As we step into June, a month that celebrates the beauty of diversity, I want to reaffirm NOVA's unwavering commitment to supporting victims of all identities and walks of life. Pride Month is a powerful reminder that every individual deserves safety, dignity, and respect, regardless of who they are. At NOVA, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community not only in celebration, but in the ongoing work on ensuring access to affirming, trauma-informed services for all survivors.

June is also Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time to elevate awareness of an often-hidden form of violence. Older adults in our community deserve to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and NOVA remains steadfast in providing specialized advocacy and support to ensure their voices are heard and their safety protected.

As we honor these critical causes, I must also share the pressing financial realities we are facing. With just a few weeks left in our fiscal year, NOVA is in the final stretch of our Race to 50K: our spring appeal to raise the vital funds needed to sustain our mission.

The truth is, public funding for victim services continues to shrink, while the need for our support continues to grow. That's why your donation (no matter the amount) makes a real and lasting difference. It ensures that NOVA remains a lifeline for survivors, a voice for justice, and a beacon of prevention education and outreach.

Thank you for walking, as well as racing, alongside us. Together, we can reach the finish line and continue building a community free from violence, where every person is safe, supported, and seen.

Mary Beth Bauerle & Lori Fisher, Prevention Educators

NOVA is bidding a heartfelt and bittersweet farewell to two of our cherished Prevention Educators, Mary Beth Bauerle and Lori Fisher, as they begin the next chapter of their lives in retirement.

Mary Beth has dedicated an extraordinary 24 and a half years to NOVA, and Lori has devoted an impressive 20 and a half years. Throughout their time with us, both have been instrumental in shaping NOVA's Prevention Education Programs and have touched countless lives with their passion, empathy, and unwavering dedication to ending violence in our communities.

Their tireless efforts in classrooms, community centers, and beyond have helped educate, empower, and inspire individuals of all ages. The legacy they leave behind is one of meaningful impact and a reflection of their deep commitment to creating a safer, more informed world.

While we will miss them dearly, we celebrate their incredible contributions and wish them both a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures. Thank you, Mary Beth and Lori, for everything. You will always be part of the NOVA family.

We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime, and we are proud to have had you as part of the NOVA Team!

Designer Bag Bingo

October 17, 2025

Designer Bag Bingo is officially back! Join us on Friday, October 17th at 6:30 PM for the grand return of NOVA's Designer Bag Bingo benefiting the Bucks County Children's Advocacy Center. Come play for a chance to win a variety of designer handbags while supporting a good cause!

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 1st. Mark your calendars, as tickets are expected to sell out quickly!

Interested in becoming a sponsor of this event? Click here.

Upcoming Closures + Summer Office Hours

The NOVA offices will be closed on Friday, June 13th due to staff wide training.

The NOVA offices and NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed Thursday, June 19th in honor of Juneteenth.

We are giving the NOVA team a mental health break! NOVA's staff works tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that all victims and survivors of sexual assault and other crimes receive the support, care, compassion, and help they need. We can't think of a better way to thank them then by giving them time off. This summer, NOVA's offices will close at 2 p.m. each Friday between May 23rd and August 30th for Summer Fridays, giving NOVA staff time to relax and recharge.

NOVA's 24/7 Helpline is always available at 1-800-675-6900.

New NOVA Merch!

Exciting News: NOVA has launched a brand-new merch store, now including NOVA Pride merch just in time for June!

Now 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.

NOVA is Hiring!

NOVA is currently hiring for the following positions:

• Bilingual Victim Advocate — The Bilingual Victim Advocate role supports crime victims and their families through the legal process. This role involves providing emotional support, advocacy, and resources while collaborating with law enforcement, court personnel, and community partners. As part of a dedicated team, this position plays a vital role in ensuring survivors receive the assistance and guidance they need.

• Training Institute Administrative Assistant — The Training Institute Administrative Assistant will be an organized professional who supports and collaborates with organizational partners and the Prevention Education and Training Department. The assistant will promote NOVA services by coordinating professional development, community programs, awareness events, and coalition meetings for NOVA’s Training Institute (NTI).

To learn more and how to apply, please visit novabucks.org/employment.

Intern at NOVA!

Calling all future counselors! Are you a master’s student in counseling looking for a hands-on, trauma-focused internship? NOVA offers a three-semester counseling internship designed to provide real-world experience supporting victims of crime.

Program Details:

• Runs from summer to spring (1 practicum + 2 internship semesters)
• 20 hours per week commitment, including two evening shifts (4-8 PM)
• Manage a 12-15 client caseload
• Receive extensive trauma treatment training through weekly intern meetings

Interns gain invaluable experience working with individuals affected by sexual assault, physical assault, and other violent crimes, making a direct impact in their healing journey.

