An online community of nonprofit organizations in western PA

Center for Victims Raises Awareness About Domestic Violence

Center for Victims has so much to be thankful for this month. We’re thankful for funding support from the foundation community and individual donors. We’re grateful for those of you who follow us on social media and share our information with a friend or family member in need. We’re appreciative of you spreading the word about our programs and services, and donating your time and talents. We are also so excited to be able to share an entire newsletter with you that is full of gratitude. There is so much happening with Center for Victims, and we’re thankful for all of it!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

On a chilly day with 20 volunteers from Rivers Casino, Center for Victims passed out information and over 400 purple ribbons to people passing through Market Square!  Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala, U.S. Attorney of Western PA, David Hickton, Art Rooney II, Judge Dwayne Woodruff and Roberto Clemente Jr. joined Center for Victims for a press conference, captured by all major news stations.  WAMO 100 broadcasted live from the Square, raffling off prizes donated from Las Velas restaurant, Athropologie, and Sephora. Domestic Violence awareness was raised, and a great time was had by all!

Our Domestic Violence Shelter’s playroom and child-friendly areas are getting a makeover, thanks to Bright Horizons Foundation for Children!  It will become “A Bright Space”, which is a warm, enriching place in shelters and community agencies where children, youth, and families in crisis can learn, heal, and play together. “Bright Spaces bring hope and comfort to families and children during an especially difficult time,” said David Lissy, CEO of Bright Horizons. “This Bright Space will allow families to be together and support each other.” The Bright Space in our shelter should be open in December, and we can’t wait to show you the before and after photos!

Expect Respect Update

Thank you to all of the student leaders in Expect Respect who worked hard this October to get the word out that it was domestic violence awareness month!  Students in several schools organized toiletry collection drives for our shelter as a way to gain attention for the issue of domestic violence and to promote involvement in Expect Respect.  Purple ribbons were worn by students and staff for much of the month after students made ribbons available during lunch periods, along with information on healthy relationships.  We are so grateful for all of our hardworking students and school staff members who made October a success!

Men Challenge

In a short amount of time, our Men Ending violeNce Challenge is already a booming success! We just finished taping 60 and 30 second public service announcements with WPXI, featuring local public figures such as Roberto Clemente Jr., and Art Rooney II, and special guest Keshia Knight Pulliam (Rudy Huxtable from the Cosby Show). The MEN Challenge is a campaign created to invite to men to stand with Center for Victims and help stop violence against women and girls. We ask interested men to sign a pledge, and they receive monthly e-blasts with educational resources, articles, videos, and action steps that help them to understand how to be more than just a bystander. The MEN Challenge will be wrapping up its first year on March 6th with an event at Rivers Casino. Stay tuned for more information!

Save the Date

Our 10th annual Peace it Together Awards Celebration will be held on March 12, 2015 in the Grand Hall at the Priory Hotel from 5:30-8:30 pm. More information will be available soon!

“We make a living by what we get…We make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill

Leave a reply

Connect with Facebook