Jessica Lastarza, owner and lead attorney at We Mediate CT, along with her daughter Ainsley Lastarza, are serving as co-captains of Team We Mediate & Ainsley for the Interval House Walk to End Domestic Violence on October 4, 2025. The annual event, which draws hundreds of participants across Connecticut, raises awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention services while supporting survivors through emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy programs. The team has set a fundraising goal of $5,000 to support Interval House's vital services, with over $1,000 already secured weeks before the event.
Lastarza emphasized that domestic violence often complicates divorce and separation proceedings, creating additional challenges for families seeking stability and healing. As a family law mediator specializing in out-of-court solutions, she noted that walking in memory of Jennifer Farber Dulos serves as a powerful reminder of how awareness and action can transform lives. We Mediate CT specializes in collaborative divorce mediation and family law services throughout Connecticut, focusing on non-adversarial approaches that help clients avoid the emotional and financial toll of litigation. The firm's alignment with Interval House's mission to end domestic violence through education and prevention underscores the importance of community partnerships in addressing family violence.
Community members can support the effort by registering for the walk through the Interval House Event Page or making donations via the Team We Mediate Donation Page. The participation of a family law firm in domestic violence prevention efforts highlights the critical intersection between legal services and community safety initiatives. By emphasizing co-parenting plans that support long-term family well-being, We Mediate CT's approach complements Interval House's work in creating safer homes for children and parents. The walk represents not only a fundraising opportunity but also a public demonstration of commitment to ending domestic violence through collective action and professional collaboration.
This partnership matters because it illustrates how specialized legal services can extend beyond individual cases to address systemic issues affecting families. Domestic violence prevention requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, and when legal professionals actively participate in community initiatives, they help bridge gaps between crisis intervention and long-term family stability. The involvement of a mediation firm is particularly significant because mediation often serves as an alternative to adversarial court proceedings, which can be especially challenging for families experiencing domestic violence. By supporting Interval House's services, which include emergency shelter and legal advocacy, We Mediate CT reinforces the importance of comprehensive support systems for survivors.
The fundraising goal of $5,000 directly contributes to Interval House's ability to provide essential services, while the public nature of the walk raises broader awareness about domestic violence prevention. This collaboration demonstrates that addressing family violence requires more than just legal solutions—it demands community-wide engagement, education, and resource allocation. The event serves as a model for how professional firms can leverage their expertise and networks to support nonprofit missions, creating synergies that enhance both legal practice and community welfare.
