Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.

2ND ANNUAL SOUP CONTEST – POSTPONED

We wanted to let everyone know that our 2nd Annual Soup Contest has been postponed. We’re planning to hold the event sometime between October and November 2026, and we’ll share the exact date as soon as it’s confirmed. Thank you so much for your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/news/2nd-annual-soup-contest-postponed/

JDI Advocacy Day 2026
📅 Monday, March 16th
🕙 11 AM – 3 PM
📍 Massachusetts Statehouse

What is Advocacy Day?

JDI is bringing together survivors, advocates, and community partners for a day of action.

We will support important laws that protect survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. These laws help make communities safer and more fair for everyone.

Schedule:

11 AM – 1 PM | Speaking Program
Speakers will explain why these laws matter. They will focus on what needs to happen before this legislative session ends.

1 PM – 3 PM | Meetings with Legislators

We will meet directly with lawmakers. We will tell them why these laws are important for survivors and communities.

Why does this matter?

Supporting survivors = safer communities.
Passing these laws = a more just world for everyone.

Please share this with your partners, networks, friends, and followers.

Join us on March 16th. Stand with survivors. Support your community.

MARCH 8 – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

This International Women's Day, we honor our ancestors — the women who fought tirelessly for rights they never got to fully enjoy, so that we could live in a world with more freedom, more protection, and more justice.

Thank you to every woman who marched, resisted, and demanded better — even when the world said no. Because of you, we can vote. Because of you, we can leave unsafe relationships. Because of you, abuse is no longer legal.

Equity is not just a word. It is the foundation that prevents violence and protects lives. We carry your legacy forward.

Image Description:

Slide 1 – Cover Slide Purple background with a yellow-to-pink gradient center panel. Text reads: "March 8 – International Women's Day / Honoring the Women Who Changed History / Gender equity prevents violence." Illustrated women and silhouettes walk across the bottom.

Slide 2 – Voting Rights Purple background with bold "EQUALITY FOR WOMEN" text and illustrated women holding signs reading "Equal Rights" and "Raise Your Voice." Covers the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and the 1920 19th Amendment, noting barriers still faced by Black and Indigenous women.

Slide 3 – Marriage, Divorce & Domestic Violence Features an illustration of a woman walking through a doorway. Covers pre-1970s barriers to divorce and the 1969 No-Fault Divorce law. Key message: "Abuse is not private. Survivors deserve protection."

Slide 4 – Marital R**e Laws Features a judge illustration and a "My Body My Choice My Rules" protest sign. Covers the legal shift from the 1970s–1993 when marital r**e became illegal in all 50 states. Key message: Consent does not change with marriage.

Slide 5 – Economic & Disability Equity Covers the 1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the 1990 ADA. Includes photos of a woman using sign language and an accessible ramp. Key message: "Economic and access equity helps survivors stay safe."

Slide 6 – LGBTQ+ & Gender Equity Rainbow imagery with diverse hands raised. Covers the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges marriage equality ruling. Key message: "Humans All the Same."

Slide 7 – The Ongoing Reality Photo of diverse women on an orange banner. Highlights ongoing disparities for women of color, Indigenous women, Deaf/disabled survivors, and LGBTQ+ survivors. Key message: "Equity prevents violence."

Slide 8 – Call to Action / Closing Text-only purple slide with powerful parallel statements: "Because they fought, we can vote… Because they demanded justice, abuse is no longer legal." Closes with: "March 8 is not just celebration. It is prevention and remembrance."

Slide 9 – Organization Contact ODSC logo — Our Deaf Survivors Center. Contact info: VP (508) 644-0648 | [email protected]



🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/news/march-8-international-womens-day/

MARCH IS SELF-HARM AWARENESS MONTH



March is Self-Harm Awareness Month
March is dedicated to raising awareness about self-harm, reducing stigma, and encouraging compassionate support within our communities — including the Deaf community.

Page 1: Raising Awareness
Self-Harm Awareness Month brings visibility to an issue that impacts millions of people. By increasing education and understanding, we can help reduce shame and create safer spaces for healing.

Page 2: Understanding Self-Harm
Self-harm can include behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, or punching. Research shows that approximately 17% of people will self-harm during their lifetime.

Self-harm does not have a specific face, gender, race, or sexuality. It can affect anyone.

Scars are not something to be ashamed of. They are signs of survival and strength. When we judge less and understand more, we help others feel safe enough to seek support.

Page 3: You Are Not Alone
ODSC – Our Deaf Survivors Center is here to support Deaf individuals and families impacted by trauma, violence, and emotional distress.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:

Phone: (508) 644-0648

Website: https://www.odscma.org

Email: [email protected]

After 5PM: Call or text 988

24/7 Deaf Hotline: (855) 812-1001

Emergencies: Call 9-1-1

Help us spread awareness. Together, we can reduce stigma, promote understanding, and remind everyone: You are not alone.

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/news/march-is-self-harm-awareness-month/

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Image Description:
A six-slide graphic for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with a purple-to-pink gradient background.

