NOVA, the leading non-profit organization in Bucks County supporting victims of serious crimes, was awarded a $25,000 grant
from the Norman Raab Foundation, a
Seattle-based 501c-3, family foundation. The grant will be used to update NOVA’s Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) for adults with autism
spectrum disorders (ASD) or intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
The PEP program
was introduced in 1993 to teach individuals with
cognitive and developmental challenges, who may be more vulnerable to interpersonal violence, the
skills needed to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations. This grant will
give NOVA the means to implement a modern version of PEP for use in either
small group or one-on-one settings. The
topics covered in PEP include healthy relationships, responsible personal
behavior, boundaries, friendships, attraction and dating, affirmative consent,
sexual harassment, cyber-safety, and self-advocacy.
“Our long-term vision is to have a specialized, evidenced-based curriculum available to help adults with developmental differences thrive as they positively navigate personal, social, and workplace interaction and lead meaningful lives,” said Mary Worthington, Director of Prevention Education and Training, NOVA. “The grant from the Norman Raab Foundation will allow us to educate more adults with cognitive and developmental challenges, but to do so in a way that reflects current methodologies.”
Sara Raab McInerny, Executive Director, The Norman Raab Foundation, stated, “The Foundation is proud to support NOVA’s efforts in Bucks County to help vulnerable community members build the skills needed to live independent, safe, and fulfilling lives.”
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About NOVA
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 https://novabucks.org/.
