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As September begins, we welcome a season of change, fresh routines, and new opportunities to support our community. At NOVA, this time of year brings both reflection and renewed energy for the work ahead.
From prevention programs that help young people build safer futures, to advocacy and counseling services that support victims and families, every part of NOVA’s mission is made possible by the generosity of our community. Whether it’s through donations, volunteer service, or simply spreading awareness, your support ensures that victims of crime in Bucks County receive the care and resources they need.
This fall, we’re shining a spotlight on important safety issues as students return to campuses, as well as highlighting the many ways our community continues to make a difference — including the ongoing impact of the NOVA Thrift Shop.
In this newsletter, you will find updates on our prevention efforts, upcoming events, and stories that show how together, we can create a safer, stronger community.
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| NOVA Thrift Shop Turns 24! | | |
This September, the NOVA Thrift Shop is celebrating 24 years of community, generosity, and impact. Since first opening its doors in 2001, the shop has grown into much more than a place to find great bargains. Tt’s a vital part of NOVA’s mission to Support Victims and Stop Violence throughout Bucks County.
Every donation, every purchase, and every hour volunteered at the NOVA Thrift Shop directly benefits NOVA’s programs and services, ensuring we can continue meeting needs even when traditional funding falls short. In fact, the shop has become one of NOVA’s most important sources of support, transforming gently used items into life-changing assistance for thousands of children, adults, and families each year.
But the shop’s impact goes beyond funding. It also creates a welcoming space where community members come together, whether they’re shopping for a unique treasure, donating items to support others, or volunteering their time to give back. NOVA Thrift Shop is proof of what can be accomplished when a community joins forces with compassion and purpose.
As we celebrate 24 years, we extend our deepest gratitude to the customers, donors, and volunteers who make NOVA Thrift Shop such a success. Your support keeps our mission alive and ensures that NOVA can continue providing hope, healing, and prevention services for years to come.
Mark your calendars! To celebrate our 24th birthday, shoppers will receive 24% off one full price item during our birthday sale on Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th. It’s our birthday gift to you! (Excludes Silent Auction, Bargain Cove, and white tag items.)
Celebrate with us at the NOVA Thrift Shop this September (or anytime!) - find unique treasures, enjoy great savings, and know that every visit supports NOVA’s mission.
| | Staying Safe on Campus: What Every University Student Should Know | | |
As summer winds down and fall approaches, many of us look forward to pumpkin spice and changing leaves. But for new college students, the first few months on campus can bring unique risks. The period from August to November—often called the “red zone”—is when students are most vulnerable to sexual assault. First-year students face added risk as they adjust to a new environment, build support networks, and may have increased access to alcohol or drugs.
Open, honest conversations can help students set boundaries, know where to go for help, and feel empowered. Safety is a community effort. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Make a plan with friends: “Go together, leave together.” Agree to keep an eye on each other. If your plans change, make sure you are checking in with the group. You don’t want to leave anyone alone in an unsafe situation.
Trust your instincts: If things start to get uncomfortable or just don't feel right, leave! You are never obligated to stay somewhere that you don't want to. You don't owe anyone an explanation, but it is okay to make up and excuse if that helps you.
Prepare for the unexpected: Is your phone charged? Do you have your location shared with people you trust? Do you have emergency contacts saved? Did you lock your door before bed?
Know your limits: Understand that alcohol has a tendency to decrease your awareness, which can get you into a dangerous situation.
If something does happen, know your rights. Every college has a Title IX office for sexual misconduct cases, and confidential help is available from campus counselors or local rape crisis centers like NOVA. Survivors can report to campus security, local law enforcement, both, or neither, and choose to report to campus security, local law enforcement, both or neither; and have the right to a sexual assault forensic exam by a trained medical professional. For additional information on your rights as a survivor, click here.
Remember—if someone is sexually assaulted, it is never their fault. Support is always available and NOVA is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-675-6900.
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Highlighting the NOVA Thrift Shop Team
For the past 24 years, the dedicated staff and volunteers of NOVA Thrift Shop have been a vital part of NOVA's mission. Their hard work, creativity, and compassion not only keep the shop running smoothly, but also help generate essential funds that directly support NOVA’s programs and services.
From welcoming customers with a smile, to organizing donations, to creating an inviting shopping experience, our thrift shop team makes a difference every single day. Their efforts ensure that every purchase helps sustain our work with victims of crime and strengthens our community.
We are truly grateful for each and every member of the NOVA Thrift Shop team—past and present. Simply put, we couldn’t do it without you!
| | We appreciate your dedication to serving victims of crime, and we are proud to have you as part of the NOVA Team! | |
NTS Upcycling Workshop
September 14, 2025
Join us for a fun and eco-friendly Upcycling Scarf Workshop at NOVA Thrift Shop! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to turn pre-loved T-shirts into stylish, one-of-a-kind scarves—no sewing experience required!
Learn more and reserve your spot here.