Interested? Learn more here. To apply or ask questions, email Kevin@novabucks.org today!

Join NOVA's Upcoming Sexual Assault Counselor (SAC) Training!

Interested in becoming a NOVA volunteer for our 24/7 Phone Helpline, Text/Chat Helpline, or supporting sexual assault and other victims of serious crimes during emergency room visits or police interviews?

SAC Training consists of individual sessions on specific topics conducted by NOVA staff members who are experts in these areas. The training is free of charge and will be presented by NOVA professionals at our Jamison office. Volunteers will attend sessions to learn how to best respond to Helpline calls and provide victim/survivor-centered and trauma-informed support during emergency room visits or police interviews.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years-old, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (needed for emergency room visits or police interviews), meet all required clearances (child abuse, criminal record check, and FBI fingerprinting), complete a 45-hour training program, and, upon acceptance into the program, sign a confidentiality agreement.

Upcoming SAC Training will be held during Summer and will consist primarily of evening sessions.

If you are interested in completing SAC Training and becoming a NOVA Volunteer, please contact Julie Dugery, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Outreach, NOVA, at 215-343-6543, ext. 6604, or by email at JulieD@novabucks.org.

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.

George School Students Take A Stand on Denim Day

On April 23rd, students at The George School participated in Denim Day to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Denim Day originated after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, suggesting the victim’s tight jeans implied consent. In protest, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in solidarity, sparking what would become a global movement led by Peace Over Violence to challenge victim-blaming and stand with survivors. 

George School students selected NOVA as the beneficiary of their Denim Day fundraiser. “To us, NOVA represents justice, healing, and community,” shared students Mayuka, Ona, and Valentina. In addition to holding a bake sale, the students invited peers to write anonymous, uplifting letters to survivors; acts that aimed not only to raise funds but also to create a meaningful impact on our clients. “Supporting NOVA made us feel like we were contributing to a bigger message, that survivors are seen, heard, and never alone.” Through their efforts, these students are helping to create a future where compassion and justice lead the way. 

Third Party Fundraising is essential to sustaining our mission. It provides critical resources that allow us to offer comprehensive support to survivors. It also strengthens our connection to the community, reminding survivors that they are surrounded by people who care and are committed to standing with them. If you would like to host your own fundraiser, please email development@novabucks.org for more details.  

A heartfelt thank you to the Women of Shir Ami who created seven soft, cozy fleece tie blankets for NOVA clients. These blankets will offer warmth and comfort to victims and survivors of crime as they engage in counseling to process their trauma.

NOVA was honored to join many of our incredible community partners at the annual Family Service Bucks Community Festival! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and shared the sunshine with us. It was a beautiful day to connect and celebrate community!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of laughs at NOVA’s Funny Fundraiser at Poco's Comedy Cabaret! Thanks to your support and attendance, we raised over $1,500 to help survivors through ticket sales, the 50/50 raffle, and Poco's generous 20% restaurant sale give-back!

A huge thank you to the Pine Run Elementary School community! The 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students organized a fundraising drive that included soft pretzel sales, raffle baskets, and dress down days for teachers and staff. Together, they raised an incredible $1,250 to donate to NOVA!

NOVA was proud to join a wide array of Bucks County organizations at the 2025 Prevention Day and Wellness Fair! We had the opportunity to share valuable resources and highlight services available throughout the county.

We had a fantastic time at the New Hope Pride Fair! We came together to enjoy an afternoon of music, celebration, and meaningful connection. NOVA will be at many more local Pride events all throughout June, so stop by and say hi!

Thank You for Being Part of NOVA's Month of Action!

We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Flip Dog Pilates for organizing a fundraiser and a donation drive in support of NOVA during Sexual Assault Awareness Month! Tricia Scheeler, owner and lead instructor, donated a percentage of the funds from four classes throughout the month to NOVA and collected snacks, juice boxes, and other comfort items for the Children's Advocacy Center and for our Victim Advocates to give out during court accompaniment.

We’re also grateful to The GAP and the Bucks County Clerk of Courts for participating in Denim Day and holding fundraisers to stand in solidarity with survivors and raise awareness about sexual violence through this powerful initiative.

A special thank you also goes to the five coffee shops, Calm Waters Coffee, Native Cafe, Meadowlark Bakery and Cafe, The Bridge, and Langhorne Coffee House, for distributing NOVA coffee sleeves throughout the month. Your partnership helps spark important conversations and spread awareness within our community, one cup at a time.

We are so grateful for our partnerships. Thank you for being Voices 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.

www.novabucks.org | 24-7 Helpline: 1-800-675-6900