EMPOWER Newsletter - June 2026
Volume 34 | Issue 2 | June 2026
"Unlocking Hope" Benefit Supports DVSSP
On Friday, June 6, community members gathered at the historic Washington Trust Building for Unlocking Hope: A Roaring 20s Benefit, a special event planned and hosted specifically to support DVSSP.
The evening was filled with music, laughter, generosity, and plenty of Roaring 20s flair as guests came together in support of survivors of domestic violence. From the thoughtfully planned experience to the enthusiasm of attendees who embraced the theme, the event showcased the power of community members coming together to make a difference.
DVSSP is incredibly grateful to Trek Development Group for choosing to invest in our mission and creating an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for survivors in our region.
Every ticket purchased, donation made, and connection formed throughout the evening helps support the vital services DVSSP provides, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, therapy, housing assistance, prevention education, and community outreach.
DVSSP's Stars & Strikes Bowling Night
NEW! Support Group for Significant Others
When someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence, it can be difficult to know how best to support them. DVSSP's Significant Other Support Group offers a safe, virtual space for partners, family members, friends, and caregivers to learn, connect, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges survivors face.
Participants will explore practical ways to provide meaningful support, share experiences with others, and build confidence in navigating their loved one's healing journey. The group meets virtually on Mondays from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
For more information or to register, contact rb@peacefromdv.org or jbt@peacefromdv.org.
A Survivor's Perspective
Now Hiring!
Looking for meaningful work that makes a difference every day? DVSSP is currently seeking passionate individuals to join our team as a Director of Development, Prevention Education Specialist, and Domestic Violence Advocate. If you're ready to help empower survivors and create safer communities, we encourage you to apply.
Building a Strong Future
DVSSP has been selected to participate in Henry L. Hillman Foundation's Capitalization Initiative, a multi-year effort focused on strengthening nonprofit sustainability and community impact.
As part of the initiative, DVSSP will work alongside other nonprofit organizations in a cohort-based learning model while implementing a plan to strengthen fundraising capacity and grow community support. The first phase includes the creation of a Development Department and the hiring of a Director of Development.
Read the full story on our website to learn how this opportunity will help strengthen DVSSP's mission for years to come.
Washington Greene Health Foundation Supports Trauma-Informed Therapy Services
DVSSP is grateful to the Washington Greene Health Foundation for awarding a $9,000 grant through its 2026 Pilot Community Grantmaking Cycle to support therapy services for survivors of domestic violence.
The funding will support DVSSP's trauma-informed therapy program, which provides individual counseling, virtual support groups, and specialized treatment for survivors ages 14 and older. Services are available both in person and virtually, helping reduce barriers such as transportation, safety concerns, and cost while ensuring survivors have access to the care they need.
By supporting these services, the Washington Greene Health Foundation is helping survivors heal from trauma, build resilience, and move forward with hope. We are deeply appreciative of their investment in the health and well-being of our community and their partnership in creating safer futures for survivors and their families.
Thanks to United Way for Supporting Safe House Improvements
Thank you to the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania for a $12,000 grant to support essential plumbing repairs at DVSSP's Fayette Safe House. This funding will help replace the home's aging plumbing system, ensuring survivors and their children have access to a safe and welcoming place to heal and begin again.
Getting to Know DVSSP: Adele Filek-Marvin
What do you do for DVSSP and for how long have you been involved?
My name is Adele Filek-Marvin, and I've been a DVSSP board member since 2023, currently serving on the Governance Committee.
What is the best thing about working with DVSSP?
The best thing about working at DVSSP is the dedication and compassion of the team. Everyone here shares a genuine commitment to the mission, which creates a supportive and purpose-driven work environment that is truly unique.
Describe your work in three words.
Healing, serving, protecting
What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started with DVSSP?
As a board member, I wish I had more fully appreciated early on the depth of community resources and partnerships that DVSSP leverages on behalf of its clients. Gaining that broader understanding sooner would have strengthened my ability to support the organization's mission more strategically and advocate more effectively for the people we serve.
What's one mistake you have made during your involvement and what have you learned from it?
One mistake I made early in my board involvement was not asking enough questions during meetings. I have learned that a board member's greatest contribution is thoughtful, informed engagement; asking the right questions is not a sign of doubt, it is a sign of diligence and responsible governance.
What project are you currently working on that excites you the most?
I am most energized by our ongoing efforts to deepen partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Building a stronger referral and support network around DVSSP means survivors receive more seamless, wraparound care — and that is a goal worth pouring energy into.
What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work in medicine and help people in their most vulnerable moments. That dream led me to serve as a medic in the United States Air Force; an experience that shaped not only my career but my deep commitment to service. In many ways, my path to DVSSP feels like a natural continuation of that calling; showing up for people when they need help most.
If you could add one thing to DVSSP with the sky being the limit, what would it be?
I would build a dedicated community education and prevention center; a visible, welcoming space where schools, families, and community organizations could come together to learn about healthy relationships, recognize warning signs of abuse, and access resources before a crisis occurs. True impact means preventing harm before it happens, and that requires deep, ongoing community investment.
Create a movie title for your work with DVSSP.
A Thousand Safe Doors — Every survivor deserves a way out
Anything else you'd like to share?
I would love the opportunity to become more directly involved with DVSSP's clients by utilizing my medical background and training as a former Air Force medic and current Emergency Medicine instructor. I believe there is tremendous value in offering health-informed support to survivors, and I am eager to explore ways to bridge my clinical experience with the incredible work this organization does every day. I am committed to showing up not just in the boardroom, but on the front lines of this mission.
