Press Releases

Expand all Collapse all

• Brayden Receives Harvard Business School Scholarship

  CONTACT:

  Kristen Elworthy

  617.718.0461

  kristen.elworthy@gmail.com

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   

  RESPOND, INC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECEIVES HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SCHOLARSHIP

  After Competitive Process, Jessica Brayden Awarded Admission to

  Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management

   

  SOMERVILLE—The Community Action Partners (CAP) of Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School announced that RESPOND, Inc. Executive Director Jessica Brayden has been awarded a scholarship to the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at the Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative Program. Brayden was awarded the scholarship after a competitive process with a record number of applicants.

  “I am thrilled to be awarded the scholarship and appreciate the opportunity from CAP,” says Brayden. “In this difficult economic time for nonprofit organizations, any resources that can help us learn to be better and more effective leaders are always welcome, and when we are given those resources by a generous organization like CAP, it is truly a gift.”

  Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management is an Executive Education program offered through the Social Enterprise Initiative that provides the opportunity for senior executives to examine their missions and develop new strategies for the global economy. The program guides nonprofit executive directors and CEOs as they explore proactive methods for mastering nonprofit leadership in uncertain times.

  RESPOND, Inc. engaged CAP in October of 2011 to help develop a strategic plan for the agency as it continues to grow. Based on the work CAP has done and on RESPOND’s needs for the future, CAP liaison Dennis Corcoran, who has managed the RESPOND project, nominated Brayden to attend the July program on a full scholarship, valued at $5,000. The scholarship is sponsored by CAP, which provides pro bono consulting to nonprofit organizations.

  “As we have worked with RESPOND over the past several months, we have developed an understanding not only for their mission of ending domestic violence, but also for their excellent organizational leadership and dedicated staff,” says Corcoran, CAP board member and the CAP liaison on the RESPOND project. “We are happy to award Jessica and RESPOND with this scholarship because we know it will truly help them in advancing their mission and their organization’s success.”

  About RESPOND, Inc.

  RESPOND, Inc., New England's first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, reaches over 7,000 survivors of domestic violence each year through free, confidential community and shelter-based services.  RESPOND is based in Somerville and serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach and educational programs. Services are currently provided in Spanish, English, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and French.  For assistance, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org

  About Community Action Partners

  Community Action Partners (CAP) is a volunteer organization of Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School alumni helping Boston-area nonprofits apply management skills to their business challenges. Founded in 1993, CAP marshals more than 100 HBS and HKS volunteers each year to serve 13 to 16 nonprofits, operating under the aegis of the HBS Alumni Association of Boston. This year, CAP will provide more than 6,000 hours of pro bono consulting through 116 volunteers. CAP offers volunteer consulting assistance in areas such as: strategic and business planning; market research and marketing strategy; financial planning and analysis; board development and governance; organizational development. Organizations interested in applying to CAP for consulting assistance should contact Sarah Perry at info@cap-hbsab.org or visit the CAP website at http://cap-hbsab.org/

• RESPOND, INC. NAMED NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

  CONTACT:

  Kristen Rice
  

  kristen@respondinc.org

  617.625.5996

   

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   

  RESPOND, INC. RECEIVES 2011 SOMERVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE POWDERHOUSE AWARD FOR NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR

   

  SOMERVILLE, MA—RESPOND, Inc. recently received the Powderhouse Award for Nonprofit of the Year from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. The award, given to a distinguished local nonprofit each year, was presented to RESPOND at the 65^th Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner.

   

  “RESPOND deserves this award as a community partner who works tirelessly every day to meet the needs of people in our community,” said Mark Alston-Follansbee, director of the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

   

  The Powderhouse awards, which have been presented by the Somerville Chamber of Commerce since 1996, are generated through nominations by Chamber members. A committee reviews the nominations and the full board votes for the awardee each year.

   

  “I don’t know what some women have done if they didn’t have a vehicle such as RESPOND,” said Winter Hill Bank President & CEO Sandra McGoldrick. “You’re helping stop the abuse for future generations.”

   

  RESPOND, Inc., is Massachusetts’ first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation. Each year, RESPOND helps thousands of men, women and children through outreach, emergency shelter, counseling and other services.

   

  “We are honored to be recognized as the Nonprofit of the Year by the Somerville Chamber of Commerce,” said RESPOND, Inc. Executive Director Jessica Brayden. “For more than 37 years, RESPOND has served Somerville and its surrounding communities through our mission to end domestic violence. We have always had the strong support of the Somerville community, both businesses and individuals, and we look forward to continuing our mission in years to come.”

