The Communicator:
A newsletter of Family Nonviolence, Inc.
Volume 3, Number 9 October 2004

In this issue:

• Family Nonviolence, Inc. Receives Grant From RadioShack Corporation
• Board of Directors Holds Annual Meeting
• October Proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

As part of its continuing effort to improve the quality of life for America's families, RadioShack Corporation has awarded Family Nonviolence, Inc. a Neighborhood Answers Grant. "Through the Neighborhood Answers Grant program, RadioShack has the ability to support programs in local communities that aim to keep children safe," said Laura Moore, senior vice president and chief communication officer for RadioShack Corporation. "We believe our contributions to agencies like Family Nonviolence, Inc. will positively impact families across the nation, reinforcing RadioShack's commitment to the safety and security of the American family."

Family Nonviolence, Inc. is among 180 agencies chosen to receive a Neighborhood Answers Grant in the current round of presentations.

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of Family Nonviolence, Inc. was held at the First Congregational Church in Fairhaven on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. Michele Agostinho was reelected as President for the coming year. Also reelected were Richard Davis as Vice-President, Jean DeCoffe as Clerk and the Rev. Betty McClure as Treasurer. Shirley Pearson, a retired school psychologist now living in Mattapoisett, was welcomed as a new member of the Board.

In his annual report, Executive Director, Robert Heskett, reviewed initiatives and activities of the past year. These included a meeting with the Fairhaven Police Department to encourage the establishment of a program to assist members of the department in handling stress on and off the job. A meeting was also held with the Rev. Edward Dufresne, Executive Director of the InterChurch Council, regarding setting up a workshop on domestic violence for the clergy. There is the possibility this may be achieved separately through the efforts of Dr. Heskett and Pamela MacLeod-Lima of the New Bedford Women's Center.

In November 2003, Family Nonviolence, Inc. sponsored a workshop on "Cultivating Inner Peace During the Holidays" led by Trisha Finnegan and Kate Peros. A workshop on nonviolent communication for Portuguese-speaking caregivers was offered during August and September, led by Robert Heskett, Tryne Costa and Debra Lemos with 21 participants. A daylong workshop was held on September 11th with 15 participants and led by Dr. Pat Arcady, a trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication.

A subcommittee, consisting of Robert Heskett, Michele Agostinho and Debra Lemos, is exploring the possibility of creating a program or developing resources for those contemplating divorce or going through the process. An initial meeting has been held with Donna Tobin, Family Service Officer of the Probate and Family Court.

In September, the Board hosted a visit by Becky M. Wright, founder of the New Leaf Counseling Service of Wellington, Somerset, UK. Ms. Wright came to the U.S. on a grant from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust to study programs and services in this country in order that she might use that research in the development of new programs in the UK.

In furtherance of the goals of Family Nonviolence, Inc. to establish a Center for Family Peacemaking and to be an education resource, discussion focused on ways to broaden the concept of education to embrace a greater use of the media in the future.

It was announced that board member, Debra Lemos had personally raised $100 for Family Nonviolence, Inc. through the sale of Charity Day Shopping coupons in a special promotion offered through Filene's Department Store at the North Dartmouth Mall.

The board accepted an official logo, designed by Richard Clark. It uses the tag line: Creating Family Harmony and features a musical theme.

Representing the Board, Richard Clark attended the September 20th meeting of the Fairhaven Board of Selectmen to request that they officially declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairhaven and thereby urge residents to become informed about this national problem which victimizes millions of men, women, children and the elderly each year. The Selectmen unanimously joined in the following proclamation: We, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Fairhaven, do proclaim October, "Domestic Violence Awareness Month." We urge the citizens of Fairhaven to observe this month by becoming more aware of the prevalence of domestic violence in our society, alert to its warning signs and committed to supporting those groups and individuals working towards its alleviation and prevention.

The Selectmen forwarded the proclamation, along with the suggested Family Pledge of Nonviolence, to the Superintendent of School's office with the suggestion that it be distributed within the schools.

By arrangement with Dr. Ansay, Superintendent of Schools, Robert Heskett and Richard Clark sat in on the October 5th meeting of the school administrators to discuss the months observance and learned that the family pledge has been distributed and has served

The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed in 1987, having evolved from the Day of Unity sponsored by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1981. The first Domestic Violence Awareness Month commemorative legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1989. Additional legislation has been passed each year under the leadership of the Coalition.

A Proclamation, declaring October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, was issued by President George W. Bush in 2001. This proclamation stated that "our homes should be places of safety and comfort. Tragically, domestic violence can and does turn many homes into places of torment." The proclamation further states that "though abuse may occur in the seclusion of a private residence, its effects scar the face of our Nation." It recognizes that "Community leaders, health care professionals, teachers, employers, friends and neighbors all will play an important role in eradicating domestic violence."