Opening Message:
Join NOVA's Buddy System!

Hi NOVA Staff!

Interested in making a difference in workplace culture? Want to get to know more of your peers? Consider joining NOVA’s Buddy Program! 

What is the NOVA Buddy program?
As part of NOVA’s on-boarding process for successful employment, NOVA’s Buddy Program pairs an established NOVA staff member with a new employee, for the first 90 days of their employment, to answer questions and offer support as they begin to transition to NOVA’s work community.   

Why does this program exist?
We recognize that while new employees are excited to join NOVA, they may also feel uncertain and anxious about what to expect.  

The Buddy Program offers safe, trusting, supportive relationships for new NOVA employees’ optimal well-being and successful employment. 

What should I do if I am interested?
To become a Buddy or for further information, please reach out to Rachel Perlman at [email protected]. 

Thanks for your time!

Best,
Mary Worthington
Director of Prevention Education and Training


Newsletter Roadmap
In this edition, we will cover:

  1. Opening Message: NOVA's Buddy System
  2. Roadmap (You are here!)
  3. Business in the Front
  4. Committee Corner
  5. NOVA's Bulletin Board
  6. Party in the Back
  7. Let's Celebrate You!
  8. Staff Contest: Artist of the Year!
  9. Action for Happiness Calendar
  10. Suggestions

Committee Corner
Committee Updates
April Wellness Tip:

This April, send one email "just because." This email can be to a new staff member to say hello, to an old friend to reach back out, to a coworker to give thanks---or for a different reason!

The wellness tip this month challenges you to be intentional and thoughtful with your communications. Happy emailing!
NOVA Bulletin Board
The Latest and Greatest Updates from Your Fellow Staff
BCAT Community Quarterly Meeting
From BCAT

Please join BCAT's next community meeting for a presentation on labor trafficking. Learn about what defines labor trafficking, the trafficking industry, and where it thrives in our community. The presentation will be at 5pm on Zoom. In addition to the presentation, we will review BCAT's upcoming subcommittee meetings and events.

If you are interested in attending register here or reach out to Elyse!
9th Annual Victims' Rights Conference
From Tarah, Client Services

The Crime Center of Erie County is hosting the 9th Annual Victim's Rights conference on Friday April 22nd from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event will be held both in-person and virtually and can go towards continuing education credits for social work, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. To learn more and to register, click here.
April End Abuse of People with Disabilities Webinar
From Julie Dugery

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and in support of survivors everywhere, the Center for Victimization and Safety is dedicated to lifting up promising practices for serving survivors with disabilities. Featuring a panel comprised of a survivor with a disability, a national expert, and a local advocate, this webinar will explore the unique barriers that people with disabilities have to navigate when seeking healing and the strategies that advocates can employ to proactively remove those barriers. This seminar will take place on April 26th, from 2-3:30 pm. Register here!
Let's Celebrate YOU!
Happy Birthday to:

Liam Crowley
Advocacy
April 9th

Angela McGettigan
Community Relations and Development
April 12th

Michele Sternberg
Prevention and Training
April 17th

Deidre Arabadjis
CAC
April 29
We appreciate you and your
time with the NOVA team.

A big thanks to:

Denise Held
NOVA Thrift
12 years

Tarah Sellers
Victim Services
6 Years

Alison Rose
CAC
6 years

Stephanie Shantz-Stiver
Advocacy
4 years

Bailey Sanford
NOVA Thrift
1 Year

Jamie Pfister
Prevention and Training
1 year
Action for Happiness Calendar:
Small, Intentional Ways to Make Your Month a Bit Happier
April Staff Contest:
Artist of the Year
Thanks to all who entered our contest this month!

This month's winner is Ashley J! Ashley nominated the band, Ice Nine Kills, as her artist of the year. If you are interested in getting new music, make sure you ask Ashley for a recommendation!

Thanks for all who participated. Keep your eyes peeled for next month's contest for your chance to win!
What topics do you want to hear about?
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