Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation

05/31/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On this last day of May, let’s take a moment to not only check in on our own mental well-being, but also check in on others.

Many people struggle in silence, feeling as though no one will understand their pain. Society often pushes mental health struggles into the background, much like it has done with domestic violence. Both can exist behind closed doors, hidden from view, while individuals and families suffer in silence.

I know this because I lived in one of those homes. There was chaos, instability, and fear. The effects leave lifelong scars and pain.

Some people may not understand. Others may minimize those experiences by saying, “That’s just how it was back then,” or, “He was upset and just needed time to cool off.” Or in response to depression, “ snap out of it.” Thankfully, there are also people who recognize the signs of mental health struggles and domestic violence and ask, “How can I help?” or “What do you need?”

Those simple questions can make all the difference.

Whether you have experienced mental health challenges, domestic violence, both, or neither, checking in on someone can go a long way. A kind word, a phone call, a text message, or simply listening can remind someone they are not alone.

So today, I ask you:

How are you?

If you or someone you know needs support:

• Call or text 988 for the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

• Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7.

You do not have to face difficult times alone. Help is available.

05/10/2026

I found an old journal from the late 90’s — written by a younger version of myself, a divorced mother raising two children I loved with all my being. I had recently ended a relationship with a toxic man.

The first few pages were filled with strength and determination. I wrote that I would never allow him to treat me that way again. But as I kept reading, the tone slowly changed. Beneath the strong words was fear — fear of being alone, fear of not being loved, fear that somehow I wasn’t enough on my own.

One sentence stopped me in my tracks: “Everyone thinks I need to be with someone.”

Why didn’t I realize then that I was already enough? That the weekends my children were with their father could have been filled with books, healthy friendships, hobbies, peace, and self-discovery?

Instead, I was slowly weakened by persistent phone calls, flowers sent to my work, flattery, promises of love, promises of family life, and the hope that things would somehow be different. I took him back that time, only to end the relationship again several months later.

Reading those pages today saddened me, but it also reminded me of how far I have come.

Through hard work, going back to school, raising and supporting my children on my own until they were grown, and learning to value myself, I became strong in ways that younger woman could not yet imagine.

Today, I no longer fear being alone. I understand that self-love is not loneliness. It is freedom, peace, and knowing your worth without needing someone else to define it.

04/26/2026

Join us this Tuesday ❤️

04/25/2026

Please say her name: Emma Pasterczyk!
Another young woman taken too soon at the hands of her spouse. When will people care enough to make a difference? Many victims live in silence, more afraid of judgement than the fear of abuse. Be aware, make a change, be there and be kind. RIP Emma Pasterczyk. Our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Emma. Especially her daughter.

03/24/2026

CRMF will have a new space! Office/ storage for supplies and space for meetings and small gatherings. My husband Dave is working hard on the project. We have some other amazing people joining us on the renovation. These are before pictures. Hoping to be complete late spring/ early summer. Stay tuned.

03/16/2026

Thank you Alianza for including CRMF Founder Sheila Rivest and Co-Founder Kim McClintock on your trip to the Massachusetts State House for Jane Doe Inc. Advocacy Day. It was a powerful day filled with empowering voices and incredible supporters who are committed to standing with survivors of domestic violence. Together, we continue to raise awareness, advocate for change, and support survivors on their path to healing.

03/13/2026

Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation (CRMF)
2026 Annual Fundraiser Update
The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation (CRMF) announces that we will not be hosting our annual June fundraiser in 2026. As our organization continues to grow, we are dedicating this time to expanding and strengthening our outreach efforts.
Our mission remains focused on:
- Raising awareness about domestic violence
- Providing education and resources
- Promoting healthy and respectful relationships within our communities
By investing this year in development and outreach, we aim to further strengthen the impact of our programs and support services.
While our traditional June event will not take place this year, we are excited to share that additional opportunities for community involvement and fundraising will be announced throughout the year.
These events will allow our supporters to continue engaging with and supporting our mission.
We will conclude the year with our annual CRMF Holiday Dinner Fundraiser and Toy & Supply Drive in December, a special evening dedicated to celebrating our mission and the incredible community that supports our work.
The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation is deeply grateful for the continued encouragement, generosity, and commitment from our supporters.
-Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation
Carolrivestfoundation.org

03/05/2026

02/17/2026

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – Remembering Carol Rivest
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month — a time to educate, to speak up, and to protect young lives.
Carol Rivest was just 17 years old when she met her abuser. She was a senior at Fermi High School in Enfield, Connecticut. She was young and in love. Matt was an athletic hockey player. He drove a cool car and motorcycles. To Carol, he was handsome, fun, and exciting. They loved adventures and spending time with friends.
Until jealousy changed everything.
One night, after a double date with Carol’s best friend Marie and her boyfriend, Matt accused Carol of flirting. On the ride home, his anger escalated — and he hit her.
Soon after, he apologized. He said he loved her. He promised it would never happen again.
Carol had grown up witnessing jealousy and physical violence between her own parents. She believed jealousy was normal in a relationship. The warning signs were there — but they were ignored, misunderstood, or minimized.
She forgave him. And the cycle began.
Arguments turned into name-calling. He told her no one else would ever want her. Swearing turned into physical abuse. Family and friends tried to intervene, but Carol believed she could change him.
At 19, they became parents. She wanted to save her family.
There were happy times — what we now understand as the “honeymoon phase” of the cycle of abuse. After violent outbursts that included choking her or pointing a gun at her and her brother, he would return with apologies. Flowers. A vehicle. Promises. He told her she was beautiful. That he couldn’t live without her. Sometimes he even threatened su***de.
The manipulation was powerful. The cycle continued.
Their story did not end when they separated at 22.
After a disagreement, the next day, her abuser became her killer.
On May 11, 1982, Carol Rivest was shot and killed by her high school sweetheart.
⸻
Teen dating violence is real.
It can begin with jealousy.
It can look like love.
It can feel impossible to leave.
And it can turn deadly.
Let Carol's story be more than a tragedy. Let it be a warning. Let it be education.Let it be prevention.
Parents please show love and respect! Your teens are watching.

01/05/2026

CRMF Co-Founder Kim McClintock and Director Sheila Rivest delivered a generous haul of supplies donated by our compassionate supporters during our holiday drive, empowering those in need. A monetary donation was also presented to Lucy Lawson from the Network, fueling positive change. Thank you to all our supporters for their kindness and commitment to creating a brighter future.