Darius Martin is thrilled to amplify awareness and generate funds with his new single, “Sparks Don’t Fly”

“R&B meets pop sensation Darius Martin releases the new single ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ featuring Latin singer-songwriter Shantal Vella. The single is a powerful profile on the damaging effects of abusive relationships, offering an intimate window inside the emotional toll it takes on two hearts.

Teaming up with the esteemed non-profit, Doorways, and ahead of October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Darius Martin is thrilled to amplify awareness and generate funds with his new single, ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’. Serving the Arlington, Virginia, community, Doorways extends comprehensive support to survivors, providing housing, counseling, court advocacy, and more. With a 24/7 hotline and a robust community outreach program, Doorways stands firmly with survivors. Darius Martin is proud to drive impactful change with this new release.

‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ blends melodic cascades of percussion with an emotive vocal symphony shared between Darius Martin and Shantal Vella. Over subtle, refined beats, ‘Sparks Don’t Fly’ will immerse you in a lyrically tender narrative, bringing awareness towards domestic violence. Darius Martin admits, ‘I wanted people who have been in abusive relationships to know they’re not alone.'” Continue reading.

“Sparks Don’t Fly” is written about domestic violence in hopes of showing listeners that they are never alone

“Darius Martin is a Los Angeles based artist who fuses elements of pop and R&B into his sonics while crafting powerful narratives that resonate with day-to-day life. His newly released single, “Sparks Don’t Fly” featuring Shantal Vella, is written about domestic violence in hopes of showing listeners that they are never alone. Martin is partnering with Doorways, an organization based in Arlington, Virginia that provides resources and support for survivors.” Continue reading.

“It was a sell out crowd for the 14th annual Doorways Pig and Oyster Roast fundraiser held at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company on Thursday, May 4,” the Arlington Connection reported. “The event raised $7,500 to support Doorways programs including shelter, housing and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence.” Read more.

See event photos on Facebook

Want to help empower a survivor this Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)? This year, we are hosting a fundraiser designed to do just that! We’re asking donors to select from 3 different empowerment gift bundles designed to aid our clients in healing, self-care, and self-love.

In addition to the specially tailored items, we’re asking donors to provide a gift card, at whichever level works best, to complete their gift bundle. We ask for gift cards as they empower our clients with the opportunity and freedom to show themselves some love!

Below you can find a description of each available bundle along with their estimated value:

• Skincare Empowerment Bundle ($16 value): Who doesn’t love an at home Spa Day! Included in this kit is a wonderful assortment for a relaxing self-love skincare routine!
• Crafting Empowerment Bundle ($25 value): With a combination of relaxing coloring books, and paint by number kits, this bundle opens the door to artistic expression!
• Ultimate Self-Care Empowerment Bundle ($46 value): Skincare, crafts, sensory toys, and comforting weighted plushies combine to create our ultimate self-care empowerment bundle!

For more ways to take action during SAAPM, check out:

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM): 5 Ways to Take Action

As Doorways marks its 45th anniversary, expanding safehousing is a top priority

“Forty-five years ago, a group of Arlington community members came together to solve a critical problem: when a neighbor was in crisis, they had no place to go. Together, they created Arlington’s first safehousing solution.

The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS), as it was called, was and remains Arlington’s only domestic violence safehouse. What began as TACTS—one shelter, a single response—is now Doorways, an entire spectrum of trauma-informed programs, including community-based support, shelters, supportive housing and client services.”

Read more in Arlington Magazine’s March-April 2023 issue.

“James Smith-Williams plays defense for the Washington Commanders. But off the field, he defends survivors of domestic violence,” WUSA9 reports.

Cleaning supplies, sheets, garbage bags and cat beds. Doorways has a wish list for the occupants of their Domestic Violence Safehouse which includes the residents as well as their pets. Doorways is the only shelter in Virginia and one of nine in the country who offer safe shelter for people and pets fleeing violence. The all weather kennel has heat and air conditioning and indoor and outdoor areas.

“We know that leaving a pet behind is a barrier to fleeing domestic violence,” says Joy Myers, Doorways’ Chief Development Officer. Continue reading.