STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Staten Island Urban Center’s DOVE (Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies) Program celebrated its fourth year recently with a powerful event that blended fashion, storytelling, and healing.
Hosted on May 17 on the picturesque grounds of the historic Alice Austen House in Rosebank, the afternoon served as a moving tribute to the resilience of domestic violence survivors and the community advocates who support them.
This year’s finale, “Styled in Survival,” was a collaboration with Alexandra Nyman, executive director of the BreakFree Foundation. The highlight of the event was a unique walking tour, where fashion became the symbol for courage, advocacy and empowerment.
Survivors modeled Nyman’s custom designs — each garment reflecting a personal journey of pain, strength, and survival.
“I’m thrilled to witness the countless lives we’ve touched with healing, education, and inner strength,” said Sarah Blas, director of the DOVE Program. “This year, we joined forces with the BreakFree Foundation and Alexandra Nyman to fuse fashion with resilience — celebrating survivors’ triumphs and reminding them that recovery is beautiful.”
Nyman’s creations were far more than just clothing — they were wearable testaments to courage.
“Fashion in this space wasn’t about trends—it was about truth,” added Blas. “Every stitch, every photo, every model was a survivor telling the world: I’m still here, I’m still standing. To see new families find hope and healing in that was profoundly moving.”
Many attendees — especially newly arrived families seeking refuge on Staten Island — were visiting the Alice Austen House, also known as Clear Comfort, for the first time.
Beyond the natural beauty and art, they found a welcoming and supportive community dedicated to healing.
Led by Staten Island Urban Center Executive Director Kelly Vilar, and supported by youth from the local community, the event also highlighted the importance of understanding the difference between domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
Both forms of abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status.
One of the most impactful moments was the presentation of the Ebony Washington Award for Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy to Staten Island Public Administrator Edwina Martin. A tireless advocate and local style icon, Martin embodies the strength and visibility the event aimed to celebrate.
ABOUT STATEN ISLAND URBAN CENTER
Founded on the principles of empowerment, equity, and engagement, the Staten Island Urban Center is a driving force in strengthening neighborhoods across the borough through youth and community development.
With a mission to inspire and educate multi-generational and multiethnic residents, the center blends activism, education, and the arts to help communities build their own paths toward health, independence, and cultural vitality.
At its core, the Center believes that thriving neighborhoods begin with active participation—from the youngest voices to the most experienced elders. By creating spaces for leadership, creative expression, and collective action, SIUC works to ensure that every resident has a seat at the table.
