Senior Education Specialist, LaQuisha Anthony, received this year's "Visionary Voice Award" presented by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) for her outstanding work to end sexual violence. LaQuisha has been a part of WOAR's staff for five years. She is our lead trainer for our Safer Bars Philly program and leads our NEW Survivor Academy program.

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) for LaQuisha's nomination.

Healthy Masculinity Initiative (HMI) Project Coordinator, Levone Cannady, received this year's "Vision of Hope Award" presented by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) in recognition of his commitment to ending sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. Lee has been apart of WOAR's team for 8 years. Lee has worked as an Education Specialist and in 2020, Lee was selected to lead WOAR's Healthy Masculinity Initiative program.

On Tuesday, April 6th we hosted our 4th Annual Teal Day Press Conference, sponsored by the Philadelphia Commission for Women.

Speakers Present: Mayor Jim Kenney, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, Councilmember Helen Gym, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Jovida Hill (Office of Engagement for Women), and Azucena Ugarte (Office of Domestic Violence Strategies).

Watch the press conference here.

Our inaugural Sing Out Loud - Singing for Survival concert fundraiser, presented by Temple University, was held on Thursday, April 22. This monumental, virtual event gathered supporters across the country and broke the silence surrounding sexual violence. With your help, we exceeded our fundraising goal by 38%! It is often said that when a choir comes together to sing they are uniquely connected not only through voice but also through breath & heart beat. Although each person's story and healing is unique, victims and survivors of sexual violence often find comfort in togetherness and mutual understanding. WOAR has been blessed to create this special opportunity for our #WOARRIORS.

On Friday April 30th, we hosted our 5th Annual Hands Around City Hall, sponsored by the Philadelphia Commission for Women.

Speakers Present: Dr. Monique S. Howard (WOAR Executive Director) Jovida Hill (Office of Engagement for Women), Robin Strough, Viveca Smoth-Malave (WOAR's Survivor Academy), LaQuisha Anthony (WOAR Education Specialist and Founder & CEO of V.O.I.C.E.), Kianna Voorhees (WOAR Clinical Group Coordinator).

Watch the virtual event here.

As a gentle reminder, you are not alone.

WOAR ended the month of SAAM with our evening, virtual dance party hosted by DEEJAY 007.

We were able to share a take at a specialtyTeal-quila Cocktail. This recipe was created by one of our local Certified Safe Bars, Devil's Den.

If you are a bartender or own a bar in Philly and you would like to become learn more about our certification program please click here.

Please share with your network Citywide Assessment Survey.

At WOAR, we value the voices of our community. This anonymous survey is an opportunity for you to tell us what changes you'd like to see at WOAR.

On Friday, May 21, WOAR's Board of Directors shared an important announcement with our community. As we approach the start of a new fiscal year, WOAR is moving forward with collaboration, vision, and strategy. Our mission to eliminate all forms of sexual violence through specialized treatment services, comprehensive prevention education programs, and advocacy for the rights of victims of sexual assault still remains a priority.

WOAR is here and our mission is nonstop. We are stronger with our community of #WOARRIORS. Ending sexual violence in Philadelphia and beyond doesn't stop in April. Thank you for outpouring of support these past weeks and thank you for the continued commitment to the work we do. With the long weekend upon us and warmer days, we wish you safe and hopeful days ahead!