Feel Safe Again, Inc

December 2008
Due to a severe ice storm, we were unable to host our Fourth Annual Christmas Party. We would still like to thank all of the family, friends, and volunteers who were willing to attend this special event. As always, it is important to take the time to acknowledge our efforts, and remember the holidays on behalf of all victims of crime and their families. We are creating a new "In Loving Memory" page for the family and friends of victims who unfortunately did not survive, and hope to launch it next month in recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month. A submission form will need to be completed in order for us to include your loved one's information on the memorial page. From the family of a victim, we understand how important it is to remember someone you have lost, and know how difficult it can be when it is an unexpected tragedy. We will be respectful and sensitive with the information you provide. For additional information or to schedule a free safety training, please call (888) 99B-SAFE or e-mail info@feelsafeagain.org. Have a safe and happy holiday!

November 2008
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of the reelected Board Members of Feel Safe Again, Inc. We truly appreciate your commitment to helping victims of stalking become survivors, and as always, thank you for your continued support. Unfortunately, due to illness, the founder of Feel Safe Again, Inc. was unable to participate in the United Against Domestic Violence - 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk-a-Thon held in Pelham, New Hampshire on November 15, 2008, but was there in spirit. 'Tis the Season of Giving!!! Consider helping victims this holiday season by adopting a National Stalking Awareness Month "SAM" Bear, or by making a tax-deductible donation to your favorite nonprofit (hint, hint). Please take a moment to forward this information to your family, friends and coworkers. Statistically, 40% of all tax-deductible donations are made in December. We are hopeful that we will be able to raise enough money to continue our potentially life-saving work. All donations are welcome and greatly appreciated! We are also planning our “Fourth Annual Christmas Party” for mid-December. Join us for a buffet dinner and an old-fashioned Yankee Swap! If you are interested in attending this event, or would like additional information about our services, please contact us at (888) 99B-SAFE or e-mail info@feelsafeagain.org.

October 2008
We would like to take a moment to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Feel Safe Again, Inc. will once again be participating in the United Against Domestic Violence - 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk-a-thon at the Pelham Police Department in Pelham, New Hampshire. The Hudson, Windham and Salem Police Departments collaborate with Pelham each year to show their commitment and support to victims. The event has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 9:00am. We will be setting up a display with information and available resources, including safety kits and awareness ribbons, in memory of the founder's sister, Sandra Berfield, and on behalf of all victims and survivors of stalking. In December, we will also be sharing our 2008 Stalking Statistics from our online Community Assessment Surveys for Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Human Services. This information will be given to the National Center for Victims of Crime - Stalking Resource Center, posted on our Web site, and included in a press release.

September 2008
In memory of Sandra Berfield, Feel Safe Again, Inc. supported the efforts of the Garden of Peace during it's Annual Honor Program which was held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 5:30pm. "The Garden of Peace is a memorial commemorating victims of homicide and a living reminder of the impact of violence. It is a visual testament to the need for eliminating violence. The Garden is a symbol of hope for peace and renewal in our lives, our community, and the world." Also, the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has released more than $114 million in formula awards to 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to support comprehensive strategies addressing violence against women. Our deadline has been extended! Last chance to volunteer your time and talents for our organization. If interested, please submit a nomination form no later than Friday, October 10, 2008 for consideration.

August 2008
On August 2, 2008, Feel Safe Again, Inc. participated in the 2008 National Night Out event organized by Weed and Seed in Manchester, New Hampshire. There were tables for community service providers to distribute valuable information, as well as free food, games and activities throughout the event. We would also like to thank all of the volunteers who donated their time during Old Home Days in Hudson, New Hampshire. As always, we collaborated with the Kiwanis Club to provide free information, available resources, SMART-Kid™ Project coloring books, crayons, pencils and stickers. We are still in need of new members to fill several positions on the board of directors and the advisory board. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents, please submit a nomination form by October 6, 2008, for consideration.

July 2008
Feel Safe Again, Inc. is reaching out to local universities and colleges throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire communities to establish on-campus Stalking Resource Centers, as well as creating several credited stalking courses for students. This would require donated office space and intern support. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this potentially life-saving opportunity, please contact us at (888) 99B-SAFE or by e-mail at src@feelsafeagain.org. We are also looking for an experienced Grant Writer to volunteer their time and talents, and help our organization generate new operational revenue and program development opportunities by researching grant opportunities and writing all formats of grant proposals that meet established criteria and priorities. All proposals must be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. All applications must be followed-up in a timely manner. Weekly progress reports must be submitted to the Executive Director. This is a work-at-home opportunity. For more information, please read our latest edition of Stalking Victims News.

