Dear Friends,
In celebration of our 25
th
year anniversary, The Michael Bolton Charities has had a landmark year in 2018 in our unending commitment to address the scourge of domestic violence and violence against women. With the support of dedicated donors and volunteers, it has been a remarkable year, with much more to come.
Groundbreaking Youth Music Therapy Program
Our signature program,
Beyond Trauma: Youth Music Therapy
, continues to succeed beyond expectations, providing a true lifeline to New Haven youth in an alternative high school who have been subjected to domestic violence and exposed to all forms of trauma. The Andie Koplik Residency is at the heart of the program, and everyone involved is seeing the tangible results. Building on that success, plans are to replicate this groundbreaking program beyond New Haven in Connecticut, and on Long Island.
Moving Forward, Showing Results
The
Beyond Trauma
program successfully relocated to the Riverside Academy in New Haven in the fall without skipping a beat, and a documentary-style video was completed during the year, which highlights the effectiveness and impact of the program, with moving comments from participants, parents, and professionals.
See the video
here
!
Family Justice Center Becoming Reality
Years of effort are culminating with the announcement that the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven will open its doors in the year ahead. The Center will bring victim advocates, prosecutors, police and other resource providers under the same roof. The Michael Bolton Charities has been an avid catalyst, commissioning the initial feasibility study that identified New Haven for this important initiative, then working closely with city officials and BHCare to make it a reality. The Center’s soft launch took place last month.
A permanent site will be announced in March 2019!
Exciting Year Ahead in 2019
Save the Date:
Please mark October 12 on your calendar for The Michael Bolton Charities 25
th
Anniversary Gala. It promises to be a remarkable evening of celebration and entertainment, recognition and inspiration, to be held at the Stamford Marriott in Connecticut. We hope you will be able to join us.
Watch for details in the New Year.
Thank You!
Our thanks for all that you do, throughout the year, to stand with Michael in his tireless efforts as a champion to enable us to respond to the acute needs of women and children at risk, so they can move forward safely and confidently. The need has never been greater, and we are truly grateful for your support.
We wish you a wonderful holiday season, as you enjoy time with those closest to you.
Jackie Smaga
Executive Director
