DVSSP News

Volume 34 | Issue 3 | Fall 2026

A Safe Place to Begin Again: Denise's Story

Denise had left an unsafe situation. But finding a safe place to begin again brought its own obstacles.

When she and her children relocated, the home they moved into was unfit to live in. She was trying to secure stable housing while navigating the emotional and financial effects of abuse. Past disruptions followed her into applications and conversations with landlords, where a broken lease could overshadow the reason she had needed to leave.

“I’ve broken the lease because, you know, my kids and I were in harm’s way and there was no other solution,” she explained. “It just looks negative.”

For Denise, rebuilding meant repeatedly explaining circumstances that an application or credit history could never fully capture. She was working to move forward, but the barriers made it difficult to find someone willing to work with her.

Her connection with DVSSP began with a simple need.

“I just called to get someone to talk to,” she said.

An advocate from another program had encouraged her to seek support in her new community. That call connected her with DVSSP’s Mobile Advocacy and Empowerment program. Denise also participated in therapy, which she described as helpful during the weeks she attended.

As she shared her housing challenges with her advocate, she was connected with Myra, a DVSSP housing advocate. Together, they worked toward securing a home for her family.

“Miss Myra has been able to assist me with getting me and the kids into stable housing,” Denise said.

That support made a life-changing difference. Denise found a private landlord willing to work with her, and her family gained housing they had struggled to secure. DVSSP also helped with food and Christmas needs, easing some of the pressures that came with rebuilding.

Just as meaningful was having someone she could call. Denise described Myra as a consistent source of support, including when she simply needed someone to talk to.

“It’s very helpful to have an advocate,” she said.

When Denise reflected on what she wanted others to understand, she spoke about compassion. A person’s circumstances are not always visible, and an ordinary interaction can mean more than anyone realizes.

“I think that people forget that we are all just people,” she said. “Be a little bit more courteous, give a little bit more grace in life.”

Her story offers a reminder of what rebuilding can require: persistence, practical resources, and people willing to listen. Denise took the step of reaching out. With advocacy alongside her, she was able to secure stable housing for herself and her children—and find support as she continued moving forward.

A Little Purple. A Powerful Message.

A purple bow on a tree. A porch glowing purple after sunset. Coworkers wearing purple together. This October, these simple gestures carry a message someone in our community may need to hear: You are not alone.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, remember lives lost, and recognize the role we all play in creating safer communities. At DVSSP, we see why awareness matters. It can help someone recognize abuse, find support, or feel ready to reach out. It can also help a friend or family member understand how to respond with compassion.

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Start a conversation. Share a resource. Turn your porch purple. Join us for Purple Thursday on October 15. Each action is an opportunity to make support more visible and help information reach someone who needs it.

Help us turn awareness into action this October. Visit our DVAM page for ways to get involved, request materials and bring the message to your neighborhood, workplace or school.

Tickets are on Sale for the Peace Begins at Home Dinner

Are you "All in for Peace?" The 20th Annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner is happening on Thursday, October 15 at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows.

Join us as we celebrate accomplishments, award community members who have impacted the lives of survivors of domestic violence, and raise funds that allow DVSSP to provide critical services in Washington, Greene, and Fayette counties.

This event just so happens to fall on #PurpleThursday this year, so start planning those purple 'fits now!

Flexible Funding, Lasting Impact

DVSSP is grateful to WesBanco and the Ann Sonneborn Charitable Foundation for providing flexible funding that helps survivors overcome financial barriers and move toward greater stability.

For Ellen*, that support meant keeping her internet connected when an overdue bill threatened to interrupt her son’s online college courses. DVSSP helped cover the balance, allowing him to continue his education and her to keep selling handmade crafts and jewelry to supplement their household income. Her son went on to graduate cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“DVSSP has been a lifeline in helping my family get back on our feet,” she wrote in a thank-you letter.

Thank you to WesBanco and the Ann Sonneborn Charitable Foundation for making these meaningful moments possible—and helping survivors and their families build brighter futures.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

Volunteer Spotlight: Melissa’s Gift for Giving Back

Melissa’s connection with DVSSP started with a clothing donation—and a love of wrapping gifts.

Around 15 years later, that simple introduction has grown into a lasting commitment to helping others feel supported, heard, and believed.

After moving back home to Washington, Melissa was donating clothes when she learned that DVSSP needed help at its Holiday Site.

“I LOVE wrapping gifts,” Melissa said. “So I came in that holiday season and got my wrap on!”

She has been lending a hand ever since. Events remain her favorite volunteer activities, and she regularly helps at the Peace from DV Walk and the Holiday Site. In 2020, she also completed DVSSP’s JARS training. 

That training continues to shape how Melissa supports people in her work at the Domestic Relations office. She pays close attention to what clients share—and how they share it. When appropriate, she tells them about DVSSP, offers the protections available through her office and provides the agency’s phone number and website.

“I want them to know they aren’t alone and that there is help available,” she said. “And most importantly, I listen to them and let them know I believe them.”

