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We are proud to announce that Staff Attorney Jordan Walker has been selected to join the Boston Bar Association’s 2025–2026 Public Interest Leadership Program (PILP). Each year, the BBA welcomes a small group of highly accomplished lawyers into this prestigious…

Read our June newsletter here!

Staff Attorney Jordan Walker submitted testimony in support of the bill. Read the full Testimony

The Second Step is proud to partner with FamilyAid to enhance housing support for domestic violence survivors. Effective February 15, 2025, The Second Step will rely on FamilyAid to operate its shelter for low-income survivors experiencing homelessness. This partnership allows…

February is a time to celebrate Black excellence while raising awareness about teen dating violence. The work of countless Black leaders, organizations, and advocates in the fight against dating violence has been transformative. Their efforts are rooted in the understanding…

Read our January Newsletter – here!

“Hi, I’m Anna Walker, a current senior in high school! Growing up, I’ve always loved running, and attending the marathon each year is one of my favorite traditions. Watching runners persevere through the Newton hills and cross the finish line…

Read our October Newsletter – here!

“Boston, MA…We are pleased to announce that The Second Step has been selected from a competitive pool of over 25 applicants to receive a pro bono consulting engagement by Harvard Business School Association of Boston’s Community Action Partners (CAP).    …

Read our August Newsletter here! https://conta.cc/3YUJKpk

We were so thrilled to welcome over 250 guests this year at Celebrating Success! Though the forecast showed clouds, we ended up with beautiful weather, and the night itself shone brightly with hope, inspiration, and incredible generosity. After mingling with…

On May 9, 2024, we welcomed a few of our community members to speak at our Celebrating Success gala. Kristen Whitaker, joined us in sharing what being a volunteer attorney at The Second Step looks like. “Good Evening! As you’ve…

Thank you to WCVB for having The Second Step as the Wake Up Call during the Eyeopener on May 9th! View our Wake Up Call clip here!

We are THRILLED to announce that Attorney Amy Hamill, Director of Steps to Justice, has been selected to receive the 2024 Access to Justice Award.

I am thrilled to inform you that The Second Step has been selected as an Awardee for MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call. The Open Call initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. After a rigorous review of…

We are THRILLED to announce that Attorney Amy Hamill, Director of Steps to Justice, has been selected to receive the 2024 Access to Justice Award.

We are so excited to be a part of the 128th Boston Marathon on April 15th! Please support Mallory and The Second Step and donate to the cause! Go Mallory! “I’m honored to be running the Boston Marathon in support…

NEWTON, Mass., July 18, 2023 – In the wake of yet another domestic violence homicide in Massachusetts this year, local and statewide domestic violence organizations are reminding the public about shelter and safety resources following the tragic death of Nancy…

On Monday, April 17, the Marathon returns to Boston! This year, the City of Newton awarded The Second Step a charity bib, which will be proudly worn by Charlestown resident Emily Cummings. Emily and her wife, Kelly Whittaker-Cummings, a Boston…

On this Giving Tuesday, we want to thank our supporters and donors. The Second Step family would not be complete without the generous support of our community. We are incredibly grateful to have a group of people committed to our…

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range…

I have been involved with The Second Step for almost 15 years. Like many of our supporters, I was introduced when a friend brought me to a fundraising event. My husband and I became donors, and then several years later,…

After three long years, Celebrating Success is back! Join us for our 30th anniversary gala on Thursday, May 12, at the Brae Burn Country Club. You will hear insights from guest speaker Bonnie Michelman, Executive Director of Police, Security, and…

On December 7, 2021, there was a hearing on S939/H1820 An Act Improving Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors before the Joint Judiciary Committee. The Second Step Staff Attorney MacKenzie Mahoney provided oral testimony in support of improvements to our 258E…

With the end of the MA State of Emergency, The Second Step offices are safely reopening. Community advocacy, housing assistance, and legal services for survivors of domestic violence are available in person. (Please note, masks are required in the office…

June is Pride month, the time of year for celebration, remembrance, and honoring all things Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ)! Domestic Violence Advocate, Martina Gauderer, helps The Second Step highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ affirming resources for survivors…

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), The Second Step honors the history and legacy of those who have shaped the movement to end sexual violence. Domestic Violence Advocate, Martina Gauderer, shares her connection to SAAM and how…

Join The Second Step on Wednesday, May 12th at 7:00pm for the premiere of our video, Plant a Seed: Stories of Strength! A Video Premiere To empower survivors To inspire hope To spread awareness To strengthen communities Hear from survivors…

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month! Did you know that 26% of women and 15% of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or…

Tomorrow is the last day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Thank you to everyone who attended our events, read alongside us, and took this month to educate themselves about domestic violence and to support survivors. You can find the The…

The Second Step’s premier fall event—Step Up to the Plate—has gone virtual! Join one of 6 engaging speakers on zoom for an evening of good company and engaging conversation to support survivors of domestic violence, all from the comfort of…

We hope you can join us on September 24th for a re-imagined Celebrating Success event, “Celebrating Our Community.” This virtual event is an evening to learn more about how COVID-19 is impacting survivors of domestic violence, how we are adapting…

Survivors of domestic violence are facing greater challenges than ever before, including increased risk of abuse, increased isolation and difficulty escaping danger. Many are also experiencing loss of wages and the inability to meet their family’s basic needs. We are…

What is White Ribbon Night? The White Ribbon Campaign was created by men in response to one man’s massacre of fourteen women. The campaign urged men to speak out against violence against women. Jane Doe Inc. led the establishment of…

We are proud to honor Alexandra Simes for her extraordinary contributions to The Second Step. Alexandra has passionately served the organization as a remarkable volunteer providing leadership, vision, and mentoring over the past decade as a board member, supporter and…

The Second Step shares your concern about COVID-19, and we remain committed to serving our community during the crisis.  In compliance with the governor’s Executive Orders, we have temporarily modified how we do business in order to minimize the risk…

Ashley Ott, member of The Second Step’s Board of Directors, and Tyler Ott, Long Snapper for the Seattle Seahawks, have generously partnered with local artist Julianne Strom Brill to decorate Tyler’s cleats on behalf of The Second Step. As part…

The Second Step’s premier fall event—Step Up to the Plate—is an intimate dinner event with 12 concurrent dinner parties on the evening of Saturday, November 2, 2019. Located in the private homes of our gracious hosts in Newton and surrounding…

The Second Step is thrilled to announce that Julie Lima, MSW, most recently of the YMCA of Greater Boston and Cradles to Crayons, will be leading TSS as its next Executive Director. Julie will take over from Matthew Swoveland, who…

After five years at The Second Step, Matthew Swoveland, Executive Director, is relocating to the west to be closer to family. He will be transitioning out of his role at TSS late this summer. All of us at TSS are…

PURCHASE TICKETS, SPONSOR, OR DONATE NOW! THURSDAY, APRIL 11TH 2019 | NEWTON MARRIOTT6:00pm Cocktails & Silent Auction with Mobile Bidding7:15pm Dinner Program EMCEE: JOYCE KULHAWIK, EMMY-AWARD WINNING ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CRITIC | JOYCESCHOICES.COM Celebrating Success is a powerful and inspirational evening,…

“My name is Joe Ristuccia, and I am a proud volunteer at The Second Step. I spend time each month working on the Board of Directors, chairing the Program Committee, and supporting staff in various capacities. I choose the Second…

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month (#DVAM2018), we’re highlighting our Steps to Justice legal services program and its exceptional director, Susan Ross! Sue leads a dedicated team of staff and volunteer attorneys who provide legal assistance and representation to survivors of…