201412.01

BLOG: November Wrap-Up

What you might have missed… It is hard to believe the holiday season is already underway. At the office, we value the holiday season as a time to be especially giving. During the month of November, we engaged in several efforts focused on education, prevention, and even donated to those in need. Although the season is a time for joy and fun, it is also still a time for work – and with that, our work doesn’t end. Here are just a few highlights from our month…

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND PREVENTION EFFORTS:

The DA’s office partnered with the Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women to produce a first-ever joint panel on domestic violence. The panel consisted of area experts including the Executive Director of The Women’s Center, Pamela Macleod-Lima, New Bedford Police Detective Christopher A. Cotter, Bristol County DA Social Media Manager and survivor speaker Ashley Bendiksen, and Bristol County DA Domestic Violence Unit Chief Courtney Cahill. The panel educated the entire freshman class of 500+ students at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School on recognizing domestic violence and fostering healthy relationships.

Nearly 100 New Bedford area youth participated in one of our many annual FREE basketball clinics. The clinic was managed by Brian Rose, who was assisted by several staff persons of the DA’s office, the New Bedford High School coaches and members of their teams. Youth in attendance received our free sports bag along with area sports information, safety tips and resources.

As a member of the Massachusetts Employers Against Domestic Violence (EADV), the office was involved in a half-day workshop titled, “Understanding How Domestic Violence Affects Your Workplace and Your Legal Responsibilities as an Employer.” Domestic Violence Unit Chief Courtney Cahill is the President of EADV and coordinated the event. Social Media Manager Ashley Bendiksen spoke as a survivor panelist at the conference.

The office held its annual coat drive – this year benefiting the United Neighbors of Fall River. During the week of Thanksgiving, Community Affairs Manager Brian Rose donated four full bags of more than 50 coats, as well as warm clothing, gloves, scarves, hats, and an estimated 20 pounds of food and toiletries to those in need.

We also added several articles to our BLOG to help you best navigate and serve others during the holiday season. Be sure to take a look!

IN THE NEWS:

Volunteer spotlight! A true testament to the civic-minded nature of our staff, Ashley Bendiksen of the DA’s office was recognized in several local newspapers for her efforts to serve the community and raise money for charity. Read the article here.

PRESS RELEASES:

Free Youth Basketball Clinic This Saturday in New Bedford