Stoneham Alliance Against Violence Receives $2,500 Grant to Support Programs, Raise Awareness

For immediate release

STONEHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Cynthia Bentz, Branch Manager at Eastern Bank Stoneham, left, presents the check to Kathy Conary, Stoneham Alliance Against Violence Board Chairman, right. SAAV board member Linda Leis and Stoneham Police Chief James McIntyre were also in attendance during the grant presentation. (Courtesy photo)

Stoneham Alliance Against Violence Receives $2,500 Grant to Support Programs, Raise Awareness

STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre is happy to report that the Stoneham Alliance Against Violence (SAAV) received a $2,500 grant from Eastern Bank to continue raising awareness about its programs and prevention efforts in the community.

The Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, through its Targeted Grant Program — which is supporting organizations focused on violence prevention in 2015 — presented the award to SAAV on July 1.

Sgt. David Thistle and the police department’s Domestic Violence Victim Advocate currently serve as members on SAAV’s board of directors. The Stoneham Police Department has been involved with organization since its inception in 2005.

“Domestic violence has long posed a serious problem to communities all over the country, where victims often feel isolated and unable to ask for help,” Chief Mclntyre said. “We hope that by aiding SAAV we will be able to reduce domestic violence in Stoneham and ensure that our residents always feel safe and can reach out to police if they’re in a dangerous situation.”

SAAV formed in 2005 to raise awareness about teen dating and domestic violence and to promote programs that fostered healthy relationships between couples of all races, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. The organization is funded through a combination of local grants, individual and corporate donations and money collected through special events.

The Stoneham Police Department and SAAV remind all residents to remain vigilant and contact the department if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. If you are experiencing an emergency situation do not hesitate to call 911. For more information please contact the Department’s Domestic Violence Victim Advocate at 781-438-1215, ext. 3106.

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