WHAT ’ S NEWS IN NORWIN
HOPE HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit hospice patients , either in patient homes or in a facility . To simply listen or reminisce with someone who is dealing with a lifethreatening illness can make a big difference ! A one-hour training program is provided , with an emphasis on compassionate care towards patients and their families , and the time commitment is flexible . If you are interested in joining Hope Hospice ’ s volunteer program , please call 412.367.3685 for more details .
TAKE OFF 5K-10K WALK / RUN
On April 22 , the Take Off 5K-10K Walk / Run will take place at Saint Vincent College in memory of PA State Trooper Kenton Iwaniec . Proceeds will go toward the purchase of Preliminary Breath Testing Devices for state and local law enforcement . To join the cause , help sponsor the event , collect pledge donations and / or create a team . For more information , visit trooperiwaniec . org .
STUDENTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST DATING VIOLENCE IN VIDEO CONTEST
Teens from across the region took a stand against dating violence during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by participating in a Southwest PA Says No More video contest . Young adults and teenagers are at the highest risk for all forms of dating violence , including verbal , emotional , physical and sexual abuse . Teens are also uniquely positioned to influence their peers ’ behavior by distinguishing early signs of controlling behavior and intervening to stop abuse .
Southwest PA Says No More has announced the winning videos , selected from entries submitted by local high school and college students . Students explored themes in their videos such as showing that not all abuse is physical , bystanders can be upstanders , and demonstrating what a healthy , mutually respectful relationship looks like .
First Place : Signs of Dating Violence . This video , submitted by Rose Egan , a senior at Norwin High School , uses examples of text messages to demonstrate that not all abuse is physical , and that having control over a partner ’ s actions is a form of dating violence .
Second Place : No More Emotional Abuse . Norwin High School seniors Leah Vorce , Jolene Muller and Kaitlyn Astley made this video , which illustrates examples of healthy and unhealthy behavior in relationships .
People ’ s Choice : A Domestic Violence PSA . This video , made by Norwin High School senior Abigail McCormick , demonstrates the language that is used in an abusive relationship .
Experts from Southwest PA Says No More partner agencies voted for the first and second place winners who will be awarded a $ 500 and $ 300 prize , respectively . The People ’ s Choice winner , selected in an online vote , will receive a $ 200 prize . To view the videos , visit : southwestpasaysnomore . org / category / contest /.
The winning students will be honored at an upcoming check presentation ceremony .
Though the contest was open to all high school and college students in southwestern Pennsylvania , all three winning videos came from students of Norwin High School .
“ Any time I can get my students involved and get them speaking about a serious topic , it ’ s not only a good thing for them but for the entire school . I was excited when I heard the results of the contest , I always thought I had some very talented and creative students ; it ' s nice to see someone else recognize their talent as well ,” says Susan Spadaro , who teaches video production and graphic design at the high school .
“ It ’ s inspiring to see students ’ creativity and focus on healthy relationships , prevention and bystander intervention that are central to the mission of Southwest PA Says No More . We hope these videos will be shared throughout the community and that they will influence others to take a stand against dating violence ,” says Kristy Trautmann , executive director of FISA Foundation .
Southwest PA Says NO MORE is an initiative of FISA Foundation , The Heinz Endowments and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania . The contest was cosponsored by The National NO MORE Campaign , Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Film Pittsburgh .
About Southwest PA Says NO MORE Southwest PA Says NO MORE is a growing community of organizations and individuals who are working to end domestic and sexual violence . FISA Foundation , in partnership with The Heinz Endowments and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania , developed Southwest PA Says No More to showcase the important prevention-focused work happening in this region , and to make it easier for individuals and organizations to take action to stop gender-based violence . More than 20 organizations across the region have partnered with Southwest PA Says No More , including the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh , YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh and Children ’ s Hospital of Pittsburgh . For information , visit southwestpasaysnomore . org . n
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