Members of Women of Shir Ami pose with the fleece tie blankets that they made for NOVA clients. In addition to offering clients physical warmth, the blankets provide emotional comfort, reminding clients that they are cared for and supported as they engage in counseling to work through their trauma. (Credit: Women of Shir Ami)
From warm fleece blankets to heartfelt donations and tireless volunteer service, the Bucks County community continues to rally behind NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) — the region’s leading nonprofit committed to supporting victims of crime and violence.
Recent efforts by volunteers and local organizations have highlighted NOVA’s far-reaching impact and the deep compassion of those who support its mission.
Celebrating Those Who Serve Behind the Scenes
At its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held at Giuseppe’s Pizza and Family Restaurant in Warminster, NOVA honored more than 70 dedicated volunteers whose service spans a wide range of support—from staffing the 24/7 helpline and thrift shop to assisting with events and administrative work.
Special recognition was given to six volunteers who marked milestone anniversaries of service:
NOVA volunteers were honored for their dedication and service at a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held at Giuseppe’s Pizza and Family Restaurant. Six volunteers were recognized this year for achieving milestone anniversaries. Pictured (L to R) are Maria White, NOVA Thrift Shop Manager; NOVA volunteers Ruth Miller (10 years), Nancy Kapper (10 years), Maryann Edwards (10 years), and Betty Doty (5 years); and Julie Dugery, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Engagement, NOVA. Not pictured are Barbara Hampel (10 years) and Ann Marie Masgai (5 years). (Credit: NOVA)“Our volunteers are amazing, and we are so appreciative of them for their dedication to our mission and for donating their time and talents,” said Julie Dugery, NOVA’s Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator. “This dinner is our way of saying thank you.”
Currently, NOVA relies on the generosity of over 200 volunteers to support its operations across three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison, and Perkasie.
Supporting the Fight Against Human Trafficking
In April, the Encores Club of Doylestown presented NOVA with a $580 donation to support the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT), a project of NOVA aimed at raising awareness and combating human trafficking in the region.
“At Encores Club of Doylestown, we deeply value the vital work that BCAT/NOVA does to support victims of sexual assault and trafficking,” said Mary Gross, club president. “We were honored to contribute during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.”
Jamie Pfister, NOVA’s Training Coordinator, accepted the donation and emphasized its impact: “Their support strengthens our efforts to raise awareness, prevent human trafficking, and support survivors right here in Bucks County.”
Encores Club of Doylestown donated $580 to Bucks County Coalition Against Trafficking in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Pictured are Pat Edwards, left, chair of Community Service for month of April, Encores Club of Doylestown, and Jamie Pfister, Training Coordinator, NOVA. (Credit: Pat Edwards and caption courtesy of NOVA)Comfort, One Knot at a Time
Another act of generosity came from the Women of Shir Ami in Newtown, who recently donated seven handmade fleece tie blankets to NOVA’s clients. The cozy, colorful blankets—each crafted with care—are meant to provide comfort and a tangible reminder that survivors are not alone.
“This was an incredibly fun and meaningful project,” said Amy Buondonno, board member of Women of Shir Ami. “We all tried to infuse the blankets with as much love and good wishes for NOVA’s clients as we could.”
Penny Ettinger, NOVA’s executive director, expressed gratitude for the donation: “These blankets will provide a great measure of comfort to our clients who are dealing with the strain and anxiety that comes from being a victim of crime.”
From left to right, NOVA Counselors Jee Soo Lee, Kevin Keller, Beth Hafft, Ashley Foley, Ray'ven Hudley, Sydney Finsel, and Jackie Carnation proudly display the fleece tie blankets donated by Women of Shir Ami that will be provided to NOVA clients as they engage in counseling to work through their trauma. (Credit: Women of Shir Ami)A Mission Worth Supporting
Since its founding in 1974, NOVA has supported, counseled, and empowered victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County, while also working to eliminate violence through advocacy, prevention, and education.
With ongoing support from volunteers, donors, and partner organizations, NOVA continues to be a pillar of hope and healing in the community.
To learn more about NOVA’s programs or to get involved, visit www.NOVABucks.org or contact Julie Dugery at [email protected] or 215-343-6543.
