"I’m glad there are programs like WISE. It makes me feel safe that they are able to come into schools and talk about important topics."
- Upper Valley high school student
Drawing connections...
Spring is our busiest time of year and our Youth Violence Prevention Program is in full swing with all hands on deck! WISE Prevention and Education staff, affectionately known as the PEP Squad, has been on the road facilitating important conversations with young people throughout the Upper Valley.

Every day the PEP Squad visits several schools in different communities and spends time with students at all grade levels. Whether teaching elementary school students how to ask for permission before touching others, or leading book discussions with teenagers exploring what a difference supportive friends make, the PEP Squad helps reduce violence and strengthens protective factors in age-appropriate ways.

Elementary school lessons focus on social and emotional skill building, identifying safe and trusted adults, and asking for help. The middle and high school lessons address five key objectives: to make visible gender stereotypes and their perpetuation of dating and sexual violence, exercise critical thinking skills around deconstructing harmful myths regarding dating and sexual violence, build empathy for survivors of dating and sexual violence, increase bystander awareness and response for helpful interventions, and activate youth leadership to end gender-based violence. 

One of our favorite things is experiencing those lightbulb moments from the students themselves. Reflecting on the gender stereotypes lesson, one elementary student shared, "It's so funny how in illustrations, you never see boys with eyelashes. But in reality, everyone has eyelashes!" making the connection that stereotypical depictions of gender in the media can be not just limiting, but also inaccurate. After our high school sessions, a high school student shared, "The WISE program has really opened my eyes. I've lived in a very strict country and going from there to here made a really big change. I've learned important things that would help me have a more cool, happy life."
 
 
 
 
Violence prevention is most effective when done in collaboration, delivered in multiple settings and sessions by well-trained facilitators over time, and reinforced by the greater community. 

We all can play a huge role in setting the values and social norms for young people. By working together, we can create a more peaceful world. Curious to learn more? You can read our prevention booklet online or email us and we can send you a printed copy.
Board spotlight: Sherice C. McCarthy-Hill
We are pleased to introduce you to one of our newest board members, Sherice C. McCarthy-Hill. Sherice joined the WISE Board in 2022.

"Domestic violence affects all communities either directly or indirectly. WISE offers crisis support, advocacy, and prevention services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The organization knew the need for safe housing to accommodate survivors of domestic violent and responded by acquiring more property to house survivors. In my opinion, this is just one of the many needs compassionately addressed by the team at WISE. The ability to provide long term safe housing is strategic and impactful to helping survivors. Job well done WISE!

As an active board member, I sit on the Finance Committee, which aligns directly with my career. I bring over twenty years of experience with payroll, financial reporting, taxation, and direct experience engaging with international populations. Although from a personal perspective, I bring a diverse voice, ideas, and outlook on domestic violence, race relations, and equity all of which help me contribute to the WISE Board. WISE has afforded me the opportunity to give back to a worthy cause by volunteering my time, talents, passion, and efforts to a such great organization!

What is the greatest value that guides my life? Integrity means everything to me."
- Sherice C. McCarthy-Hill, WISE Board
As you update your tax strategy for 2023, please keep WISE in mind! There are ways to maximize your charitable contributions while supporting our mission to lead the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence.

By donating stocks, you can avoid paying capital gains taxes, deduct the fair-market value on your federal income tax returns rather than your cost basis, and the full amount supports WISE programming.

If you are 70½ years or older, making a charitable gift directly from an IRA reduces your future tax burdens and helps meet the required minimum annual distribution.

Donor-Advised Funds are also a great way to increase your charitable giving while maximizing income tax deductions. Want to talk more? Email our development office.
March
1-31
Co-op Pennies for Change partner
We are honored to be one of the March 2023 Co-op Pennies for Change partner. Throughout the month of March, we will receive 20% of the Pennies for Change donations. There is one more week to round up!
April
26
Wednesday
WISE connections
WISE connections are opportunities to deepen your connections with yourself, each other, and WISE. Spring session kicks off on Wednesday, April 26.
Joni Cole, author, podcaster, and founder of The Writers Center, will lead the group with writing prompts inviting us to nurture ourselves and each other. Joni offers tips for writing with power, creating change from within. No writing experience necessary. For more details, please email Rebekah.
June
4
Sunday
Team WISE running CBHM
The 31st Annual Covered Bridges Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, June 4. Registration for Team WISE is still open and we have a few bibs left! You can register for Team WISE or sponsor one of our team runners here.
WISE is growing and we're hiring!
Would you like to join us or do you know someone who might be a great fit? Consider these opportunities and help us spread the word!
Youth Violence Prevention Educator - Work with students, educators, and parents throughout the Upper Valley providing prevention education, student leadership to end violence, and youth advocacy for survivors. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director.

Community Educator - Engage adults, provide learning experiences, and create connections to end gender-based violence in our communities. Work closely with businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners to develop these opportunities. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director.
Leading the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence
Program Center · 38 Bank Street · Lebanon, NH 03766
every hour, every day 866-348-WISE
603-448-5922 · wiseuv.org · @WISEuv