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As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re reminded that love, at its best, is built on respect, safety, and care for one another. This gives us a meaningful moment to thank you — our donors — whose generosity makes it possible for NOVA to share those values with young people across our community.
Because of your support, NOVA reaches middle and high school students with prevention education that helps them recognize healthy relationships, set boundaries, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right. That work is more urgent than ever. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 12 high school students report physical dating violence, and nearly 1 in 10 report sexual dating violence. These are not just statistics — they represent young lives shaped by experiences that no one should face alone.
Your kindness helps us intervene early, empower teens with knowledge, and create safer futures. We invite you to read more in this newsletter about teen dating safety and the ways NOVA is working to protect and support young people in our community.
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| Your Support Is at the Heart of NOVA | | This Valentine’s season, we’re feeling especially grateful for the incredible generosity of our donors. Your support during our holiday campaign and throughout the year is a powerful reminder that kindness is always in season. Because of you, survivors have access to life-changing services, students across the county receive personal safety and prevention education programs, and individuals and families find hope and healing when they need it most. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to share the love, we invite you to consider making a donation. Your gift helps ensure that support is always available for those who need it most. From all of us at NOVA, thank you for showing your heart for our community. | | Building Healthy Teen Relationships: Preventing Dating Violence and Sexual Harm
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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Sexual violence and teen dating violence are deeply interconnected issues that affect the safety, health, and well-being of young people. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 teens have experienced sexual violence in their dating relationship and 1 in 12 experienced physical violence. For many teens, these first relationships form their individual norms around communication, boundaries, and consent. When these relationships involve power imbalances, control, pressure, or abuse, they can create conditions where sexual violence is more likely to occur.
Teen dating violence can include emotional manipulation, digital harassment, coercion, and physical harm. These behaviors often overlap with sexual violence, particularly when one partner uses power or intimidation to pressure the other into sexual activity or to ignore boundaries.
Research shows that teens who experience dating violence are at significantly higher risk of experiencing sexual assault, both during adolescence and later in life. The impact is profound. Survivors may face anxiety, depression, disruptions to school and peer relationships, and long-term effects on self-esteem and trust. Because teens are still developing emotionally and socially, these experiences can shape how they view relationships and consent well into adulthood.
Prevention and early intervention are critical. Education that promotes healthy relationships, clear consent, respect, and bystander intervention can reduce harm and empower teens to recognize red flags and seek help. By addressing teen dating violence and sexual violence together, communities can better support survivors, challenge harmful norms, and foster safer, more equitable relationships for young people.
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Detective Peter Lang of Lower Makefield PD, MDT Member
Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?
I am a detective with Lower Makefield Township Police Department. I primarily handle special victims crimes, specifically all crimes involving juveniles and the elderly. As a part of this role, I am involved in NOVA's Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
How long have you been involved with NOVA?
I have been a detective assigned to this role since 2015.
What is your favorite part about working with NOVA?
I enjoy working in a team environment. The staff at NOVA, as well as the DAs associated, are great.
How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?
I support NOVA's mission through the multidisciplinary team approach of collaboration. Even when not officially working on cases, I enjoy helping NOVA, and in particular the CAC, with events such as their Designer Bag Bingo.
What is one thing people should know about NOVA?
NOVA's team of wonderful Victim Advocates will be with victims and/or their families every step of the way.
We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!
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Sextortion: A Community Conversation
February 26, 2026
In collaboration with the Warwick Township Police Department and PA State Representative Kristin Marcell, NOVA invites you to a free, in-person community conversation with law enforcement, victim advocates, and prevention specialists focused on understanding and addressing sextortion—an increasingly common form of online exploitation that relies on coercion and threats. Attendees will learn how sextortion occurs, how cases are investigated and prosecuted, and the ways it can impact youth and families. The discussion will also highlight warning signs to watch for and practical prevention steps to help keep children and teens safe online.
This event is free to attend, and while RSVPs are encouraged to help with planning, they are not required.
Learn more and RSVP here.
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Smarter Parents, Safer Kids Workshop
February 19 │ March 3
This interactive workshop helps parents learn about healthy development, how to talk to their kids about sexual abuse, and how to keep them safe. The Smarter Parents program helps adult caregivers tackle tough conversations with their children, along with empowerment and support. Virtual and in-person sessions are available. Learn more and RSVP to your chosen session here.
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Quizzo: A Fundraiser Benefiting the CAC
March 20, 2026
A community fundraiser hosted by the Camarata/McGettigan Families, with generous support from Giuseppe’s Pizza & Family Restaurant. All funds raised support the Bucks County Children's Advocacy Center. Tickets include pizza, salad, soft drinks, and dessert. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Game begins at 7 PM. To purchase tickets, email CACQuizzo@gmail.com. Learn more here.
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Gala Game Night - A Gala Benefiting NOVA
April 17, 2026
Save the Date for NOVA's 2026 Fundraising Gala: Gala Game Night! Join us on the evening of Friday, April 17, 2026 at The Warrington for a tremendous night of fun, food, and impact to support NOVA. Enjoy an open beer & wine bar, trivia, a silent auction, a four-course dinner, and a show-stopping game show finale with surprise pre-selected contestants—all for a great cause.
Learn more about the event, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities at novabucks.org/gala26.
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Upcoming Closures
The NOVA offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of Presidents' Day.
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Try the NOVA RX Savings Card!
NOVA has partnered with WellSync to provide essential medications at discounted rates, all while benefiting NOVA. Every time you use your card, NOVA receives a $2 donation at no cost to you. Make a difference with each medication purchase!
Click the image to the right to access and download your printable card.
