Keeping connected as a WISE community

"Why do stories matter? I can't imagine things that matter more than our stories to connect us and to restore our humanity." - Joni Cole

Zooming ahead

Our first Zoom annual meeting kicked off with remarks from Executive Director Peggy O'Neil welcoming everyone and introducing the newest community members to the WISE Board of Directors.

Karen Colberg, Jason Lichtenstein, and Jenny Levy joined our incredible board and current board members Pat Glowa, Margaret Rightmire, and Mike Shipulski were re-elected to another 3-year term. Stylianos Chasapopoulos and Jane Maglaque were introduced as the the FY21 Tuck Revers Board Fellows.

We also honored Brian Edwards and Sharin Luti who completed their final terms on the Board. They will be greatly missed, but will not be far from WISE as they continue to be involved with the organization. We are so grateful for their leadership and friendship.

Joni Cole, author and founder of the Writer's Center of White River Junction, Vermont, joined us to reflect on facilitating the WISE writing program ov er many years. She shared her thoughts about "the magic that can happen when we are invited to express ourselves without judgement and without second guessing."

To listen to her complete reflections, click here .

Words of encouragement

Duri ng these challenging times it can be hard to focus on the good things. We have been touched by several lovely reminders of the generous, strong, and kind community that we live in. We are inspired by the wonderful emails and letters that we receive from you as you share concern for survivors and WISE staff. Your words and thoughtful gestures matter. We are filled with gratitude and appreciation for all of you.

‌

You are not alone

As we begin our eleventh week of practicing social distancing, we continue to ensure that WISE advocacy is accessible to survivors and our community in more ways.

After almost 50 years of crisis intervention, we are creative and can adapt quickly to whatever challenge arises. Our 24-hour crisis line is receiving a steady amount of calls. Even though the Program Center is not currently open, our staff and volunteer advocates are here to support you. We are using a combination of new and existing formats for advocacy including in-person support and accompaniment, Telehealth, telephone, Zoom, Webchat and texting. You are not alone, we are here for you.

We're hiring!

Youth Advocacy Coordinator: Must love working with youth to support their safety and autonomy. Knowledge of youth and child development, and the impacts of gender-based violence strongly preferred. This position is community-based and requires strong collaboration and partnership-building skills. Click here to learn more .

Interested? To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Peggy O'Neil, Executive Director .

Leading the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence

Program Center · 38 Bank Street · Lebanon, NH 03766

every hour, every day · 866-348-WISE

Visit our website