Dear Friends,

The holiday season is a time to give thanks and reflect on the past year.  The Melrose Alliance Against Violence has so much to be thankful for.  New developments from 2009 include:

• Launched "The Breakfast Club" a new weekly peer mentoring program at Melrose High School designed to support 9th grade students at risk 

• Student Action Board was recognized with "Jackson Katz Award" for excellence from Northeastern University

•  Developed and led "Recognizing Domestic Violence in the Health Care Setting" for Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and Regis College program for nurse practitioners

Over the last two months, however, the Melrose Police Department's Domestic Violence Officer has responded to over 20 domestic violence incidents in the city.  Sadly, with the pressures of holiday stress and a tough economy, we anticipate an increase in calls this month.

We are grateful to have the support of friends like you, who understand MAAV's critical role in reaching out to and supporting victims of domestic violence.  If you would like to make a donation, please click on "Give Now" at the top of this page or, if you prefer to send a check, please mail it to MAAV, 235 West Foster Street, Melrose, MA 02176.  Please let us know if you would like to make the gift in a loved one's name, and we'll send them a holiday card and acknowledgment.  Each tax-deductible gift will be used to provide domestic violence victims with resources, referrals and support. 

Thank you for your support of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence.  Please visit our website, www.maav.org, for more information and updates on our programs.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

MAAV's Board of Directors & Staff

P.S.  As a special thank you, supporters who give a gift of $100 or more before December 31st, will receive one of MAAV's 2009 memory bracelets, designed to raise awareness of domestic violence.