Recognizing National Thrift Shop Day and National Non-Profit Day this August
As we celebrate National Thrift Shop Day on August 17, I want to highlight the invaluable role our NOVA Thrift Shop plays in supporting our mission. Every purchase and donation directly contributes to our programs, including the essential primary prevention initiatives we conduct in schools. Our thrift shop is not just a place to find great deals; it’s a hub for recycling, upcycling, and making a difference in our community. I encourage you to visit, donate, and discover unique treasures while supporting a vital cause.
With the new school year approaching, I also want to remind everyone about the importance of personal safety for children. Let’s ensure our kids are prepared and informed, emphasizing safety measures such as knowing their surroundings and establishing clear communication channels with trusted adults.
Thank you for your continued support of NOVA. Together, we are building a safer and more vibrant community.
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50th Anniversary Milestone: NOVA Thrift Shop
For nearly 23 years, NOVA Thrift Shop has been a destination for bargains and unique finds, carrying everything from clothing to household goods, accessories, books, and much more. But did you know that NOVA Thrift Shop also helps to support NOVA’s mission and vital work in our community by raising much-needed funds?
NOVA Thrift Shop opened its doors in Fountainville, PA in 2001 as a small consignment shop first known as Heirlooms and Wardrobes. Just a year later, the name was changed to NOVA Thrift Shop to better highlight the shop’s connection with NOVA. In 2016, NOVA Thrift Shop made the move up the road to its current location in Hilltown Township, a 10,000 sq. ft. retail space that houses thousands of items for sale and silent auction
NOVA Thrift Shop has become one of the agency’s largest sources of revenue, surpassed only by funding from the federal and state governments. Last fiscal year, NOVA Thrift Shop grossed nearly $1.3 million, with more than half of the funds grossed going directly to support NOVA’s programs and services!
NOVA Thrift Shop’s work would not be possible without the dedicated staff and volunteers that work 7 days a week sorting donations, pricing merchandise, hanging clothing, stocking shelves and racks, straightening the sales floor, and ringing up purchases. This group of 75 ensures that NOVA Thrift Shop is more than just a treasure trove of bargains – it is a place that helps us help others.
We hope you will join us in recognizing National Thrift Shop Day on August 17th by visiting the shop! It is the perfect destination for the bargain hunter or the shopper looking for unique finds.
Volunteers and donations to NOVA Thrift Shop are always needed. For more information, visit novabucks.org/thriftshop and follow NOVA Thrift shop on Facebook and Instagram.
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The Role of the Children's Advocacy Center
The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a child friendly facility in which a multidisciplinary team comes together to investigate allegations of abuse. The CAC is trauma-informed and allows children to share their experience one time, in a safe place, using their own words.
The CAC ensures the child and family is supported throughout the investigative process and provides for an efficient use of community resources to support the protection and healing of the child.
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NOVA's Prevention Education Programs
As the school year approaches, NOVA is excited to return to the classroom and offer our comprehensive range of prevention education programs, crafted to foster a safe, informed, and supportive environment for students. Our inNOVAtive, supportive, and age-appropriate learning experiences are designed to promote critical thinking skills, respectful interpersonal boundaries, and healthy relationships. These programs cater to various grade levels, equipping students with the necessary tools to handle both in-person and digital challenges effectively. To view the full list of prevention programs we offer, click here.
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Jenny Bishop Kempf, CAC Family Support Advocate
Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?
I support the non-offending caregivers who come to the CAC with their children. I meet with them during the child’s interview, offering a listening ear, NOVA’s counseling resources and medical exams at St. Christopher’s and CHOP. I also follow up with them for several months after the interview to check on how their child is doing and if they need any other service.
How long have you been with NOVA?
Almost 4 years
What is your favorite part about working at NOVA?
Connecting with the clients, working with the CAC team, how each day is different, continually learning new things.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
NOVA’s byline is “Support Victims, Stop Violence.” By supporting kids and their families through a multi-disciplinary approach we are supporting victims and preventing more violence. Research has shown that supporting caregivers is a huge way to help kids heal from abuse. As we at the CAC support the child and family, we give them support and resources for healing.
What is one thing people should know about NOVA?
Our services are here for you. Our staff is compassionate and understanding.
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
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National Night Out - Various Locations
Dates to be announced!
Sadly, all but one of the National Night Out events originally scheduled for tonight (8/6) have been postponed due to weather. Keep an eye on our social media pages for the rescheduled dates for each location that NOVA will be attending!
