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OUR STORY
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Working Against Violence for Everyone- WAVE emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 1982, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support. Contact us to learn more and get involved.
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Everett Bennett
Executive Director
W.A.V.E. HISTORY
First meeting
April 21 1982
On April 21, 1982, seven Petersburg residents gathered for the first meeting of the Petersburg Task Force on Domestic Violence. From the beginning, it was a cooperative effort involving individuals from many backgrounds: police dispatcher, alcohol counselor, fisherman, public health nurse, childcare provider.
Woman's Aid in Violence Emergencies
May 1982
After a month, the group agreed to name the new organization WAVE, Women’s Aid in Violent Emergencies. They hosted two AWARE employees that advised them and spoke about child abuse, sexual assault and incest. WAVE quickly went to work planning seminars, finding safe homes, and setting up an emergency contact through the Petersburg Police Department dispatcher. They supported victims by helping with safety planning, obtaining restraining orders, and referring to shelters.
School presentations and outreach
Within WAVE's first year, volunteers designed and conducted meetings and presentations for school personnel and personal safety presentations for grade school children. Outreach expanded into churches, to health care providers and the public.
1983
WAVE goes high tech
In 1998, advocates advanced to carrying pagers to receive emergency calls.
1998
501(c)3
2007 WAVE becomes 501(c)3 Non profit
2007
First employee
2008
2008, WAVE was able to hire their first part-time staff position, paid for with special grant funding through WISH, which continued for approximately 3 years.
Name change
2011
In 2011, the board of Women’s Aid in Violent Emergencies decided their name should be more inclusive so renamed their organization, Working Against Violence for Everyone, yet still WAVE.
First full time staff
December 2013
In 2013 WAVE hired is first full time employee, paid for by an 2 year Emerging Programs grant through the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. This grant was extended for an additional year by the CDVSA.
WAVE expands
October 2016
In fall of 2016, WAVE was awarded funding from Office on Violence Against Women for Rural Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Assistance Program. This is a 3 year grant will has allowed us to hire a second employee and provide training to local agencies for response to domestic violence and sexual assault.