HARDWICK — Over the past year, AWARE continued to provide vital support to individuals and families affected by domestic and sexual violence across the greater Hardwick area as it has since 1984.
AWARE advocates assisted more than 220 families, providing legal support and information, safety planning, crisis response and help accessing housing, transportation, medical and mental health care and other essential community resources.
AWARE honored and remembered lives lost to violence by hosting a community vigil to recognize 15 victims of domestic and sexual violence. Life-sized Silent Witness silhouettes, each accompanied by a plaque sharing the individual’s story, served as a powerful reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of prevention.
Community fundraising and awareness efforts this year included the Fall Foliage Craft Fair that drew over 450 attendees and raised nearly $5,000.
Twenty-six people joined AWARE’s annual walk, raising more than $8,000 to support local services.
The annual AWARE kayak raffle sold over $1,100 in tickets, with the prize awarded to Nathaniel Cunningham.
This year also marked leadership updates. Miranda Elkins was named AWARE’s executive director, and Tonda Bryant returned to serve as AWARE youth advocate, after previously serving as both youth and legal advocate.
AWARE staff and volunteers remained active in the community, participating in local school wellness days, trainings and collaborative meetings.
During the year, an updated website, awarevt.org, improved access to resources, information and ways to connect with AWARE.
Through advocacy, education and community engagement, AWARE continues its commitment to building safety, awareness and healing throughout the greater Hardwick area that includes Cabot, Craftsbury, Greensboro, Stannard, Walden and Woodbury.
AWARE’s ongoing mission is to provide 24/7 support, advocacy and prevention services to end domestic and sexual violence, empower individuals, fostering community empathy and non-violence, with the recent addition of diversity efforts.
AWARE’s services are free and confidential, using a survivor-centered, empowerment-based approach that fosters respect and dignity.
Those needing assistance should call the AWARE hotline at (802) 472-6463 or [email protected].
