ATASK Stands with Black Lives

ATASK stands with the Black communities of America. The pain, sadness and anger expressed across the nation is undeniable. Systemic racism, white supremacy, police brutality and the historic oppression of the Black community are not new.  The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are only recent reminders. We are a nation that “Can't Breathe.”

Remaining silent perpetuates racism and systemic injustice.  We can no longer stay silent and must use our collective voices to demand change. ATASK is committed to joining Black communities and allies to dismantle the structural inequities that oppress Black, indigenous and people of color and divide our nation.

There are many ways to raise your voice against racism and create a more equitable and inclusive society.

• Educate yourself about Black history, anti-racism, anti-blackness, white supremacy, and systemic oppression.  And do this work without asking your Black peers to educate you.
• Reach out and listen without judgment.
• Learn how to be a better ally.
• Support Black businesses.
• Donate to a charity that supports the Black community and social justice.
• Vote for change.
• Support government policies aimed at reforming unjust systems on national,  state and local levels.

ATASK Supports Survivors During COVID-19 Pandemic  

During these challenging times, ATASK continues to provide critical services to domestic violence survivors. Our 24/7 hotline is in full operation, our advocates are working with survivors remotely, our legal team is processing cases, and our shelter remains open.  Services are free, confidential, and available to documented and undocumented persons.

While our communities stay at home to reduce health risks from COVID-19, victims of domestic violence are finding themselves more at risk and unable to distance themselves from their abusers to get help.  If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24-hour multilingual hotline at (617) 338-2355.  We can provide resources, safety planning and support.  

We are grateful to those who have generously responded to the growing needs of survivors during this economically difficult period.  We are thankful for community partners that have given us emergency grants, including United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Fish Family Foundation, Anna B. Stearns Charitable Foundation, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Funds are being distributed directly to clients to assist with housing, food and other essentials.

We are also incredibly appreciative of the past support we have received from our community of donors, giving ATASK the stability and ability to quickly pivot and adapt the way we provide services during this crisis.

What Would You Do if You Couldn't Call 911?  

Asking for help is not always easy. Many of us take for granted that we can pick up the phone and call 911 in the event of an emergency. We also have the privilege of calling a provider and asking for help, whether it be for medical, legal, housing, or employment matters. This, however, is not always the case for many of our clients. Due to language barriers, most of our clients do not have the English skills needed to navigate the systems here in the U.S.

Survivors Create a Song About Hope

Recently, shelter clients met with local musician Julia Mark to create their very own song. They wanted the world to know that life was getting better, and that they had hope for the future. They wanted the song to be uplifting and joyful. The result was a song entitled "All We Need" with a powerful message about love and hope. Click here to watch the video.

"All We Need" Lyrics

They're some things I've been dreaming of
I don't need a lot of stuff
And I've got a lot of life to live
I just need a lot of love
I've got a lot of love to give
So I'm gonna keep on looking up

Refrain:
Gonna put my worries on an outbound train
I've got this hope that I cannot contain
Your love is my umbrella when it starts to rain
When the storm has passed, only simple things remain
That's all I need today
All we need
Oh it's all we need

I've been dreaming of a place of my own
All those bad, bad days go on and leave me alone
And when the darkness starts to creep
And there's no respite in my sleep
I'm gonna keep on searching for the sun

Music + Lyrics by Julia Mark
www.juliamarkmusic.com