About Family Nonviolence Inc.

• Mission
• Who we are
• What we do
• What you can do

Our mission

Family Nonviolence, Inc.'s mission is to promote dialogue regarding a holistic approach to family violence within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Who we are

So just who exactly are we?

We are, after all, an organization made up of individuals. We are a volunteer run organization with a very dedicated board of directors. To help you get to know us better, here is information on everyone who sits on the board.

Robert Heskett, D.Min., Executive Director, is an ordained minister and a psychologist licensed in Massachusetts. Before his retirement he was founder and Executive Director of the Community Center for Non-Violence, a certified batterer intervention programs. He lives in Fairhaven.

Michele E. Agostinho - president, Board member since 2001. She also is on the committee of łThe Next Step˛ , a newly formed support group for divorced and separated individuals. Michele lives in Fairhaven and has 3 children, Kristine, Tammi and Kevin ­ She graduated from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth in 1999 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting, with a minor in Sociology. She is presently working as an Accountant at Early Learning Child Care, Inc. in New Bedford, also at an accounting office in Fairhaven and is tax preparer during the tax season. She has sung in the Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus. Activities include: desk top publishing, reading, needlework, crocheting, writing and singing.

Richard Davis, Lt. (ret), Vice-President, is a retired lieutenant from the Brockton, MA Police Department. He has undergraduate degrees from Massassoit Community College and Bridgewater State College, as well as a graduate degrees in criminal justice from Anna Marie and another graduate degree in liberal arts from Harvard University. He is a member of the International Honor Society of Historians and an instructor for Quincy College at Plymouth. He lives in Plymouth.

Jean DeCoffe MSN, RN, Clerk, graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Salve Regina University, her Masters of Science in Health Service Administration from Salve Regina University and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Boston College. She is currently a doctoral student in the UMASS Progam. Jean is a Nursing Professor in Curry College's Bachelor of Science Nursing Program teaching in Milton, Boston, and Plymouth MA campuses.Jean is an active member in the community with participation in the Coalition for Health and Human Services, and the Access to Health Care, Domestic Violence and Advocates for Youth Sub-Committees.She is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony's Church and resides in Mattapoisett.

Bette McClure, treasurer, is an ordained minister who serves as Pastor of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Fairhaven. Previously, she worked for over 25 years in human services at both the local and state level, focusing primarily on the needs of children and youth. In addition to a Master of Divinity degree she holds a B.S. in Social Work and an M.Ed. in Community Leadership and Development.

Shirley Pearson, MA, CAGS, School Psychologist (retired) , served for 18 1/2 years in the East Greenwich, RI Public Schools. In addition to her duties of evaluating students for possible learning and/or behavioral problems, she provided counseling for students and consulted with faculty and parents regarding learning and behavioral problems. Because of a keen interest in reducing violence, she taught conflict resolution, problem solving and communication skills to students grades K - 8. Training and supervising student conflict mediators, grades 4 - 6, was also one of the services she provided to help reduce bullying and fights on the playground. These students called themselves the "Peace Patrol". Since retiring, she has volunteered in programs for the elderly. She lives in Mattapoisett.

Joni M. Gaudiello became the Editor of The Communicator Sept. 2005 and a member of the board in Oct. 2005. She will also serve as a facilitator for The Next Step support group. She is an adjunct professor of Speech Communication at Bristol Community College, teaching public speaking, interpersonal and intercultural communication courses. She is also self-employed as an Event Photographer. Joni lives in Fairhaven with her family, Leo, Becky & Joey. She enjoys swing dancing with the Hep Cats and is a member of the Fairhaven/Tosashimizu Sister City Committee, a non-profit organization that promotes the intercultural exchange between Japanese and American citizens.

What we do

• Collect and disseminate information and resources about family violence through our web site, and through our newsletter.
• Create a holistic response to ending family violence by meeting with practitioners and through our annual conference.
• Promote cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and religious sensitivity in the delivery of services to persons affected by family violence.
• Address socio-economic and public policy issues that influence the perpetuation of violence within families.

What you can do to help end family violence

Join the movement to end family violence by becoming a member of Family Nonviolence, Inc. As a member you will receive a monthly newsletter and FREE admission to the Annual Family Non Nonviolence conference. The $25 membership is tax-deductible.

Other things you can do:

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Contact The Media

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• Contact your state or local representative, or members of the media, with a specific concern or course of action you would like them to pursue. Use the convenient form on the right to not only get contact information, but to learn of recent key votes. (You will notice this form is in the left hand column of all our pages.)
• Talk to young people about healthy, nonviolent relationships and be a role model to others.
• Organize at your workplace. Contact Employers Against Domestic Violence, a group based in Boston, to find out more. Visit their web site to learn more.
• Make your community a family violence-free zone. This may be as simple as making posters for are business and residents to display.

Make a tax-deductivble donation to Family Nonviolence, Inc.