2024

 In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Inmates at MCI-Norfolk asked if a program could be developed related to family violence. The Department of Correction Victim Services Unit, headed by Christian Ruuska approved a curriculum that the Inmates had an input in. To close out the completion of the Family Violence Program, the Inmates requested to do a Walk around the MCI-Norfolk quad in an effort to not only bring awareness to domestic violence but to also raise donations for a program who provides services for Domestic Violence. Ironically, New Hope was chosen. 

Along with the walk, the Inmates asked if a survivor could come in to address the inmates on how a Domestic Violence incident would impact someone. As a former Superintendent at MCI-Norfolk, Brad Cowen was asked if he was willing to come in and say a few words about the impact on him from his Daughter Ambers passing. Based on the Amber Nicole Cowen Memorial Foundation mission, this was a clear opportunity to bring awareness to Domestic Violence. Although a different type of speech based on the audience, Brad’s goal was to talk about choices. Mainly the choice to put the poor decision made in the past, just that, in the past and to challenge them to improve themselves in the future. Eliminating hate and replace it with love will positively impact a society that is divided and full of hate. Brad spoke about how Amber’s passing was senseless and needless yet there was nothing that could be done now to change the outcome. All we can do now is to work hard to bring awareness to Domestic Violence which will hopefully result in more survivors. 

Brad also spoke how Ambers passing impacted so many; from family and friends to co-workers as well as the Inmates at Pondville Correctional Center. Brad also spoke about the individual who took his daughter by saying that this individual fought for his country and also worked for the commonwealth. With this said, based on his actions, his parents cannot leave their house with their head held high in pride. Brad also spoke about his faith, crediting his faith along with Ambers guidance with providing him the ability to move forward and try to make the world a better place. In closing, as a result of the event, over $300 was DIRECTLY raised by the Inmate population which will go directly to New Hope.

In honor of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Brad, Lisa, Terri and Margaret from the Amber Nicole Cowen Memorial Foundation donated to and participated in a 1.3 mile walk to end domestic violence. Over $9,000 was raised to directly support the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center. ANCMF is so excited for this new collaboration with Rachel their Development Director.  

Every dollar raised will directly support the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center's life-saving programs, offering free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Rhode Island.

“The Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center was founded in 1979 as the Elizabeth Buffum Chace House. This was a Community Improvement Project of the G.F.W.C. Warwick Junior Women’s Club with the intent of providing immediate, temporary shelter and support services for women and children in crisis due to domestic violence. Original services, which continue through the present time, included the crisis hotline and the safe shelter. Over the years, new services were added to address the needs of women who are unable or not ready to seek shelter, and to include men who are victims of abuse. In 2004, the Community Center in Warwick opened to better serve community-based clients and to strengthen our work in the community.”

ANCMF has formed a new collaboration with The Malinois Foundation, and we could not be more excited. The Malinois Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to provide individuals suffering with PTSD, physical disabilities and other special needs with a dog that can comfort and assist them. This program started originally for veterans and first responders, it has more recently grew to both children with disabilities and women survivors. Their mission is to provide service dog training to individuals in need with both physical and/or mental impairments. They work with individuals and their families to train each service animal to meet their individual needs. They aim to educate communities about the importance and effectiveness of service animals.

People often ask why is it called “The Malinois Foundation”? The Malinois Foundation got its name because they felt the Malinois breed “represents resilience, independence, and incredible loyalty. They strive to offer those same qualities to their clients, and they work with dog breeds that will best suit the clients and their needs.” Anyone who has ever applied to receive a service dog knows it can be an extensive process. Eligibility requires an approved application, application fee, a background check and a doctor's note verifying medical/mental health needs. Along with waiting for the approval, a fund-raising component is necessary to be able to obtain a dog. For someone who suffers from PTSD, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks; this can be extremely difficult. The cost of a service dog along with training can be unattainable without help… This was the case for Brandie. After forming a collaboration with The Malinois Foundation the ANCMF received a lengthy email from a girl, named Brandie. Her story was moving, heartbreaking but also filled with so much hope. We knew we had to help. For years, Brandie dealt with the abuse of her husband, Josh. When we spoke, she mentions the emotional and mental abuse being the worst of it all. From broken bones, bruises, being punched, kicked, slapped, choked, and even stabbed. Those physical wounds heal, but the emotional damage stays sitting with you. He stalked & threatened her for over a year, finally being able to obtain a lifetime restraining order. Which mind you, is exceedingly difficult to obtain. She mentions always having to remain hypervigilant, she is terrified that if he finds her, he will kill her. Understandably, this has caused her extreme anxiety in public settings. She stated “My anxiety won't let me go to stores, school events, birthday parties, parks, anywhere my back can't be against a wall without a clear path to an exit. All the places that "normal" moms go. I carry a lot of guilt for the things my fears cause my kids to miss out on.”

After only a few weeks The Malinois Foundation called stating a puppy had passed all his assessments to determine whether he would make a good service dog, as well as coming from an extensive line of service dogs. These dogs are absolutely incredible; they can be trained to reduce night terrors and PTSD flashbacks, by waking up their owner before a flashback or terror even begins. Redirecting their owner during anxiety attacks or dissociative states. These dogs can create a sense of safety in public, specifically making a physical barrier between their owner and other people and alerting their owner if someone gets too close, just to name a few.

We knew this was our call to action to assist Brandie in reclaiming her independence, self-discovery, and work on getting her life back free from any abuse and the aftermath of an abuser. We at the ANCMF did not want the financial burden to be the reason Brandie did not get her service dog. From the moment Brandie emailed the ANCMF unanimously voted to help her; we decided to cover the full cost of the puppy and all the training necessary to be a certified service dog. All of us at ANCMF were so happy to help and we are beyond grateful that Brandie decided to name the puppy “COWEN”!!!!

We wish you nothing but the best, Brandie. 

We hope little Cowen does a great job. He sure is cute!

Our Vice President Lisa Cowen met with DIA Specialist Manager Nico Costa from New Hope, Inc. to drop off clothing items for children of various ages impacted by domestic violence. 

New Hope Inc. is an incredible organization that dedicates immeasurable amounts of time, energy, and effort but also their love and compassion for survivors and families is unmatched.