   

  About RESPOND

  RESPOND, Inc., New England's first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, reaches over 7,000 survivors of domestic violence each year through free, confidential community and shelter-based services.  RESPOND is based in Somerville and serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, community outreach and educational programs. Services are currently provided in Spanish, English, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and French.  For assistance, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org

• Domestic Violence Programs RESPOND to Malden Same-Sex Domestic Violence Murder

  For Immediate Release
              

  Malden, MA –RESPOND, Inc. and The Network/La Red respond to the recent alleged same-sex domestic violence murder of Brian Bergeron in Malden by his husband, Michael Losee. RESPOND, Inc., serving Malden and 10 surrounding communities, is New England’s first domestic violence agency and serves all victims of domestic violence.The Network/La Red is a survivor-led social justice organization working to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities.

  Domestic violence advocates have identified at least 5 reported and/or suspected LGBTQ domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts in the past year, including the recent death of Brian Bergeron of Malden. The most recent report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs on LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence documented 6 domestic violence murders in a LGBTQ relationship in the United States in 2009. Domestic Violence advocates in Massachusetts say it’s too early to call this a trend, but no less alarming. “While one homicide is one too many, these figures don’t mean domestic violence homicides in LGBTQ communities are happening at higher rates in Massachusetts,” says Chai Jindasurat, Director of Organizing and Education at The Network/La Red. “It is possible that homicides of people who are LGBTQ are being accurately identified as domestic violence. Our program and others in Massachusetts have been working with response systems and providing community education for over twenty years on the existence of LGBTQ domestic violence. Legal recognition also plays a role in increased reports. Had this been in a state where their relationship could not be legally recognized it might have been reported as roommates or friends and that would be the end of it.”

  25-33% of LGBTQ people experience partner abuse in their lifetime – the same rate as women abused by men. Domestic violence in all communities is about more than just physical violence. It is a pattern of behaviors used by an abuser to control their partner. Advocates point out that it is essential to understand the history of abuse in order to accurately identify who was the abuser and who was the victim in order to determine if the homicide was the ultimate act of domestic violence or done in self-defense.

  “Domestic violence homicides are predictable and therefore preventable,” says Jessica C. Brayden, Executive Director of RESPOND, Inc. “Domestic violence happens regardless of socio-economic status, gender, gender identity or other characteristics,” continues Brayden. “Until we all accept this as a significant public health issue and societal problem that requires the funding and support of life-saving services, victims will continue to be at risk.”

  Jindasurat added, “We must continue to do all that we can to make sure that LGBTQ survivors know that they are not alone, that help is available, and that we must break the silence of this issue in our communities.”

  If you are concerned about your relationship or the relationship of a friend or family member, call RESPOND’s crisis hotline at 617.623.5900 or visit www.respondinc.ortg or The Network/La Red’s free and confidential hotline at 617.742.4911 (voice), 617.227.4911 (tty) or visit www.tnlr.org. 

  ###

• Respond Inc. appears on Clerk-Magistrate Maura Hennigan’s TV Show

  
  

  Respond Inc. appears on

  Clerk-Magistrate Maura Hennigan’s TV Show

  Jessica Brayden  Executive Director (center) and Victoria Helberg  Program Coordinator (right) of Respond Inc. made a recent appearance on Clerk-Magistrate Maura A. Hennigan’s (left)  Suffolk County Criminal Justice Connection TV Show. Mrs. Brayden and Ms. Helberg appeared on Clerk Hennigan’s show, to talk about the programs and services that Respond offers involving domestic violence.  Respond partners with individuals, families and communities to end the serious public health issue of domestic violence. Respond strives to achieve its mission through prevention, intervention, advocacy and direct services that promote safe, healthy relationships. 24-Hour Hotline: (617) 623-5900 Respond has a 24-hour crisis, information and referral hotline. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and provide emotional support and information about domestic violence. For more information on the Respond, please feel free to visit www.respondinc.org

  The TV show broadcasted on BNN Live Channel 9 is a part of Clerk Hennigan’s Community Outreach Program. Each week a different guest will appear live on Tuesday’s at 1:00pm-1:30pm. BNN will also rebroadcast the weekly TV Show on Tuesday at 10:00pm & Saturday at 1:00pm. Revere, Chelsea, and Winthrop’s Community Access Cable Channels will also broadcast the show, please check your local listings for the appropriate times. For more information regarding Clerk-Magistrate Maura Hennigan’s weekly TV Show, please call (617) 788-7837 or log on to

  www.maurahennigan.com and click on the SCCJC Blog. If you are interested in sponsoring Clerk Magistrate Maura Hennigan’s weekly BNN TV show please call (617) 788-7750 for more information.

