 Save the Date!
Sunday, October 17
4:00 pm
MAAV's 15th Annual Walk &
Candlelight Vigil
Help us mark our 15th year of commitment to the community and violence prevention.
Special surprises planned!
2-mile walk begins & ends at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School
|
|
Teens in Melrose
"Get it"
For the past 12 years, MAAV has offered the 6-session "Healthy Relationships Program" to 8th graders through Health class at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School. MAAV Trainer Alice Wadley works with Health Educator Jean Keefe to implement the comprehensive program, designed to stop abuse before it starts.
After the last session in May, written feedback from students showed that:
- 100% could identify the 4 types of abuse
- 99% know the warning signs of abuse
- 97% understand abuse through technology
- 99% understand the barriers to leaving
- 99% know the ingredients of a healthy relationship
- 100% know how to get help
Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence for Parents |
Rita M. Downey Memorial Award for Social Justice
Maeve Downey was the recipient of the 1st Annual Award from MAAV in memory of Rita Downey, her grandmother and founding Board Member
|
|
| In 1995, the 49er's won the Super Bowl, O.J. Simpson was acquitted, "Forrest Gump" won Best Picture, and dedicated members of the League of Woman Voters founded the Melrose Alliance Against Violence. Their purpose then remains our mission today: to raise awareness about domestic violence and help victims break free from lives of abuse. Thanks to your involvement and support, we've grown tremendously over the past 15 years, developing a strong emphasis on prevention and reaching over 1,000 youth and adults each year. We proudly invite you to join us in October as we celebrate this milestone in our history! |
|
Melrose Running Club Raises Record $20,000 for MAAV!MRC members Lois Parker-Carmona, Erin Lynch & Liz Tassinari present check to MAAV Director Rebecca Mooney  | The MRC has done it again! Thanks to their outstanding organization and dedication, the 13th Annual Melrose Run for Women on Mother's Day was a fantastic success and raised $20,000 for MAAV! A huge thank you to Race Director Liz Tassinari, the entire Race Committee and MRC. Thanks also to the 960 women who participated in the Race and to our generous Race Sponsors. Please frequent their businesses and say thanks on our behalf! Check out photos here taken by Richard Cohane. |
 Retreat to Re-ChargeThe 12th Annual MAAV Board & Staff Retreat was held on July 21 at the Visitor Center at Breakheart Reservation. The day included fun, reflection, inspiration, planning and team-building. A guest speaker shared her personal experience with teen dating violence and reinforced the need for MAAV's education programs with youth. A productive session of goal-setting and planning continued over lunch. We are ready to go with renewed energy and commitment to our mission! |
"Dear Lisa": A Father's Story
To raise awareness about teen dating violence, Tom Santoro shares the tragic story of his 18 year old daughter Lisa, who was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Mr. Santoro focuses on the dynamics of an abusive relationship, the dangerous period after a break-up, and what parents can do to protect their teens. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion including local experts & resources.
September 28, 2010
7:00 pm at the Stoneham Theater
Co-sponsored by the Melrose, Stoneham & Wakefield Alliances Against Violence. Free and open to the public. |
Melrose CARES Mentoring Program Recognized for Excellence
Program Coordinator Sharon Loveridge with 8th grade mentee  | We are one of just 27 programs in the state to achieve "Partner" status as part of the Mass Mentoring Partnership's Quality-Based Membership Program. This means our program met 58 indicators of best practices in the field of mentoring, in areas such as screening, training, matching and supporting mentors.
More to Celebrate!
On June 21 we celebrated the graduation of our 8th grade mentoring group at the Oak Grove Village Clubhouse. Highlights of the evening were letters that mentors and mentees wrote to each other, and a DVD of music & pictures capturing their 2+ years together.
We salute our dedicated 8th grade mentors, Brendan Bannister, Nate Berkowitz, Jim Duncan, Melissa Ferris, Forrest Tiedeman and Eric Swanson and our fantastic students who grew and matured before our very eyes! Those attending Melrose High in the fall will be invited to join our peer mentoring program, The Breakfast Club.
|
 Spotlight on the Board
Louise Mason has participated in our mentoring program for 3 years and joined the Board of Directors in 2009. She is MAAV's liaison to
the League of Women Voters of Melrose, where she has served for over 25 years on the Board of Directors as the Secretary, and is
currently the Treasurer on the Steering Committee. Louise has also served as a
member of the Human Rights Commission, and is a volunteer tutor for
a Brazilian woman. Louise works part time for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, raised 3 children in Melrose and now resides
here with her husband Peter and dog Reese.
Louise joined the Board because she supports the work of MAAV. She says, "I have
seen first hand the results of my efforts through the mentoring program. Also,
I was a member of the League of Women Voters when that organization was
involved in the inception of MAAV. I feel like I have come full circle."
|
|
|
|
|
