Voices Against Violence Receives $7,000 Grant

FRAMINGHAM, MA -Voices Against Violence,, the domestic violence and rape crisis program of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), recently received a $7,000 grant from the Foundation for MetroWest.

The funding will be used to enhance a region-wide outreach program to educate the community about the nature and impact of domestic violence and to ensure that victims, their families and friends are aware of the free and comprehensive services available.

Voices Against Violence conducts educational seminars for students in area middle and high schools on healthy relationships and teen dating violence and provides training and professional development workshops to community organizations on how to recognize when a client, neighbor, or friend is experiencing domestic violence and how to make a referral to Voices Against Violence.

“We are so grateful to the Foundation for MetroWest for its continued support of our work,” said Voices Director Mary Gianakis. “This funding will allow us to go into the community and talk about the range of services we provide victims of rape and domestic violence. From emergency shelter to connecting victims and families to professional counseling and legal assistance, Voices is a lifeline for victims of domestic abuse. We know that sexual assault and
domestic violence continue to be pervasive issues in our society and it is gratifying that an organization like the Foundation understands that and is there to support our mission.”

“We believe that a strong community is one where every person feels safe and connected,” said Judy Salerno, Executive Director of the Foundation for MetroWest. “The work that Voices Against Foundation Grant Violence does brings us closer and closer to that goal and it is with great pride that we support their work.”

Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted $11.6 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $15 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact.

Voices Against Violence services are free and confidential, and available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The organization is a proud core member of Jane Doe, Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. The 24-hour hotline is 1-800-593-1125.