NOVA

We love seeing the power of being an Upstander recognized in unexpected places! While attending the annual Crimes Against Children Conference, our CAC Forensic Interviewer Keri Lituma took time to visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. At NOVA, our prevention education programs highlight the vital role of Upstanders—people who notice injustice or bullying, no matter the scale, and take safe steps to intervene and make a positive change.

Last week, members of the NOVA team attended the Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Conference! A heartfelt thank you to Jamie Pfister, NOVA Training Coordinator, and Kir O'Hanlon, Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking Organizer, for delivering an outstanding presentation. We value every opportunity to deepen our knowledge and better support survivors. 📸 Pictured are: Prevention Educator Pat McLaughlin, Training Coordinator Jamie Pfister, BCAT Organizer Kir O'Hanlon, Victim Advocate Danielle DiUlio, and Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator Julie Dugery.

Please join us in welcoming Kaylie Vezina as NOVA's newest CAC Family Support Advocate! Kaylie attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts before recently completing her Masters of Social Work through Boston University. We are so pleased that Kaylie has brought her talents to the Bucks County Children's Advocacy Center! We are excited to have welcomed several new staff members to the NOVA Team over the past few months - stay tuned to get to know a new member of the team every Friday!

Last week, CAC Forensic Interviewer Keri Lituma and Victim Advocate Sandy Carvin represented NOVA at the annual Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, TX. Also joining them from Bucks County was Bucks County Detective Kelcy Pitts and Detective John Jennings from Bristol Township Police. 📸 Pictured are Keri Lituma and Detective John Jennings.

After a demanding week of meaningful work, it’s essential for our NOVA team to relax, recharge, and reset. We’re incredibly grateful to YOGAMAZIA for leading these revitalizing yoga sessions for NOVA staff—your support means the world to us! 🧡

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the NOVA table at Bristol Borough's National Night Out event last week! 📸 Pictured are NOVA Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator Julie Dugery and Representative Tina Davis.

Despite the weather delay, we ultimately made it to several National Night Out events! NOVA was thrilled to have Alyssa Davis, Primary Prevention Coordinator, represent us at Morrisville's rescheduled NNO event last week. Keep an eye out for photos from more rescheduled NNOs! 👀

Please join us in welcoming Amanda Carter as NOVA's Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) Educator! Amanda graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and Theatre. While she resides in Montgomery County, her professional journey has often led her to Bucks County, where she previously worked as a Bucks IU ESY Paraeducator. Amanda is excited to embark on her journey with NOVA and is grateful to be part of a supportive community of mentors and advisors. She is committed to furthering her education and building a career in social work. We are excited to have welcomed several new staff members to the NOVA Team over the past few months - stay tuned to get to know a new member of the team every Friday!

NOVA is looking for volunteers for our 24/7 Phone Helpline, Text/Chat Helpline, and to support 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 in its 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. 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.

Get the inside scoop from Katie Sanford, NOVA's High School Primary Prevention Coordinator, on how our Upstanders Program is reaching beyond the classroom and into the community! Join us on Sunday, September 29th for NOVA's Second Annual Upstander Day at Bucks County Community College - Epstein Campus. Celebrate with us and enjoy games, entertainment, food trucks, and more! Learn more at novabucks.org/upstanderday.