Teen Training Session I
07/06/10

Teen Training Session II
07/10/10

CORE Training Session I
07/13/10

CORE Training Session II
07/17/10

Direct Service Training
07/20/10

Development Volunteer Information Night
07/22/10

Are you interested in raising funds, planning events, and helping with the development of communications materials that promote A Woman's Place (AWP) throughout the community? Come to an interest meeting on Thursday, June 22nd at 6:30 at Rodman to learn about volunteer opportunities for Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy and other organizational events, donor relationship building, communications writing and design work, and opportunities to join various organizational committees.No experience necessary. We will provide you with any training and support needed. Just come with an open mind and an eagerness to help the organization grow! If you are interested in attending this information session, please email Jenny Salisbury or call 215.343.9241 x108.

Volunteer Night
08/02/10

Meet staff, volunteers, and potential volunteers and learn about AWP and volunteering opportunities. Anyone can attend! Dinner will be served. Volunteer Night is held on the first Monday of every month from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. August's volunteer night will be held on Monday the 2nd. For more information or if you want to attend please contact Sarah Scott at 215.343.9241 x114 or by email.

On March 24^th & 25^th all three of AWP's community educators and adedicated volunteer, Liesbeth Bisschops, facilitated a two-day educational outreach program at Klinger Middle School in the Centennial School District for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The collaborative program was arranged by Grade 8 science teacher, Mike Dooley.

Students in the 6^th grade participated in a lesson entitled Types of False Friends. This lesson aimed to build students awareness of the five types of false friends they may encounter and to help students understand the difference between a true and a false friend. The students discussed these five types of false friends and shared experiences they have had in friendships addressing three main questions, "How did it feel to be treated this way", "Why would someone act this way", and "How would a true friend act in these situations". The students also were presented with information on how to assess a friendship to ensure it is healthy and happy.

Given that so many young teens are a part of today's technologically advanced world, the 7^th graders learned about the importance of being safe in cyber-space through a program called Digital Dangers: Texting, Sexting, and Cyberbullying. This program focused on the various ways that technology - cells phone, the Internet, and other digital devices - can be misused to make others feel bad about themselves. The students discussed the ins-and-outs of "sexting", what it means to be a cyberbully, what cyber abuse might look like, and how to protect themselves and others from digital harassment.

Designed as a teenage relationship awareness program, the grade 8 program, Promoting Healthy Relationships, addressed the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. The program, framed around the essential question, "How might knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships help you to make good decisions for yourself?", required the students to assess a current relationship, consider both their rights and responsibilities in a relationship, and to identify the behaviors they desire in a healthy relationship.

Part of AWP's current 3-year strategic plan is to expand the education and outreach program. This was decided upon after a recommendation from the Bucks County Fatality Review Commission, as printed in their report following the deaths of 12 Bucks County residents in a six month span in 2005. If you are interested in having a member of AWP's Education and Training Department come and speak to a group of people, please contact Sarah Scott at 215.343.9241 x114 or by email. All of our trainings can be tailored to best fit the audience.

On February 13th, amid the various snowstorms of the week, A Woman’s Place (AWP) and more than 200 members of the community gathered together to “Eat Dessert First” and celebrate the 15^th anniversary Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy.

 The event was held, once again, at the majestic Tyler Hall on the campus of Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Attendees were served delicious hors d’oeuvres made by Memorable Affairs, sipped on beer and wine, and indulged in a dessert spread that measured more than 55 feet in length made of chocolate confections donated by more than 40 bakeries and individuals throughout the county.

The silent auction featured 80 baskets that ranged in theme from children’s items, to cookware, to beauty and spa packages. The live auction, which became the venue for some very intense bidding, featured 20 items that ranged from sporting tickets, to signed footballs, as well as two trips – one to Mexico and one to Orlando!

