event Focused on Safety, Wellness and Domestic Violence Awareness

Ellafi Kind will host its first Strength in Action event on Sunday, Oct. 18, bringing women and community members together for a morning focused on personal safety, financial and mental wellness, self-defense and domestic violence awareness. Held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at IMPACT, 25 Industrial Park Road in Middletown, the program will offer practical information and hands-on experiences to help attendees feel more aware, prepared and confident in different areas of their lives.

"Strength comes in many forms, from knowing how to protect yourself physically to feeling secure in your finances and emotional well-being," said Robyn Swanson, President and CEO of Ellafi Federal Credit Union. "We created Strength in Action to give women practical tools they can use in their own lives while also supporting organizations that are helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence."

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The host and featured speaker of Strength in Action is Mimi Gonzalez, founder of Creator House, a speaker and community builder, who has spent her career bringing people together around ideas that create change. Strength in Action will also feature the following speakers and experiences:

LaQueshia Clemons, LCSW, AFC®, financial therapist and founder of Freedom Life Therapy & Wellness, will discuss the connection between financial well-being and mental health, including how the emotional and behavioral aspects of money can affect confidence and stability.

Justin Hanson, owner of Hanson Security Group and a former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent with more than 25 years in federal protective services, will share his top 10 personal and home safety tips, offering practical steps attendees can use to become more aware and prepared in their everyday surroundings.

Kathleen "Kasey" Harding, MPH, Director of Community Health Inc.'s Center for Key Populations and Director of New Horizons Domestic Violence Services, will address domestic violence prevention, resources available to individuals and families, and ways community members can recognize warning signs and support survivors. New Horizons runs a 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline and an emergency shelter for Middlesex County. The 24-hour DV hotline number is (860) 344-9599.

Attendees will also participate in a self-defense mini class led by Kayla Stomberg, owner and Head Instructor of 360 Defense Martial Arts in Middletown. Stomberg, a 5th Degree Black Belt in the 360 Defense System, will teach practical techniques centered on awareness, boundaries and confidence.

Strength in Action is recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets are $20, with proceeds supporting Ellafi Kind and organizations that provide services and resources to individuals and families affected by domestic violence. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ellafifcu.org/strength-in-action/

About Ellafi Kind

Founded in 2025, Ellafi Kind is the charitable arm of Ellafi Federal Credit Union, created to meet the evolving needs of local communities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Ellafi Kind supports local nonprofits, community initiatives, and programs that address financial challenges facing women+, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

The organization provides financial literacy education, business mentorship, emergency aid, and community partnerships designed to foster resilience, independence, and long-term financial wellness. To learn more or get involved, visit Ellafi Kind

About Ellafi Federal Credit Union

Ellafi Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and communities, with an emphasis on economic resilience and financial independence for women+. As the first credit union in Connecticut with this mission, Ellafi provides innovative banking solutions and personalized support to help individuals and families achieve financial success. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, volunteers, or worships in Middlesex County and select nearby areas. Follow Ellafi on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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