Few organizations are as vital to the Rutland community’s safety and resilience as NewStory Center, whose inclusive mission is driven to helping all survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking, write a “new story” for their lives.
Today, under the steady leadership of Executive Director Avaloy Lanning, the Center is preparing for its most significant fundraiser of the year — the organization’s 2026 Snow Ball. (For tickets, visit www.nscvt.org).
Proceeds from the event, taking place on Feb. 6, from 6-10 p.m., at the Rutland Country Club will help the Center meet its most pressing needs, as follows:
Capacity expansion: NSC’s emergency shelter operates near capacity year-round, requiring constant maintenance and resource replenishment;
Advocacy funding: There is an increased need for “mobile advocacy” — i.e., meeting survivors in safe locations across the rural county, which demands higher transportation and personnel costs;
Prevention education: To break the cycle of violence, the Center is looking to expand its initiatives within Rutland schools, teaching the next generation about healthy relationships.
Other service programs include legal support, housing navigation, and economic empowerment.
Late last year, over a supper hosted by Avaloy Lanning and her husband Spencer at their cozy and comfortable home in Proctor, about a dozen supporters listened with rapt attention to a presentation about the organization’s current situation.
“I know that all of you who came tonight did so because you are aware of the universal prevalence of domestic violence,” Lanning began. “You are all knowledgeable and appreciative supporters of the work we do. And now I’m asking for your help in broadening awareness and support for us, among people across your broader network, to those who don’t know us as well as you do, so that we can reach and assist even more survivors,” Lanning added.
A recurring message in Lanning’s presentations to the Rutland community at large is that domestic violence knows no bounds.
“Violence happens everywhere…rural, urban, global, local,” she explained. “No community is immune. These aren’t big-city problems or ‘those people’ problems. It happens in every religion, every race. It happens to men as well as women — straight, gay, or trans. And it happens in every economic class.”
Lanning’s soothing manner, honed over several decades as a social worker, in her native Texas as well as the tony neighborhoods of Manhattan, is akin to that of an earthy, no-nonsense mom, a beloved and trusted teacher who doesn’t judge. She’s especially empathetic when she’s helping survivors understand the violence they have experienced is not their fault.
As to the work NewStory Center does in schools, Lanning acknowledges the special sensitivity that entails. “Broaching the topic of what a healthy romantic relationship can look like for adolescents, and even older teens, is challenging,” she said. “Yet, many children are living in households where there already is domestic violence.”
Over the past decade, NewStory Center has evolved from a crisis-response shelter into a comprehensive advocacy hub. It has significantly expanded its direct service programming, and pivoted toward trauma-informed empowerment, ensuring that survivors have the agency to make their own decisions while receiving the professional support needed to navigate the legal and healthcare systems.
The demand for services remains at historic highs, and the complexity of cases—often involving human trafficking and digital stalking—requires specialized staff training and technology. To be clear, NewStory Center provides all services free of charge to remove barriers to safety, so the organization relies heavily on community generosity to bridge the gap left by state and federal grants.
“Buying a ticket to the Snow Ball is a direct investment in the safety of our neighbors,” Lanning explained. “The Snow Ball will be a night for celebrating community, resilience, and hope.”
Local businesses and individuals are invited to participate through sponsorships, ticket purchases, and silent auction donations. Sponsorship opportunities provide businesses with visibility while directly supporting life-saving services for survivors.
This year’s theme, “Dress Vermont Fancy. Give Generously. Leave Sparkling,” invites guests to celebrate in winter-inspired style. The evening will include food, music and dancing, a silent auction, and special recognition of community partners who support NewStory Center’s mission.
Many people who don’t like winter (I’m one of them) find February the most challenging month. That an organization devoted to helping humans in danger, also encourages us to seize an opportunity to “sparkle,” should convince even the most stubborn hunkered-down homebody to get out from under the covers and come to the Rutland Country Club the evening of Feb. 6.
NewStory Center’s 24-hour hotline is (802) 775-3232.
For more information, visit: nscvt.org.
Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA, is a strategic growth specialist, nonprofit leader, business educator, and author. Her L3C consulting firm works exclusively with charities and educational institutions, on strategic planning, organizational development, and fundraising: lizdimarcoweinmann.com.