• P&G Gillette Boston Saves Holidays for Domestic Violence Survivors

  Contact:            Kristen Rice

  Phone:              617-625-5996

   

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   

  P&G Gillette Boston Saves Holidays for Domestic Violence Survivors

  Donation Provides a Holiday for 5 Families Left Without Sponsors for Holiday Wish List

   

  SOMERVILLE, Mass.—RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency, today praised the swift action and generosity of P&G Gillette Boston, whose sizable grant to RESPOND’S Holiday Wish Program will make the holidays brighter for five families struggling with domestic violence. The grant, which will cover the costs of providing food, gifts, shelter and holiday decorations, fulfilled a last-minute need for these families, who otherwise would not have been able to afford a holiday celebration.

   

  When the company that originally sponsored the families notified RESPOND that they would be unable to fulfill the Holiday Wish Lists, the agency was left desperately seeking a replacement sponsor so they could provide the families with a much-deserved holiday. P&G Gillette Boston came to the rescue immediately.

   

  "There's no better time of year to help underserved children and their families,” said Damon Jones, Global Communications Director, P&G Gillette. “When we were made aware that there would be families from RESPOND’S shelter without Holiday Wish List sponsors, we knew we could make a difference. As a member of the Greater Boston community, we are thrilled to be able to help make Christmas a bit brighter for these children."

   

  The generosity of donors aids RESPOND each year in providing a holiday for the domestic violence survivors they serve and support throughout the year. For survivors, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time.

   

  “P&G Gillette Boston has been an amazing supporter of RESPOND, but this gift, made on short notice, is a true testament to their commitment to the community,” said Jessica C. Brayden, Executive Director of RESPOND.  “P&G Gillette Boston has made an enormous difference for five deserving families with this grant, and for thousands of other survivors thanks to the projects and initiatives, large and small, that they have funded for RESPOND through the years.”

   

  This holiday season, local donors, including P&G Gillette Boston, have sponsored a total of 84 individuals and families.

   

  “Every bit of help makes an enormous difference,” said Michelle Fine, Director of Programs and Services. “Aside from the joy of toys and gifts for children and teens, the community is helping ensure that families have essentials to get them through the winter… coats, hats, mittens, sheets, towels, warm blankets, sweaters.  We are so lucky to have the support of a caring community that steps up even when times are tough.  We cherish our donors and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity.”

   

  If you are interested in making much-needed donations of gift cards to local grocery stores, pharmacies, easily accessible department stores and MBTA passes, please contact Kristen Rice at kristen@respondinc.org or visit www.respondinc.org.

   

  # # # #

   

  RESPOND provides direct services to approximately 5,000 domestic violence survivors and their children every year through individual counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline (617-623-5900), emergency shelter, support groups, children’s services, advocacy, legal support in the courts, community outreach, and educational programs.  Based in Somerville, RESPOND serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Services are free, confidential, and available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, French and English. 

   

  If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org

• Help Domestic Violence Survivors Celebrate Holidays

  Contact:          Kristen Rice, Events Coordinator

  Phone:             617-625-5996

   

   

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   

  Community Members Needed to Brighten Holidays for Domestic Violence Survivors

   

  SOMERVILLE, Mass.—RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency, is seeking donors for its Holiday Wish List Program, which helps brighten the holidays for families struggling with domestic violence. Each year, generous men, women, families, local businesses, community groups, religious institutions, schools and corporations provided gifts and necessities for more than 80 survivors of domestic violence and their children. 

   

  This year, as tight economic times for nonprofit institutions and families across the state alike continue, RESPOND again asks the community for help in fulfilling the Holiday Wish List. Each donor is assigned a family in need and given a holiday wish list that can range from toys for the children to warm socks to household goods necessary for setting up a survivor’s new home.

   

  “Times are tight for everyone,” said Jessica C. Brayden, Executive Director of RESPOND.  “RESPOND has seen a steady decrease in private foundation, individual and government funding in recent months.  We are worried our donors just wouldn’t have the resources this year to provide necessities and gifts for our program participants. We have been astonished at the outpouring of support from the community so far, but we still have a ways to go in fulfilling our Holiday Wish Lists, and the holidays are fast approaching.”

   

  Last year, local donors—among them the Tufts University Sponsored Accounting Department, Saint Clement’s Parish, Neighborhood Health Plan, a generous circle of long-time donors from Winchester, Saint Ann’s Parish, and the Mount Vernon Restaurant—sponsored a total of 84 individuals and families this holiday season.  

