Wine-tasting, volunteer training offered by domestic violence groups

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Shelters. The event at Sudbury Wine and Spirits (410 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury) will be on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event to help survivors of domestic violence establish new homes. Requested items include twin-size sheets and pillowcases, summer blankets, and comforters as well as bed pillows, crib sheets, bath towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small appliances. Gift cards are also welcome. Donations also help the Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence.

This year’s event will also include a raffle of items including gift baskets donated by Sudbury Wine and Spirits and Starbucks of Sudbury. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event; winners do not need to be present to win. Proceeds will be used to purchase additional gift cards as part of Shower for Shelters.

Volunteer advocate training

The Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) is holding its next volunteer advocate training program at the Concord Police Department from May 29 to June 14. This 40-hour training session is provided at no cost. The classes are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with a mix of “long” (9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and “short” (9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) days.  Classes will be held on the following dates: May 29 (long), May 31 (long), June 3 (short), June 5 (short), June 7 (long), June 10 (short), June 12 (short), June 14 (long).

Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence. The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients at these venues and in its 12 member towns. For more information or to request an application, call 978-318-3421 or e-mail dvvap@concordma.gov. Applications are due by May 23.