DVSSP News

Volume 33 | Issue 3 | December 2025

Peace Begins at Home Dinner Celebrates Courage, Community, and Compassion

The 19th Annual Peace Begins at Home Dinner brought together community leaders, advocates, and supporters for an inspiring evening of celebration and hope at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows on October 15.

This year’s theme, “Bet on Peace,” came to life in the casino’s Triple Crown Banquet Room, where elegant décor, shimmering purple lighting, and digital signage created a beautiful backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, raffles, and a dinner program recognizing the incredible partnerships that help DVSSP continue its mission of ending domestic violence by empowering survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities.

DVSSP proudly recognized three Outstanding Community Partners for their extraordinary commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening community partnerships:

• Clint Iams, CEO and owner of Log Cabin Fence Company, for donating materials and leading volunteers from the North American Fence Contractor Association to install a new privacy fence at DVSSP’s Washington Safe House.
  
  
• Brian Gorman, Executive Director of Summit Legal Aid, for providing critical civil legal representation to survivors at Protection From Abuse hearings and generously sharing office space with DVSSP advocates.
  
  
• Nicole Mitchell, Executive Director of Flenniken Public Library, for her leadership and collaboration through the THRIVE Project, helping to make the library a welcoming space for art, cooking, and community programs that empower local residents.

The highlight of the evening was hearing from keynote speaker Jen Pardini, who courageously shared her story of survival and healing after a violent attack by her ex-boyfriend. Her message of resilience and hope moved attendees and served as a powerful reminder of why DVSSP’s services are so vital. Read the full story and see more event photos here.

Together, We Sustain the Peace

Dear Friends,

As another year draws to a close, we are reminded that peace is not simply the absence of violence—it is the presence of compassion, courage, and community.

At DVSSP, we see every day how your generosity sustains that peace. Because of you, survivors find safety and hope. Families begin to heal. Communities grow stronger.

For more than forty years, DVSSP has stood as a beacon of light for those seeking refuge and renewal. This year, your partnership has helped ensure that light continues to shine—guiding survivors toward healing and empowering us all to build safer, more peaceful futures.

Together, we sustain the peace. And together, we move forward with hope. May the warmth of this season fill your heart with gratitude, peace, and joy. From all of us at DVSSP, thank you for standing beside us and believing in our mission.

With heartfelt appreciation,
The DVSSP Team

Community Gathers for Peace from DV Walk

On Saturday, September 13, DVSSP hosted its 10th annual Peace from DV Walk at the Church of the Covenant in Washington. With sunshine, blue skies, and a spirit of unity, the community united to raise awareness about domestic violence and show support for survivors. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, the event raised $10,639.89 after expenses—funds that will go directly toward providing safety, shelter, and support for survivors of domestic violence. View more event photos here.

Getting to Know DVSSP: Etor Ndinyah

What do you do for DVSSP and for how long have you been involved?
My name is Etor Ndinyah, and I serve as the Donor Engagement Specialist for DVSSP. In this role, I focus on building meaningful relationships with our corporate and individual sponsors, finding new ways to connect with the community, and elevating the support that sustains our non-profit. This is a new role within the agency, and I’m excited about the opportunity to expand our impact and strengthen our engagement with those who believe in our mission.

What is the best thing about working with DVSSP? The best thing about working with DVSSP is knowing the meaningful support we provide to others. From empowering our employees to uplift survivors, the environment here is positive, collaborative, and truly dedicated to growth. It’s a place where everyone is encouraged to learn, thrive, and make a real impact.

Describe your work in three words.
My work is empowering, inviting, and innovative; focused on building meaningful connections and creating opportunities for growth.

What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started with DVSSP? I wish I had known just how much I would enjoy my new role. After leaving my career in audiology, I discovered that so many of my skills are transferable, and that they still allow me to support and help others in meaningful ways.

What's one mistake you have made during your involvement and what have you learned from it? One mistake I made was thinking I had to get everything right the first time. Transitioning into a new role comes with a learning curve, and I’ve discovered that mistakes are part of that journey. I’ve learned to embrace them, give myself grace, and use each moment as a chance to develop stronger, more authentic relationships in the community.

What is the best thing about working at DVSSP? The people and Megan, our CEO. Thank you for believing in me. Your trust motivates me every day to give my best and find meaningful ways to strengthen our mission.

What project are you currently working on that excites you the most? There are so many visions I’m excited about, but the one that stands out most is diving deeper into our current database. My goal is to connect with new and current supporters and show them how their involvement can make a meaningful impact.

What did you want to grow up to be when you were a kid?
Growing up, I always said that I wanted to be a lawyer. I have family in the industry and grew up watching Judge Judy. Fun fact; I still watch her today!

