REACH is committed to advancing the safety, healing, and empowerment of those who experience domestic or relationship violence, through direct services and education while promoting social justice for individuals and families of all backgrounds.
For more information:
Name: Courtney Opalka Position: Development and Special Events Coordinator Email: courtney@reachma.org Phone: 7818910724 ext 104 Fax: 781 891 3861
Legal AdvocacyCourt-based advocacy programs are provided at the Waltham and Woburn District Courts, as well as other district courts in our region upon request. Services include: explanation of court procedures, advocating for women applying for restraining orders, and offering referrals to legal assistance agencies or other services when needed.
Support GroupsWeekly support groups are offered to women who were or are in abusive relationships. We offer daytime and evening support groups in several different communities. Free childcare is provided at all of these groups upon request.
Children's TherapyWe offer a comprehensive children's program which consists of counseling for children (living in our shelter and in surrounding communities), parent support and guidance, consultation and training.
Education and OutreachREACH believes that community education is crucial in the fight against domestic violence. Our goals are twofold: first, to improve community response, developing a network of providers offering support to victims and their children. Second, to prevent future violence by increasing education on the issues of domestic and teen dating violence. It is only through the heightened awareness and continued effort of the community that domestic violence will be eradicated. REACH is available to provide workshops, guest speakers, and professional training to schools, police departments, hospitals, community groups, and human service agencies.
Past workshop topics include: Defining Abuse and Respect, Dynamics of Abuse, Impact of Abuse on Children, Victim Blaming, Domestic Violence and the Law, Community Response to Domestic Violence, Working with Victims, Unique Aspects of Teen Dating Violence, and additional related topics.
Emergency ShelterREACH's emergency shelter is a nine-bed home providing safe refuge in a confidential location for survivors of domestic violence and their children who flee their abusers. We are one of the only shelters in Massachusetts that provides emergency shelter to male survivors of domestic violence, as well as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender survivors.
Housing, welfare, employment and children's and parent's advocacy services are also provided by REACH's staff to shelter guests.
Child Services VolunteerThursday, April 24, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009Child Service Volunteers will be responsible for childcare during support group meetings, lawyer for a day meetings and as deemed necessary by the Volunteer Coordinator and Child Therapist.
Direct Service VolunteerThursday, April 24, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009This position is never the same! One minute you’re answering our 24-hour domestic violence hotline, and the next you’re restocking toilet paper throughout the shelter. We have many resource manuals that constantly need to be updated as well as rambunctious children who want to play with you. If you’re up for anything, then this is the perfect fit for you.
Volunteer Court AdvocateThursday, April 24, 2008 - Thursday, December 31, 2009When you sign up to become a Volunteer Court Advocate, you will experience first hand what it is like to navigate the legal system with a survivor of domestic violence. As a court advocate, you will support survivors as they begin the difficult process of moving on with their lives.
Fundraising and Development Volunteer Monday, August 03, 2009 - Friday, December 31, 2010There's much more to fundraising than just asking for money. In fact, there's no limit to the imaginative ways in which you can help REACH raise vital funding and increased visibility. Fundraising is fun, rewarding and a great opportunity to meet lots of new people. Volunteers help us raise funds (and visibility) every year by getting involved in all kinds of activities!
Paper goodsWhile we are usually not able to accept donated items due to a lack of storage space, we almost always have a need for paper goods (ie: paper towels, toilet paper). If you would like to donate these items, or are interested in organizing a donation drive, please contact Courtney at 781-891-0724 x104 or courtney@reachma.org.
Holiday Gift programEach year, REACH matches holiday gift donors with families in need. In 2008 we served over 200 families affected by domestic violence. If you would like to get involved, please contact Deb at 781-891-0724 ext. 108.