Waves At Home

Bruce Man, MD
President, BWRI Board of Directors

Right after making an on-line donation, I was sitting at my computer looking at the overwhelming devastation and loss of life that was caused by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. I was hoping that the money pouring in could help make a dent in rebuilding people’s lives, restoring these people to some semblance of where their lives used to be. Then the thought came to me that all it would probably take is another natural disaster or similar sensational news story and the media would switch its attention off the tsunami victims and onto the new story. Not two weeks later, the mudslides in California came along and moved our attention from the tsunami victims, despite it causing significantly less damage to Californians. That seems to be how we operate today in our society: one sensational news story after another, grappling for our attention.

This transition brought me back to the reality that we have many, many people who suffer daily right here in our own communities. At BWRI, we have chosen to help women and children, who are victims of their own personal “tsunamis"...recurrent, destructive waves.

When a woman is in an abusive relationship, always fearing the next beating or humiliation, it is like having her own tsunami. It is a wave battering away at everything she has ever hoped or dreamed for herself and her family. It will wipe away her dignity, her self-esteem, her independence. As the “waves” continues to crash, she may even lose the ability to protect her own children. It is a tidal wave of unending abuse, pausing with the cyclic apology and belief that this is the last time.

BWRI has been here for more than a quarter of a century, providing disaster relief through shelter, counseling and other support services and trying to prevent future crises through education in our schools and early intervention and education in our hospitals and physician’s offices. Doing this takes the effort of many people, including an assembly of volunteers that assist us in countless ways- mirroring the efforts of those currently a half way around the world.

BWRI, like many other small nonprofits in the area, has been caught in what can only be described as the “perfect storm” where all the conditions collide to create an environment unlike any faced in prior years. Factors such as reduced support from government contracts, outright cutbacks, lack of support from foundations in rural communities, economic downturn and local companies being replaced by national companies without the same ties to the local community are putting these valuable resources at risk. At the same time, rising costs for health insurance, utilities, insurance rates, rents, transportation costs to name a few, wipe out the gains made in fundraising efforts. This agency constantly struggles to prevent the ship from taking on water.

I have made a decision to volunteer my time and money to this critical cause. This is an agency that addresses an issue that is a precursor to many of our social ills and is essential to our community. As the eye of the storm continues to swirl, BWRI does not take its eye off the problem of keeping women and children safe. I am asking that you not take your eyes or your heart off of this agency.

As you see headlines in the news about people who need your help, please do help them. But also remember the people who live next door or down the street. Remember our own tsunami victims.

Strong Roots...Growing Branches

BWRI’s programs are unique and unduplicated within the North Central Massachusetts area. With the help and support of others, the agency is proud to announce that many of these great services are being expanded to reach further across the region.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Recognizing the need for anti-violence education in their community, the City of Fitchburg, through its Fitchburg Community Development Block Grant, has awarded BWRI with a grant to promote non-violence and healthy relationships in the Fitchburg Public Schools. With the grant money, BWRI has hired an additional educator, specifically for kindergarten through grade 8 in the Fitchburg Public Schools. The educator works within the individual schools, presenting curriculums on Bullying, Conflict Resolution and Healthy Relationships to students with corresponding parent presentations available. The grant also made it possible for BWRI to purchase new curriculums and educational materials, as well as create new brochures for parents, teenagers and school faculty and staff.

COUNSELING
BWRI counseling services have been available throughout North County for several years. However, those in the Clinton area have not had the same accessibility to one-on-one counseling and support groups as those in the Leominster/Gardner area. Now, due to the generosity of United Way, counseling services are available to this underserved area on Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, or for more information, you can call 978-365-4443. Call at any time, as the voicemail is checked regularly.

SAFEPLAN
BWRI has been awarded with a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Bar foundation, designated exclusively for the SAFEPLAN program, in the Ayer District Court in Middlesex County. SAFEPLAN Advocates work with victims of domestic violence to obtain the assistance they need when seeking a protection order (209A Restraining Order) within the court system. Advocates help victims plan for safety, inform them of their legal rights and options, provide in-court advocacy and make referrals to other area support services. A SAFEPLAN advocate is now available at the Ayer District Court on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. SAFEPLAN advocacy is also available at the Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster and Winchendon District Courts, Monday through Friday.

BWRI Holiday Store

This past year’s holiday store was one of BWRI’s most successful yet! The space for the store, generously donated by Paul DiGeronimo, was conveniently located next to The Mall at Whitney Field making everyone’s shopping experience easy and accessible. Within days, the store was filled with thousands of toys and clothes and home items for women and children of all ages. Each shopper makes a donation of $5 per family, which goes to the agency’s school violence prevention program. Due to the vast kindness of those throughout the region, over 100 women and 400 children were able to celebrate the holidays with the joy and happiness they deserve.

The following is an excerpt from a letter sent to BWRI from a client who attended this past year’s holiday store:

“Christmas for all children is supposed to be a holiday of magic and miracles and my four children truly believe in Christmas. The greatest gift they in turn give to me is the opportunity to be a part of their joy and remember with childlike faith that all is good and right in this world...

The first year on my own, I spent a lot of nights worrying. How could I, a single parent…live up to the legend of Santa Claus?… I have many friends, some known and some unknown, as well as my family, who have blessed my life in such a way that I am able to give my children Christmas gifts...

