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Thank You for Making 2023 So Impactful

Dear supporters,


As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude on behalf of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) for your unwavering support of our organization's mission to end domestic violence before it begins. Your contributions have allowed us to provide essential services and programs to those who are at risk or have experienced domestic violence. Together, we are making a difference and creating a safer community for everyone.


From all of us at MAAV, we want to say THANK YOU for making this year a success! We could not have done it without the many hands and hearts that lent themselves to us this year. From the members of Melrose Public Schools who assist with our Healthy Relationship programming to the Mayor's Office for their support of White Ribbon Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and especially to the countless community members and organizations who support our work by attending events, donating time and funds to our programs, and by joining us in strength and unity at the Candlelight Vigil and Walk to end domestic violence.


This year has also had its challenges for many, and our organization has been no exception. We have gone through many changes internally, and have witnessed increased survivor needs. Despite these challenges, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission to provide critical services to those who need them and strive to find new, innovative ways to keep survivors safe.


Looking ahead to the New Year, we have ambitious goals to expand our prevention programs and education initiatives to more of Melrose and beyond. With your ongoing support, we can continue to make progress in preventing domestic violence before it begins. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected in their relationships.


Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of our mission to end domestic violence.

Happenings Around Town....


The end of the year was busy at MAAV. Here's a look at a few highlights....

Thank you to Joe Guarino


The Walk Committee gathered together for a final time on November 8th to celebrate the event's success and start planning for next year! During the meeting Joe Guarino, President and Owner of LCMPlus/Northeast Illuminators presented Executive Director Crystal Johnson and Walk Committee Chair Maria Drago with a check for his generous sponsorship and donation match.

Parent University


On Saturday November 17th, Ellie Carver and Taylor Tinmouth represented MAAV at the Melrose Education Foundation's Parent University. Their session, "Healthy Friendships: Helping Young People Build Them, Sustain Them and Act as an Upstander" was well attended and sparked some great ideas. The programming was so well received we hope to offer it again in the near future.

Melrose Kindness Day


MAAV was fortunate to be on the giving and receiving end of kindness this year. Tuesday November 21st started off with Interim Superintendent John Macero stopping by our weekly staff meeting to treat us to Kane's Donuts as a thank you for our work with the students of Melrose Public Schools.


Then later in the day, the MAAV staff made our way down to Main Street to celebrate the good folks at the Melrose YMCA for their part in keeping Melrose healthy and safe.


Thank you to MelroseKind for organizing such an impactful event. We can't wait to do it again!

Step Up: Men Against Violence


The second meeting of this collaboration with Wakefield Alliance Against Violence and Stoneham Alliance Against Violence was held the evening of November 21. A small but dedicated group of men gathered to discuss the initiative and how they can get involved in being a role model of gender equity and respect. This group meets on an ongoing basis and new members are alway welcome and encouraged to join. Look for announcements on our social media accounts for upcoming dates.


*Next Meeting: December 19th 7:00pm

Giving Tuesday


We were so encouraged and grateful for the response to our Giving Tuesday Gift Card campaign to help those escaping violence purchase essentials that it will remain active on our donation page through the end of 2023. To donate, please click here, where you may choose to support the gift card program or our general fund.


Healthy Friendships


We headed back to the classroom on December 6th for the first session of our 2023-2024 Healthy Friendships programming. The elementary-aged version of Healthy Relationships focuses on anti-bullying and the qualities of having and being a good friend. December sessions were held at the Lincoln School with other schools to follow in January.


Student Action Board


The 2023-2024 Student Action Board are busy at work leading peer presentations on teen dating violence and sexual assault for 9th grade seminar classes at Melrose High School. Under the guidance of Joe Parillo and Crystal Johnson, these 25 10th-12th grade students are trained to lead programs on identifying relationship red flags and on boundaries and consent. The first sessions kicked off on December 7th and will reach the entire 9th grade by December 20th. Session two will begin in the spring.


A Look Towards 2024...


  • Healthy Relationships "Expect Respect" Groups begin in January
  • Healthy Friendships continue at the elementary schools
  • Support Group for Children Exposed to DV - January 2024
  • Step Up: Men Against Violence Working Group - ongoing
  • Healthy Relationships at MVMMS - week of February 26
  • White Ribbon Day - March 6, 2024
  • Voices Against Violence Coffeehouse - Spring 2024
  • 29th Annual Candlelight Vigil and Walk to End Domestic Violence - October 2024


Thinking about making an end-of-the-year donation?

Keep MAAV in mind!


None of our work happens without YOU.


Invest in your community today.


Your donation can help us end violence before it begins.

Donate here!



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