HAWC to unveil new shelter Danvers today

DANVERS ? The North Shore’s largest organization to assist victims of domestic violence today was scheduled to unveil its new emergency shelter.HAWC, which stands for Healing Abuse Working for Change, and was formerly known for many years as Help for Abused Women and their Children, is holding a press conference at MGH/North Shore Center for Outpatient Care at 102 Endicott St. The event will highlight the purchase of a new house for use as an emergency shelter that is also handicapped accessible.Robert Norton, president and chief executive officer of North Shore Medical Center, will be joined by U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney, Lauren Jones who represents Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, state Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, and state and local leaders in public health and safety.According to Alicia Black Weaver, HAWC’s assistant director of Development, the organization will also announce its plans for an innovative, grassroots building campaign to fund the purchase and renovation of the new house in Salem, as well as program expansion.HAWC provides free, comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, and their children, in 23 cities and towns across the North Shore. Services include: a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, advocacy in courts, police departments and healthcare settings; trauma recovery counseling for adults and children; support groups; economic stability services; relocation and rental assistance; prevention education in schools and communities. HAWC staff and volunteers respond to thousands of individuals each year who reach out for help.HAWC’s hotline is available 24 hours a day at 800-547-1649. For more information, call (978) 744-8552, or visit www.hawcdv.org.