⸻

💜 Slide 1
Reads: “Love Should Feel Safe” and “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – February.”
An illustration shows a teen holding up a phone that says, “Hey, I’m here for you. You ok?” while standing next to another teen, emphasizing peer support.

⸻

💜 Slide 2
Reads: “Digital abuse is real.”
Red flag icons highlight warning signs including:
• “Why didn’t you reply fast enough?”
• Tracking your location without consent
• Posting or threatening to post private photos
• Using social media to embarrass or isolate you

⸻

💜 Slide 3
Reads: “Jealous ≠ love.”
Green flag icons highlight healthy relationship messages including:
• Love is trust, not possession
• Caring doesn’t mean control
• You don’t owe anyone access to your phone or accounts
• Healthy relationships respect privacy and boundaries, online and offline

⸻

💜 Slide 4
Reads:
Healthy relationships include:
• Respect
• Honesty
• Communication
• Freedom to be yourself
• Support for your goals
• Support for friendships

⸻

💜 Slide 5
Reads:
Your Voice Matters
You deserve respect, trust, and boundaries.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

⸻

💜 Slide 6
Reads:
Getting Help is a Strength
• Talk to a trusted friend, teacher, counselor, or adult
• Reach out to Our Deaf Survivors Center (ODSC) confidential advocate
• If a friend opens up to you, listen and believe them
• You are not alone. We are here for you

⸻

Our Deaf Survivors Center
VP: (508) 644-0648
Email: [email protected]

🍲🎉 2nd Annual Soup Contest & Dingo! 🎉🍲
Hosted by ODSC – Our Deaf Survivors Center

📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Worcester Senior Center
128 Providence St, Worcester, MA

💵 Prices:
• $10 Tasters
• $5 Soup Makers
• $5 Play Dingo
• 50/50 Raffle
Cash accepted at the door. Checks must be mailed ahead.

🍲 Soup Makers:
Bring your best homemade soup in a crockpot!

🎟️ Get tickets:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-soup-contest-and-dingo-game-a-fundraiser-for-our-deaf-survivors-center-inc

📝 Soup maker sign-up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqrnjWJQZ882aWBPp4E3ztEAFK29kjyhZ6UJa0V3RKKzcYpg/viewform

Questions? 📧 [email protected]

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/event/2nd-annual-soup-contest-bingo/

🖼️ Image description:
A colorful flyer advertising the “2nd Annual Soup Contest & Bingo,” a community fundraiser hosted by ODSC (Our Deaf Survivors Center). The flyer includes the event date and time, prices for tasters, soup makers, and dingo, and the location at Worcester Senior Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. The design features playful soup and bingo illustrations and includes QR codes for ticket purchase and soup maker registration.

WE’RE HIRING: VICTIM ADVOCATE (WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS)

Are you passionate about supporting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Late-Deafened survivors of domestic and sexual violence? Our Deaf Survivors Center (ODSC) is seeking a full-time Victim Advocate to join our team in Western Massachusetts.

This is a meaningful, hands-on role where you’ll provide advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, and help survivors navigate medical and legal systems — all while honoring Deaf culture and language access.

Position details:
• Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
• $20–$25/hour + partial benefits
• ASL & English fluency required

If you’re looking to make a real difference and be part of a compassionate, community-centered organization, we’d love to hear from you.

(ASL video cover letters welcome!)

Apply here: https://www.odscma.org/application/

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/news/were-hiring-victim-advocate-western-massachusetts-2/

RED FLAGS OF STALKING

January is National Stalking Awareness Month.
Learning the red flags of stalking helps our community safer.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself and reach out. An Our Deaf Surviors Center Advocate is available to support you with confidential help and safety planning.

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/?post_type=news&p=3843ggg

HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY- OFFICE CLOSED JANUARY 19, 2026.

In honor of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our office will be closed on January 19, 2026, We will reopen on January 20, 2026.

Deaf Hotline available 24/7: 855-812-1001



Image Description:

Graphic announcing that Our Deaf Survivors Center will be closed on January 19,2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Office hours resume January 20, 2026. A 24/7 Deaf Hotline available at 855-812-1001 for urgent support.

🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/?post_type=news&p=3836

WE’RE HIRING: VICTIM ADVOCATE – WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Looking for meaningful work that makes a real difference?

Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. is hiring a Victim Advocate to support Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Western Massachusetts. This full-time role offers the opportunity to empower survivors, provide critical advocacy, and make a lasting impact in the community.

If you are compassionate, committed to social justice, and ready to support survivors on their healing journey, we want to hear from you.

Apply today:

http://www.odscma.org/careers/



🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/?post_type=news&p=3824

SEASON’S GREETINGS AND OUR THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY CLOSURE NOTICE: DECEMBER 24, DECEMBER 25, AND DECEMBER 31, 2025.

Holiday Closure Notice: The ODSC office will be closed on December 24, December 25, and December 31, 2025. For emergencies, please call 855-812-1001.



🔗 Read more: https://www.odscma.org/?post_type=news&p=3819