   

  “Every bit of help makes an enormous difference,” said Michelle Fine, Director of Programs and Services. “Aside from the joy of toys and gifts for children and teens, the community is helping ensure that families have essentials to get them through the winter… coats, hats, mittens, sheets, towels, warm blankets, sweaters.  We are so lucky to have the support of a caring community that steps up even when times are tough.  We cherish our donors and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity.”

   

  If you are interested in sponsoring a Holiday Wish List or making much-needed donations of gift cards to local grocery stores, pharmacies, easily accessible department stores and MBTA passes, please contact Kristen Rice at kristen@respondinc.org or visit www.respondinc.org. RESPOND must have all Holiday Wish Lists fulfilled by December 22, 2010.

   

  # # # #

   

  RESPOND provides direct services to approximately 5,000 domestic violence survivors and their children every year through individual counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline (617-623-5900), emergency shelter, support groups, children’s services, advocacy, legal support in the courts, community outreach, and educational programs.  Based in Somerville, RESPOND serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Services are free, confidential, and available in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, French and English. 

   

  If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org.

  ###

• RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala!

  PRESS RELEASE:     October 15, 2010

   

  CONTACT:                Kristen Rice, Events and Outreach Coordinator

                                    617-625-5996, kristen@respondinc.org

   

   

  RESPOND, Inc. Turns 36

  Anniversary Fundraiser to Benefit  New England’s First Domestic Violence Agency

   

  BOSTON – RESPOND, Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, will host its RESPONDing to Domestic Violence at the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 6pm.  The fundraiser will support RESPOND’s core services for victims of domestic violence, including emergency shelter for survivors and their children, a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual advocacy, legal support in local courts, children’s services, community education, and domestic violence support groups.

   

  An extended cocktail reception to commemorate the occasion will feature an array of hors d’oeuvres, pastas, wine and desserts. The program will include live and silent auctions and an awards presentation.  A week in St. Croix, a tour of the set of This Old House and a luxury weekend night for two at the Liberty Hotel in Boston are just a few of the items guests will have a chance to bid on.  Shayna Seymour of WCVB Channel Five will be the evening’s host emcee and live auctioneer.

   

  RESPOND is proud to recognize the following for their generous contributions and commitment to ending domestic violence:

   

   New England GiveCamp: Jim O’Neil and Kelley Muir; for their thoughtful generosity and commitment to survivors of domestic violence.  GiveCamp New England offered a platform for developers, designers, database administrators and social network specialists to donate their time and technical services to provide solutions for non-profit organizations resulting in over $100,000 in pro-bono services to date.  GiveCamp continues to facilitate meaningful connections across sectors to inspire charitable giving, meeting the needs of social service and non-profit organizations. THE Development Team: Eric Greene, George Babey, Justin Babey, Evelyn Livant; for their dynamic and loyal commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism.  THE Development Team created, designed and implemented a comprehensive website for RESPOND in only 48 hours, providing a life saving resource for victims and survivors of domestic violence.  Eric, George, Justin and Evelyn embody the true meaning of community service, giving of their time and talent to end the tragic cycle of domestic violence. 

   

   

  Victoria Helberg, RESPOND Shelter Program Coordinator; for her tenacity, courage and dedication working to end domestic violence in Massachusetts and beyond.  Believing that every person has the right to live free from threats and abuse, Victoria works tirelessly on the behalf of all survivors of domestic violence.  Through education, intervention and prevention efforts, Victoria has helped hundreds of survivors find safety, access life saving services and rebuild healthy lives free of fear and victimization. 

   

  Founded in 1974, RESPOND has a 36-year history of providing life-saving services to survivors of domestic violence and their children, serving a total of over 65,000 individuals in need.  In April 2008, after completing a major capital campaign, RESPOND opened a new 8-bedroom shelter.  The new home is the only wheelchair accessible domestic violence shelter in the Boston area and doubles the agency’s capacity to provide confidential, secure housing for survivors and children seeking safety from abuse. 

   

  Tickets to the RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala are $125 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.respondinc.org/gala or by contacting Kristen Rice, Events and Outreach Coordinator at RESPOND, 617-625-5996, or kristen@respondinc.org .  Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available.

   

  If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on programs, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org.

   

  About RESPOND, Inc.

  RESPOND, Inc., New England's first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, reaches over 5,000 survivors each year through free, confidential community and shelter-based services.  RESPOND is based in Somerville and serves communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond with a special emphasis on Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Somerville, Cambridge, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester and Woburn. Programs and services include an emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual and group advocacy, legal advocacy, community outreach and educational programs. Services are currently provided in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.  For assistance, please call RESPOND’s 24-hour hotline at 617-623-5900. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation please call 617-625-5996 or visit www.respondinc.org.