Print this page and cut out the RX Savings Card along the dotted line. Take your card to any of the 35,000 participating pharmacies. Present your card with your valid prescription and the pharmacies will apply the discount.
| | Become A Sponsor of Gala Game Night! | |
We’re excited to invite you to partner with NOVA as a sponsor of our 2026 Gala Game Night on Friday, April 17 at The Warrington.
This high-energy event combines fun, food, and fundraising to support NOVA’s vital mission—providing advocacy, support, and healing for victims of crime in Bucks County.
Your sponsorship makes this special night possible while highlighting your commitment to community and social impact.
Sponsorship Benefits Include:
- Brand exposure to 250 community members, professionals, and civic leaders
- Logo placement on event materials, signage, and digital platforms
- Recognition during the event and across NOVA’s social media channels
- VIP tickets to attend the event and connect with local leaders
- And the lasting impact of knowing your brand helped change lives
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and levels here. To discuss sponsorship benefits in more detail, contact Ashley Doyle at ashley.doyle@novabucks.org or 215-343-6543 ext. 6609.
| | Welcoming NOVA's Interim Director of Development | |
NOVA is pleased to welcome Elona Deprez, Ed.D., as our Interim Director of Development. Elona brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and strategic communications, with a deep commitment to mission-driven organizations serving vulnerable communities.
Elona is incredibly honored to join NOVA and is excited to support an organization whose mission so closely aligns with her own values. NOVA’s longstanding commitment to supporting victims of crime, providing prevention education, and creating safer, healthier communities across Bucks County is both inspiring and essential. In her interim role, Elona looks forward to working alongside NOVA’s dedicated team, board, donors, and community partners to strengthen philanthropic support. As she puts it, “This is the kind of work that reminds us why community matters—and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
For questions or conversation about giving to NOVA, please feel free to reach out to Elona via email at Elona.Deprez@novabucks.org.
| | The Bucks County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Bucks County. We were truly moved by the strong showing of our dedicated community partners who stand alongside NOVA and the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) in the fight against human trafficking and in support of survivors. | | Throughout the month of January, in honor of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, The Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) participated in the Red Sand Project all around Bucks County by filling sidewalk cracks with red sand to both highlight the victims of human trafficking and raise awareness of the steps needed to end this crime. | | We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Sheriff Danny Ceisler to the NOVA office, where members of our team connected to discuss our ongoing collaborative efforts with the Bucks County Sheriff's Office to support victims of crime throughout Bucks County. | | NOVA was pleased to welcome Bucks County District Attorney Joe Khan and First Assistant District Attorney Kristin McElroy to our office for a meaningful conversation about the services NOVA provides to victims in our community and how our work intersects with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. | | We are so grateful to Morrisville Borough Mayor Gary Wallace and the Fairless Hills Elks Lodge for their generous donation to NOVA. Thanks to this incredible outpouring of generosity, NOVA received a wonderful assortment of items to support the individuals and families we serve. | | During a recent visit to Holy Family University, NOVA joined the campus community in an interfaith prayer service recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and standing in solidarity with those impacted. | | A heartfelt thank you to the Kutt family for their incredible support of NOVA! For the fifth consecutive year, the Jason Kutt Legacy Fund has generously donated proceeds from their Jason Kutt Legacy Annual Car Meet event to support our mission of supporting victims and stopping violence. | | NOVA staff joined the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign in wearing blue to raise awareness of human trafficking on the annual Wear Blue Day. | |
"I appreciate this service that is available to us. It was extremely helpful with helping me begin coping with my family's situation. Thank you for all that you do for victims and their families."
- NOVA Client
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NOVA stresses the importance of battling human trafficking | While some might not be aware that human trafficking takes place in Bucks County, it does. To mark National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, NOVA is partnering with other organizations to | | | | | |
Holy Family University
NOVA is proud to spotlight our partnership with Holy Family University and the impactful work of their CAPE (Campus Advocacy, Prevention, and Education) Office. For several years, HFU has been a committed partner in advancing survivor support, prevention education, and campus-wide awareness around sexual and gender-based violence by providing a trusted platform for this important work.
Through this collaboration, Holy Family University has welcomed NOVA’s Training Institute to engage faculty, staff, and campus safety personnel in training focused on Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention, including how to respond to potential student disclosures with care and sensitivity. HFU has also partnered with NOVA to pilot the “Empowering Athletes into Advocates” program, designed to address campus culture and dynamics related to sexual violence. To date, more than 200 student-athletes have participated.
HFU has consistently opened its campus to awareness-building and community-centered initiatives, including wellness and resource fairs, survivor-led vigils, Take Back the Night, and other events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, such as the Shoe Project and campus-wide panel discussions. Students have also engaged in interactive educational activities like Gender-Based Violence Jeopardy, Consent Pledges, and the Red Sand Project.
Beyond campus, Holy Family University has shown continued support for NOVA’s mission by attending NOVA’s Annual Gala Fundraiser, participating in BCAT events, and standing alongside NOVA at the Human Trafficking Month Proclamation at the Bucks County Commissioners Meeting.
We are deeply grateful for Holy Family University’s ongoing partnership and commitment to creating safer, more informed, and more compassionate communities.
| We are so grateful for our partnerships. Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence in our community! |
| Whether you donate an item from NOVA's Wish List, funds, or your time, know you are making a difference. | |
Elevate Your Impact in Style!
You can wear your support for your favorite local nonprofit and help spread the word about our mission in style.
From classic tees and cozy sweatshirts to hats and accessories, there's something for everyone, available in multiple colors and more designs than ever before!
Even better? With every purchase, NOVA receives 10–15% back to help fund our work supporting victims and stopping violence.
Browse the new collection and shop with purpose here.
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