|
As we welcome June, we embrace two significant observances: National Pride Month and Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
Pride Month, first recognized in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall Riots—a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights—became nationally acknowledged in 1999 when the government officially designated June as Pride Month. This month celebrates the resilience, diversity, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community.
Elder Abuse Awareness Month and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15th, were launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization in 2006. This month highlights the ongoing efforts to prevent the abuse and neglect of our elders, raising awareness and promoting dignity and respect for older adults.
At NOVA, inclusivity is at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to honoring and serving all victims of crime, ensuring that everyone receives the support and justice they deserve. Learning the signs of abuse in all communities is crucial, and NOVA is here to help. Our comprehensive prevention programs and services address the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and our elders.
Please read below to learn more about how NOVA is making a difference. Together, we can build a safer, more inclusive Bucks community for everyone.
| |
50th Anniversary Milestone: Establishing Gay-Straight Alliances in Bucks County Schools
In 1999, through funding from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (now known as the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect), NOVA worked with middle and high schools in Bucks County to form Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA’s) and provide programs to students and faculty about harassment of this student population.
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity, acceptance, and support for LGBTQ+ students. These alliances provide safe spaces where students can come together to discuss issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity without fear of judgment or discrimination. By promoting understanding and empathy among peers, GSAs help combat bullying, harassment, and the marginalization experienced by LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, these alliances often serve as a vital resource for information, resources, and support networks, empowering students to navigate their identities with confidence and pride. Beyond their immediate impact, GSAs contribute to creating a school culture that celebrates diversity and champions equality for all, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and accepting society.
Now, 25 years later, nearly all school districts in Bucks County have Gay-Straight Alliances in their middle and/or high schools and NOVA continues to provide prevention education programs in many of our Bucks County Schools.
Last fiscal year, NOVA presented 999 prevention education programs to more than 21,700 students on a variety of topics including harassment, bullying, healthy relationships, and cyber safety. If you would like more information about NOVA’s prevention education programs or would like to schedule a program, visit our website.
|  | |
The Role of the Elder Abuse Victim Advocate
The Elder Abuse Victim Advocate works closely with prosecutors, law enforcement, and other staff members to ensure that elder abuse victims are treated with respect, know their rights, and understand their role within the criminal justice system.
A primary role for the Elder Abuse Victim Advocate is to help victims navigate the criminal justice system by providing support, assessing a victim’s needs, developing a safety plan, connecting victims to resources, and identifying gaps in service. The Elder Abuse Victim Advocate also ensures that staff and community leaders are informed about elder abuse and the trauma that victims experience.
Ultimately, the Elder Abuse Victim Advocate wants the victims to experience justice, seek recovery, and regain their sense of well-being.
| |
Internet Safety for Seniors
It's Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and NOVA is committed to advocating for the safety of seniors in our community. As the number of seniors that are online increases, scammers are more prolific than ever. Phishing email scams, fake shopping websites, romance scams, and identity theft are just a few of the threats lurking behind our screens.
Here are some safety tips for seniors, and people of all ages, to keep in mind when using the internet:
1) Limit the personal information you share.
2) Shop on secure sites that have an address that starts with https: (the s stands for secure).
3) Be careful of what you download. Cybercriminals want you to download their malware—programs or apps that try to steal information.
4) Create strong passwords with a mix of letters and characters.
5) Be careful who you communicate with online and think twice before sending money or gift cards.
NOVA offers age-appropriate and interactive educational programs to teach people of all ages how to be safe online. If you have been the victim of an Internet scam, NOVA can help. Please call our 24-7 Helpline at 1-800-675-6900 for assistance, or use our chat and text lines at www.novabucks.org.
| |
|
Liam Crowley, Elder Abuse Victim Advocate
How long have you been with NOVA?
I have been with NOVA for over 2 years.
What is your favorite part about working at NOVA?
My favorite part about working at NOVA is being able to reach individuals who may not have thought they had a voice.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
I support NOVA’s mission in my role by helping victims navigate the criminal justice system, as well as by travelling throughout the community to raise awareness of elder abuse and how to prevent falling for common scams.
What is one thing people should know about NOVA?
One think people should know about NOVA is that everyone working at NOVA plays a pivotal role in helping individuals affected by crime. We are a TEAM!
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
| |
Smarter Parents Workshop
June 17 | June 26
This interactive workshop helps parents, caregivers, and educators learn about healthy child development and strategies to protect children from abuse. Adult caregivers will learn how to tackle tough conversations with their children and some small, easy steps to take to create a safer environment. You can register for the June 17 session here and the June 26 session here.
| |
Upstander Day
September 29
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. An Upstander is anyone who models acceptance, tolerance and inclusion in our community. Learn more at novabucks.org/upstanderday.
| |
Participate in NOVA's Survey + GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY
We want to hear from you! Fill out this survey about your relationship with NOVA, and be entered for a chance to win a NOVA 50th Anniversary T-Shirt and other NOVA swag.