June 2008
Volunteers needed! We will be holding our annual election in November, and need new members to fill several important positions. If you are interested in volunteering your time on our board of directors or advisory board, please submit a nomination form by October 6, 2008, for consideration. We are also in need of evening office space in both the Everett, Massachusetts and Hudson, New Hampshire area. Our board/committee meetings are held once a month, and we also meet with clients, by appointment, as needed. Once again, we will are offering our "Summertime" SMART-Kid™ Project safety and stalking awareness program. The program (Safety, Monitor, Awareness, Reaction and Tell) is available to children by age group, 3-6, 6-13 and 13-18, in order to offer age appropriate content. We are also offering adult Stalking Presentations to local community organizations, schools, and businesses. To schedule a free training, or if you have available office space to share with our organization, please contact us at 1-888-99B-SAFE or e-mail support@feelsafeagain.org

May 2008
As always, we would like to thank everyone who came out to show their support for victims, and the volunteers who donated their time during the Victims' Rights events this year. We remain committed to creating positive change, providing available resources, and being a voice for all victims. There will be a free training seminar titled Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in Massachusetts, for criminal justice practitioners, victim advocates, mental health therapists and other allied professionals. The seminar will explore how victims of crime can use civil lawsuits to obtain justice, hold responsible parties accountable, prevent future crimes, and obtain the financial resources victims need to rebuild their lives. The program will cover resources and strategies for victims considering civil lawsuits, and will include a panel of attorneys to answer specific questions of Massachusetts law. Dr. Judith Herman, the renowned authority on issues of trauma and abuse will be part of the panel. It will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston from 9:00 am to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited, so please go to The National Center for Victims of Crime (conference and training), for additional information and to reserve your space today.

April 2008
It's that time of year again!!! Please help us recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week from April 13-19, 2008, by joining us in Concord, NH on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, for a press conference at St. Paul's Church at 11:00am, followed by several events throughout the day. We will also be at the State House in Boston, MA on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, from 9:00am-3:00pm. There will be hundreds of organizations coming together to setup displays which include available resources for victims. These are both very powerful and inspirational events, so please consider volunteering your time to help us recognize Victims' Rights Week and support victims of crime! On April 6, 2008, the founder and the vice president of Feel Safe Again, Inc. were interviewed by a local community cable talk show "The Conversation" in New Hampshire regarding stalking awareness, the organization, and how victims can stay safe. The interview is airing on Channel 20 from April 15th-21st throughout the day. Also included on the panel was a victim witness advocate, and an officer from the Hudson Police Department. As always, we would like to take a moment to recognize that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We acknowledge that there is a very strong connection between stalking and sexual assault. Please contact us at support@feelsafeagain.org for information, assistance and support.

March 2008
On March 4, 2008, the founder of Feel Safe Again, Inc. testified before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on behalf of SB 1002 An Act to Prevent Harassment, and submitted written testimony on behalf of SB 802 An Act to Protect and Enhance the Rights of Child and Adult Victims and Witnesses of Crime. There were close to 400 people at the State House to show their support for several very important bills being heard that day. We would like to take a moment to personally thank all of our board members, the speakers, clinicians, law enforcement officials, firefighters, advocates, victims, survivors, family and friends who attended our First Annual Stalking Conference and Fourth Annual Benefit Dinner on March 14, 2008, at the Devens Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts. We successfully accomplished our goal of educating others, creating public awareness and raising additional funds to help victims become survivors. The conference was a very thorough training which included key individuals in the investigation of our sister’s murder on January 20, 2000, by a package bomb her stalker hand-delivered to her Everett, Massachusetts. home. Special thanks go to Ron Meehan from the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA) for sponsoring our First Annual Stalking Conference. Without your kindness and generosity we would not have been able to offer this potentially life-saving event. Thank you for your willingness to help us educate others about this serious crime of fear.

February 2008
On February 1, 2008, the founder of Feel Safe Again, Inc., along with the vice president, attended the Inaugural Gala for Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, the first woman to serve the City of Nashua, New Hampshire. The event was a very rewarding and inspirational experience. The founder also testified on February 6, 2008, before the Executive Departments and Administration Committee in Concord, New Hampshire, on behalf of Senate Bill 305, An Act Relative to the Regulation of Private Investigators, which is sponsored by Senator Robert E. Clegg, Jr. (District 14). We will be re-filing this bill with amendments. Senator Clegg held a press conference earlier in the day to publicly announce his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District to represent New Hampshire in Washington. For the past four years, with the committed support of Senator Clegg, we have created change and improved laws to better protect victims of crime in New Hampshire. He is now asking for support from the founder of Feel Safe Again, Inc., to which she has graciously accepted. She will be joining his Leadership Team of thirty-seven well respected individuals, who will advise him on issues important to the state and the country.

January 2008
Once again, we would like to remind everyone that January is National Stalking Awareness Month. We have launched our annual "End This Silent Fear" campaign to create public awareness, as well as our "I'm A Survivor" fundraising campaign to raise much-needed funds to continue helping victims in need. In recognition of Stalking Awareness Month, we submitted press releases, public service announcements and conducted interviews. The founder of Feel Safe Again, Inc., in collaboration with Jane Doe Inc., will speak during a press conference scheduled by Senator Pamela P. Resor, at the State House in Boston, on Thursday, January 24, 2007 at 10:30am in Rm 437. We also plan to interview with a local cable program in New Hampshire about victims of stalking, where to get help, the current stalking law, and the importance of creating public awareness. If you are planning to attend our First Annual Stalking Conference at the Devens Common Center in Devens, Massachusetts on Friday, March 14, 2008, please be sure to register before February 29, 2008, to avoid a late registration fee. Also, make hotel reservation at the Springhill Suites by Marriott before February 14, 2008, to receive the discount rate.