THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 22, 2021 Page 17 Portal To Hope Celebrates 25 Years T he award-winning, Massachusetts nonprofit organization, Portal To Hope ("PTH") is celebrating 25 years in providing services to people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes. Driven by the voices of survivors, PTH is community-based in Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford and Winthrop. Serving these and neighboring communities, PTH has been grateful to have the support of grassroots activists and community leaders over the years. Founded in Malden in 1996 by Deborah Fallon, PTH has thrived under her leadership and dedicated team members who serve an average of 900 people each year. Having strong roots in the Malden community as the daughter of former Mayor of Malden Thomas Fallon and Janice Fallon, Fallon partnered with Rev. Frank Silva at the Immaculate Conception Parish to begin offering Support Groups to survivors. By year-end 1996, Fallon partnered with Rev. Paul Garrity of St. Mary's Parish in Lynn for the same purpose; and PTH gained the help of 75 new volunteers. By 1998, PTH partnered with former Mayor David Ragucci and Everett Police Chief James Rogers to create the first law enforcement program of its kind in the Commonwealth whereby a civilian team worked onsite at a police department to provide direct care services to crime victims. This effort, known as EVAPorate Violence, has received national acclaim under the leadership of Everett Police Chief Steven Mazzie, including having been featured on the national talk show, The Montel Williams Show, and awarded by the AVON Hello Tomorrow Fund. Last month, Fallon received the Purple Ribbon - Survivor of the Year Award by Theresa's Fund. As survivor of violent crime, Fallon has dedicated her life to helping others struggling through domestic violence. "The experience back in 1995 was definitely life-changing," said Fallon. "Walking through the criminal justice system and meeting other survivors in the courts, I felt much gratitude - not just to have survived the attack but to have the support of my family, friends and others. Most of the people whom we help at PTH do not have built-in support systems. So, it is an absolute privilege to be doing the work that we do as Victim Advocates, because what it comes down to is being that support person for someone and reminding them of their own strengths." One of 11 children, Fallon's family members have long volunteered at PTH. Her sister, Malden City Solicitor Kathryn Fallon, has provided pro-bono legal services to victims of domestic violence for years. Fallon's brother, Michael Fallon, Founder of My Sister Mary Foundation, volunteers his time managing the organization's website; and her husband, Malden Fire Fighter and a Deputy Fire Chief in the United States Air Force, SMSgt. George Romvos, volunteers his time working with military families affected by abuse. "In addition to having the opportunity to help others, the best part of the job is in meeting people along the way who want to get involved at PTH," said Fallon. "We would not be the organization that we are today if it wasn't for the people who have partnered with us, working to end domestic violence." Today, PTH remains one of six Massachusetts nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence onsite at medical facilities, thanks to its long-standing partnership with MelroseWakefield Healthcare. Its law enforcement program serves as a model for other agencies to adopt; and PTH enhanced its partnership with the Medford Police Department where Police Chief Jack Buckley created space for PTH to open-up a new office onsite at the new station. This year, PTH opened a new Legal Aid office in Malden thanks to the help of the Mallon Family and VOCA grant support administered by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 SALEMWOOD SCHOOL FORESTDALE SCHOOL CLUB 24 MEMBER’S ROOM 630 COMMUNITY ROOM FERRYWAY SCHOOL SUFFOLK MANOR COMMUNITY ROOM LINDEN SCHOOL LINDEN SCHOOL 529 SALEM STREET 74 SYLVAN STREET 787 SALEM STREET 630 SALEM STREET 150 CROSS STREET 312 BRYANT STREET 29 WESCOTT STREET 29 WESCOTT STREET October 22, 2021 WD. PCT. POLLING PLACE 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 FERRYWAY SCHOOL FERRYWAY SCHOOL COMMUNITY ROOM IRISH AMERICAN LOCATION 150 CROSS ST. (ENTER AT WALNUT STREET) 150 CROSS ST. (ENTER AT WALNUT STREET) 89 PEARL STREET 177 WEST STREET BEEBE SCHOOL, K-4 GYMNASIUM 401 PLEASANT STREET BEEBE SCHOOL, MUSIC ROOM EARLY LEARNING CENTER GYMNASIUM (HOLMES SCHOOL) SENIOR CENTER AUDITORIUM 401 PLEASANT STREET 257 MOUNTAIN AVENUE 7 WASHINGTON STREET Services provided by PTH to victims of domestic violence crime include emergency shelter, limited legal aid, job and housing search assistance and other victim advocacy. PTH's youth programs continue to adapt to community needs through the help of Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, the Everett Citizens Foundation and The Foundation Trust; and PTH's Speakers Bureau continues to conduct community trainings and violence prevention outreach activities on a regular basis. PTH is always looking for people to help and to expand its team. If you would like to get involved at PTH, please call (781) 338-7678. If you or someone you know needs help from abuse, please call (781) 338-7678 or visit www.portaltohope.org. Will You Qualify For Medicare Soon? 100% Covid Safe Medicare Advantage application process is available. Why invite trouble? Apply safely and securely. Perhaps I can help. If you have a computer and internet service call Edward Murray 617-387-5020. ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~
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