NELCWIT has served domestic and sexual assault survivors and our community for over 35 years. During our last fiscal year, we provided support for 580 survivors, answered 1240 hotline calls, helped 236 people petition for restraining order protection, and assisted 126 women and children who came to our Greenfield office without appointments, in crisis. During October, our community came together for a candlelight vigil to mourn the tragedy of nineteen domestic violence homicides in our state in the past year, including four deaths here in our western Massachusetts communities. Together, more than 60 people honored each victim’s memory and the resiliency of survivors, and together we pledged a commitment to work together to create a world that: respects women and children, values equality and the humanity of all people, promotes values of non-violence and respect, believes everyone needs to be strong and never commit, condone or remain silent about violence, and ensures that children have the right to safe homes, neighborhoods, and communities.

Your generosity makes our work possible! Last year’s Bowlathon raised almost $10,000 to help fund our crisis and advocacy services. This year, with your help, we hope to raise even more. As we approach the New Year, we are looking forward to a future where children value one another, respect differences, and learn that compassion, kindness, and love are the building blocks of healthy relationships and peaceful communities. Together, we can create a society that we can all be proud of and that will honor future generations. Working in partnership, we can produce astonishing transformations. We lead by example, and as our children see us responding to the violence in our communities and at home, they will gain a sense of hope and dedication.

Your support is deeply appreciated! Cheryl Rogers, Executive Director