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I am overjoyed to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers and staff whose dedication and hard work made our 50th Anniversary Gala and April Action activities resounding successes. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment exemplify the spirit of NOVA.
As we move forward in this 50th Anniversary year, I invite all of you to join us for a truly special occasion: NOVA's Annual Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime. This extraordinary event will serve as a beacon of hope and healing, honoring the strength and resilience of survivors. Your presence will make this evening even more meaningful. This year, the event will be held at the Pavilion adjacent to the NOVA Memorial Arbor in Core Creek Park in Langhorne, PA
Additionally, let us recognize the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a time to prioritize our well-being and support those who may be struggling. Together, let's continue to foster a community of compassion and understanding. It takes everyone in a village – being kind, respectful of differences, and celebrating our sameness.
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50th Anniversary Milestone: NOVA's Crime Victims Commemorative Arbor
NOVA’s Crime Victims Commemorative Arbor was initiated in 1998 by families of homicide victims who wanted to provide a special place of remembrance and peace for those who have lost loved ones or have themselves been victims of violence and to increase public awareness of the very devastating costs of violence on the lives of Bucks County residents.
NOVA approached the county commissioners, who gave the effort a 5-acre area along Lake Luxembourg in Core Creek Park located in Langhorne, PA. That first year, one tree was planted. Since then, 25 additional trees have been planted and 7 benches placed honoring loved ones affected by or lost to violence or in memory of those who served our community.
To complete the conceptual design developed by the Park’s Department landscape architect, with input from victims and family members, NOVA erected the centerpiece, a 12-foot gazebo, and the walking paths and entrance in 2002.
For many years, NOVA has held its Annual Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime at the Arbor, but for the past few years have taken the event off site. To honor and commemorate NOVA’s 50th Anniversary, the 2024 Candlelight Tribute will return to the arbor on May 14th. We hope you can join us for this special event.
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NOVA's Candlelight Tribute
NOVA’s Candlelight Tribute for Vicitms of Crime is an annual event held to honor victims and survivors of crime, their families and friends, and those who serve them.
This tribute of reflection, music, and victim/survivor experiences brings all in our community together for healing and awareness. Also featured is an exhibit of victim and survivor artwork. The closing of the tribute will be an optional candlelit walk of intention to honor those impacted by crime.
Join us on Tuesday, May 14th at Core Creek Park Pavilion #11. There will be a gathering and reception at 6:00 p.m., and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. No RSVP is needed to attend this event.
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Conversations with a Counselor: Taking Care of Your Mental Health
As we enter Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it's crucial to reflect on its significant impact since its inception in 1949. This month serves as a pivotal time for addressing the challenges confronted by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.
Taking care of yourself is paramount. Discover valuable insights by checking out the videos below, each created by a NOVA counselor throughout April, offering practical tips for taking care of yourself and supporting those around you!
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Remember, seeking additional support is a commendable step. Victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes can access help and support from NOVA by calling our Helpline at 1-800-675-6900. Mental health resources are also available through NAMI Bucks County PA's WarmLine at 215-343-3055 (available from 3 PM to 10 PM) and Lenape Valley Foundation at 1-800-499-7455. | |
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Victoria Taylor, NOVA Counselor
Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?
As a counselor at NOVA, I work with adults and children who are victims of crime. The majority of my work is with sexual assault survivors. People come to counseling to talk through their multifaceted feelings and struggles, and hopefully, find healing.
How long have you been with NOVA?
I started with NOVA July 2023.
What is your favorite part about working at NOVA?
I enjoy that I am consistently meeting new people and doing something I believe is important.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
As a counselor, I help people come to the other side of their pain. When people have a better understanding of their trauma, they can begin to rebuild their life in beautiful and fulfilling ways.
What is one thing people should know about NOVA?
NOVA truly changes lives. No matter what services someone comes for, they walk away better than before.
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
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Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime
May 14, 2024
Join us at Core Creek Park in honoring victims of crime, their families and friends, and those who serve them at our annual Candlelight Tribute. This tribute of reflection, music, and victim/survivor experiences brings all in our community together for healing and awareness. Also featured is an exhibit of victim and survivor artwork. No registration is required to attend. Learn more here.
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Smarter Parents Workshop
May 9 | May 21
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. Learn more and register for your session of choice by visiting novabucks.org/events.
