2010 marks the fourth year that we are fundraising for the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, in the Fifth Annual "Walk For Change" on Sunday, April 11, 2010.  You've amazed us in the past with your generous support.  In 2009 alone, you helped us raise $5390!  This year we are asking for your continued support to walk with us, sponsor us, or both.

Cathleen has volunteered for this important organization since 1998 as a rape crisis counselor and public educator.  Awareness of sexual violence has grown, but what BARCC has been trying to do over the last few years is go one step further, engaging the community in ways that encourage individuals to realize THEIR own ability to stop sexual violence:

• We're going into communities and teaching what it means to be an active bystander when we hear language or see behavior that is inappropriate or damaging. 
• We're encouraging young people in schools to develop language that 'works' for their group of friends and schoolmates
• We're talking to knitting clubs and other social groups about how domestic violence and gender violence affects their lives and their neighborhoods.

From these conversations - like seeds - grows discussion, then openness, and then action.  You can help us help others in two ways: 

• Walk with us:  Register at the bottom of the page and join the team 'CAP$ and Friends' when prompted.
• Sponsor us:  Simply use this secure web page, or send us a check made payable to "BARCC"
  

And, to encourage you all to give as much as you can, we are donating one dollar for every five dollars pledged.  We know the economic times are tough again this year -- we feel the squeeze, too -- so in response, we're going to eat out a little less, forgo some extra treats, and give as generously as possible to this non-profit that is being asked to do so much more with much less, too.

BARCC is the only provider of comprehensive rape crisis services in the greater Boston area. They provide free services to survivors, family members and the community.  Your donations will make a difference:

• $25 helps BARCC answer two hotline calls.
• $75 pays for medical accompaniment to a hospital emergency room by a trained volunteer.
  
• $200 supports the first three sessions of free counseling for survivors and their families.
  
• $1,000 allows a new volunteer or intern to attend BARCC’s comprehensive training program.

For more information about BARCC, visit them online at 

www.barcc.org, or send us your questions.  Thank you so much in advance!

Sincerely,

Cathleen and Rob