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Car Wash Fundraiser
September 20, 2025
Get your car sparkling and make a difference at the same time! Stop by Cobra Car Wash Jamison between 7 AM and 6 PM and select the "Protect" Wash for $5 to be donated to the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center. After your wash, swing by the NOVA table for raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and plenty of fun.
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NTS Birthday Sale
September 27 - 28, 2025
To celebrate NOVA Thrift Shop's 24th birthday, NTS shoppers will receive 24% off one full price item during a special two-day NTS Birthday Sale on Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th. It’s our birthday gift to you!
(Silent Auction, Bargain Cove, and white tag items excluded.)
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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 for this event are currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist for additional tickets here.
| | Nominations for NOVA's Upstander Awards Are Open! | | |
Every day across Bucks County, ordinary people do extraordinary things—choosing courage over silence, compassion over apathy, and action over standing by. NOVA’s Annual Upstander Awards return in 2025 to celebrate these everyday heroes: individuals and groups who make a difference when it matters most.
Do you know someone who consistently chooses to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult? A student who stands up to bullying? A neighbor who brings people together? A business that prioritizes inclusion and kindness?
Now is your chance to recognize the Upstanders in your life and help us shine a light on those who lead with heart.
Award Categories Include:
- Adult Upstander of the Year
- Youth Upstander of the Year
Nominations are now open! We invite you to nominate someone with a meaningful connection to Bucks County—someone who lives, works, studies, volunteers, or conducts business here. Whether they are shining in a moment of crisis or leading quietly every day, your nomination helps us recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of Upstanders in our community.
Visit novabucks.org/nominate to submit your nomination before September 28th—and help us honor those who don’t just stand up, but truly shine.
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Thank You for Supporting NOVA's Wishlist
We are so grateful to everyone who has recently donated through NOVA’s Amazon Wishlist. Your generosity has made a real difference in the lives of the children, adults, and families we serve.
With recent budget cuts, Wishlist donations are more important than ever. These items aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential in helping survivors feel safe, supported, and cared for during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. From snacks, coffee, and fidget toys that ease stress during a visit, to Play-Doh, dolls, and art supplies that are vital tools in trauma-informed services, every item you’ve given helps foster healing and comfort.
Our Wishlist remains a vital way to support survivors. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give this summer, we invite you to continue making an impact by helping us fulfill these needs and furthering NOVA’s mission of Supporting Victims and Stopping Violence.
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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.
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NOVA is pleased to announce that we have received a $25,000 grant from the Norman Raab Foundation.
Thanks to the generosity of the Norman Raab Foundation, we are able to expand the reach and impact of the SHARE Curriculum, a multisession primary prevention program designed for neurodivergent youth. SHARE (Smart Healthy Appropriate Relationship Education) empowers young people to build healthy and fulfilling relationships by addressing important social issues such as boundaries, friendships, dating, consent, sexual violence, and safe practices with technology.
For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent youth, SHARE provides tools to understand appropriate behaviors in public and within relationships—skills that strengthen employability and financial independence. The program also raises awareness of potential online scams, giving participants the knowledge to navigate the digital world safely. Above all, SHARE reduces the risk of victimization and encourages timely disclosure, helping participants lead safer, more independent lives.
The program’s momentum and growth are a direct result of NOVA’s Prevention Education and Training team. We are grateful for the evidence-based foundation built under Mary Worthington’s leadership and the continued dedication of High School Primary Prevention Coordinator Katie Sanford, Prevention Educator Tory Baram, and Personal Empowerment Program Educator Amanda Carter who are carrying this important work forward.
We are deeply thankful to the Norman Raab Foundation for helping to make this work possible. With their support, we are excited to see how SHARE continues to grow and evolve, reaching even more young people in the years ahead.
| | Thank you to everyone who stopped by the NOVA table at any of the numerous National Night Out locations NOVA attended! We're always glad for the opportunity to connect with our community all over Bucks County. | | |
Our friends at Action Karate of Jamison hosted a Self-Defense for a Cause event, helping raise $450 in raffle donations for NOVA! Eighteen students participated, learning valuable techniques to protect themselves and build confidence.
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"I cannot express enough how much my counselor helped. Where I was when we started and where I am now are night and day! There is more work to do, always, but my counselor armed me with so many skills and resources."
- NOVA Client
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College students spend their summer helping local nonprofits | Thirteen students gained practical experience, made a positive impact in the community, and earned college credit by participating in Foundations Community Partnership's Summer Youth Corps. | | | | | |
Brian Wagner, BWags Photography
We are incredibly grateful to Brian Wagner of BWags Photography for generously donating his time and talent to capture the magic of our recent events: SuperNova, our annual fundraising Gala, and the Candlelight Tribute for Victims of Crime.
Brian's beautiful photography not only preserves these special moments but also helps us share the spirit of our mission with our community. His support reflects a deep commitment to giving back, and we are honored to spotlight him as a valued partner in our work.
| 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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