HAWC: Supporting Domestic Abuse Survivors in Salem
Julie Gerraughty is the Director of Development at HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change), leading fundraising and community outreach initiatives. She focuses on supporting domestic abuse survivors and educating communities about abuse awareness. Based in Newburyport, Julie has extensive experience coaching youth and high school sports, with an emphasis on empowering young women. She has a daughter attending High Point University in North Carolina.
HAWC empowers survivors of domestic abuse across 23 North Shore Massachusetts communities to break free from violence and make independent choices about their futures. We drive social change by actively confronting patterns of violence and oppression at both personal and societal levels.
HAWC stands as a crucial lifeline for domestic abuse survivors in Salem, operating a comprehensive support system that begins with their 24-hour crisis hotline. At the heart of their emergency response is an undisclosed shelter housing nine families, though the persistent demand often exceeds capacity, leading HAWC to rely on hotel placements for additional survivors seeking safety.
The organization's court advocacy program provides essential guidance through the legal system, with advocates stationed both in courts and police departments. These services, offered entirely free of charge, help survivors navigate complex legal processes while maintaining their safety and dignity.
Understanding that domestic violence impacts entire families, HAWC provides specialized services for children who have witnessed abuse. Their proactive approach includes training first responders to better identify signs of abuse and respond appropriately to domestic violence situations. While HAWC serves over 200 people annually, the true scope of domestic violence remains difficult to measure due to widespread underreporting.
The organization recognizes that domestic violence fundamentally centers on control, making the act of leaving an abuser particularly dangerous for survivors, especially when children are involved. Through their combination of immediate intervention and community education, HAWC works to break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to rebuild their lives safely.
Salem Rotarian Marie Cardillo won a hat for correctly guessing which year HAWC was founded (1978) though there is a huge asterisk on this achievement due to her role as an early board member of the organization.
Bill Henning at Dutch Drinks getting an earful from the two youngest Guilmartins
As usual, Jason was talking instead of listening and missed some valuable information. He blamed his lack of attention on the poor, innocent Leslie Levesque. Don't worry, Leslie, he will not go unpunished.
CALENDAR WINNER!
Kevin Levesque sold by Leslie
50:50 RAFFLE
Pot: $210
Players: John Walsh and Nathalie Blue
No winners this week! I cannot bring myself to write the jokes of the week down in the Spoke. They were terrible.
VISITORS AND GUEST ROTARIANS
Gary Stirgwolt was a guest once again. At this point he should just become a member.
ROTARY NEWS
Help Put Rotaplast Mission Over the Top
Our Rotaplast Mission needs additional financial support to make our goal. We would like to acknowledge and thank those clubs who have already donated: Belle Isle, Rockport, Lexington, Newburyport, Somerville, Winchester, Parkway, Wakefield, Gloucester, Andover, Marblehead Harbor, Chelsea, Manchester-Essex, Reading and Swampscott as well as the many individuals who have donated, and generous support from the District in the form of a District Managed Grant, but we still need more funds.
The Rotaplast Mission is scheduled for March 8, 2025. Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of children with cleft palates/lips and other deformities.
The cost of the mission is $88,000 to be raised throughout the district. We have raised in donations and pledges approximately $65,000. We hope all District 7930 clubs will support the Mission with the cost of at least one surgery -- $800. Donations from individuals will also be gratefully accepted. If you have questions, please contact Terry Curran at 617-501-3521 or TerryCurran7930@gmail.com.
ROTARIAN NEWS...
Jason Consalvo claims to have missed us all while skiing with the family last week. Nobody got hurt. Harrison was cautious and measured, while Graham was either flying or not moving.
Gerrit Bradley also missed us while he stayed up in New Hampshire at his father's house It first time they had a frozen lake in years. The family was able to skate on the lake and Gerrit got to use his ice auger to check the ice depth. The hiked around until they heard some ice popping. There is no bird report but there were strange animal tracks which turned out to be an otter
Liz Bradt was excited to announce that Monday is her daughter’s birthday. She and her partner moved their wedding date and are officially married now. Congratulations!
Joe Amico wanted to share that Bob and Jen Strom are playing a Celtic Candlelight Concert on Saturday at 7 pm. Since it will be in Emerson Hall at Tabernacle Church, space is limited.
Carolyn Shapiro was happy about recoveries from Covid in her family. This Friday, a transformer blew in the morning and power at the Museum was out. Smoke filled the building, caused by one of the heating unit catching fire. Thankfully there was no additional damage. A special thanks to Claire for housing Carolyn that night!
Club Announcements
Service Opportunities
LifeBridge Dinner
January 8, 2025
LifeBridge at 3:30 pm
Join us for our next dinner at LifeBridge. Volunteers shop and prepare a dinner, wiht recipes often printed here in the Spoke. Let Carolyn Shapiro know if you are able to attend. A sign up sheet was passed around at Rotary.
Polar Plunge
February 1, 2025
East Boston Yacht Club-Doors Open at 9
We are joining up with the Parkway and Belle Isle clubs to do a combined Polar Plunge. We will be repeating our flamingo theme. More details to follow!
Fun and Fellowship
Dutch Drinks
January 31, 2025
BitBar at 5 pm
Dutch Drinks is BACK! Join your fellow Salem Rotarians at the Derby for refreshments and to ring in the new year. They do have mocktails for those doing Dry January.
Salem Rotary Auction
DATE TBD
Hawthorne Hotel
The date, themes and colors are still being worked out. Stay tuned!
18 Washington Square
Salem, MA 01970 United States of America
NOTE: The fourth Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
If you are interested in learning more about Salem Rotary, please email president@salemrotary.com.
LifeBridge Dinner
Polar Plunge
Dutch Drinks
Salem Rotary Auction
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