Press Release

A Sacred Gathering of Healing, Empowerment & Community During Domestic Violence Awareness Month



A Sacred Gathering of Healing, Empowerment & Community During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

East Stroudsburg, PA — Casa Madre Counseling and Wick It Candle Bar proudly present Healing the Sacred Thread Resilience Festival, a free community festival focused on healing, education, and empowerment in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.

Festival Purpose & Mission

Healing the Sacred Thread brings the community together to honor survivors, raise awareness about relationship violence, and uplift culturally-rooted support systems. As a movement built on the core principle “Pass the Power. Heal One, Rise All,” the festival aims to:

  • Support survivors through mental health access, trauma recovery resources, and survivor-led initiatives
  • Empower youth leadership via mentorship, skill-building workshops, and platforms for young voices (Pass the Power)
  • Foster cultural healing and resilience, particularly for BIPOC communities and those affected by the carceral system (Jóvenes Libres)

All proceeds from the festival will benefit Amor Latino Counseling, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to culturally grounded, trauma-informed mental health and holistic wellness.

What to Expect

  • The event will be kicked off by East Stroudsburg University President Ken Long and PA Senator Rosemary Brown, whose leadership underscores the importance of community-based healing and resilience.
  • Entertainment and speakers will be featured on the main stage throughout the day, offering a mix of performances, personal testimonies, and community dialogue.
  • A DJ will emcee the day’s events, helping to create an engaging, high-energy atmosphere.
  • Compelling workshops and educational sessions led by healing practitioners, advocates, and community leaders
  • Local food trucks and vendors, with many run by women, BIPOC, or survivor‑owned small businesses
  • Family-friendly activities, resource booths, free giveaways, and raffles
  • Networking opportunities with nonprofit organizations focused on empowerment, crisis recovery, and education

Featured Organizers & Speakers

  • Jennifer Arevalo‑Rodriguez, Founder of Casa Madre Counseling
  • Danica Hartenfels, Founder of Wick It Candle Bar

Both founders will share their personal stories, healing journeys, and visions for a community that actively supports survivors and advocates for systemic change.

Community Support & Partnerships

Major contributions from organizations such as Rosé Rosá Jewelry, which has created a special collection benefitting the festival—20% of all sales will fund youth leadership and healing programs. Local nonprofits, educators, advocates, food vendors, and artisans are invited to participate as workshop presenters, vendors, or exhibitors. Vendor and nonprofit booths are available for fees of $100–$200, with priority given to survivor‑led and woman‑ or BIPOC‑led businesses.

Join Us

Healing the Sacred Thread Resilience Festival is free to attend and open to community members, survivors, allies, educators, and advocates. Individuals and organizations wanting to attend, present, sell, or volunteer can RSVP and apply to participate through the festival website.

About Casa Madre Counseling

Casa Madre Counseling is a holistic counseling center that centers survivors and marginalized communities through culturally responsive mental health support, resources, and youth empowerment programs.

About Wick It Candle Bar

Founded by an experienced survivor-advocate, Wick It Candle Bar supports communities through homemade candles, creative candle-making workshops, healing-centered design events, and passion-driven fundraising collaborations.

Healing the Sacred Thread is more than a single event, it’s a call to collective healing, awareness-building, and systemic empowerment. By coming together and sharing our stories and strengths, we foster hope, resilience, and transformative futures.

About Amor Latino Counseling

Amor Latino Counseling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in sacred reciprocity and committed to healing every layer of our community.

Their mission is to provide culturally grounded, trauma-informed mental health and holistic wellness services to historically underserved communities, especially Latinx, Indigenous, and BIPOC families. They integrate psychotherapy, ancestral medicine, and community-led healing.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Cost: Free Entry

RSVP: Facebook Event Page

 

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