Last Tuesday evening members of our community braved the cold and windy weather to show their support of our Island’s only domestic violence and rape crisis center, Connect to end violence. Edgartown’s Alex & Ani, Sea Spa Salon and Piknik each participated in an open house benefit to raise awareness and funds for Connect, a program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.

As program director of Connect, I was incredibly moved by the outpouring of support and generosity from our community. Connect, a nonprofit program funded by state and federal grants as well as private contributions, offers free and confidential services to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Our services include short-term counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, court advocacy, medical accompaniment, referral services and a supervised visitation center.

Donations received from this event will be used to fund direct client services, many unique to our Island community, which are otherwise not covered by grants. My staff and I are inspired by the courage and strength that victims and survivors of our community demonstrate on a daily basis, and we thank this amazing Island community for its continued support, and Alex & Ani, Sea Spa Salon and Piknik for their incredible generosity.

Jennifer Neary
Oak Bluffs

Jennifer Neary is program director of Connect to end violence.