"We’re all going through life together. We’re all standing up for each other. WISE really teaches that there’s not as many differences as we box each other off into and that we’re all one." -high school student
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An expanding WISE partnership
We are excited to share the news that the United States Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women recently awarded $600,000 to New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) and WISE to fund legal advice and representation for survivors of gender-based violence. This grant is one of 59 competitive awards nationally, totaling more than $35 million, under the Legal Assistance for Victims Program.
The availability of legal services is critical for survivors as they navigate the complex court systems to ensure safety and well-being for themselves and their children. Increasing accessibility to legal services continues to be a strategic priority for WISE. We look forward to supporting survivors as they access the significant legal services available through this grant’s partnership with NHLA.
To read the full press release, click here.
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Board Spotlight: Margaret Rightmire |
We are pleased to introduce you to the WISE Board Treasurer - Margaret Rightmire. Margaret has been on the Board since September 2017.
"WISE is a unique community-based organization supported by dedicated staff professionals and volunteers deeply committed to the mission -- ending gender-based violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education, and mobilization for social change.
My committee work on the board focuses on financial management and strategic planning. Annually the board reviews progress on our strategic plan. The most meaningful aspect of my work is continuing to see advancements in the key areas of our strategic plan: survivor-centered advocacy, community engagement for social change, innovative leadership to end gender-based violence, improving our building and program space, and planning for organizational sustainability and growth. I am grateful for the expertise of WISE employees and my board colleagues in helping WISE plan for the resources to continue to enhance services in support of our mission.
I connected with WISE because their programs and resources have a significant impact on our region. Throughout my years of service on the board, I have seen the perseverance and far-reaching impact of WISE. As we recognize 50 years of WISE in the Upper Valley, I am inspired by the progress and look forward to setting ambitious new goals. I am proud to support WISE’s comprehensive approach to social change and am grateful for the critical work they do every day."
- Margaret Rightmire, WISE Board Treasurer
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Thank you Windsor County Board of Realtors!
It was an honor to be a part of the Windsor County Board of Realtors' First Annual Golf Tournament. We were thrilled that they selected WISE together with Twin Pines to be the beneficiaries of their inaugural event.
It was a beautiful day for golf and an incredible evening for gathering in community. There was a wonderful energy in the room and we appreciated the opportunity to share news about WISE with a new group of people.
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From left: Geoff Eckler, Sandra Dell, Peggy O'Neil, Linda Mayo, Joanne Kent gathered together at the Program Center |
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Supporting immigrant survivors through systems advocacy
We often talk about systems advocacy as a strategic priority. What does it mean?
By collaborating with community partners, we can work together to provide a more effective community response to survivors.
Kate Semple Barta, WISE Immigration Attorney and WANN Director, has partnered with the Lebanon Police Department to provide a virtual training for law enforcement and prosecutors. The training helps law enforcement understand that there are options for survivors of crimes, including domestic violence, whom they believe to be in a vulnerable immigration situation.
Using tools, like the U visa which provides legal status and work permission for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, can help increase successful prosecution of crimes, as well as help vulnerable community members become more self-sufficient.
Click here for more information about the training on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
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Wednesdays
at 5:30 pm
on Zoom
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WISE Artful Crafts
The Fall 2022 WISE Artful Craft series has started! The 6-week group is facilitated by Art Therapist Deb Steele and WISE Advocate Bailey Ray. The group will continue the theme of visual journaling, with a focus on color and big use of page space. The group is open and flexible – feel free to attend every session, or join in at your comfort along the way. We meet weekly on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm. Each week you will receive a link to register for the upcoming session on zoom.
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Spot On with WISE at Northern Stage
Join WISE Program Director Kate Rohdenburg at Barrette Center for the Arts on October 9th at 3:00 pm as she talks about WISE and our efforts to make a more peaceful Upper Valley. Spot On is a community conversation designed to illuminate the major themes of Spring Awakening, Northern Stage's current production.
Spring Awakening tells the story of young people pushed beyond their limits by a repressive society. The 2007 Tony Award winner for Best Musical which has since become a cult phenomenon.
Spot On is free, click here to reserve your seats.
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Foundations training starts in October
Our popular Foundations of Gender-based Violence training kicks off on Tuesday, October 11 at 6:00 pm and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. After two years of virtual trainings, we are excited to introduce a new hybrid version! Training will offer a mix of virtual and in-person meetings. If you are interested in learning more about the dynamics of gender-based violence and volunteering with WISE, this is the training for you.
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PEP is growing and we're hiring! |
The WISE Prevention and Education Program (PEP) is growing and expanding. Would you like to join the PEP Squad or do you know someone who might be a great fit? Consider these two new opportunities and help us spread the word!
Youth Violence Prevention Educator – The Youth Violence Prevention Educator works with students, educators, and parents throughout the Upper Valley providing prevention education, student leadership to end violence, and youth advocacy for survivors.
Community Educator – The Community Educator will focus on engaging adults to learn more about WISE through their workplaces, social gatherings, and community collaborations.
To apply for any of the positions, please email a cover letter and resume to Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director.
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Leading the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence |
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Program Center · 38 Bank Street · Lebanon, NH 03766
every hour, every day 866-348-WISE
603-448-5922 · wiseuv.org · @WISEuv
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