Empowering Families Through Education
As we celebrate Purposeful Parenting Month, I am excited to highlight NOVA's child sexual abuse prevention program, Smarter Parents, Safer Kids. This initiative provides essential tools and knowledge for parents and caregivers ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in their lives. Along with guiding our children to stay safe by wearing a seat belt, and staying out of swimming pools and other bodies of water unless they are with an adult – talking to your kids about personal safety is critically important!
Through Smarter Parents, Safer Kids, NOVA is committed to supporting parents in this journey, providing the guidance and education necessary to create a safe environment.
For now, I wish you a safe and fun summer.
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50th Anniversary Milestone: NOVA Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of NOVA. Since NOVA’s beginning, volunteers have played an integral role in NOVA’s mission to support victims and stop violence in our community.
In 1974, it was a dedicated group of volunteers that initiated the establishment of W.O.A.R. (Women Organized Against Rape) in response to a critical need for support and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. Motivated by a desire to create safe spaces and provide essential services, these volunteers pooled resources and expertise to establish an organization in Bucks County dedicated to helping survivors heal and seek justice. Their grassroots efforts have grown into what is now known as NOVA, offering crucial assistance to victims and survivors of all crimes and raising awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual assault and victimization.
Over the past 50 years, volunteers have remained essential to NOVA’s work and today more than 200 volunteers give their time and talents to NOVA each year. In FY23, volunteers donated 16,422 hours of volunteer support – that’s the equivalent of more than 8 full-time employees!
Their contributions are pivotal in delivering crucial services such as crisis intervention and support on NOVA’s Helpline and in hospital emergency rooms. Volunteers undergo specialized training to provide empathetic support and practical assistance to individuals navigating the aftermath of victimization. Their presence not only extends the reach of NOVA's services but also embodies a deep commitment to empowering survivors and advocating for their rights within the legal and social systems.
Beyond direct support, volunteers at NOVA serve as ambassadors within the community, raising awareness about issues related to victimization and promoting prevention strategies. They participate in outreach events, fairs, and educational programs that aim to educate the public about NOVA’s programs and services and foster a supportive environment for victims and survivors.
Volunteers are indispensable at NOVA Thrift Shop, playing a vital role in every aspect of their operation. Their dedication and enthusiasm ensure the smooth functioning of daily tasks such as sorting, pricing, and organizing donated items. Beyond the logistics, volunteers create a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers, providing helpful assistance and sharing the mission of NOVA with the community.
NOVA also has several volunteers that serve on our board and committees. These individuals bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and dedication to governance and operational oversight, ensuring that the NOVA operates efficiently and effectively. Board members, in particular, provide strategic leadership, guiding the organization in setting goals, making critical decisions, and upholding its mission and values. Committee volunteers, on the other hand, contribute specialized skills in areas such as fundraising, finance, and public affairs, enabling NOVA to expand our reach and fulfill our goals.
By generously offering their time and expertise, volunteers enhance NOVA's ability to fulfill our mission of healing, advocating, and empowering those affected by crime and stopping violence in our community. If you are interested in volunteering for NOVA, please contact Julie Dugery, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Outreach at julied@novabucks.org.
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World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is coming up on July 30th. Human trafficking is a pervasive, global problem, and while many of us are engaged in fighting trafficking daily, we know we need the help of the community to really make a difference.
This year’s theme is "Leave No One Behind." This means that we have to fight tirelessly to end trafficking of all people, and to continue to support survivors after they exit their trafficking situations. Unfortunately, many survivors fall through the cracks of the system. Trafficking impacts some marginalized groups at significantly higher rates, and so it is our job to not only address trafficking but to address the issues that leave people vulnerable in the first place.
On this day, we come together as a community to fight against human trafficking. To amplify our efforts, Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) will be participating in the Moonlight Memories Car Show on July 27th from 5-10 PM, where we will be hosting raffles and working to engage and educate the community. We hope to see you there!
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Purposeful Parenting Month Smarter Parents, Safer Kids
What do parents and caregivers want most for their children? We want them to be happy, healthy, and kind. It turns out, parents and caregivers play a vital role in creating that positive space for children to grow and thrive. So let’s be purposeful!