Our warmest wishes are extended to Tom Lovett, as he was the winner of our “Cold?! Schmold?!” Fantasy Raffle. This year’s raffle prize was a trip for two to the super inclusive Breezes Resorts Bahamas on the famous Cable Beach in Nassau, along with round-trip airfare for two on US Airways!

Overall, the 15^th anniversary Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy was a magnificent success, exceeding all expectations! The event raised more than $86,000 to help support the programs and services that AWP provides to members of the Bucks County community. One of the projects that will be funded by proceeds from the event is a transitional housing project that was highlighted as our “Good Will” lot during the live auction. We would like to thank our 24 event sponsors, as well as the donors, volunteers, and staff for helping to create a truly delightful evening.

It is through events like Chocolate Lovers’ Fantasy that AWP is able to not only raise funds needed to keep our extremely vital programs and services running, but also raise awareness of our mission to expand the education and advocacy required to create the social change that will one day lead to world where individuals feel safe around those closest to them. Thank you again for your extremely generous support! We hope to see you again next February!

Congratulations to the newest graduating class of AWP's Direct Service training! 16 AWP volunteers went through the 45-hour training this summer!

AWP hosted a table again this year at the Middletown Grange.  Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers that helped table the event throughout the week!

Thank you so much to the Oxford Valley Ladies Golf Association and Men's League for allowing AWP to be a part of the 5th annual Charity Golf Tournament. It was a day filled with fun, friends, golf, and hotdogs with sauerkraut to write home about!

This year's Volunteer Appreciation Night was held at Full Circle on April 22. With nearly 50 attendees, the evening was filled with good food, great conversation, and ended with the acknowledgement of 13 volunteers who really went above and beyond the past year.

Program Volunteers of the Year

• Alyse Reid - Teen Volunteer Program
• Lucy Domingo - Shelter
• Dave Sarosky - Development
• Richard Erwin - Legal Assistance
• Lynne Kelleher - First Response
• Carrie Uzelac - Community Education
• Karin Kasdin - Support Group
• Candace Smolowe - Support Group
• Joan Bowers - Hotline
• Lelia Matthews - PFA
• Jane Gallen - Full Circle
• Carly Harsha - Full Circle
• The Gap, Doylestown - Corporate Partner
   

Thank you to all volunteers for giving AWP 24,561 hours (equivalent to $497,360.25) last year!

The 14th annual Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy was held on Saturday, February 7 at the majestic Tyler Hall on the campus of Bucks County Community College. Over 200 community members attended to socialize, eat chocolate, and bid on the various items featured in the silent and live auctions. The event raised over $80,000, making it a sweet success! Thank you to all that attended, volunteered, and supported the event through sponsorships and donations!

February's Volunteer Night brought together a large group of members from across the community. Everyone ate pizza, learned a little bit about AWP, and helped to put together favors to be handed out at the 14th annual Chocolate Lovers' Fantasy! The next volunteer night will be held on Monday, April 6 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Employees from The Gap - Doylestown, volunteered their time to repaint the children's playroom in shelter. The new mural, which features a different season on each wall has really brightened up the room.  The children in shelter were able to be involved by helping to draw the design on the wall in pencil before the artists painted them in.

On Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 10 a.m. Full Circle opened the doors of its new location to the public.  The day was filled with various treats including soft pretzels provided by Philly Pretzel Factory of Lahaska and Lansdale and appearances by My Gym's Mymo the Monkey. 

Patrons were given the opportunity to enter a drawing.  The winners were selected at the end of the day.  Karen Sheaffer of Chalfont won Third Prize, a $50 gift certificate to Full Circle.  Second Prize, a $75 gift certificate was won by Joan Collier.  The Grand Prize, a $100 gift certificate to Full Circle, was won by Bonnie McKeon of Doylestown.

Full Circle is now open 7 days a week.  The new store, which is located in the same shopping center as the original location, is next to Tuesday Morning.  Full Circle offers a vast selection of quality men's, women's and children's apparel - perfect for back to school shopping!