everyone deserves to feel safe. you’re not alone.
Millions of adults and children in the US suffer from interpersonal violence each year. Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) is committed to providing help for those in need and promoting a message of non-violence throughout our community.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and MCVP is here to remind you that you’re never alone.
In this MonadTalk, Luca Paris is joined by Mick Hirsch, Executive Director of MCVP, to discuss the importance of raising awareness around the issues of violence and crisis.
New to the area, Mick began his career as a pastoral counselor and psychiatric chaplain. He got into his current line of work post-9/11 when he saw the overwhelming need for support for victims of trauma and violence.
With a strong experiential and educational background, Mick has a heart for helping others and supporting others around extremely difficult and heartbreaking situations.
About MCVP: Mission and Impact
The mission of MCVP is to respond to domestic and sexual violence and stalking in our community by providing a care and support system for survivors. They also work to end interpersonal violence in all forms through primary prevention, community engagement, and collaboration.
Specific ways they help serve are through direct services as well as education and preventative services for those in need, including:
- A 24/7 crisis hotline
- An emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence
- Support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence
- Community outreach and public awareness
The staff is comprised of 12 dedicated individuals and focuses on helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human traffic (labor and sex trafficking) throughout the Monadnock Region.
Education is a Huge Pillar of the Work
Bringing awareness to schools, colleges, and organizations around violence prevention is a huge piece of all that MCVP does in our region. They’re in over 30 public schools in the Monadnock Region and return regularly to reinforce concepts and messages that will help kids identify violence, play a role in prevention, and advocate to get others’ support when in need.
MCVP educators also spend time in workplaces, at colleges speaking to students, coaches, and athletic teams, supporting staff at Cheshire Medical Center, working alongside fire and police departments, and collaborating with organizations throughout the community.
How Can You Help?
Much of MCVP’s funding comes from state and federal grants, but at the end of the day, MCVP is a community organization. They encourage the community to get involved by contributing through donations and funding, if they’re able to. Financial resources are how organizations like MCVP can continue to operate and work hard to keep our community safe.
They’re always looking for volunteers who can serve as:
- Direct service advocates
- Support group facilitators
- Prevention educators and outreach ambassadors
- Fundraisers and event planners
The vision of MCVP is to foster a community where interpersonal violence has been replaced by equality, empowerment, and emotional and physical safety.
With our help and support – it’s possible!
If you or someone you know need crisis intervention for sexual assault, domestic abuse, stalking, or child abuse, call the MCVP Crisis & Prevention 24/7 hotline at 603.352.3782 or 1-888-511-6287 (Toll-free NH only)
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 for a first responder.
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Want to learn more about MCVP and connect with Mick?
Mick Hirsch is the Executive Director. of MCVP. He’s a senior Executive for nonprofit and international non-governmental organizations: expertise within healthcare, economic empowerment, and education sectors to transform the most vulnerable, high-risk societies and achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Links to connect: Website | Email | Phone: (603)352-3782 or Toll Free 1-888-511-MCVP (6287)
