NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, is pleased to announce that it has received a $25,000 grant from the Norman Raab Foundation (www.raabfoundation.org) to be used to expand the reach of its evidence-based SHARE (Smart Healthy Appropriate Relationship Education) curriculum throughout Bucks County.
SHARE is a multisession primary prevention program designed for neurodivergent youth. It empowers young people to build healthy and fulfilling relationships by addressing important social issues such as boundaries, friendships, dating, consent, sexual violence, and safe practices with technology.
For young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergent conditions, SHARE provides tools to understand appropriate behaviors in public and within relationships—skills that strengthen employability and healthy relationships.
SHARE also provides participants with skills and guidelines to safely navigate the digital world. Above all, SHARE helps reduce the risk of victimization, helping participants lead safer, more independent lives.
“We are deeply thankful to the Norman Raab Foundation for helping to make this work possible,” stated Mary Worthington, Director of Prevention Education and Training, NOVA. “With their support, we are excited to see how SHARE continues to grow and evolve, reaching even more young people in the years ahead.”
“The SHARE program’s momentum and growth are a direct result of NOVA’s Prevention Education and Training team,” stated Penny Ettinger, Executive Director, NOVA. “We are grateful for the evidence-based foundation built under Mary Worthington’s leadership and the continued dedication of High School Primary Prevention Coordinator Katie Sanford, Prevention Educator Tory Baram, and Personal Empowerment Program Educator Amanda Carter, who are carrying this important work forward.”
“The Norman Raab Foundation is pleased to support NOVA in its efforts to empower neurodivergent youth to build healthy and fulfilling relationships and provide tools to help them understand appropriate behaviors,” said Sara Raab McInerny, Executive Director. “We are continually impressed with NOVA’s thoughtful design of curriculum for youth of all abilities. Programs like SHARE help neurodivergent students develop critical skills that strengthen their independence.”
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