YWCA Glendale and Pasadena Honors Chief Jeff Brooks at 2025 Purple Tie Awards; Announces Partnership with Glendale Fire Department to Expand Safe Haven Network for Survivors of[...]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2025 Commission on the Status of Women Contact: Domenica Megerdichian Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 548-4314

City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 548-3342

YWCA Glendale and Pasadena Honors Chief Jeff Brooks at 2025 Purple Tie Awards; Announces Partnership with Glendale Fire Department to Expand Safe Haven Network for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Glendale, CA - The YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, in partnership with the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women, is proud to host its annual Purple Tie Awards on October 30, 2025, focused on raising awareness about domestic violence, uplifting and celebrating survivors, and recognizing individuals who exemplify leadership in service. This year, the YWCA seeks to recognize and amplify the reach and service of the Glendale Fire Department to the community. The YWCA will present Chief Jeff Brooks with the Purple Tie Award for 2025, in recognition of his leadership of the Glendale Fire Department in engagement and service to the community.

Event Details:
October 30, 2025 | 1:00 PM
Glendale Fire Station 21

The event is a signature part of YWCA's Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign, symbolized by the color purple-a call to stand in solidarity with survivors. The event and press conference will highlight the launch of a new partnership between the City of Glendale and the YWCA, designating Glendale Fire Stations as safe havens for victims of domestic violence.

"This collaboration centers on honoring survivors' agency, recognizing that healing begins with choice," says Debra Suh, CEO of YWCA Glendale and Pasadena. "Whether a domestic violence survivor is seeking immediate shelter, connection to advocacy services, or simply a moment of safety to regroup, fire stations now serve as a trusted point of access."

Through the new partnership, all Glendale Fire Department stations will serve as designated Safe Havens, providing immediate, confidential support to individuals fleeing domestic violence. Survivors can seek shelter and assistance at any fire station, where trained personnel will connect them directly with YWCA's 24/7 Crisis Hotline and emergency services.

"Glendale Fire Stations have always been places where our community can turn in times of need, and this partnership with the YWCA strengthens that role," said Fire Chief Jeff Brooks. "By formally designating every fire station as a safe haven, we are ensuring that individuals facing domestic violence have immediate access to safety, compassion, and critical resources. Our firefighters will not investigate, but they will connect victims with the YWCA, law enforcement, and the services they need to find protection and support. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to protecting every member of our community and ensuring they know they are never alone."

Through this partnership, survivors can access immediate safety and support from City of Glendale Fire Department stations-at any time of day or night. Specially trained personnel are prepared to provide a safe space for survivors and direct connection to experienced advocates from YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, offering a calm and supportive environment where survivors can take the time and space they need to make empowered decisions about their next steps.

This initiative is designed not only to provide physical safety but to honor each survivor's right to regain their power, voice, and agency. To prepare for this collaboration, fire department personnel will receive specialized training from YWCA Glendale and Pasadena, focused on recognizing the dynamics of domestic violence and creating a physically and emotionally safe environment for survivors. Survivors will be offered space to reflect, connect with support systems, and choose their path forward with dignity and autonomy.

For more information about YWCA Glendale and Pasadena programs or to support the Safe Haven initiative, please visit https://www.YWCAGP.org or call the 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline at (888) 999-7511.

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About Glendale
Known as the "Jewel City," Glendale is the fourth largest city of Los Angeles County. With a population of almost 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers nearly 50 public parks & facilities, with easy access to a municipal airport. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.

About the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women
Established in 2003, the City of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) serves as an advisory body to the Glendale City Council. The Commission is dedicated to supporting the well-being of women and girls and recommending policies and programs that advance equity in Glendale.

About YWCA Glendale and Pasadena YWCA Glendale and Pasadena's mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their three program pillars are shaped around ending gender-based violence, empowering girls, and advancing racial justice through their residential and community-based programming and policy advocacy work. For more information, please visit: https://www.YWCAGP.org.