October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time to spotlight this devastating and ubiquitous issue, help educate those who may not be aware of its many dark manifestations, and, of course, to lend support and solidarity to victims and survivors. There are many ways to do this, from volunteering for and donating to service agencies; to sharing information online and in person; honoring lost lives; believing, listening to, and assisting those currently experiencing abuse; and helping survivors with the continuing impacts of abuse. Any and all of these can make an important difference. Domestic violence is a typically hidden and often traumatic problem, which makes it especially challenging and potentially triggering for many to hear about, let alone assist with. This DVAM, we wanted to share some creative, original, and (dare we say it?) fun ways generous community members have supported DVSN’s essential work and spread awareness of domestic violence.
Crafts for a Cause
Off to a flying start, one endeavor in particular really highlights how people can direct their personal interests in meaningful ways to combine advocacy and enjoyment. Recently, DVSN was approached by some enterprising students from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) about collaborating on a unique project. Sophomores Shreya Hegde and Naledi Akyeampong wanted to use their artistic interests to support a cause they feel is important in their community and to help spread awareness about domestic violence, especially among young people. They set up a small business called “Crafts for a Cause” and are donating all proceeds to DVSN. Naledi and Shreya are dedicated to educating those they connect with through this project about abuse, DVSN, and how purchases of their products help support survivors. DVSN is excited to partner with Crafts for a Cause and promote such creative championing of our mission. We want to share some of Shreya and Naledi’s thoughts about what they are doing and why it is important to them. Note: their words below have been edited slightly for clarity and flow.
How did you come up with the idea for Crafts for a Cause?
Crafts for a Cause [originally “Clay for a Cause”] started because we wanted to use something we love, which is making art and pottery, to help others. As high school students, we realized that creating beautiful handmade items could be a way to give back to people who need support. Crafts for a Cause is a way to combine our creativity and passion for art with our desire to give back to those who need assistance in tough times. We started Crafts for a Cause to turn our creativity into something meaningful.
How does Crafts for a Cause work?
We sell handmade items, including small plates, charms, jewelry, jewelry holders, and original artwork. 100% of the profits are donated to causes that serve our local community in meaningful ways. We have a website and Instagram. Customers can DM [direct message] our Instagram or email our business account, Clayforacause11@gmail.com, and request to buy one of our products. This is a business for the towns of Acton and Boxborough, as we will manually deliver our products to our customers. [However,] if you are outside of Acton/Boxborough and interested, and we will figure something out. We take cash and Venmo!
You started with pottery objects sold online but are branching out into jewelry and other handmade items and selling them in person as well. Can you talk about the kinds of things you sell and the various ways you are reaching the community?
In addition to mini pots, jewelry holders, and other clay items, we’re also selling bracelets and other handmade jewelry, and Naledi will be knitting scarves and coasters, which is exciting! [Over the summer,] we went door to door through our neighborhood and sold bracelets, earrings, and cookies! [We also recently] were able to set up a table at the Acton Farmers Market next to the Indivisible booth, which generously invited us to join them. We met so many amazing people, including State Representative Dan Sena and his family, who were very interested in our cause! We raised a total of $223, and with each customer, we shared a bit about Crafts for a Cause while focusing on raising awareness about DVSN and domestic violence.
We are so grateful for the community’s generosity and support. Even if you aren’t interested for yourself, consider buying something for a friend or family member who would like it, perhaps as a small gift to bring them joy. Everything is crafted with immense care, and we love custom orders!
Why did you choose to focus on domestic violence as your cause and to support DVSN in particular?
We decided to focus on domestic violence because it’s a serious problem that doesn’t always get talked about. Many people go through tough times in silence, and we want to help give them a voice. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, and we want to be part of making that happen. Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women, 1 in 6 men, and 1 in 5 high school students. So many people suffer in silence, and we believe awareness and action can start anywhere even through high schoolers like ourselves. Those who experience [domestic violence] deserve to be heard, supported, and never silenced; we hope to be a voice for awareness.
While researching organizations, we came across DVSN and were truly moved by the work you do to support survivors of domestic violence across Middlesex County. We admire how your programs go beyond crisis support and offer long term advocacy, safety planning, and connections to vital community resources. No one deserves to go through something so traumatic, and we want to use our platform to raise awareness, especially among young people. Our goal is to build a genuine connection with the cause we support and understand the impact we’re making. But it’s not just about raising money, it’s about spreading awareness and encouraging others, especially young people, to stand up and make a difference. Domestic violence affects people everywhere, even in our own communities, but it’s often hidden or overlooked. That’s why we’re proud to support DVSN.
Why do you think domestic violence awareness and education is important, especially for people your age?
We believe that domestic violence education is essential for young people because it is too often overlooked, especially in high schools. While high school relationships are common, the struggles and harm that may occur behind the scenes are not always visible, and those experiencing domestic violence frequently feel afraid to speak up. The fear of judgment from peers can make it even harder to come forward. In addition, parent abuse within households is an issue that is rarely discussed, yet it can be deeply harmful and emotionally exhausting for children, who may find it extremely difficult to speak out against their own parents. The more people who are educated about domestic violence, the more awareness can spread, and with greater awareness, victims may feel empowered and safe enough to share their stories. Raising awareness is not just important; it is crucial to ensuring safety, understanding, and support for those affected.
In what ways can Crafts for a Cause and DVSN collaborate to spread awareness and education?