I put my need in my “prayer box” and left it there, certain that my request was now in God’s hands...

I wish all of you could have seen our home on Christmas morning…As I sat on the couch, getting toys out of boxes and putting batteries into them, I thanked God for answering my prayer and for all of you who listened to Him...

It does take a village to raise a child. Our little village is raising four wonderfully, beautiful, blessed children.

Thank You!"

Great Man Spotlight

Got a problem...who does BWRI call? John (Val) Valentino. Whether the need is a light bulb changed, paint for the office, fixing locks or heat, everyone at BWRI knows they can depend on Val to come to the rescue. An employee of Bovenzi, Inc. for 4 years, Val always shows up with a smile on his face, a positive attitude and a willingness to help. Val was born in Somerville and then moved to Sudbury before coming to Leominster where he has lived for 20 years.

Each December, BWRI hosts a Holiday Store for clients to purchase gifts for their children. For the past two years Val has been instrumental in finding BWRI the space needed to set up the store. Val contacted associates and made them aware of the need and as a result of his resources, space was located, the store was set up and it was a huge success. Due to Val’s efforts on our behalf, over 100 women and 400 children had a great holiday.

BWRI is very fortunate to be associated with Val, and we appreciate all of his hard work and efforts on behalf of our clients and staff.

A Happy New Year

New Year’s is a time many of us participate in the annual tradition of casting out the old and welcoming the new. BWRI’s shelter, not being an exception, makes sure that the holiday is a special and memorable time for the women and children who have taken refuge from violence.

This year, the residents were treated to authentic Romani (gypsy) food, along with a caravan tent bedecked with jewels. Traditional Romani customs were used to guide the women through exercises including using vessels of water to ‘cast out the tears.’ Women in shelter often feel ‘like gypsies.’ They are banded together by domestic violence and feel like a special tribe that often stays in touch after leaving shelter. Staff and former residents also take part in the much anticipated, annual New Year’s Festivities.

Community Profile

No one understands the essence of Edwin Markham’s quote more then Joseph Cadette, owner of KCMC Management Inc./Dunkin Donuts. Simply put, Mr. Cadette is a man of integrity. He is vocal about the value that matters to him the most: Family. From that stand point it is natural that domestic violence, health and safety are issues in the community that are of major concern to Joe. When asked which issues are close to his heart Joe replied “I hate violence, particularly family violence.”

Upon meeting Mr. Cadette, within the first two minutes all formality melts away. Joe is your friend. Although he possesses a commanding presence, Joe puts you at ease with a warm smile and a firm handshake. His offer of friendship is further displayed by his hospitality, “Would you like a coffee, muffin or bagel?” Joe is all about Dunkin Donuts but his offer comes from a subconscious urge to make people feel comfortable.

Originally Joe came to the United States from St. Michael, Portugal at the age of 8. His family settled in Bristol, Rhode Island and Joe spent his high school years there before moving to Fitchburg. With the moral support of his brothers, Joe seized the opportunity to open a Dunkin Donuts franchise in Fitchburg, MA. To date, Joe owns 14 Dunkin Donuts in the Leominster/Fitchburg area. Mr. Cadette resides in this community with his wife and family. Although Dunkin Donuts is a globally recognized business, KCMC Management Inc. gives the Dunkin Donuts in this region a heart and soul.

Mr. Cadette has been involved with Battered Women’s Resources, Inc. for the past 2 years. He is instrumental in making a statement in the business community by modeling this belief: “When people are successful, they should help each other out”. KCMC Management Inc./Dunkin Donuts has co-sponsored the agency’s annual fundraiser gala for the past 2 years (not to mention he was not shy about out-bidding the entire room on the sports memorabilia at the events!) Mr. Cadette continues to work with Battered Women’s Resources to ensure that the health and safety of families in our community are preserved.

In addition to monetary support, KCMC Management Inc./Dunkin Donuts has purchased advertisement space on the MART buses. The signs that Mr. Cadette has created are half Dunkin Donuts related and half dedicated to making BWRI and the services the agency offers more visible in the community.

It is clear that Joe understands what success is all about... “There is a destiny that makes men brothers...”

Verizon Wireless Hopeline

Verizon Wireless embraces a philosophy of commitment not only to the company, but also to the community. Through its HopeLine program, the company focuses primarily on putting wireless products and services to work to combat domestic violence. Verizon dedicates its resources to both the prevention of domestic violence and the life rebuilding process.

The national HopeLine phone-recycling program, exclusive to the company, directly benefits victims of domestic violence. The company collects previously owned wireless handsets to be refurbished, recycled and/or sold, donating all the proceeds to non-profit domestic violence advocacy organizations and purchasing new handsets for victims. Verizon works closely with domestic violence agencies across the country to identify victims in need of wireless communications.

In 2002 Verizon Wireless collected more than 1,000,000 used wireless phones nationwide for the benefit of domestic violence victims. Last year the company's phone, airtime and monetary donations and contributions totaled over $1.4 million dollars.

Verizon Wireless has been and continues to be incredibly supportive of BWRI. The company supports the agency’s education program and is very generously funding the printing for this issue of Voices Rising. Verizon’s local offices have also donated gifts to the Holiday Store for the past three years.