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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. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
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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!
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NOVA Thrift Shop: 2024 Family Favorite Honoree
NOVA Thrift Shop was selected as a Bucks County Parent 2024 Family Favorite Honoree in the category of Thrift Shop! NTS was recognized as a recommended resource that delivers invaluable experiences. Thank you to Bucks County Parent and congratulations to the NOVA Thrift Shop team!
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Holiday Closures
NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed on Sunday, May 12th in observance of Mother's Day.
The NOVA offices and NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
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.
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NOVA is Hiring!
NOVA is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Clinical Counselor I & II
- Counseling Intake Specialist
- Forensic Nurse Examiner
- Thrift Shop Sales Associate
To read the full job descriptions and apply, visit the NOVA Employment page.
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A Special Thank You to EC Fence & Iron Works, Inc. NOVA's Title Sponsor for our Annual Gala, A Starlit Evening
EC Fence & Iron Works, Inc. has proudly supported NOVA's events since 2011. Throughout this time, EC Fence has remained a consistent supporter, not only through sponsorship but also through active participation. Gwendolyn Sims is not only the President of EC Fence, she is also a NOVA Board Member and Erik Sims has been a longtime member of the gala committee. Erik has dedicated his time and expertise to the success of our galas including creating signage, building pillars for hanging lights, and assisting with various decorations needs. Gwen and Erik both have gone above and beyond in supporting NOVA - we couldn’t do it without them!
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NOVA's 'Encourage Upstanders' program took center stage in a special segment on 6abc Action News, capturing the power of Pennridge SD students educating one another and embracing Upstander roles to stop bullying. | |
The NOVA crew stepped outside for a cosmic show during the recent solar eclipse! With safety glasses on, we soaked in every moment of this celestial delight, ensuring no eyes were harmed in the viewing of our eclipse experience. | |
During April's NOVA Book Club, we had an excellent discussion about What is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander and her bravery in being the first survivor to publicly come forward about Larry Nassar's abuse, empowering hundreds of survivors to come forward, seek justice, and advocate for safe environments. | |
In partnership with Yogamazia, NOVA held a free children's yoga class open to the public. Together, NOVA and Yogamazia hosted a powerful yoga class where we discussed NOVA's counseling services while exploring the role yoga can play in building resilience, as well as how it can be used as a mindfulness tool. | |
NOVA's 50th Anniversary Gala, A Starlit Evening, was a dazzling night filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt moments. We sincerely thank everybody who supported us, from attending the event, bidding in the silent auction, and making a donation. To view all photos from this stellar night, click here. | |
Representatives of NOVA attended a rally in Harrisburg, PA to raise awareness of crime victims' rights in honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Thank you to the Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania and the Office of the Victim Advocate for coordinating this powerful event at our State Capitol. | |
In honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, NOVA held a panel discussion that explored the web of services that work to help victims and prevent crime in Bucks County. | |
NOVA staff members recognized Denim Day and wore denim to show their support for survivors of sexual violence in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. | |
Honoring 50 Years
In honor of NOVA's 50th Anniversary serving victims of crime, we connected with our founders, board members, donors, former clients, and other community partners to tell our story and look forward to the next half-century of serving the Bucks County community.
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"My therapist was amazing and really helped me deal with my traumatic experience and allowed me to see that it wasn't my fault. I am so glad I made the phone call to get help."
- NOVA Client
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Bucks County teens who have grown up to be Upstanders pass the torch to younger peers | These Bucks County teens are taking a stand against bullying and preparing their younger peers to do the same. | | | | |
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Bucks County Parks and Recreation
For the past 26 years, the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation has been instrumental in the maintenance of NOVA’s Victims Commemorative Arbor. Each year, they mow the grass, check the trees to ensure they are thriving, and power wash and repair the memorial benches.
We wanted to take a moment and thank the team at the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation for the incredible care and effort they put into maintaining the Victims Commemorative Arbor at Core Creek Park. The beautiful upkeep of this space not only recognizes those and have been affected by violence and honors the memory of those we've lost, but also provides solace and reflection for their loved ones. Your dedication to creating and preserving such a meaningful place does not go unnoticed. It serves as a testament to your commitment to our community's well-being. Thank you for your hard work and compassion.
|  | We are so incredibly grateful to the Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation 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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