News

Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) is pleased to announce that Jamie Pfister has been hired as its Training Coordinator. In this role, Pfister will be responsible for coordinating and delivering all of the training offerings from NOVA's Training Institute, as well as developing content for new training initiatives. In addition, Pfister will provide in-service trainings for NOVA staff to ensure compliance with standards and licensure requirements.

Pfister’s hiring enables NOVA to re-establish the Training Institute at NOVA The goal of the Training Institute is to provide a wide variety of high-quality professional trainings for the Bucks County community, so that community members are better equipped to understand the needs of those impacted by violence and to prevent future victimization in our communities. The Training Institute offers instruction on the following topics: 

o   Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse

o   Becoming More Trauma Aware

o   Sexual Assault Among Individuals with Differing Abilities

o   CSEC 101: Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

o   Human Trafficking

o   Abuse Among the Elder Population

o   Verbal Intervention Techniques for Potential Victims

“We are pleased to welcome Jamie to the Prevention Education team at NOVA. Jamie's extensive background and expertise with training will truly elevate and enhance the training offerings of NOVA's Training Institute,” said Grace Wheeler, NOVA’s Director of Education & Prevention. “Her role at NOVA will allow the Prevention Education Department to reach even more community members and professionals as we work to fulfill NOVA's mission of eliminating violence in our society.”

Pfister, for her part, is eager to get started. “As Training Coordinator, I am excited to be instrumental in the re-emergence of NOVA’s Training Institute. I look forward to working with the NOVA team to bring a wide variety of high-quality, professional trainings to our community.” To learn more about the Training Institute, go to www.novabucks.org  or email Pfister directly at  jamie.pfister@novabucks.org.

The first training session of NOVA’s re-established Training Institute is titled, Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse; Knowing Your Role in the Protection of Our Children. In 2020, and throughout the pandemic, many states saw a 60 percent decline in reports of suspected child abuse. With the re-opening of Pennsylvania and its schools to in-person learning, many student activities will also be kicking off in-person. This course will provide information on how to identify and report suspected child abuse and emphasize that protecting children is the job of the entire community. The session will take place on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. as a ZOOM class. Access will be given prior to the training date. The registration fee is $20.00. 2 CEU (Continuing Education Credits) have approved for this program by the Department of Human Services in accordance with Act 31 of 2014. To register go to: www.novabucks.org/events.

###

ABOUT NOVA

Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) supports, counsels and empowers victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and works to prevent and eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, community education and prevention programs. Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.

Photo Caption (photo courtesy of NOVA):

Jamie Pfister has joined Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) as its Training Coordinator. Pfister will be responsible for coordinating and delivering all of the training offerings from NOVA's Training Institute, developing content for new training initiatives and providing in-service trainings for NOVA staff.