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As we step into Spring, we recognize the significance of the month as it marks National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and Child Abuse Prevention Month. At NOVA, these observances hold deep meaning as we have been steadfast in our mission since 1974, providing specialized services to over 100,000 victims of sexual assault and other crimes. We've also been instrumental in delivering prevention programs to over 800,000 children and adults focused on personal safety, respect, and inclusion.
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we're launching the 50th Anniversary Fund with the ambitious goal of raising $1 million. This campaign is crucial in propelling NOVA forward into the next 50 years, ensuring we can continue to offer innovative, trauma-informed services and programs. NOVA is and always has been the only organization in Bucks County providing these critical services and programs.
I urge you to consider investing in NOVA's services. Your support will enable us to remain at the forefront of victim advocacy, empowering us to serve our community effectively for decades to come. NOVA's April Action Committee will be delivering a variety of programs over the month – community book club, educational programs, and even a yoga program for kids. Please take a few minutes to view the calendar of activities. I hope you can take time to join us at one or more of the events.
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We're thrilled to announce that our annual silent auction is now open for online bidding! Visit novabucks.org/auction to explore a treasure trove of unique experiences, gift baskets, jewelry, sports and live theater tickets, paintings, vacations, signed sports memorabilia, and much more. Bid now through 7:30 pm on Friday, April 19th, and check back daily for new additions. Your bids support NOVA's vital services—don't miss this chance to make a difference while discovering fantastic finds! | |
What April Means to NOVA
Each year, during the month of April, NOVA honors and recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month provides us with an opportunity to raise awareness of these important issues and educate communities and individuals on resources available to victims and survivors. This year is especially notable as it marks NOVA’s 50th anniversary serving victims and survivors of crime in Bucks County.
NOVA has worked to develop a variety of events this April and we invite you to join us throughout the month in-person and on social media.
All events are open to the public and most are FREE to attend. Some events may require preregistration. For more information, visit novabucks.org/april24 or call 215-343-6543. We hope that you will join us for one or more events in April.
We further invite you to follow us on social media to view our “Conversations with a Counselor” series, learn more about the roles Victim Advocates and Forensic Interviewers, and to explore more information related to supporting victims and survivors, self-care, and violence prevention.
Additionally, we would like to thank Yogamazia and Native Cafe for partnering with us this month. We are grateful to have Voices Against Violence in our community who support NOVA's work.
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Crime Victims' Rights Week
Sunday, April 21st marks the start of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
During NCVRW, the Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the Nation to honor victims and recognize the professionals who support them.
The 2024 NCVRW theme is "How Would You Help?" The 2024 theme asks all of us—friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, victim service providers, criminal justice practitioners, and health professionals—how we can help crime victims. Are you prepared if someone confides in you about a victimization? Is your organization victim-centered and trauma-informed? Are you familiar with the services available in your community?
Join OVC and NOVA during NCVRW 2024 as we commit to elevating and engaging survivors to lift their voices, inform policy and practice, and thereby effect change. By engaging survivors, we will ensure our responses and services to victims and survivors are credible, meaningful, and centered on their individual needs.
Learn more about NCVRW here.
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Ashley Reynolds, Grants Fiscal Compliance Coordinator & April Action Committee Member
Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?
My primary responsibility is to monitor our federal and state grants to make sure we are compliant with our spending and on track to spend them out 100%. While doing this, I create invoices, monthly or quarterly, to charge against those grants. Also, I oversee the Accounting Assistant position.
How long have you been with NOVA?
I have been at NOVA for about a year and a half.
What is your favorite part about volunteering at NOVA?
I look forward to coming to work every day. I enjoy what I do, and I feel like (indirectly) I am making a difference in our community.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
The Finance Department is a crucial part of NOVA's foundation. We make sure the funds are here so all of NOVA's dedicated employees can do the amazing work that they do.
What is one thing people should know about NOVA?
Everyone at NOVA is very passionate about what they do and truly believe in the mission.
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
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Smarter Parents, Safer Kids Workshop
April 4 | April 30 | May 9 | May 21
This interactive workshop helps parents learn about healthy development, how to talk to their kids about sexual abuse, and how to keep them safe. The Smarter Parents program helps adult caregivers tackle tough conversations with their children, along with empowerment and support. Virtual and in-person sessions are available. Learn about upcoming sessions and RSVP to your chosen session here.
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A Starlit Evening: 50th Anniversary Gala
April 19, 2024
On Friday, April 19, NOVA will host A Starlit Evening from 6 pm to 10 pm at a new location: Spring Mill Manor. Enjoy a fun-packed evening as we honor NOVA’s 50th anniversary and the many staff, volunteers, partners, and donors that have made us who we are today, while we raise funds to support our continuum of programs that make NOVA a leader across the region in victim services and violence prevention education.
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NOVA Book Club
April 11, 2024
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, join us for NOVA Book Club and discuss the book What is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander. Denhollander, the first victim to publicly accuse former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse, reveals her full story for the first time. Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more and register here.
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Children's Yoga Class
April 13, 2024
Join us as we partner with Yogamazia to offer a free children’s yoga class! Through a combination of yoga and mindfulness, NOVA counselors and Yogamazia instructors will walk participants through a series of movements designed to equip children with the tools to manage stress and emotions. Parents are invited to stay and observe and learn more about NOVA and Yogamazia. Register here.
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Panel Discussion: How We Help Victims
April 23, 2024
In honor of Crime Victims' Rights Week, NOVA will be hosting a panel discussion exploring the web of services that work to help victims and prevent crime in Bucks County. Hear from crime victims / survivors, as well as professionals in the field from NOVA, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, and Children and Youth Services. Learn more and register here.
