Hello, and welcome to NOVA’s inaugural edition of our community newsletter. We are excited about this launch as we prepare for NOVA’s 50th anniversary in 2024 and the future ahead.  

The goal of the newsletter is to provide our community of stakeholders with relevant, up-to-date news on NOVA services and prevention programs, events, and education. As some of you may know, NOVA has grown immensely in the past several years. Today, we have over 90 employees who provide a continuum of services for victims of crime and prevention tools to children and adults, train professionals, and work hand-in-hand with over 125 community partners to help ensure the safety of individuals, their families and the general community in Bucks County. Until next month, enjoy reading what’s new at NOVA, and feel free to reach out to me at any time. We look forward to your feedback. 

Meet Stan and Shelli Dunn

What is your role with NOVA? 

Volunteers - Hotline - Represent NOVA at Local Fairs 

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

Stan & I have been direct-service volunteers for NOVA since January 2000. From the very beginning, we committed ourselves deeply to NOVA's Mission, undergoing a 40-hour Sexual Assault Counselor Training Course taught exclusively to us by Eleanor Wilhelm. Except for the few courses like the hospital and court room trainings - she did everything else. When we finished the training, I started the Hotline and have been a Hotline volunteer for the past 23 years - Monday from 5 to 9 pm is my shift. Stan took some calls and went to the 'ER' a few times. He wrote and installed the inventory tracking system at the NOVA Thrift Shop which was established in 2001 - his system was also used to manage sales and inventory for NOVA's Galaxy Art Show at the Court House. I ran the Galaxy kitchen from which volunteers were fed for '4' days and hors d'oeuvres were served during the opening reception. We did that for several years. We also worked with the 9/11 families and represented NOVA at local fairs and other Educational Events. 

How long have you been with NOVA? 

23 years 

What is your favorite part about working/volunteering at NOVA? 

Stan & I find it's so rewarding to 'GIVE BACK' - you get so much more in return when you know that you have actually made a difference in somebody's life. As volunteers, it's a wonderful feeling to know that you've helped someone get to a better place - maybe even a safer place. We realize just how very fortunate we are to have our family, friends, support system and a life many are not afforded - it's very 'Humbling'. We've become more sensitive, caring and understanding people as a result. It's helped us to be better in every aspect of our lives - everybody benefits - a 'Win-Win' situation for all. 

What made you want to work/volunteer at NOVA? 

Back in the early 80's, Counselor Eleanor Wilhelm came to my Nursery School, 'Tiny Tots' to do a 'Good Touch - Bad Touch Program' with my students. I was so impressed with her, the program and NOVA, I told Stan that when I retire, I would like to Volunteer for that organization. He agreed and so in 2000 after we both were retired; we called NOVA and spoke with Eleanor - the rest is history. 

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

As a Hotline Volunteer, my training helps me to empower the victims I speak with get to a better and safer place... Also, when Stan & I do Community work for NOVA, we're able to advocate for the victim in a very professional & knowledgeable way. During those Community Events we hand out NOVA information, explain the programs that NOVA offers and how they impact victims of all crime in Bucks County, answer questions people may have and generally introduce NOVA to people who are not aware of our organization. We speak with so many people at these Events and have a chance to really get NOVA's name out to the public - we consider ourselves 'NOVA Ambassadors'. Also, in March 2014 - Stan & I won 'The Eagles Community Quarterback Award' presented by Teva Pharmaceuticals at the NovaCare Complex. This award was presented to dedicated volunteers for 'Exemplary Service to a Community Non-Profit'. We won it for our volunteering at NOVA, and it carried with it an $11,000.00 contribution which was awarded to NOVA from Teva Pharmaceuticals and the Eagles organization. The Award Ceremony was held at the NovaCare Complex along with dinner and a tour of the complex [including the Eagles locker room]. Stan & I invited family and NOVA friends to share this Incredible Tribute. A FABULOUS TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!!! We have also personally supported NOVA financially. We believe in NOVA's Mission and it's easy to support an organization when you truly believe in what they are trying to achieve. 

We appreciate your many years of support for NOVA!

On Friday, April 19, NOVA will host A Starlit Evening from 6 pm to 10 pm at a new location: Spring Mill Manor. Enjoy a fun-packed evening as we honor NOVA’s 50th anniversary and all of the staff, volunteers, partners and donors that have made us who we are today, while we raise funds to support our continuum of programs that make NOVA a leader across the region in victim services and violence prevention education.

NOVA's offices will close for the Thanksgiving holiday at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22nd and will remain closed until Monday, November 27th at 8:30 a.m..

NOVA Thrift Shop will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th. They will reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 25th.

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

Ron and Dana Kutt of the Jason Kutt Legacy Fund presented NOVA with a donation check from the Jason Kutt Legacy 3rd Annual Car Meet earnings.

The NOVA Training Institute partnered with Bucks County Community College to present a panel of experts to raise awareness about Sextortion.

Julie Dugery, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, and Keira Ruch, current Pennridge High School student and participant in NOVA's Upstanders program, were honored at the YWCA Salute to Women Gala.

Filming for NOVA's special 50th anniversary video is underway! Stay tuned for the finished product, coming early 2024.

NOVA partnered with Miller-Keystone Blood Center to host a blood drive on October 10th.

NOVA staff have been busy attending various Senior Fairs throughout the month of October.

Reduce your taxes while supporting NOVA! 

Did you know that you can reduce your taxes by making a gift to NOVA directly from your IRA? If you are 70½, you can roll over up to $100,000 from your IRA to NOVA free from federal income taxes. Better yet, an IRA rollover gift may qualify for your required minimum distribution, permitting you to lower your income and taxes for this year while helping support victims and build a safer Bucks County. 

Ask your financial advisor or tax preparer for more information, or reach out to our Development Director, Michelle Cash, [email protected] or 215-343-6543, extension 6602.

Tari Zarka has been a long-time friend of NOVA, using her artistic talent through AAOTE / TZ Glass to spread the word of our mission and help fundraise for NOVA. Tari

first got involved with NOVA in 2009 as an artist at our former annual fundraiser, NOVA's Galaxy Art Show & Sale, and has continued to support NOVA in a variety of ways, including her current NOVA fundraiser. Visit Tari's online shop at AAOTETZ.com and use code NOVA now through December 2nd to have 20% of your total purchase donated to NOVA.

At Aspiring Artists of the Earth (AAOTE) they are rooted in professionally creating and distributing spirited-made work that seeks to connect, share, inspire, and give back. Each item is carefully handcrafted with mindfulness and intention and they make wonderful holiday gifts. Make sure you check out Tari's online shop or visit her brick and mortar store (select hours in November and December) to check out all of the wonderful things she has to offer.

Tari, we are so grateful for your continued support.

Thank you for being a Voice Against Violence and supporting NOVA's work in our community.

Whether you donate an item from NOVA's wish list, funds, or your time, know you are making a difference.

Please join NOVA for the 2023 Holiday Gift Program as we help provide assistance to victims of crime! 

Your donation will enable clients to gather what they need most for the holiday. For some, that will be a special toy their child is hoping to receive under the tree, for others it could mean tasty treats for the holiday meal, essential items for their household, or the ability to get to and from their appointments at NOVA. 

All funds raised through our Facebook Fundraiser will be used to purchase gift cards for NOVA clients in need. If you would rather donate a gift card (s), please click the button below.

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