Author: REACH TEAM

Thoughts on Black History Month 2024

In addition to being Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, February is Black History Month. Roxanne T., a former volunteer and now a member of REACH’s shelter staff, shares her thoughts on the significance of Black History Month and working in the field of domestic violence.   It’s not every day that you encounter spaces that allow individuals the ability to feel heard. When I started volunteering…

Six Months Old or Sixteen Years Old: Reflecting on TDVAM as a New Parent 

  I returned to work in January after being on parental leave and kept asking myself “what is my role? Who am I?” I was balancing responsibilities, roles, and identities in a way I had never known. As the Youth Education Program Manager at REACH, I work directly with young people and support adults who work with, interact with, or care for young people- folks in…

When Abusers Stalk: The Intersection of Stalking and Domestic Violence

January is Stalking Awareness Month. And while we might think of stalking as something that happens to actors or pop singers, it often plays a role in domestic violence or intimate partner relationships. According to The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center, “40% of stalking victims are stalked by current or former intimate partners.” Melody’s Story Melody* is a survivor who’s been working with REACH for…

Maya’s Journey with REACH

How your year-end gift makes a difference in countless ways. My name is Pam Jordan, and I am the Director of Community Advocacy at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your ongoing support. You make it possible for REACH to help survivors transition from that first, brave call to our hotline, through safety planning and sometimes a stay in a…

10 Years/10 Lessons: A Personal Journey with REACH

Lauren Nackel, Human Resources Manager, shares her thoughts and wisdom gained throughout ten years of service on behalf of domestic violence survivors at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. I recently celebrated my 10-year anniversary of working at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. As I reflect on what this means, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude that I’ve had the unique privilege to work not only in this vitally…

Legacy Giving Q & A

Domestic violence is a large and complex issue. Planning for the future is as necessary as addressing it today. Legacy giving is a smart financial move for you and a life-changing gift for survivors of domestic violence.

Myths & Facts About Restraining Orders

There are a variety of reasons that a survivor might have against filing a restraining order. Survivors are the best experts of their situations, and it is their right to choose how they want to move forward.

Reach for the Stars Gala 2023

Together at last! Our Reach for the Stars Gala event was held in person for the first time in three years on April 29, 2023 at the inspirational Artists for Humanity Epicenter in South Boston. Highlights of the evening included a powerful, heartrending presentation by our keynote speaker, a domestic violence survivor. Additionally, there was a resounding tribute and standing ovation to our former Executive Director, Laura…

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

This board sits on the wall of an office at our emergency shelter. It is one of the ways that the team keeps track of calls for support and services that come in – day and night – on our 24/7 hotline. Isabel, our Director of Residential Programs tallied them up and shared that in March alone, we received over 150 calls from survivors who needed…