  ###

   

  Reporters or photographers interested in attending should contact Kristen Rice, Events and Outreach Coordinator, at 617-625-5996, or  kristen@respondinc.org.

• New Logo, Revised Mission, Exceptional Service

  RESPOND Inc.

  New Logo, Revised Mission, Exceptional Service!
  
  

  
  Thanks to the efforts of our numerous stakeholders, RESPOND, Inc. has been expanding its services to meet the changing needs of our clients. To better reflect that evolution and growth, we are excited to introduce our new mission statement, logo and web site!
  
  
  RESPOND's Mission Statement
  
  RESPOND's mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to end the serious public health issue of domestic violence. RESPOND strives to achieve its mission through prevention, intervention, advocacy and direct services that promote safe, healthy relationships.
  
  We are committed to ending domestic violence and serving all victims and survivors regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or immigration status. Our new logo reflects the many paths that lead to our agency and the promise of rebirth and growth that can result.
  
  Thanks to the volunteers at GiveCamp New England, we are also thrilled to unveil our new website. We hope you will find it more interactive, intuitive, and easier to use. Please visit us at www.respondinc.org and let us know what you think.
  
  Since our inception, RESPOND has served over 65,000 people through its community and shelter programs. Our Community Program provides individual counseling, advocacy, support groups, legal support, and referral and children services. Our Enhanced Shelter Program (ESP) provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, safe and confidential housing, and comprehensive supportive services to eight families or 21 individuals at a time.
  
  We are energized by our revised mission, new logo, and website. These changes and enhancements are but the latest chapter in our 36-year history, and we welcome the opportunity to share our vision and services with an even wider audience. Together, we look forward to building on our pioneering spirit and success to provide hope and safety to survivors of domestic abuse.
  
  Together, we can end domestic violence.
  
  
  

• Danvers Native Responds to Marathon Challenge

  Contact:  Jessica Brayden                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Tel: (617) 625-5996 x256

  Cell: (978) 808-4099

  Email: Jessica@respondinc.org

  Danvers Native Responds to Marathon Challenge

   

  Danvers, MA (March 29, 2010) – Back in 1975, two-year-old Danvers native Charity Collier and her mother had to go all the way to Denver, Colorado to find a safe haven from Charity’s abusive father. There were few other options for Danvers residents at the time. People fleeing domestic violence could seek shelter with family or with friends. Charity’s father had already threatened Charity’s grandparents. The only friend far enough away was in Denver.

   

  Next month, 38-year-old Charity Collier will be making sure that people fleeing domestic violence do have a better option when she runs her first Boston Marathon to support RESPOND, Inc., a Somerville-based nonprofit that provides emergency shelter and support services to survivors of domestic violence from all over Greater Boston.

   

   

  “When I learned about RESPOND’s Marathon team I knew I had to do it. I knew the training would be hard on my mind and body, but by raising money for RESPOND I would be helping women like my mother and children like me to get out of their situations. If organizations like RESPOND had been around when my mother was young, perhaps she would not have had to leave her family and support system. We would not have had to go hungry.”

   

   

  “Working with fellow Danvers residents made the call for action all the more touching,” says Charity referring to RESPOND Executive Director, Jessica C. Brayden and Controller, Darcie DeLuca, both Danvers natives and Danvers High School Graduates.

   

  As a member of RESPOND’s Marathon team, Charity has pledged to raise at least $3,000 for RESPOND. “This funding”, says Brayden, “is a key to our fundraising for the year. All of the money raised will support our 21-bed emergency shelter, 24-hour hotline and supports that include everything from helping survivors to replace the clothing and toiletries they left behind, to connecting them with legal aid, job training, employment, health care and permanent housing.” All services are available free of charge, in four languages, to anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or economic status.

   

   

  Charity is now focused on fundraising for RESPOND and training as hard as she can. “Most of my friends don’t know what happened to my mom and me so many years ago but I want to change that now. My mom was able to return to Danvers, make a happy second marriage and give me a great life. The story can’t end happily for other people, though, if we don’t talk about domestic violence and support efforts to help survivors.”

   

  Charity kicked off her fundraising effort last Sunday with a pizza party and raffle at Supino’s Restaurant in Danvers. Now she’s appealing personally to everyone she meets. “My training is going fabulously. I am so amazed and grateful that my body allows me to push it to the limits. The hardest part for me is getting up early and out the door for the long runs. Once I am out there, I just keep going, one foot in front of the other. I am truly honored and proud to be doing this.”

  If you would like to contribute to Charity’s efforts on behalf of RESPOND, you can visit http://www.respondinc.org/donateform.aspx.