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| May 2024 | Monthly E-Newsletter | |
Shining a Light on Mental Health Awareness | | |
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May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. Started in 1949 by Mental Health America, it’s a time for the nation to collectively raise awareness, provide vital resources, and advocate for the mental health and well-being of all. As we shine a light on the importance of understanding and supporting mental health, we must also recognize the often intertwined nature of domestic violence and mental health.
The trauma of domestic violence can greatly impact a survivor’s mental health, causing or exacerbating depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and a myriad of other long-lasting psychological effects. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding both domestic violence and mental health can act as a barrier to seeking services, leaving survivors feeling isolated and unsupported.
Abusers may use a tactic known as mental health coercion against a survivor. Common strategies include deliberately attempting to undermine a survivor’s reality, preventing a survivor from accessing support, controlling a survivor’s finances, using a survivor’s mental health to discredit them with sources of protection such as the police, and other forms of emotional abuse such as gaslighting.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, it's imperative to acknowledge and address the impact of domestic violence on mental health. By advocating for comprehensive support services, breaking down stigmas, and fostering understanding and empathy, we can create a society where survivors receive the care and compassion they deserve.
If you or someone you know is in an unsafe or unhealthy relationship, Casa Myrna is here to help. Call SafeLink, the 24/7 statewide domestic violence hotline, at 1-877-785-2020.
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Crossing the Finish Line for Survivors | |
Left to right: Halima Yusuf, Liz Healy, Ruby Verbitsky, Charlie Davis, and Melanie Winters of Team Casa Myrna, 2024 Boston Marathon | |
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Join us in sending a huge thank you to Team Casa Myrna – Halima Yusuf, Liz Healy, Ruby Verbitsky, Charlie Davis, and Melanie Winters – for their amazing work running the Boston Marathon in support of survivors! Together with your help, our five runners raised an incredible $48,000! They're making one last dash to reach their fundraising goals. Click here to donate to Team Casa Myrna today!
Each year, our marathon runners are a vital part of raising awareness and funds that allow us to provide safety, resources, advocacy, and information to survivors of domestic violence. We’re grateful for their commitment all the way from training to crossing the finish line. Thanks so much!
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Celebrating our 15th Annual Community of Conscience Reception! | |
Thursday, May 16, 2024
6:30-9:30pm
City Winery
80 Beverly Street, Boston
Just under two weeks away! Join us on May 16 for our 15th Annual Community of Conscience Reception.The evening will feature food and drinks, music, a powerful story from survivor Michaela, and remarks from our CEO.
Click here to purchase tickets.
We’re excited to announce that our silent auction site is now live! Enter to win some exciting prizes, including Red Sox vs. Yankees tickets and $620 worth of fitness training from JET Boston. Learn more here.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact Paola Rosario-Mateo at pmateo@casamyrna.org.
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Starting now through Mother’s Day, you can enter your name in The Plate Kitchen’s raffle to win their famous chocolate chunk cookie recipe! 100% of all proceeds will go to Casa Myrna.
Tickets are 1 for $10, 5 for $20, and 10 for $40. The winner will be announced on May 12th.
To enter, follow The Plate on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Linda Marks: A Recipe for Hope | |
Sunday, June 23
3pm
The Burren
274 Elm Street
Somerville, MA
Join multi-award winning singer-songwriter Waltham-based Linda Marks with Alice Hasen (violin), David Jackson (guitar), Doug Hammer (piano), Doug Rich (bass) and Willie Sordillo (saxophone) as they celebrate the release of Linda's 14th studio album, A Recipe for Hope. This collection of poignant and uplifting songs at the heart of our times is intended to strike some chords of healing, vision and inspired action, helping build bridges across divides and create a kinder, better place for all.
June 23 is also the premiere of a video for the Sanctuary Project, built around a song Linda wrote for a November 5, 2023 Benefit Concert by Women in Music Gathering for Casa Myrna and RESPOND. (RESPOND is one of Casa Myrna’s sister-domestic violence organizations located in Somerville.) Proceeds from this concert will once again benefit Casa Myrna and RESPOND.
Click here to buy your tickets.
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Casa Myrna is eternally grateful to our donors, government funders, volunteers and more for your ongoing support of survivors impacted by domestic violence. Here are some ways you can get involved:
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Volunteer: Our website describes the numerous ways you and/or your company can lend a hand (or 10!) across our programs – note that we have virtual options, too.
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Donate to our Wish List, with the following currently in great need: diapers (all sizes except children’s 3) and wipes, new plate sets, silverware, pots and pans, cups, mugs, pillows, pillowcases, cooking utensils (spatulas, slotted spoons, etc.), shower curtains, shower rings, trash cans (small and 13 gallon ones), hand soap, Lysol wipes or spray, paper towels, bath towels, wash cloths, toilet and shower cleaner, toilet brushes, and all size kids shoes and summer clothes.
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Work with us: Check out our current career opportunities. Casa Myrna provides a supportive and rewarding workplace with an emphasis on the diversity and leadership development of our staff. And we have a four-day work week!
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Support Team Casa Myrna: Contribute to our five incredible champions who ran the 2024 Boston Marathon in support of survivors!
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