|
|
|
| February 2026 Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
| Closing February with awareness, action and care |
| As we navigate these cold, snow-filled weeks, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the vital importance of our partners and donors. I am filled with gratitude for the generous support from the community and it is truly a reflection of the New River Valley’s commitment to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Your faith in our mission fuels our work and inspires us to reach farther and impact more lives. |
| In the spirit of warm weather and sunshine, our annual Planting Peace and Growing Hope fundraiser and silent auction is scheduled for May 20 from 5-7 at the Hahn Horticulture Garden. I hope you will join the WRC’s board of directors, staff and volunteers to celebrate the strength and impact of our services. Look for more information about how to RSVP to the event in this newsletter and on our social media pages. |
| We appreciate walking this path with you. Thank you for being a part of the mission to end sexual and domestic violence in the New River Valley. |
|
|
|
|
| Planting Peace, Growing Hope |
|
|
“Planting Peace & Growing Hope” is more than just the name of our annual fundraiser, it’s a reflection of our mission and the heart of the work we do at Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley.
Planting Peace symbolizes the intentional, daily efforts we make to create safe, supportive environments for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Just as planting seeds requires care, patience, and nurturing, building peace in our community begins with small acts of compassion, advocacy, and education. It’s about sowing the values of respect, safety, and dignity.
Growing Hope represents the transformation that happens when survivors are given the resources, support, and empowerment they need to heal and rebuild. Hope is a force that grows stronger with every safe night, every counseling session, and every step forward. Through our collective efforts, we help survivors see beyond crisis and begin to imagine and build a future filled with possibility.
We hope you will commit to cultivating hope with us at our annual fundraising event “Planting Peace & Growing Hope” on Wednesday, May 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Hahn Horticulture Garden, Blacksburg, VA. |
|
|
|
|
| Program Spotlight: Emergency Advocacy |
| The Women’s Resource Center offers 24-hour emergency support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence immediately following crisis. Our trauma-informed advocates provide compassionate, on-scene support, resources, and follow-up care throughout the New River Valley. |
Last quarter, 42 Acute Emergency Advocacy calls were responded to by staff and/or volunteers. “Staff and volunteers provide critical support for individuals experiencing sexual and domestic violence,” said Susan Rigney, Counseling Coordinator for the WRC. “Survivors report feeling safer and more at ease due to the support they receive from EAs.”
|
| Want to support our Emergency Advocacy program? You can donate through our website or even volunteer as an Emergency Advocate. Every bit helps—click below to learn more! |
|
|
|
|
|
Last quarter, 42 Acute Emergency Advocacy calls were responded to by staff and/or volunteers. “Staff and volunteers provide critical support for individuals experiencing sexual and domestic violence,” said Susan Rigney, Counseling Coordinator for the WRC. “Survivors report feeling safer and more at ease due to the support they receive from EAs.”
|
| Want to support our Emergency Advocacy program? You can donate through our website or even volunteer as an Emergency Advocate. Every bit helps—click below to learn more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Celebrating Black History through literature |
|
|
|
| In honor of Black History Month, the Women’s Resource Center is taking time to celebrate, reflect, and deepen our learning. We recognize the powerful contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black individuals throughout history and today. We also recognize the importance of continuing to listen to and uplift Black voices in our everyday work. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| In honor of Black History Month, the Women’s Resource Center is taking time to celebrate, reflect, and deepen our learning. We recognize the powerful contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black individuals throughout history and today. We also recognize the importance of continuing to listen to and uplift Black voices in our everyday work. |
|
|
|
|
| As an organization committed to supporting survivors and strengthening our community, we know that learning is an ongoing part of creating equity and meaningful change. This month, we’ve curated a selection of impactful books by Black authors from our library, educational resources that explore identity, justice, healing, and community. These works invite thoughtful reflection and honest conversation, and we’re grateful to share them with you. We encourage you to stop by our front desk to browse the collection and check out a book. Let’s continue learning, honoring, and growing together. |
|
|
|
|
| Donate today for a safer tomorrow |
Your generosity creates a real, immediate impact. A gift of $250 ensures survivors are met with compassionate support through an emergency advocacy call in the critical hours after assault. A $125 donation helps bring the Outreach Peaceline program into local schools, teaching young people how safety, respect, and healthy relationships strengthen families and communities. And with $50, you can help stock our shelter pantry with nourishing staples—offering comfort, stability, and care to those rebuilding their lives. Every gift, at every level, helps survivors feel supported, safe, and not alone.
|
|
|
|
|
| Our resources |
Explore our services by clicking the photos below to learn more about how we support survivors in our community. You’ll also find meaningful ways for community members to get involved and offer their support.
|
|
|
|
|
| Are you safe? |
|
|
|
|
| If you would like to receive these updates in your inbox, please click here. |
|
|
|
|
