Last month, hundreds of generous donors provided holiday gifts for 290 families (over 850 adults and kids!) during our Holiday Gift Program. December is always a magical time at REACH because so many people come together to make this program happen. One of our wonderful volunteers, Kevin Dunckel, put into words just how truly special the Holiday Gift Program is and what this team effort looks like.
By a REACH Staff Member What happens to a voice when it is repeatedly silenced? What happens when the body that houses that voice learns it will be harmed and discounted? What happens when cooperation and silence are implicit and saturate the very air we breathe? It has been a lifelong journey of learning how to access the words that had settled at the base of…
By M, a survivor There are rare moments in life when we can stand up for something that is timely, ethically right, and appropriate, for our identity. I’ve received this opportunity, but it came with pain, anguish, and lots of time where I had to take to heal. Back in the fall of 2014, I was so angry, sad, devastated, and disheveled in every way. I…
By Maura, a survivor REACH’s new office has so many features that enable staff, volunteers, and participants to gather and work in new ways. One feature is the “Breathing Space” – a cozy, unique room located in a quiet corner of the office. What happens there? A teen support group, a self-care group for survivors, team meetings, volunteer interviews, nursing, resting, meditation… the list goes on. A long…
By Ally Slocum, REACH Intern Most often when discussing my summer plans with people in my life, I was met with variations of the same response: that working with survivors of domestic violence sounded like sad, heavy work. There are some aspects of interning at REACH that do feel heavy- it can be really difficult to hear about all of the challenges that many of the…
By Ally Slocum, REACH Intern The Massachusetts State House is impossible to miss on Beacon Hill- it’s huge, elevated on a hill and boasts a golden dome. The State House is open for visitors – individuals can take tours, explore or even speak with a representative. Yet, despite its open-door policy, going to the State House to speak with a representative is a lot like the…
By Kathy Brophy, Wellesley High School Fitness and Health Teacher and 2019 Ruth and Virginia Bigwood Voice for Justice Award Winner I was recently honored by REACH Beyond Domestic Violence with the Ruth and Virginia Bigwood Voice for Justice Award at their Annual Meeting this past May. When Laura, REACH’s Executive Director, walked into my first period class to let me know, I was surprised, honored and…
