Anti-Violence Groups

Abby’s House   http://www.abbyshouse.org
Contact: (508) 765-5486
52 High St., Worcester
Director: Tess Sneesby   tess@abbyshouse.org
Associate Director: Julie Komenos  Julie@abbyshouse.org
Purpose/Mission: The mission of Abby’s House is to provide emergency and long-term affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services to homeless, battered and low-income women with or without children. We empower women to lead self-directed lives filled with dignity and hope. In naming the oppression that exists in women’s lives, we strive to create change.

Daybreak Domestic Violence
Contact:  (508) 755-9039
Purpose/Mission:   Daybreak services are designed to meet the needs of women and children whose lives are affected by interpersonal violence. Its overall mission is to foster safety within the community by enabling women to break free from domestic abuse; equipping young people with the skills to resist violence and abuse; promoting safe, non-violent and mutually respectful interactions within families; and encouraging women to share their strength and courage with others.

Rape Crisis Center
Contact:  (508) 852-7600, 799 West Boylston Street
Purpose/Mission:  In the mid-1970’s, community leaders, activists, and survivors of sexual assault had a vision to create a nonprofit agency that would support victims of sexual assault.  The Rape Crisis Center began providing supportive services to victims in November 1975.  The Center’s goal was to ensure victims of sexual violence would have a responsive medical community, sensitive law enforcement officials, and an active prosecution system.

Worcester Community Clergy/ Police Partnership
Contact:  Reverend Sarai Rivera  sarairivera@email.com or (508) 579-3015 (cell)
Purpose/Mission:  A network of interfaith clergy (25 churches and synagogues participate) who are trying to bridge the gap between the police and inner-city residents, particularly poor people of color.

Worcester Youth Center:
326 Chandler Street
(508) 791-4702
Contacts – Roberto Diaz (director of leadership programs) rdiaz2332@yahoo.com
www.worcesteryouthcenter.org
Purpose/Mission: To help young people build lasting change in their lives. The center serves young people ages 14-24 although most of the older participants only go to the center to attend specific classes.

Mosaic Culture Complex
YMCA
766 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Contacts: Brenda Jenkins or Nate Pickens (508) 755-6101 x-286
Purpose/Mission: MCC aids ex-prisoners, the homeless, young adults who wish to leave the violence of the streets, and many others, linking them to social services or simply providing a listening ear. Referrals cover everything from food stamp assistance to accessing an education at one of the local colleges. The MCC program also provides life coaches, former participants in the Mosaic Culture Complex who now serve as mentors.