Willow Welcomes Jason V. Polasek

Willow welcomes interim Director of Development and Community Engagement Jason V. Polasek! In a time of uncertainty around philanthropy and events, we are so thrilled to bring on someone with Jason’s expertise and energy to stabilize and grow fundraising support for Willow’s critical mission. Jason is returning to Rochester after serving for the past three…

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Feeling Safe at Home with the Urban League of Rochester

“What can you do? Ask. Keep asking. How is everything with your partner? If it’s not okay, I’m here for you.” On Thursday, May 22, Willow President Meaghan de Chateauvieux joined the Urban League of Rochester to discuss the dynamics of domestic violence and the services Willow offers to survivors and their loved ones. Watch…

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Willow’s Director of Prevention Education Lisa Nolan on Jenderator’s Podcast

How do we know if tense relationships are abusive? How does emotional abuse affect survivors? On Jenderator’s podcast, Willow Center’s Director of Prevention Educator Lisa Nolan explains the difference between unhealthy behaviors and dangerous relationships and discusses new challenges survivors are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to the Conversation on Jenderator

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Home Isolation May Prevent Survivors from Reaching Out

As social distancing continues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, those experiencing domestic violence may face more barriers to accessing services. “People are calling us from their closets, calling us from their cars trying to find a way out of an abusive home situation,” said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, Willow’s President & CEO. The dip in…

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Willow Reaches Out to Survivors Isolated at Home

Willow Center’s Coordinator of Court Services Hannah Sonner spoke with WHAM-13 News about the challenges survivors face in the midst of social distancing measures, and how Willow can help. “We know that, right now, our world is shrinking for all of us, and that can be especially dangerous for survivors. We want survivors to know that…

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Social Distancing & Survivors of Domestic Violence

On Monday, March 23, Willow Center President & CEO Meaghan de Chateauvieux spoke on WXXI’s Connections with Evan Dawson about the effects of social distancing on survivors of domestic violence. “Willow is an essential service. It’s important for us to be here for survivors.”    Listen to the conversation on WXXI

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Hotline Calls Spike in Response to Social Distancing Measures

On Monday, March 23rd, calls to Willow Center’s 24/7 Hotline spiked. As health officials emphasize social distancing practices to slow the spread of coronavirus in our community, survivors of domestic violence are navigating new and rapidly-changing circumstances. Willow advocates are available to support survivors and create a safety plan in response to the isolation and…

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Willow is Open: Our Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak

At Willow Center, we are committed to supporting survivors, our staff members and community efforts to keep us all as safe and healthy as possible. When survivors are quarantined in their home or in proximity to their abuser, it can create circumstances where their safety is compromised and they may need to alter their safety…

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