Melrose Alliance Against Violence: Racing to the Finish!

It's hard to believe that another school year is coming to a close! As we look forward to the upcoming summer, we're also taking time to look back...at some of the great events we've had this spring and at some of the students who are at the center of so much that we do!

Over 1,000 Race to the Finish at the 16th Annual Melrose Run for Women!  

A few showers didn't stop more than 1,000 women and girls from hitting the road this Mother's Day, making the 16th Annual Melrose Run for Women another great success!
All of us at MAAV were thrilled to see so many people enjoying themselves, from the kids dashing down the track at Pine Banks Park to the adult runners who braved the rain to come out and support us. You can see more photos from the race on MAAV's Web site.

The money raised by this event is invaluable to MAAV. The funds raised from this year's race will support our Melrose CARES Community Mentoring Program, which provides support for at-risk middle school students in Melrose.

We'd like to thank everyone who participated in our "Love is...Love isn't..." Photo Project, all of the businesses and individuals who sponsored the race, and especially the Melrose Running Club and Race Director Liz Tassinari. They do an amazing job of planning and executing this event every year, and somehow manage to make it look easy!

Student Action Board Seniors Honored

This spring, 7 members of our Student Action Board graduated from Melrose High School. We're sad to see them go, but so proud of the work they've done over the past few years. Among their accomplishments: leading assemblies on teen dating violence, galvanizing their fellow students to participate in our annual Walk, serving as peer mentors to 9th Graders, and much more! Above is a photo of advisors Rebecca Mooney and Lauren Doherty with SAB members David Mendelssohn, Ashley Baldwin, Betty Anne Richardson, Zeke Vainer and Shannon Lahiff, where they were recognized at Senior Award Night (not pictured: seniors Tim Sutton and Danielle Taylor).
 
Zeke Vainer was this year's recipient of the Rita M. Downey Award for Social Justice, an award named after a founding member of MAAV who passed away in 2009.  Rita was a passionate advocate for victims of domestic violence and worked tirelessly to promote social justice throughout her life. This award is presented in her honor and memory to a Melrose High School Senior who also embodies those same qualities of compassion, determination, and leadership by example.

Moving Forward in Your Relationships: Support Group Fills a Need 

Through a grant awarded by the Lahey Clinic and meeting space provided by the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, MAAV has been able to offer a support group for victims of domestic violence. The group, which met weekly in the winter and spring, helped local women feel less isolated, promoted healthy relationships, and increased their safety. The group is led by Deirdre Roy, LICSW of Mind/Body Health and 10 women have attended regularly. "Cathy" attended the program last winter and at that time was trying to get out of an abusive marriage. She returned for the group this spring, having made great strides and attributing her progress to the support from the group. She was able to get out of an abusive environment and into a shelter utilizing the resources and connections she made through the program. The fact that 100% of participants expressed interest in continuing in the group is our most positive outcome.

Self-Defense Workshop Offered 

On Saturday, June 15, MAAV is offering a 5-hour self-defense workshop for teen girls in partnership with the North Shore Martial Arts Center. The class is geared for high school females, especially seniors heading off to college.  A few spots remain in this year's workshop. More information, including details on how to register, is available here.

Red Sox Honor Mentors and Mentees

We all love the Red Sox around here, both for what they do on the field and all of the good work they do off of the field. The ball club recently honored area mentoring programs with two events: Mentoring Night at Fenway Park and the Champions of Mentoring Breakfast.

Five matches from the Melrose CARES Community Mentoring Program attended a Red Sox game in May. The Red Sox didn't win, but all of the mentors and mentees had a blast anyway!

The next morning, MAAV's Executive Director Rebecca Mooney and Board member/mentor Greg McLean had the honor (and fun!) of attending the Mass Mentoring Partnership's "Champions of Mentoring Breakfast" at Fenway Park, hosted by Tom Caron of NESN. And he wasn't the only big name there: current Red Sox Manager John Farrell and former manager Terry Francona both spoke at the event!

Spotlight on the Board: Erin Sutton DiSanto   

Erin joined the MAAV Board of Directors in 2010. A Melrose resident, Erin had previously been involved with crisis intervention and domestic violence prevention, and working with MAAV allowed her to help in her local community.  
 
Erin is very involved with the Melrose Run for Women, working hand in hand with the Melrose Running Club to plan this annual event. She loves that it is a multi-generational event to celebrate women, mothers and health. We'd be lost without all of the hard work she does to make the race a success every year!
 
When Erin is not volunteering with MAAV, she works in the Human Resource and Retail Management fields.  She is also a CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteer in Suffolk County.

SAVE THE DATE!

MAAV's 18th Annual Candlelight Vigil & Walk Against Violence will be held on October 20, 2013.

We hope to see you there!