As we welcome May, a month that calls attention to both the vital contributions of our healthcare professionals and the mental well-being of our communities, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us throughout April to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Your presence and commitment helped shine a light on the experiences of survivors and the importance of standing together.

This week marks the start of National Nurses’ Week, and we are proud to honor our dedicated forensic nurses, whose compassion, expertise, and advocacy are essential in the response to violence and trauma. Their work not only supports healing but also helps build a more just and trauma-informed system for all.

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder of how deeply crime impacts emotional and psychological well-being. In this issue, we explore how mental health intersects with victim advocacy and why supporting survivors means addressing the full spectrum of their needs.

Thank you for continuing to walk alongside NOVA in this mission. Together, we are building safer, more resilient communities.

National Nurses Week

This National Nurses Week, we express our heartfelt appreciation to all nurses for the skill, compassion, and dedication they bring to every patient interaction. We especially want to recognize NOVA’s incredible Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs), who play a critical role in our community by providing expert care to individuals who have experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence (IPV).

FNEs are specially trained to conduct medical/forensic exams that are not only thorough and objective but also delivered in a timely, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner. Their ability to provide care with dignity, compassion, and professionalism can make a world of difference in moments of crisis.

For survivors of these deeply personal and traumatic crimes, having a positive and validating experience with healthcare personnel can significantly reduce the risk of re-traumatization. FNEs are often the first point of care, and their work is essential, not only for ensuring accurate and sensitive evidence collection but also for supporting each individual’s emotional safety and long-term healing.

To our FNEs and nurses everywhere: thank you for being advocates, healers, and trusted allies. We are grateful for all that you do, today and every day.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Our mental health is an essential part of our wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked and undervalued - especially when someone experiences trauma. Whether we’re facing the stresses of everyday life, fighting with ongoing challenges, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event, our mental health deserves the same attention and care we give to our physical health. Ignoring our mental health can lead to long-term consequences, impacting relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Mental health care provides the support we need to process, heal, and regain control, no matter the challenges we face.

For survivors of crime, the need for mental health care is especially critical. When someone has experienced a crime, it may leave deep emotional wounds that can affect every part of that person’s life. Feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, depression, and shame are common, but often invisible to others. Survivors may feel isolated, misunderstood, or like they have to “tough it out” on their own. But the truth is, healing from trauma isn’t something anyone should have to do alone.

Through therapy, support groups, or counseling, survivors can start to process what happened, make sense of their feelings, and begin to rebuild a sense of control and safety. They give you tools to cope, to feel understood, and to slowly reclaim that sense of control. It’s not about “fixing” what’s broken, it’s about nurturing what’s still strong and tending to the parts that are hurting. But you don’t need to “have it the worst” to deserve help. Everyone’s struggle is valid. Mental health care is for anyone and everyone because everyone deserves to feel whole.

Seeking support doesn’t mean you're weak, it means you're taking a powerful step toward reclaiming your life. Everyone deserves to be heard, understood, and supported in their journey, no matter the circumstances. Your mental health matters. Your healing matters. And you are worthy of care, always.

Sydney Finsel, Counselor

Can you give a brief description of your role with NOVA?

As a counselor at NOVA, I work with children and adults who are victims of crime. I provide a safe, compassionate space for clients to process their trauma, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward their healing. Counselors also work closely with our victim advocates to provide a well-rounded team of support for our clients.

Another part of my role as a counselor is working with our Restoring Families Program (RFP). I co-facilitate our RFP groups and we work with youth who have displayed inappropriate or problematic sexual behavior by teaching different skills that address these behaviors!

How long have you been working at NOVA?

2 years plus my internship year!

What is your favorite part about working at NOVA?

My favorite part about working at NOVA is getting to be a support and light for survivors through some of the darkest moments of their lives. It is also amazing to be able to work alongside other like-minded people who have a passion and dedication to help our community.

How do you support NOVA's mission in your role?

NOVA's mission is to empower victims of crime and prevent violence. Through my role as a counselor, I am able to help my clients better understand their trauma experiences and empower them to regain control of their life. Through counseling, we also help prevent violence through education and safety and abuse prevention.

What is one thing people should know about NOVA?

NOVA has so many incredible programs that are offered to the Bucks County community. Each program is made up of a team of incredible people who care for the community and the individuals we serve.

We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime!

Funny Fundraiser

May 9, 2025

Join us for a Funny Fundraiser at Poco's Comedy Cabaret for a night of laughs and giving back! Come see Emmy-winning ventriloquist, musician, and comedian Taylor Mason live for a night of hilarious, clean comedy. TICKET DEADLINE EXTENDED! Get your last-minute tickets here.

Turn it into dinner and a show! Dine at Poco's before the show and 20% of your bill will be donated to NOVA as well.

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!

Upcoming Closures

The NOVA offices will be closed on Monday, May 26th due to the Memorial Day holiday.

NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed on Sunday, May 11th as well as on Monday, May 26th.

New NOVA Merch!

Exciting News: NOVA has launched a brand-new merch store!

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:

Director of Development — The Development Director will be an enthusiastic fundraising professional eager to embrace NOVA’s mission of supporting victims of sexual assault and other crimes and building a safer community through violence prevention. This role will be responsible for managing NOVA’s development operations ensuring that individual, corporate, and foundation donors are engaged to support the growth and sustainability of the organization.

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 in late Spring 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.

Paying Tribute

At NOVA’s Candlelight Tribute, we came together to honor the journeys our clients take, as well as the strength they show along the way. Each courageous survivor shared that they wouldn’t be where they are today without the counseling and advocacy they received from NOVA’s dedicated staff.

We are proud to walk alongside survivors and their families, every step of the way. And none of it would be possible without you.

Thanks to generous donor support, NOVA is able to offer free services during the moments they’re needed most. Your contributions also power prevention and education programs that aim to stop violence before it starts and help build a safer, more informed community.

Creating a violence-free Bucks County is an ambitious goal, and we need more people like you to make it a reality. If you haven’t given yet, or are thinking about giving again, we invite you to join our community of supporters. Victims of assault, abuse, and other crimes need NOVA, and NOVA needs you.

The SuperNova Gala was truly out of this world! Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Fuge for NOVA’s biggest fundraising event of the year. Together, we raised an incredible $200,000+ to further our mission of providing essential services to victims of crime in Bucks County and delivering vital violence prevention education program

The Bucks County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Bucks County. Joining the Commissioners were representatives from NOVA, the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), Bucks County Children & Youth Services, and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.

NOVA joined the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, planting a display of pinwheels outside the Bucks County Administration Building to symbolize our community’s united commitment to protecting children from abuse & neglect.

The CAC team hopped into spring by throwing a sweet bunny-themed baby shower for our amazing CAC Administrative Assistant, Alex! It was a celebration full of love, laughter, and excitement for baby Clyne’s arrival.

In partnership with the Bucks County Anti-Racism Coalition's Juneteenth Living Canvas Project, NOVA staff came together to paint 20 tiles that will eventually be part of a powerful collective installation at the Mercer Museum, creating a depiction the Juneteenth Flag.

NOVA staff took a mindful pause during our "Journey into Journaling" Lunch & Learn with Marissa Polselli! We left feeling inspired and equipped with practical tools to make journaling a simple, powerful practice for stress relief, emotional processing, and dreaming big.

NOVA has been participating in the Clothesline Project, an interactive installation designed to increase awareness of the impact of violence and abuse, to honor a survivor’s strength to continue, and to provide another avenue for them to courageously break the silence that often surrounds their experience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of hope and healing at the 2025 Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime. A special thank you to the courageous survivors who were willing to share their stories, and to District Attorney Jennifer Schorn for providing opening remarks.

Thank you to the Encores Club of Doylestown for their donation to the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT), a project of NOVA! This support strengthens our efforts to raise awareness, prevent human trafficking, and support survivors in Bucks County.

NOVA was proud to participate in Holy Family University's Take Back the Night event, a powerful national movement dedicated to raising awareness and sparking critical conversations around ending sexual violence on college campuses.

We sincerely thank the Danaher Lynch Family Foundation Scholars Program and Our Lady of Grace School for generously donating various comfort items for NOVA clients. From journals and fidget items to cozy socks and self-care essentials, these items bring comfort and reassurance to survivors of crime when it's needed most.

NOVA Staff wore their denim in honor of Denim Day, a campaign that asks community members, officials, businesses, and students to make a social statement by wearing jeans on the last Wednesday in April to spread awareness and protest the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.

"Everyone [in the Children's Advocacy Center] was very kind. I could tell my daughter was safe and appropriately advocated for."

- NOVA Client

Out-of-this-world gala raises funds NOVA

SuperNova, an out-of-this-world gala to benefit NOVA, was held April 3 at The Fuge in Warminster. NOVA's largest fundraiser of the year, the gala raised funds for NOVA's free and confidential services for victims of crime.

Thank You for Helping Improve the CAC!

The Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), a program of NOVA, recently received several upgrades to make it an even more welcoming and trauma-informed space for the children and families we serve. Improvements were made at both our Jamison and Fairless Hills locations, including fresh paint, new furniture and rugs, colorful child-friendly wall art, and the addition of new children's books and activities.

These enhancements were made possible thanks to the generous support of a generous Anonymous Donor, and Dave Affleck, owner of Affleck Home Improvement, LLC. Their kindness is helping children who have experienced trauma feel safe, heard, and supported during their visits at the CAC.

The CAC is a vital resource in our community, providing expert services to children and non-offending caregivers during some of their most difficult times. Thanks to our supporters, we continue to create spaces that foster hope and healing.

Thank you to our amazing donors for being Voices Against Violence and Champions for Children!

Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence!

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