We are excited to start spreading awareness, even though everything is still a work in progress as we’re launching. Our goal is to show that even small actions can add up to something meaningful. We are excited to keep growing, learning, and helping however we can. It’s about spreading awareness about issues that don’t always get talked about. It’s about helping young voices stand up and make a difference. Through our Instagram and website, we hope to help spread important information and encourage high schoolers to learn more and speak up about this issue.
Working with [DVSN] will allow us to achieve many meaningful accomplishments. Connecting with [ABRHS] about this cause would be very beneficial. This also ties into a potential idea we had of possibly talking about domestic violence awareness at school assemblies or presenting to smaller groups. If schedules align, it would be great if one of you could come speak at the school about DVSN as well. We’d love to keep the momentum going in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month [and] collaborate in any way that helps amplify DVSN’s work. From there, we’ll see how far we can take it, the same goes for our idea of starting a club [at our school]!
Thanks again for this opportunity. We’re truly looking forward to connecting more and seeing how we can create a meaningful and lasting impact together. Please let us know if there are other ways we can help keep this collaboration going! We truly appreciate everything you do and are so inspired to support your mission.
How can your fellow students and community members help support Crafts for a Cause and/or DVSN?
We encourage you to buy our items as a unique and fun way to donate to an important organization! Every purchase helps someone feel safer, seen, and supported. Whether you buy a piece, share our page, or just take a moment to learn more, it makes a difference. [When] we went door to door through our neighborhood, [we] made a total of $152!! We met an amazing couple in our neighborhood, and they wrote out a $100 check to [DVSN as a donation]. We made some great connections with people and are looking forward to moving forward with this project.
Do you have any suggestions or words of wisdom for other teens interested in supporting a cause or nonprofit, perhaps in a creative way like you are?
Our advice to other teens who want to support nonprofits or causes is to remain patient, persistent, and passionate. Starting can feel overwhelming. There will be times when ideas don’t immediately take off or when discouragement sets in. But passion and determination are what allow projects like these to thrive. If you truly care, you will put in the effort. We also strongly encourage making connections. Building relationships has helped us tremendously. People are often incredibly generous and kind, and their support can take you farther than you expect. For example, the DVSN team has guided us through communication, encouragement, and collaboration, which expanded our vision and impact. We also met many people while selling our items who shared our cause with others, providing us with both resources and opportunities to raise more funds for the DVSN team. Our greatest lesson is this: never give up. With dedication, community, and compassion, your efforts can truly make a difference. We hope to keep up the momentum, raising awareness.
The DVSN team has had a wonderful experience working with Shreya and Naledi so far and are excited to continue collaborating with Crafts for a Cause in various ways to support those experiencing domestic violence and to educate students and the community in general on this issue. Those interested in their products can visit their website, Instagram, or email them directly.
Dine for a Cause October 2025
Another enjoyable way to support DVSN this Domestic Violence Awareness Month is through Not Your Average Joe’s Cause Marketing Program. Every Wednesday in October 2025 at their Acton location, 15% of purchases made by diners who show their server our flyer will go to DVSN! Diners can support DVSN’s programs and services while enjoying a scrumptious meal and evening out with friends and/or family. This program applies all day on Wednesdays in October 2025 (the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th), for lunch and dinner in the Acton restaurant and on phone and in-person take-out orders. It is not valid on delivery or online orders and excludes tax, alcohol, and gratuity. There’s still time to check out their special Oktoberfest menu, available through October 22, 2025!
Other Unique Ways to Support DVSN
Crafts for a Cause and Not Your Average Joe’s are two current examples of unique and creative ways to support DVSN’s vital work, but they are not the only ones! Over the years, local organizations have also put together fun events that benefitted DVSN, such as the Acton-Boxborough Rotary Club’s annual “Bid for Brighter Futures” comedy game nights, Concord Rotary’s 2024 MusicFest, West Side Creamery’s 2021 Ice Cream Flavor Contest, which was a collaboration with Danny’s Place Youth Services, and Acton Police Department’s “No Shave November” fundraiser, where officers donate to be able forgo facial hair restrictions for the month. During the coronavirus pandemic, Concord fine art and contemporary craft gallery Artisans Way sold beautiful fabric face masks and donated the proceeds to DVSN. Various community members and businesses have donated items and gift cards to DVSN’s Angel of Hope program, which provides gifts and necessities to our neediest clients and their families during the holiday season. These have included such things as hand-knit scarves, iRobot vacuums, and educational toys from Something Special Gift Shop in Lincoln.
DVSN is interested in any ways individuals, businesses, or organizations would like to support our vital work and promote domestic violence awareness and education. Active social media users may want to host a Facebook fundraiser to benefit DVSN. Soon supporters will be able to donate essential supplies and other items that keep our organization running smoothly through DVSN’s Amazon Wish List (creation in progress!). Whether or not they raised the funds in a creative way like the examples in this post, people can always donate to DVSN securely online at DVSN.org/Donate or by mailing a check made out to DVSN to PO Box 536, Concord, MA 01742.
DVSN is extremely grateful for all of the support we receive, be it through financial donations or volunteer hours, attending an event or purchasing a product, sharing our blog and social media posts or raising awareness in other ways. We could not do what we do without the fantastic support of our communities. Thank you!!!
Please check this monthly blog to read updates about DVSN
and stay informed about domestic violence.
Or, join our mailing list to get the information sent conveniently to your inbox!