There is so much happening in the world today and following the verdict in the Bill Cosby trial, I was struggling with what to say in this time and space – something different and compelling. Then I opened an email from Debra Robbin, the Executive Director at our state coalition, Jane Doe Inc. Supporting and believing survivors is essential, and we must continue to invest in…
It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we at REACH could not be more grateful for our volunteers. Last year alone, volunteers contributed over 4,700 hours of service to REACH. We have volunteers who help in a number of ways, some of which may be surprising to you. If you’ve ever been to our office, you’ve probably met one of our front desk volunteers. This role is staffed…
by Lauren Montanaro, Community Engagement Specialist, and Molly Pistrang, Youth Education Specialist You would think that two Preventionists, two educators who talk to people about abusive and healthy relationships for their jobs, would be completely comfortable talking to their legislators. You’d be wrong. This year was the first time either of us attended Jane Doe Inc.‘s annual Day of Action (a statewide day of legislative advocacy around…
If organizations like REACH, the police departments, and the courts were the only people who cared about domestic violence, then not much in our society would change. We do our best to help those who have already been affected by domestic violence, helping them plan for safety and get connected to resources, but until we change the social norms and systems that allow it to take…
“I am afraid.” “I am worried about my kids.” “I feel like I am walking on eggshells.” “What if, by trying to get help, I make things worse?” As advocates for survivors of domestic violence, we hear words like these often. Survivors live with pervasive fear at home. But now, many of these survivors are afraid of something else: the world outside their homes. In our…
As we kick off 2018, we wanted to pause and reflect on the past year. 2017 was a year of unprecedented challenges, in the world around us and also for REACH as an agency. At the end of 2016, we tried to focus on healing and being a resource for safety in a time of uncertainty following a divisive election. We kicked off 2017 talking about…
…and what to say or do in response. Friends and family members are often among the first to notice the warning signs of abusive relationships. Because the signs of abuse aren’t always obvious right away, learning what to look for can help you start a conversation with a loved one and be an advocate for healthy relationships – long before an agency like REACH or law…
In the midst of all the recent changes at REACH, we also added a new Youth Education Specialist to our staff! We wanted to introduce you to Molly Pistrang, who may soon be coming to a classroom near you to talk to teens about healthy relationships. Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in a small town in Central Massachusetts called Princeton. After graduating…
The following words are adapted from remarks given by P, REACH Community Program participant and a member of REACH’s Survivor Speakers Bureau, at Saturday evening’s Reach for the Stars gala. We wanted to share them again, for those who couldn’t make it, or those who did but wanted to further reflect on what she shared.
In the midst of all of the excitement of this month…Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Reach for the Stars Gala, new staff members starting…the new office continues to take shape! Hopefully you’ve been following along, but in case you missed them, take a moment to catch up with previous updates here, here, and here. If you’ve ever been through a construction project of your own, then…