Create a movie title for your work with DVSSP.
A Journey of Empowerment

Community Spotlight: Thank You, Lamar Advertising

This December, as our community reflects on the season of giving, DVSSP is proud to shine a spotlight on a partner that continues to help us amplify peace in a powerful way—Lamar Advertising.

For the second year in a row, Lamar has generously donated digital billboard space in Washington County to help elevate DVSSP’s Together, We Sustain the Peace campaign. This meaningful in-kind gift allows our message of hope, safety, and support to be seen by thousands of people each day—at a time of year when awareness and connection matter more than ever.

Billboards do more than display messages; they start conversations. Through Lamar’s continued partnership, survivors are reminded that help is available, friends and neighbors are encouraged to look out for one another, and our entire community is invited to take part in building safer, more compassionate spaces for all. This visibility is especially vital during the holidays, when stress, isolation, and safety risks can increase for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

Lamar’s generosity reflects what’s possible when businesses use their voice and resources for good. Their ongoing commitment to DVSSP not only strengthens our outreach—it sends a message that our community stands together against violence and in support of survivors.

We are deeply grateful to Lamar Advertising for standing with us once again and for helping ensure that the message of peace, hope, and help reaches far and wide this holiday season.

Gayle's Story: Finding Strength, Safety, and Support with DVSSP

Supporting a Loved One Experiencing Abuse: What to Say (and What Not to Say)

If someone you care about shares that they are experiencing abuse, your response matters more than you may realize. Whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, how you react in that moment can influence whether they feel supported—or silenced. Many survivors take enormous emotional risks to speak up, and fear of judgment or pressure often keeps them quiet. Knowing what to say—and what to avoid—can make all the difference.

Support starts with listening. Survivors need space to share at their own pace and in their own way. Helpful responses include:

“I’m really glad you told me.” This affirms their courage.
“You don’t deserve this.” Abuse is never the survivor’s fault.
“I believe you.” Being believed is powerful and healing.
“You’re not alone—I’m here with you.” Connection reduces isolation.
“There is help available when you’re ready.” This keeps the door open without pressure.

These words validate experiences, restore dignity, and reinforce that support exists beyond the moment of disclosure.

Even well-intentioned words can unintentionally cause harm. Some examples of what NOT to say are:

“Why don’t you just leave?” Leaving is often the most dangerous time.
“I would never put up with that.” This can create shame.
“Are you sure it’s really abuse?” This can deepen self-doubt.
“You must have done something to upset them.” Abuse is about control, not conflict.

Survivors may remain in abusive relationships for many complex reasons—safety concerns, finances, children, immigration status, fear, love, or isolation. It’s not about lack of strength; it’s about survival.

You don’t have to “fix” the situation to be helpful. You can:

• Respect their decisions—even if you don’t agree.

• Keep their information confidential.

• Stay connected and check in without pushing.

If appropriate, you can gently share that confidential help is available through DVSSP at 800-791-4000 or at peacefromdv.org—free of charge and available 24/7.

When we respond with compassion instead of judgment, we help create a community where survivors feel safe seeking help. Supporting someone through abuse may feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or even frustrating at times—but your steady presence can be life-changing.

This season, and all year long, the most powerful thing we can offer one another is empathy. Together, we sustain peace—one conversation, one act of support, and one survivor at a time.

Save the Date for 2026 Events

• February 2026 | Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
• March 20, 2026 | DVSSP Bingo | Alpine Lanes, Washington County
• May TBD | DVSSP Trivia | The Way Community Center, Greene County
  
• June TBD | DVSSP Bowling | Yough Lanes, Fayette County
  
• September TBD | Peace from DV Walk | Church of the Covenant, Washington County
  
• October 2026 | Domestic Violence Awareness Month
  
• THURSDAY, October 15, 2026 | Peace Begins at Home Dinner | Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington County
  

Board Transitions at DVSSP

DVSSP extends our heartfelt gratitude to Nina Pompeani as she concludes her dedicated service on our Board of Directors. Nina’s commitment, insight, and support have played a meaningful role in strengthening our mission and advancing our impact across the community. We are deeply thankful for her time, leadership, and passion for the work of ending domestic violence.

We are also pleased to welcome two new members to the DVSSP Board:

• Morgan Hartley, Supervisor, Employee Experience at HICO America, brings valuable expertise in organizational culture and employee engagement.

• Maggie Wallen, Community and Project Outreach Specialist at Williams, contributes a strong background in community partnership and outreach.

We look forward to the perspective, energy, and leadership Morgan and Maggie will bring as we continue working together to support survivors and build safer communities.

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
Nina Pompeani
Maggie Wallen
Dolores H. Hart, Director Emeritus