Perkasie Borough & Bedminster Township's National Night Out will be held at a new indoor location: Perkasie Fire Department (100 N 5th St, Perkasie, PA 18944).
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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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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/nominate-an-upstander!
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Join Our Next Round of Sexual Assault Counselor (SAC) Training and Become a NOVA Volunteer!
NOVA is looking for volunteers for our 24/7 Phone Helpline, Text/Chat Helpline, and to support sexual assault and other victims of serious crimes during emergency room visits or police interviews.
SAC Training consists of individual sessions on specific topics conducted by NOVA staff members who are experts in these areas. The training is free of charge and will be presented by NOVA professionals in its Jamison office. Volunteers will attend sessions to learn how to best respond to Helpline calls and provide victim/survivor-centered and trauma-informed support during emergency room visits or police interviews.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years-old; have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (needed for emergency room visits or police interviews); meet all required clearances (child abuse, criminal record check, and FBI fingerprinting), complete a 45-hour training program; and, upon acceptance into the program, sign a confidentiality agreement.
If you are interested in completing SAC Training and becoming a NOVA Volunteer, please contact Julie Dugery, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Outreach, NOVA, at 215-343-6543, ext. 6604, or by email at JulieD@NOVABucks.org.
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Office Closures
The NOVA Business Offices will be closed on Monday, August 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a staff training.
NOVA Thrift Shop will open at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 12th due to a staff training.
The NOVA offices and NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the Labor 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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Plan for your Future This August by Securing Your Legacy
Fall is right around the corner, and now is the best time for reflection and preparation for your future. One crucial aspect of planning and ensuring peace of mind for your loved ones is creating a will. August is National Make a Will Month, and by creating a will, it not only honors your wishes regarding your assets—be it your home, savings, or sentimental belongings—but also provides clarity and prevents uncertainty among your loved ones. Whether through user-friendly online tools like www.Freewill.com or guidance from estate planning professionals, the process has never been more accessible. Wills are for everyone, it doesn’t matter if you’re Gen Z or a Baby Boomer, a will can guarantee your wishes will be met.
Remember, a will is a flexible document meant to evolve and grow with you. Regular updates ensure that your wishes align with your current circumstances and desires. As we embrace the upcoming season of gatherings and celebrations, take this opportunity to secure your legacy and protect what matters most. Start thinking about your will today and approach the fall with peace of mind.
By including a nonprofit such as NOVA in your estate planning, you not only ensure your wishes are honored but also extend your legacy through an organization you deeply support. For any inquiries or assistance, please reach out to Michelle Cash, NOVA Development Director, at michelle.cash@novabucks.org or (215) 343-6543 ext. 6602.
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NOVA staff always looks forward to our bi-monthly Yoga Fridays, where we unwind, recharge, and prioritize wellness. Huge thanks to YOGAMAZIA for this amazing partnership! | |
NOVA proudly participated in the Pennswood Village Health Fair, reaffirming our commitment to supporting individuals of all ages. | |
NOVA Educator Emily French had the privilege of visiting Girls Empowered at "Camp Girl Power" and teaching them about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, how to be assertive, and how to be Upstanders when it comes to bullying situations! | |
In recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) and the Bucks County Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) attended the Annual Moonlight Memories Car Show in collaboration with Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal. | |
"I am forever thankful for NOVA, for helping the families that have these unfortunate experiences happen to their children. You gave my daughter the respect, support, and care she needed."
- NOVA Client
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NOVA gala celebrates 50 years in Bucks; raises over $300,000 - The Bucks County Herald | NOVA, Bucks County's comprehensive crime victim services agency, announced recently that its annual gala, "A Starlit Evening," was a success. | | | | |
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Nico's Pizza of Jamison
We are excited to give a huge shoutout to Nico's Pizza on York Road in Jamison for their unwavering support and partnership with NOVA.
Not only is Nico’s our go-to place for staff parties and luncheons, but Nico’s has also been an incredible ally over the past 15 years, helping NOVA in numerous ways to support and achieve our mission.
Nico’s generous sponsorship and advertisement of our events have significantly boosted our visibility and outreach, and their donation of gift certificates for our raffles has added excitement to our fundraising efforts. We are also grateful for the discount they provide NOVA when we order food for our parties and events, ensuring that our gatherings are both delightful and cost-effective!
Nico's Pizza's commitment to our mission is truly appreciated and we look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership. Thank you, Nico's Pizza, for your incredible support and for being such a valued part of NOVA’s work in our community!
|  | We are so incredibly grateful to Nico's Pizza 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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