Most of us are aware of the safety measures we provide for our children to keep them safe from physical harm. Think about it; we encourage our children to wear seatbelts in the car and helmets when they ride their bikes. However, it’s less common for caregivers to talk about what to do to keep children safe from sexual abuse. These topics can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult to initiate, and adults often lack the knowledge or confidence to start these conversations. The Smarter Parents, Safer Kids workshop is designed to give caregivers a better understanding of healthy sexual development and the tools to keep your child safe from sexual abuse. It is vital for caregivers to empower children with knowledge of personal safety and boundaries to reduce the risk for victimization.
The goals of this program are to help caregivers:
1) Learn about typical child sexual development
2) Understand how to communicate with your child about sexual topics throughout childhood
3) Reduce the risk for childhood victimization
If you are interested in participating, you can register for an upcoming Smarter Parents, Safer Kids session here. Stay tuned for more dates in the fall!
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Kir O'Hanlon, Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking Organizer
Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?
As the BCAT Organizer, I work to engage and educate the community on human trafficking. We do this by providing trainings to those who may come into contact with survivors, whether directly or indirectly, staying involved with relevant legislations, and working with community members to help them understand the reality of human trafficking in Bucks County so they may be part of the solution.
How long have you been with NOVA?
3 months
What is your favorite part about working at NOVA?
I love working with other people who are just as passionate about the cause as I am. It's a great culture here, and the organization stays true to its mission. It's work I'm very proud to be a part of.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
BCAT supports NOVA's mission by increasing awareness, educating, and ultimately working to prevent human trafficking, and fill in the gaps in services to facilitate others in creating the most effective and supportive environments to help survivors exit their trafficking situations and heal.
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
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Upstander Day
September 29, 2024
Save the date for NOVA's 2nd Annual Upstander Day! Join us at Bucks County Community College's Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks for this free, family-friendly community event that promotes and celebrates our community Upstanders. Learn more at novabucks.org/upstanderday.
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Moonlight Memories Car Show
July 27, 2024
Join us in recognizing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons during the Annual Moonlight Memories Car Show! Visit NOVA at Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal and learn about how you can help keep kids safe from abuse! Kids temporary tattoos and raffles available.
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National Night Out - Various Locations
August 6, 2024
Come out and visit NOVA at one of several National Night Out events in Bucks County! Stay tuned for information regarding which locations NOVA will be in attendance. National Night Out is about bringing our community together to build a safer and better community for all.
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Upstander Awards Nominations Now Open!
INTRODUCING: THE NOVA UPSTANDER AWARDS
During NOVA's Second Annual Upstander Day, we will be honoring five local Upstanders with gift certificates and certificates of accomplishment. An Upstander is anyone who recognizes and safely acts against injustice or bullying.
Help us celebrate by nominating someone who:
- Speaks Up Against Injustice
- Supports and Stands Up for Others
- Leads by Example
- Fosters Empathy and Understanding
- Promotes Inclusion and Celebrates Diversity
Nominate an Upstander today at novabucks.org/upstanderday/nominate-an-upstander!
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Office Closures
The NOVA offices and NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed on Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
This summer, NOVA's offices will close at 2 p.m. each Friday through August 30th for Summer Fridays, giving NOVA staff time to relax and recharge.
NOVA's 24/7 Helpline is always available at 1-800-675-6900.
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Christmas in July!
NOVA is always in need of donations to better help support the individuals we serve. Celebrate the Christmas in July season by gifting a donation from NOVA's wishlist! Our Amazon Wishlist can be found here.
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Volunteer Anniversaries
Every June, we celebrate the amazing accomplishments of NOVA's incredible volunteers and recognize milestone anniversaries at NOVA's Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. This year we want to recognize the following volunteers for their years of service to NOVA.
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20 years:
- Pauline Boyle
- Richard Sakulich
- Doris Fiorentino
10 years:
- Ellen O'Neill
- Julie Ann Mejia
- Linda Stezelberger
- Trudy Donnon
5 years:
- Chery Halderson
- Denise Folweiler
- Diane Reeves-Pak
- Diane Soncini
- Edie Lking
- Joyce Justice
- Karen Dawkins
- Kathy Schweizer
- Linda Taormina
- Mary Fravel
- Nancy Vander Zwan
- Robert Kling
- Sandy Sweitzer-Yerk
- Sue Bechtold
Thank you to our amazing volunteers for all the ways their volunteer efforts help NOVA make a difference in the lives of the clients, victims, and community we serve. We could not do it without you!
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Finding Light in the Darkness: A Survivor's Journey of Hope and Giving
This past year, NOVA extended free and confidential services to over 2,500 victims of crime and their loved ones. Many are grateful for the support they received, and some choose to “pay it forward” by becoming a donor, making it possible for others to access the same support. Maryann is one of those individuals and was generous enough to share her story.