Take the survey now!
| |
Office Closures
The NOVA offices and NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed Wednesday, June 19th in honor of Juneteenth.
We are giving the NOVA team a mental health break! NOVA's staff works tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that all victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes receive the support, care, compassion, and help they need. We can't think of a better way to thank them then by giving them time off. This summer, NOVA's offices will close at 2 p.m. each Friday between May 24th and 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.
| |
NOVA is Hiring!
NOVA is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Clinical Counselor I & II
- Counseling Intake Specialist
- Forensic Nurse Examiner
To read the full job descriptions and apply, visit the NOVA Employment page.
| |
2023 Annual Report
Our 2023 NOVA Annual Report is now live! Dive into a year in review, explore our 50-year journey of supporting victims and survivors, and meet the incredible individuals who make our mission possible. Read the full report here.
| |
|
Save the Date for NOVA's Second Annual Upstander Day!
Mark your calendars for September 29th and join NOVA for our Second Annual Upstander Day at the Lower Bucks Campus of Bucks County Community College in Bristol, PA!
Being an Upstander means demonstrating social responsibility, promoting kindness, and fostering inclusion. Upstanders can be kids, adults, parents, community members, and professionals like first responders, teachers, and leaders. Upstander Day honors our commitment to building safer communities by promoting positive peer support and emphasizing the power of kindness and acceptance.
We invite attendees of all ages to participate in free family-friendly games and activities led by NOVA educators, along with food trucks, music, and other fun. Meet your local firefighters and police officers, and there may even be a few special guests! By joining us, you'll play a crucial role in introducing children and young people to our education and prevention programs and helping them develop safety awareness and social responsibility skills.
Your support will contribute to the creation of safe, inclusive communities. Contact novaevents@novabucks.org to explore sponsorship opportunities and join us for a meaningful and fun-filled community day!
Want to help make the day a success? Join the event committee! We work together to organize a day filled with fun activities, games, crafts, demonstrations, and educational sessions. If you're interested in contributing to the planning and execution of this exciting event or sponsorship opportunities, please email novaevents@novabucks.org.
Let's come together to celebrate kindness, inclusion, and responsibility at NOVA's Second Annual Upstander Day!
| |
The season of community fairs is officially in full swing! NOVA attended numerous community fairs throughout the month of May, including the 2024 Bucks Culture Fest. Come say hi to NOVA at some of our upcoming community events throughout the month of June! | |
Thanks to the NOVA Wellness Committee, we're excited to kick off our NOVA Walking Club! Our staff members are in a line of work that can often be stressful and emotionally taxing, so self-care is paramount in order to equip us with the ability to successfully aid others. | |
On May 14th, NOVA hosted our annual Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime. Overcast skies and spotty showers didn’t stop several dozen community members from gathering with us at Core Creek Park to honor victims and survivors of crime. | |
We had the pleasure of gathering as a work family to celebrate our NOVA Counselor and Bride-to-Be Maria! We showered Maria with love, laughter, and best wishes as she embarks on her exciting journey. | |
Please join us in congratulating the NOVA staff who graduated this spring and recognizing their tremendous accomplishments! | |
"My counselor created a safe environment where truth could be discussed without judgement... She helped my son learn coping behavior that he will use throughout his lifetime, I learned new skills to help my son, and myself. I am so grateful for this program. Thank you!
- NOVA Client
| |
Vigil Honors Victims & Survivors Of Local Crime | Overcast skies and spotty showers didn't stop several dozen people from gathering at Core Creek Park on Tuesday evening to honor victims and survivors of crime. | | | |
 |
|
Dave Tavani - Video Production
As we began preparing for NOVA’s 50th anniversary, we knew we needed a video to highlight the work NOVA has done over the past 50 years and that would talk about what the future for NOVA looks like over the next 50 years. We also knew that we needed someone special to capture our story and connect with viewers. After just one conversation with Dave Tavani, we knew he was the one for the job.
Dave spent several meetings working with NOVA’s marketing and communications team to discuss the video and how we could best capture NOVA’s 50 year story. Then Dave spent three days at our office in Jamison meeting with and talking to staff, donors, partners, board members, volunteers, founders, and friends.
From behind the camera, Dave made each participant feel at ease as they were interviewed and were sharing their own piece of the NOVA story. Dave recorded nearly 50 hours of footage and got right to work reviewing every minute of it! Over several weeks, Dave continued his work with the NOVA team watching, editing, and finalizing NOVA’s 50th Anniversary Video – a video we were incredibly proud to share with the community.
We hope that you had a chance to see NOVA’s 50th Anniversary video at either our 50th Anniversary Gala in April or through the link sent out in the May edition of NOVA News. If you missed it, you can view it below.
And keep an eye out for an upcoming video about NOVA’s Prevention Education Programs that Dave and our marketing and communication team is working on!
|  | We are so incredibly grateful to Dave for his support of NOVA. Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence and supporting NOVA's work in our community! |
|
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.
| | | | |
