Category: Miscellaneous

Improve the Child Protection System to Truly Help Families and Children 

After reading the recent article in the Commonwealth Beacon calling for improvements to Massachusetts’ child protection system, I was reminded of the work that REACH advocates do every day, and of a situation I encountered several years ago that highlights what the article is talking about.   =======================  At a previous job, I worked with a family that had limited English proficiency and were affected by domestic…

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…

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.

Overcoming Loneliness

When I watched the news about U. S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy addressing loneliness, I felt disheartened because, as Director of Prevention Programs, I know our team is focused on building and sustaining healthy relationships and creating a sense of community. We combat loneliness and isolation every day. He has brought national attention to a very real public health crisis. Dr. Murthy’s new Surgeon General…

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…

In Honor of Laura Van Zandt

My friends tease me that I am too naïve for thinking a workplace led with integrity and kindness is the norm. But to me – it is. I met Laura in 2005 when I applied for the job of Office Manager at REACH. I had heard about the job with the endorsement that “REACH is led by amazing women,” namely Laura and Heather Latham, the Associate…