As 2020 draws to a close, DVSN is looking back at what we were able to accomplish in this most unusual of years and looking forward to exciting events and endeavors in 2021.
DVSN’s Online Presence is Growing
In May, DVSN upgraded our website and expanded our social media presence. Since then, we have continued to add more and more content to all our online platforms.
Our Resources page is brimming with frequently updated information about domestic violence services, coronavirus information, financial aid, food relief programs, mental health and emotional support, and family resources. You can find out all about DVSN and how you can help support our programs and services. More pages are coming soon, including multiple ways to learn more about abuse and inspiring words from our partners and clients.
DVSN’s relatively new Instagram and Twitter accounts are steadily gaining followers. New content is posted every weekday to these platforms, as well as our established Facebook page. Follow us to see inspiring quotes, relevant articles, and eye-opening infographics. If you are not on social media, you can now find the same content on our website, updated monthly. Click the buttons below to see these new social content pages!
New this December, DVSN is now on LinkedIn! Find us there for some virtual networking. Due to the more professional nature of LinkedIn, our content will naturally differ from our other social media platforms. It is a great new way to learn about DVSN, events, updates, and our original informative content, like this blog. We look forward to connecting with you!
A Vigil to Remember
This year, our annual Light in the Darkness Candlelight Vigil was held virtually on October 29th. We had over 75 participants join us to remember the 12 lives lost to domestic violence in the past year in Massachusetts. Heaps of glowing feedback has poured in from those who witnessed this poignant tribute and listened to our incredibly engaging keynote speaker, Dan Murphy, ESPN journalist and co-author of “Start by Believing”. Thank you to everyone who made this event so powerful and successful! If you missed it live, a recording is available to watch at your convenience at DVSN.org/Vigil.
Supporting Survivors Together
DVSN is excited to have launched a new program this December. Our first-ever support group is already underway for some of our clients who could benefit from interacting with their fellow survivors. Carole Thompson joins DVSN to lead this virtual group with the help of Sherry Katz. Each group will have eight weekly meetings focusing on creating a community of support that will mitigate the isolation survivors feel while validating their experiences, educating them on the dynamics of abuse, and providing opportunities to heal and develop a sense of hope and empowerment. We hope to build on this inaugural group to continue supporting more survivors together with regular sessions, transitioning to in-person gatherings once health concerns allow.
‘Tis the Season for Generosity
As the holiday season comes around again, DVSN is embarking on our Annual Appeal campaign. If we have your address on file, check your mailbox for a festive card with our warmest wishes, heartbreaking statistics, and how your donations have helped survivors in our communities. On our email list? An e-card version will go out digitally as well! If you are able to help support DVSN’s mission, please consider contributing whatever you can. Donations can be made securely anytime online through our donation page or by mailing a check made out to DVSN, Inc. to P.O. Box 536, Concord, MA, 01742. Thank you so much for your continued support – we couldn’t do it without you!
Giving the Gift of Hope
Thanks to some generous donors, DVSN is delighted to continue our annual Angel of Hope tradition. Since 2011, we have been able to benefit several deserving families from among our clients who could really use some assistance making this season special. Providing wrapped gifts for children and parents alike is a particular joy to us here at DVSN. This year, we have been able to supply various substantial gift cards, some Roomba vacuums donated by iRobot, and personal presents for eight families in our communities. Our gratitude to those who enabled us to continue Angel of Hope in a year when it is needed more than ever!
DVSN’s New Speaker Series in 2021
Looking forward into 2021, we are branching out into a new form of virtual event with DVSN’s Speaker Series. In January, March, and May, DVSN will hold live lectures, panels, and Q&A sessions on domestic violence related topics important to our community.
We’ll kick off the series in January with a panel of local leaders discussing “Coping During the COVID Crisis”.
Future topics under consideration include:
♦ “Restraining Orders: What Are They? How Do They Work?”
♦ “Navigating the Court System”
♦ “DV: It Is Prevalent, Insidious, and Complex. Can You Handle the Truth?”
♦ “DV’s Devastating Impact on Children”
♦ “The Roles & Responsibilities of the Police”
Watch our social media or check our website for details coming soon!
Cross Your Fingers We’ll Gather for Brunch in May
Due to the pandemic, our 2020 Celebration of Hope Benefit fundraiser was postponed and ultimately adapted into our very first virtual fundraiser, “20 Days in 2020”. We are hopeful that our 2021 event will be able to be held in person! We are holding a venue for a May Day brunch on Saturday, May 1st, 2021. Mark your calendars! If in February it looks like gatherings will still not be safe by the time of the event, we will once again go virtual instead. Stay tuned and cross your fingers!
Here’s to a better and brighter year ahead!
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!