Melrose Alliance Against Violence

06/20/2026

The relationship you build with your teen is one of the most powerful things in their world. 💙

It doesn't have to be perfect. You don't have to have all the answers or understand everything they're going through. What matters most is that they know you're there — that they can come to you without fear of judgment, that you'll listen even when it's hard, and that you'll work with them to figure things out together.

When teens feel accepted and respected at home, they learn what healthy relationships look and feel like. They carry that with them — into their friendships, their future relationships, and eventually, into families of their own.

You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to show up.

💙 Will you like and share this with another parent or caregiver in your life?

06/19/2026

Thank you One Love Foundation for this thoughtful reflection on allyship and what it means to show up for community…

06/18/2026

We appreciate the information offered by Futures Without Violence ... Is it love or is it lovebombing?
Read more:
https://promising.futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Love-Bombing-Resource-for-TDVAM-2025.pdf

06/18/2026

Thank you JDI Jane Doe Inc. for highlighting these 24/7 hotlines for survivors.

06/15/2026

We appreciate this reminder from Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund. Education is protective and MAAV's Healthy Relationship program supports youth in developing the knowledge to build healthy relationships.

Healthy love doesn’t control, isolate, or intimidate. It respects boundaries. It values consent. It feels safe. Let’s stop assuming teens “just know” what healthy love looks like and start teaching it clearly and often.

06/11/2026

MAAV was behind the scenes today at Foods Market in ! Grateful to Jenna Cooney (Whole Body Team Leader and Culture Champions Ambassador), and the entire team for inviting MAAV in to talk about our work in , , , and .

We appreciated hearing the team's perspectives on healthy love, relationships, and supporting each other and our community. Thank you, Whole Foods Market team! 🤝💚

*photos courtesy of Whole Foods Market

06/08/2026

🎓✨ Big Congratulations to Ell Gimenez! ✨🎓

We are thrilled to announce that graduating senior and Student Action Board (SAB) member Ell Gimenez is the recipient of the 2026 Rita M. Downey Award for Social Justice! 🌟

This special award was created in honor of one of MAAV’s incredible founders, Rita M. Downey, who passed away in 2009. Rita was a fierce, passionate advocate for victims of domestic violence and dedicated her life to fighting for social justice.

Every year, we present this award to a graduating SAB member who truly embodies Rita’s legacy, someone who shows dedication, compassion, and a commitment to leading by example. 💜👏

Want to learn more about Ell’s journey and her time with the Student Action Board? Click the link below to read her reflections:
👇👇👇

https://www.maav.org/post/mhs-class-of-2026-grad-and-rita-m-downey-award-recipient-ell-gimenez-reflects-on-student-action-boa

06/05/2026

Heading to Melrose Pride this weekend? So are we! 🏳️‍🌈✨

Thank you to the Melrose Pride planning committee for coordinating this day of celebration for the community. 🙌💙

MAAV is thrilled to be part of the day as a supporter. Be sure to stop by our table to say hi, connect with our team, and celebrate!

🗓️ When: Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Where: The Beebe Estate

See you there!

06/04/2026

🎓✨ At the Class of 2026's Senior Awards Ceremony on May 21, the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV) had the profound honor of presenting the inaugural Joan Bell Memorial Scholarship to graduating senior and Student Action Board member Mae Donohue. 🌟

Click the link below to read more about Joan’s incredible legacy, current Board President Jen Winslow’s touching tribute, and how Mae is changing our community for the better. 👇

The Senior Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 21 was a very special night for the Class of 2026 and a very special night for the Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV). Alongside the celebration of the soon to be MHS graduates, MAAV was grateful to have the opportunity to honor the memory of Joan Be...

06/01/2026

Thank you to Whole Foods Market for selecting MAAV to receive a Store Giving Grant. Their generosity will help us continue to sustain our school-based prevention programs, community outreach and awareness, and services for survivors of domestic violence. We are grateful for their support!