Last holiday season, Melissa discovered just how far one of those connections had reached. While wrapping packages beside another volunteer, she learned that the woman’s Domestic Relations Enforcement Officer had shared information about DVSSP and encouraged her to volunteer.

That officer was Melissa.

It was a full-circle moment: an introduction made through her everyday work had brought someone else to the same gift-wrapping tables where her own volunteer journey began.

For anyone considering volunteering, Melissa’s encouragement is heartfelt. She believes the opportunity to help someone can be life-changing—and the experience has changed her, too.

“I’ve been absolutely blessed with the opportunity to volunteer with DVSSP,” she said. “I’ve met amazing friends and what I have learned has made me a better person.”

And there’s one more perk.

“I also love the color purple, so that doesn’t hurt!”

Thank you, Melissa, for bringing your warmth, enthusiasm and listening ear to DVSSP—and for helping others find their own connection to our mission.

Volunteer with DVSSP

DVSSP is always looking for compassionate community members who want to help make our region safer.

Whether your interests are in advocacy, outreach, fundraising, or behind-the-scenes support, there’s a place for you on our volunteer team.

For more information or to fill out an application to become a volunteer, visit peacefromdv.org/get-involved/volunteer.

When Love Bombing Isn't Love: Recognizing the Early Signs of Control

“I bet he burst into your life like fireworks.”

In Taylor Swift's recently released “Patient Zero,” that image captures something that can be difficult to recognize in real life: a relationship that begins with an extraordinary amount of attention, affection, and intensity.

The song even wonders whether he was the first to say “I love you.”

Saying “I love you” first, sending flowers, texting frequently, or wanting to spend lots of time together aren't inherently unhealthy behaviors. In a healthy relationship, affection and excitement can be wonderful things.

But sometimes, overwhelming affection is part of a larger pattern known as love bombing.

When Affection Becomes Overwhelming

Love bombing generally describes excessive attention, praise, gifts, communication, or promises of commitment used to quickly create an intense emotional bond. A person may talk about forever very early in a relationship, shower their partner with attention, or make them feel as though they've finally found someone who understands them completely.

The important distinction isn't simply how much affection someone shows. It's what happens when the other person tries to slow things down, establish a boundary, or maintain independence.

Healthy affection respects boundaries. Controlling behavior pushes past them.

Someone might say:

“I just want to spend every minute with you.”
At first, it may sound romantic. But does that person become angry when you make plans with friends or family?

“I'm only worried about you.”
Concern can be caring. But does it turn into demands to know where you are, who you're with, or why you didn't respond immediately?

“I just want to protect you.”
Protection may sound loving. But does it become an excuse to discourage certain friendships, activities, clothing, work, or other choices?

“I've never felt this way about anyone.”
That may be sincere. But does the intensity make you feel pressured to move faster than you're comfortable with?

Look for Patterns, Not Isolated Moments

Domestic violence is about power and control, and unhealthy patterns can begin long before physical violence occurs.

One romantic gesture isn't love bombing. One jealous moment doesn't necessarily indicate an abusive relationship. Instead, pay attention to repeated behaviors and how they make you feel.

Can you say no without being punished, guilted, or pressured? Can you spend time with other people? Can you make your own decisions? Do you feel respected when you disagree? Are your boundaries accepted?

A healthy relationship should leave room for two people to remain individuals.

That's an important takeaway from the cultural conversation surrounding “Patient Zero.” Something that initially feels like fireworks can still be worth looking at more closely if excitement gradually gives way to pressure, isolation, monitoring, or control.

Recognizing those patterns early doesn't mean judging someone's relationship or telling them what they should do. It means giving people the language to identify behavior that doesn't feel right — and reminding them that support is available.

Healthy love doesn't require you to give up your independence to prove your commitment.

If you or someone you know has questions about a relationship, DVSSP is here to listen. Our 24/7 confidential helpline is available at 800-791-4000. All calls are free and confidential.

Getting to Know DVSSP: Morgan Hartley

What do you do for DVSSP and for how long have you been involved?
My name is Morgan Hartley, and I've been a DVSSP board member since 2025 as a member of the Governance Committee. I have also had the opportunity to support DVSSP through community engagement, fundraising, event support, advocacy, and helping strengthen the connection between DVSSP and my current employer through our Women’s Employee Resource Group.

What is the best thing about working with DVSSP?
The people, without question. There is so much heart behind this organization. Anytime I stop by the office, I’m greeted with hugs, smiles, and such a genuine sense of welcome. I always appreciate the contagious passion and excitement of the staff and volunteers, it is impossible not to feel energized by how deeply everyone cares about the mission. 

I’m constantly inspired by the compassion, thoughtfulness, and genuine care that goes into supporting survivors and strengthening our communities. It is really special to be part of a group of people who believe so deeply in the work and show up for it in so many different ways.

Describe your work in three words.
Purposeful. Compassionate. People-centered.

What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started with DVSSP?
How many different ways there are to make a difference. I think I originally thought about board service in a much more traditional sense, but I quickly learned that advocacy can look like so many things: sharing a resource, making a connection, volunteering at an event, introducing someone to the mission, helping with a fundraiser, or simply using your voice. You do not have to do something huge for it to matter.