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Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime
May 14, 2024
Join us at Core Creek Park in honoring victims of crime, their families and friends, and those who serve them at our annual Candlelight Tribute. This tribute of reflection, music, and victim/survivor experiences brings all in our community together for healing and awareness. Also featured is an exhibit of victim and survivor artwork. No registration is required to attend. Learn more here.
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Only A Few 50th Anniversary Gala Tickets Left!
Tickets for NOVA's 50th Anniversary Gala, A Starlit Evening, are still available for purchase, but remaining tickets are extremely limited! Enjoy a fun-packed evening that will feature a beer and wine bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a wonderful meal followed by a dessert bar, a curated silent auction, and dancing. Click here to learn more and secure your ticket.
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NOVA is Hiring!
NOVA is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Counseling Intake Specialist
- Forensic Nurse Program Coordinator
- Clinical Counselor I & II
- Family Support Advocate
- Forensic Nurse Examiner
To read the full job descriptions and apply, visit the NOVA Employment page.
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Shining Bright: Join Us for NOVA's 50th Anniversary Gala, A Starlit Evening
As NOVA marks its 50th anniversary, this month we invite you to join us in honoring the remarkable individuals and partners who have supported us throughout our 50 years. A Starlit Evening is more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity to rally behind NOVA's programs and services, which serve as a lifeline for victims of crime in Bucks County.
For those planning to join us, Special Events Organizer, Ashley Doyle, shares, “The Gala Committee has done an amazing job crafting an evening you will not forget, starting off with a signature cocktail reception, alongside a silent auction and followed by dinner and dancing for guests to enjoy. Guest emcee Karen Gross, gala committee member and event consultant Jennifer Winegardner, and Executive Director Penny Ettinger, have put together an extraordinary program that honors the community that supports NOVA’s work – our staff, volunteers, donors, and clients. It is going to be a night to remember. We hope that, whether you are a guest or volunteer, everyone at the gala will see how NOVA shines.”
Tickets are going fast; secure your spot today! If you are unable to join us on April 19th, please visit our event page to view our online silent auction from the comfort of your own home.
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NOVA Executive Director Penny Ettinger had the privilege of taking the stage as a keynote speaker at the Women's Business Enterprise Center's Women's History Month Luncheon, joining a distinguished speaker lineup of accomplished women in business. | |
Detective William Mokriski made a personal visit to NOVA's Jamison office to deliver a generous donation check raised by the Doylestown Township Police Benevolent Association, honoring NOVA's 50 years of dedicated service to victims of crime. | |
This awards season, we went all out in celebrating the 2024 Oscars! NOVA staff voted among the Best Picture Nominees for our special movie watch party (complete with a full concessions stand)! In honor of March being Women's History Month, it's no surprise that Barbie emerged as the ultimate winner. | |
Behind the scenes, NOVA's dedicated Gala Committee volunteers are working DIY magic to prepare for A Starlit Evening! Here is an exclusive sneak peek into the creativity of our Decorating Subcommittee as we prepare for an unforgettable event. We can't wait for you to experience the magic on April 19th! | |
To ring in the official start of spring the NOVA Staff Events Committee organized a special Spring Egg Hunt, filled with excitement and surprises! Our egg hunt featured a whopping 900 eggs, each holding the possibility of uncovering incredible grand prizes, adding an extra layer of fun and anticipation to the festivities. | |
Members of the CAC, the NOVA Advocacy, Counseling, and Prevention Education teams attended the Mission Kids Symposium on Crimes Against Children. This conference aims to help professionals work better together to keep children safe by gaining valuable insights into the prevention, detection, and intervention of crimes against children. | |
KCIT utilized funds to contract with professional visual note taker, Katie Chappell, to create an outreach tool focused on the function and process of a Group Crisis Intervention. We look forward to this video increasing awareness of our services so that we can continue to serve communities throughout PA affected by crime. Watch the video here! | |
"I can't explain what a comfort your office was for me during this very long and excruciating ordeal. The Advocacy program was a lifeline in an often overwhelming legal system. Thank you so much!"
- NOVA Client
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NOVA Victim Assistance Celebrates 50 Years of Victim Support | For five decades, NOVA Victim Assistance has been the steadfast beacon of hope and support for individuals navigating the aftermath of trauma and victimization in Bucks County. As NOVA marks its golden anniversary this year, it continues to embody the essence of compassion and resilience, offering unwavering assistance to [...] | | | | |
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Yogamazia
Yogamazia, located in Richboro, PA, is on a mission to empower families through wellness education. NOVA and Yogamazia formed a partnership in 2022 when Yogamazia sponsored our NO BULLying Run and Upstander Day. From there, Yogamazia has continued to support us in a variety of ways – spreading the word about NOVA on social media and in the community, choosing us as their featured non-profit partnership in the month of February, sponsoring and hosting a yoga station at Upstander Day, and now they are not only sponsoring our 50th Anniversary gala, but have also partnered with us to host a free children’s yoga class as part of our April Action programming.
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Yogamazia has several yoga options for kids, as well as prenatal yoga classes and community and school-based programs. Empowering children and families is at the heart of their work and here at NOVA, we know the value of that cannot be overstated.
We are so incredibly grateful for our friendship with Yogamazia.
Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence and supporting NOVA's work in our community!
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Whether you donate an item from NOVA's wish list, funds, or your time, know you are making a difference. | |
Elevate Your Impact In Style
NOVA has merch! If you want to represent your favorite non-profit in wearable form, we have you covered with a variety options. Whether you're looking for a classic tee, a sweatshirt, or a hat, items are available in multiple colors and designs. Join us in honoring our 50 year milestone by ordering today! Browse the collection here.
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