During February 2007, a woman referred to as A made the difficult choice to leave her daughter’s father, who had been abusive toward her. With a nine-month-old child and no financial resources, job skills, or formal education, A felt isolated and without options. The state Department of Transitional Assistance provided her with $290 monthly and a shelter bed for herself and her child. Her caseworker, however, went further by connecting her with HarborCOV in Chelsea, an organization equipped to address the comprehensive needs that A and her daughter faced. “The first question they asked me was ‘how do you feel today?’ and that was the first question they asked me every time I walked through their doors,” said A. “That meant a lot to me, because nobody else asked me that and it let me know that that was important. How I felt was important.”
While the state’s assistance offered basic support, A soon recognized that survival would require substantially more resources. “HarborCOV did a complete needs assessment for me and then set about helping me find the resources that could provide the things I needed,” A explained. Through HarborCOV’s services, A gained access to permanent subsidized housing within her home city, childcare that enabled her to pursue employment and education, and a supportive community of fellow survivors and professional counselors. “They helped me understand that the next steps, like education, personal financial planning, and a more permanent home were all attainable,” said A. “With their help I was able to learn about budgeting and saving some of the little bit of money I was getting. I learned that I could qualify for assistance with school and daycare.” When an opportunity arose, HarborCOV offered A an internship, providing her with crucial work experience. “HarborCOV was always there for me, one way or another,” she explained. “I knew who I could call and I knew who I could ask questions. I can’t explain in one conversation all of the things that HarborCOV was able to do for me and teach me.”
A pursued higher education at Bunker Hill Community College, completing three semesters and remaining enrolled. She now works full-time and has secured permanent housing for herself and her daughter through Chelsea Housing Authority properties.
Since its founding in 1988, HarborCOV has empowered domestic violence survivors to reclaim their lives. Over 22 years, the organization has emerged as a national model for innovation, serving nearly 40,000 victims and families. The agency provides comprehensive support including safety planning, emergency housing, legal advocacy, job preparation, educational pathways, wellness resources, and affordable housing options. HarborCOV’s achievements reflect strong community partnerships dedicated to addressing domestic violence.
The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, the city’s leading business organization, works to advance commercial interests through networking and community engagement. Since 2004, the Chamber has collaborated with HarborCOV and regional food businesses to host Taste of Chelsea, an event highlighting local restaurants while raising awareness about domestic violence. Last year’s event generated nearly $50,000, with all funds supporting HarborCOV’s innovative programs that interrupt cycles of abuse and mobilize community action.
The Seventh Annual Taste of Chelsea will be held Monday, September 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 62 Broadway in Chelsea, within the Massport facility (currently owned by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation) beneath the Tobin Bridge. The event features more than 40 local sponsors and restaurants. Advance tickets cost $30, with door tickets at $35 for individuals. Groups of 10 or more are available at $25 per ticket and can be purchased through the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, Chelsea Bank, or online at www.harborcov.org/events, which also lists all program sponsors and participating restaurants.