What's one mistake you have made during your involvement and what have you learned from it? 
I can sometimes put pressure on myself to have everything completely thought through before I bring an idea to the table. Being part of DVSSP has reminded me that some of the best ideas grow through conversation and collaboration. I’ve learned to share the idea, trust the people around me, and let it become something even better together.

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?
I’m really excited about finding more meaningful ways to bring people into DVSSP’s mission. I love creating opportunities where someone can move beyond simply knowing about DVSSP to actually feeling connected to the mission, the people, and the impact of the work. 

I also really value being able to bring education, resources, and awareness back to my own organization, helping extend DVSSP’s reach and further strengthen the mission in another space. For me, the most exciting part is helping build those bridges between DVSSP, our community, and people who genuinely want to make a difference but may just need an opportunity or invitation to get started.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
As a kid, being on stage was always exciting to me. I loved performing, speaking, and having the opportunity to connect with people. Looking back, I think that part of me definitely carried into what I do now. I may not be performing on a stage, but so much of my work still involves bringing people together, communicating ideas, creating energy around something I care about, and hopefully using my voice in a way that makes a difference.

If you could add one thing to DVSSP with the sky being the limit, what would it be?
If the sky were truly the limit, I would create an entire destination for survivors and their families — almost like a little world built around healing, hope, joy, and new beginnings. It would have everything someone might need in one place: advocacy, counseling, legal support, childcare, career resources, financial education, wellness programming, beautiful outdoor spaces, places to gather, and opportunities to simply have fun and feel like themselves again.

I would want it to feel warm, welcoming, and full of life — not clinical or intimidating. A place where families could spend the day, kids could play, people could learn something new, connect with others, take care of themselves, and feel supported without having to explain why they are there.

More than anything, I would want it to be centered on what comes after survival — rebuilding confidence, rediscovering joy, creating new memories, and giving people space to imagine a future that feels safe, exciting, and entirely their own.

Create a movie title for your work with DVSSP.
Where the Heart Learns to Feel Safe Again

Anything else you'd like to share?
DVSSP’s mission is very meaningful to me because I believe so strongly in creating spaces where people feel safe, supported, heard, and empowered.

One of the biggest things life has taught me is that healing and rebuilding are rarely linear. Sometimes moving forward means learning to trust again, rediscovering who you are, and taking things one step at a time. That perspective has shaped the way I try to show up in every part of my life — with empathy, authenticity, and the hope that I can make things a little better for someone else.

Being part of DVSSP gives me an opportunity to turn that belief into action. I am incredibly grateful to contribute to an organization that reminds people they do not have to navigate difficult chapters alone and that there can still be so much life, joy, and possibility ahead.

Moving Together for Peace

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Peace from DV Walk a success!

On Sept. 12, our community gathered together at the Church of the Covenant in Washington to walk in support of survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence.

This year also brought something new: Peace in Motion, a community dance that invited participants of all ages and abilities to move together for survivors, hope, and a future free from violence. It was an energizing and meaningful way to begin the Walk — and a beautiful reminder of the power of standing together.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised more than $19,000 to support DVSSP’s free and confidential services!

To everyone who walked, danced, donated, sponsored, volunteered, fundraised, or helped spread the word: thank you. Your support keeps our mission moving forward. Read the full Walk recap and see more photos.

A Court Victory for Survivor Services

Survivors need access to safety and support when they reach out for help. A recent federal court ruling helps protect the funding that makes those services possible.

On September 29, a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled in favor of domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions and providers, invalidating unlawful conditions on U.S. Department of Justice grants. The restrictions had targeted inclusive services and would have prevented providers from helping certain noncitizen survivors and people unable to immediately prove their citizenship.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV), of which DVSSP is a member organization, was among the organizations behind the lawsuit. 

The decision protects access to grants that support shelters, crisis response, legal assistance and other essential services—an important victory for survivors and the organizations working alongside them. Read more.

Fayette Gives Returns November 5!

DVSSP is once again participating in Fayette Gives on Thursday, November 5, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Your generosity helps survivors find safety, support, and a path forward—and qualifying gifts will receive a 10% match, up to $10,000 in matching funds per nonprofit.

Want to give by check? The check contribution form is now available for download, so you can plan your gift ahead of time!

To qualify for the match, donations must be at least $25 per nonprofit, be made through an approved Fayette Gives donation method, and arrive at the CFFC office by 8 p.m. on November 5, 2026. Checks must be received by the deadline, not simply postmarked. For online gifts, the match is calculated after applicable fees are deducted.

Thank you for helping make safety and hope possible for survivors in Fayette County!

Board of Directors

Mike McClaine, Chair
Hannah Perri, Vice Chair
Polly Musar, Treasurer
Adele Filek, Secretary
Lori M. Ashby
Morgan Hartley
Kathi Hull
Jordan Joltes
Sherri Lewis
Evie McPherson
Liz Menhart
Rene Nikolopoulos
Maggie Wallen
Elisabeth H. Wagers
Dolores H. Hart, Director Emeritus