WAAV typically meets the third Wednesday of each month at The Lakeside Inn in Wakefield at 5:30pm. We are always looking for volunteers and new members. We hope you can join us! To join our meeting virtually, please click the Zoom link below. Email us at [email protected] to receive our newsletter.
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Great meeting this morning at Inspire Cafe with Wakefield Alliance Against Violence, Melrose Alliance Against Violence, and Official - Stoneham Alliance Against Violence members. We discussed our current initiatives and what we can partner on in the future to bring more awareness and resources to our communities.
Our monthly meeting is tomorrow, Wednesday April 16th at 5:30pm at the Lakeside Inn, 595 North Avenue, Wakefield, MA. ![]()
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You can also join us via Zoom Permalink: us02web.zoom.us/j/89595842094 ![]()
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(WAAV MEETINGS ARE NOT AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDED)![]()
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AGENDA![]()
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Joie Gerrish, WAAV’s current President will call this evening’s meeting to order. ![]()
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SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER- Amy C will introduce Kate Cooley from Mystic Valley Elder Services![]()
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SECRETARY’S REPORT- Sue Scofield ![]()
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TREASURER’S REPORT- Merry Eldridge ![]()
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LEGAL COUNSEL- Nick Arsenault ![]()
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT- Amy Chiaravalloti ![]()
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COMMITTEE REPORTS: ![]()
Social Media- Amy Rando ![]()
Marketing- Joie Gerrish ![]()
Events- Jean Yentile ![]()
Board Development- Nicole O’Brien ![]()
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OTHER BUSINESS: ![]()
Chamber Updates ![]()
Dates to Remember
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
us02web.zoom.us
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Holding Space![]()
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A Virtual Support Group for Adult Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault![]()
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MONDAYS FROM 7-8:30PM EST![]()
BEGINNING 4/21/2025![]()
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What to Expect:![]()
-Six weekly, 90-minute, support group sessions facilitated by a licensed social worker![]()
-Psycho-education on topics surrounding DV/SA![]()
-Discussion followed by beginner movement & breathwork![]()
-A confidential space to process trauma![]()
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FACILITATED BY JULIE TOKAROWSKI, LCSW, RYT-200![]()
EMAIL![]()
[email protected]![]()
TO RSVP
March Newsletter![]()
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March was certainly a busy month for the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence! On March 20th, the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence held its annual White Ribbon ceremony on the Beebe Library Plaza at 3:00pm. Community members took the pledge to never commit, condone, or stay silent about violence against women. Attendees included town employees, town officials, Wakefield Town Councilors, State Representatives, Wakefield students, Wakefield Police Officers, school administrators, school staff, and Wakefield students. This ceremony was emceed by Town Manage, Stephen Maio, who stressed the importance of reaching out for help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and discussed the resources available to those in need. The keynote speaker was Attorney Nicholas Arsenault. Nick Arsenault, a family law attorney from Wakefield, highlighted his deep connection to the community and his commitment to helping victims of domestic violence. He shared his experiences working with WAAV, offering free legal consultations to survivors, and emphasized the courage it takes for victims to seek help. Arsenault explained that his career as a lawyer is focused on justice and safety, and his work with WAAV aligns with his desire to create change and provide healing. Arsenault acknowledged that while violence and abuse are often disproportionately perpetrated by men against women, the issue is complex and requires collective action. He stressed that the White Ribbon symbolizes a call to action, urging men and boys to actively take a stand against violence and commit to being part of the solution. He concluded by reminding everyone that violence against women is not just a women's issue but a human issue that affects us all. Moreover, Galvin Middle School eighth grade students Sam Kidder, Ayden Mellino, Everett Stevenson, and Ryan Ward led the audience in the White Ribbon Pledge and all in attendance vowed to never commit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women, and to be a part of the solution in ending violence against women and all gender-based violence. It was an extremely meaningful day and we are grateful to all who came out to help us spread awareness about this important event.![]()
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This month, WAAV also had information tables at Wakefield Public Schools Parent University and the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High Schools Responsible Decision Making and Substance Use Awareness Night. Parents and caregivers visited WAAV’s table to learn more about our organization and local resources for victims of domestic violence.![]()
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Our Support Group for family members of DV and Sexual Assault is being held in 6 week sessions. Each session will have a different topic and potential guest speaker. If anyone knows anyone who would like to join, please reach out to [email protected] for the Zoom link. ![]()
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Attorney Nick Arsenault continued to offer legal consultation for WAAV throughout the month of January. Attorney Arsenault took 3 phone calls this month. Attorney Arsenault will continue to be available for consultation. Interested parties should call 781-757-4321 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation.![]()
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Be sure to follow WAAV on Facebook (Wakefield Alliance Against Violence) to stay up to date on all of our news and events!![]()
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Please feel free to reach out to WAAV at [email protected] for more information about our organization.![]()
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We look forward to seeing you all at our March meeting on Wednesday, April 16th at 5:30pm at the Lakeside Inn!
On World Autism Awareness Day we would like to recognize and celebrate our many neurodivergent community members and all they contribute to Wakefield!!![]()
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#WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Neurodiversity
Resources
WAAV encourages and supports education about problems of violence, and works with interested community agencies and institutions in and around Wakefield, Massachusetts, to provide links to resources that offer direct service and interventions to both victims and perpetrators of violent behavior.
Events & Current Projects
The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and all gender based violence. We can’t wait to share!
Members & Supporters
WAAV is governed by a Board of Directors, and operates as a private, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization. As a private charity, registered in Massachusetts, financial contributions to WAAV are deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Addressing the Problem of Violence in Our Community
Wakefield Alliance Against Violence, or WAAV, is a Community Based Volunteer organization, dedicated to creating a lifestyle free from violence in Wakefield by reaching out to the community, raising awareness, providing education resources, and support to families and individuals, with an emphasis on prevention.
Featured Board Member
Julie Macarthur
Julie is very honored to be a part of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence and has also become very involved in different aspects of the town of Wakfield. “When I discovered WAAV’s purpose and mission it resonated with me and I decided I wanted to be a part of it.” In today’s world domestic violence is running so rampant that WAAV’s scope of work is essential to the safety of families and individuals everywhere. Julie supports the preventative approach to domestic violence that WAAV takes and see’s the importance of spreading the message as far and wide as possible.
When Julie has free time she enjoys spending time with her family and her grandson Tommy. Julie also does volunteer work with the Peabody Police Department’s K9 unit. Over the past few years Peabody’s K9 unit has suffered the loss of their beloved dog. Julie’s fundraisers and T shirt sales helped substantially. This kind of work takes dedication and drive but most importantly pride in the things she believes in, with WAAV being at the top of that list!
Youth Violence
WAAV helps schools, parents, and the community understand and respond to violence among youth such as bullying, cyber bullying, and teen dating violence.
Domestic Violence
WAAV provides definitions and descriptions of domestic violence occurring between family members, spouses, and dating partners including physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as controlling and abusive behaviors.
Mission and Goals
The Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) is dedicated to raising community awareness about domestic violence and teen dating violence. Its mission includes promoting educational programs and initiatives that aim to reduce violence while encouraging the development of healthy relationships. Through community outreach and preventive measures, WAAV seeks to foster a safer environment and provide support to those affected by violence.
Contact Us
Get in touch with the form below. For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital
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