Trivia Night Brings Smiles in Greene County
Thank you to everyone who joined us for DVSSP's Trivia Night at the Way Community Center in Greene County! Teams put their knowledge to the test while coming together to support survivors of domestic violence and the services DVSSP provides throughout our region.
We are grateful to our presenting sponsor, First Federal Savings & Loan of Greene County, as well as our many supporters, volunteers, and participants who helped make the event a success. Thank you also to venue sponsor, The Way Community Center of Greene County, and to Greene County CTC for making beautiful medals. Congratulations to our winning teams, and thank you for proving that a little friendly competition can make a big difference in our community.
Carmichaels Area School District Students Win Teen Dating Violence Awareness Video Contest
Their voices matter—and their message is powerful. Congratulations to the winners of DVSSP's Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Video Contest for creating a thoughtful and impactful video that encourages healthy relationships and respect. Check out the winning entry and help us spread awareness among teens and young adults!
Financial Abuse: The Barrier No One Talks About
When people think about domestic violence, they often picture physical abuse. But for many survivors, one of the most powerful tools of control is money.
Financial abuse occurs when one person uses finances to gain power and control over another. It can happen in relationships of any age, income level, or background, and it is present in the vast majority of abusive relationships.
Financial abuse may include:
- Controlling access to bank accounts or credit cards
- Preventing a partner from working or attending school
- Monitoring every purchase or requiring receipts
- Taking a partner's paycheck
- Creating debt in someone else's name
- Refusing to contribute to household expenses while controlling family finances
Over time, these behaviors can leave survivors feeling trapped. Even when they recognize that a relationship is unhealthy or unsafe, concerns about housing, transportation, childcare, or simply being able to pay the bills can make leaving feel impossible.
Financial abuse doesn't always end when a relationship ends. Survivors may face damaged credit, legal issues related to debt, or the challenge of rebuilding financial independence from scratch.
That's why support services are so important. At DVSSP, advocates work with survivors to explore options, connect with resources, develop safety plans, and build pathways toward greater independence and stability.
Financial abuse thrives in silence. By understanding the warning signs and talking openly about this often-overlooked form of abuse, we can help more people recognize unhealthy behaviors and seek support sooner.
Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and shared decision-making—not control. Everyone deserves the freedom to make choices about their own finances and their own future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, DVSSP's 24/7 confidential helpline is available at 800-791-4000.
Stepping Up to the Plate for Prevention
DVSSP was proud to attend the Washington Wild Things game on Friday, June 12, where Youth Sports and Prevention Specialist Andrew educated spectators about DVSSP's prevention programs. Fans also had the opportunity to sign DVSSP's "Step Up to the Plate" pledge, committing to help create safe homes, healthy relationships, and communities free from violence for the next generation.
Building Hope through Trauma-informed Communities
DVSSP Prevention Education Specialist Shayna Blackford is helping strengthen trauma-informed communities through her participation in Hope Beyond Hurt, a regional coalition serving Bedford, Cambria, Fayette, and Somerset counties.
Hope Beyond Hurt brings together organizations, professionals, and community members with a shared mission: to recognize, respond to, and prevent trauma while promoting healing and resilience. The coalition works to increase awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), helping communities understand how early experiences can impact lifelong health, relationships, and well-being.
Through this partnership, Shayna has participated in trainings and collaborative discussions focused on building protective factors and fostering resilience. The coalition also promotes the Four Building Blocks of HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences): relationships, environments, engagement, and emotional growth.
By participating in Hope Beyond Hurt, DVSSP continues to strengthen its prevention efforts and expand opportunities to educate communities about the impact of trauma and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for children and families.
"We know that preventing violence begins long before a crisis occurs," Shayna shared. "By helping communities understand trauma, resilience, and positive childhood experiences, we can create healthier environments where individuals and families can thrive."
DVSSP is proud to be part of this collaborative effort to build stronger, more resilient communities across southwestern Pennsylvania.
Remembering Cheryl McCready
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Cheryl McCready.
Cheryl served the Greene County office of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania from March 1999 through June 2023, and even after retiring, she continued to support our mission as a volunteer. Her dedication to survivors and our community spanned more than two decades.
Cheryl brought warmth, humor, and heart to everything she did. She was resourceful, creative, and always ready with a story that could make a room laugh. She loved writing, creating activities for kids at our outreach tables, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate Rain Day in Waynesburg. She was also known for her legendary love of food and leftovers—and for posing happily in photos whenever the moment called for it.
Most of all, Cheryl was kind and caring. As one colleague shared, she always greeted others with a big smile and made people feel welcome from the very first moment they met her. And that’s something people will never forget—how she made them feel.
Cheryl leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and joy that will always be part of DVSSP.
We are grateful for the many years she gave to our organization and to the survivors we serve. She will be deeply missed. Read the full obituary here.
Upcoming Events
June 26, 2026 | DVSSP Stars & Strikes Bowling | Yough Lanes, Connellsville
September 10, 2026 | WCCF Gives | wccfgives.org
September 12, 2026 | Peace from DV Walk | Church of the Covenant, Washington
October 2026 | Domestic Violence Awareness Month
THURSDAY, October 15, 2026 | Peace Begins at Home Dinner | Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington
Board of Directors
Mike McClaine, Chair
Hannah Perri, Vice Chair
Polly Musar, Treasurer
Elisabeth H. Wagers, Secretary
Lori M. Ashby
Adele Filek-Marvin
Morgan Hartley
Kathi Hull
Jordan Joltes
Evie McPherson
Liz Menhart
Rene Nikolopoulos
Maggie Wallen
Dolores H. Hart, Director Emeritus