After losing her eldest daughter to suicide, while in a vulnerable situation, Maryann was victimized by her second daughter, someone who manipulated and exploited her psychologically, physically, and financially. She did not know where to turn, but with the help of NOVA advocates, Maryann was able to seek justice. Her NOVA advocate helped Maryann manage the scheduling and rescheduling of court hearings, and when she could not attend them, her advocate updated her with every detail. A year after the sentencing, Maryann needed additional help, so she called NOVA again, and with the help of a NOVA counselor, she was able to learn tools to manage her mental health, which she continues to use today.
Today, Maryann is a survivor on her journey of healing and has this to say: “Words cannot describe my gratitude for the help and hope I received. The amazing and dedicated 'Earth Angels' at NOVA are a beacon of light to all victims when they need it the most! My goal with anything that I have experienced is to share my hope so that someone else can be spared some pain and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Do not give up your fight for the justice and the inner peace we all deserve.”
Maryann now donates to NOVA to ensure others receive the same help and hope that she received. If you would like to share your “NOVA Why” please email Development Director Michelle Cash at michelle.cash@novabucks.org or call 215-343-6543 ext. 6602.
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NOVA staff gathered for our annual Staff Picnic! It's always great to spend time together, celebrate our hard work, and enjoy some sunshine. | |
NOVA was proud to attend African Diaspora Collective Bucks County's Juneteenth Celebration held at the Mercer Museum. | |
Our NOVA educators took on an important mission at Ben Franklin Middle School, Bristol Township School District. With over 800 middle school students across three grade levels, our Sexting Awareness Program made waves on their Wellness/Black & Gold Day. | |
NOVA held our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where we honored the hard work and dedication of our Thrift Shop, Helpline, ER Accompaniment, Committee, and Community Volunteers and recognized several volunteers celebrating milestones! | |
NOVA staff attended our annual ethics training, a workshop presented by the wonderful Leslie Davila in which we discussed the underlying ethical principles to be considered when working with victims of crime. | |
Paws-itively the best day at the office! NOVA staff got a much-deserved break with some adorable puppy playtime. Our furry visitors brought endless smiles and wagging tails, giving our hardworking team the perfect midday boost. | |
NOVA attended numerous Pride events throughout the month of June, including the Doylestown Pride Block Party! Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by and say hello to NOVA at these events. | |
This summer, we're thrilled to partner with our friends at YOGAMAZIA for staff yoga sessions! These sessions are the perfect way for the NOVA team to relax, recharge, and focus on personal wellness. | |
"I can't explain what a comfort your office was for me during this very long and excruciating ordeal. The Advocacy program was a lifeline in an often overwhelming legal system. Thank you so much!"
- NOVA Client
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'I can live now': Bucks County org marks 50 years of serving crime victims | In the past 50 years, NOVA has served over 100,000 victims of serious crimes or their family members in Bucks County. | | | |
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The Institute for Foreign Languages
NOVA Victim Advocates have provided court accompaniment to victims of crime since 1982. Court accompaniment involves providing support, guidance, and practical assistance to individuals navigating the complexities of the legal process. To help with this, every NOVA client is given a Criminal Justice System Reference Guide, a handbook created by our Victim Advocates, that provides detailed information about the criminal justice process, what to expect, and even where to park at the Bucks County Courthouse. Before now, our Criminal Justice System Reference Guide was only available in English. But thanks to a generous donation from the Institute for Foreign Languages, our Handbook is now also available in Spanish!
NOVA is extremely grateful to the Institute for Foreign Languages, translator Señora Ginny Villarraga for the translated text and to Dr. Anna M. Shantz, Director, for the initial printing of 50 Booklets of the Guide in celebration of NOVA's 2024 50-year anniversary of community service. This donated translation and first printing run will make an enormous difference to our clients who speak Spanish, and we cannot express our thanks enough.
|  | We are so incredibly grateful to the Institute for Foreign Languages for their continued support of NOVA. Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence and supporting NOVA's work in our community! |
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Whether you donate an item from NOVA's wish list, funds, or your time, know you are making a difference. | |
Elevate Your Impact In Style
NOVA has merch! If you want to represent your favorite non-profit in wearable form, we have you covered with a variety options. Whether you're looking for a classic tee, a sweatshirt, or a hat, items are available in multiple colors and designs. Join us in honoring our 50 year milestone by ordering today! Browse the collection here.
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