Bedford Domestic Violence Services

11/12/2025

There is still time to register for the Domestic Violence group.
540-587-0970.

We are hosting another support group here in Bedford. If you would like to join, please make sure to register. Space is limited.

11/05/2025

Evelyn Johnson Volunteer Award:

Kassidy Smith

There have been many changes at Bedford Domestic Violence Services in the past few years. One thing that has not changed is the need for volunteers who have a passion to help others.
When the staff at BDVS are busy and there are hundreds of other things that need to be done we look to our volunteers to assist. Donations are so important to the program, and those donations must be sorted and logged and put away. Files need to be updated, phones need to be answered, clients may need to be transported, or a simple word of encouragement to victims and staff can brighten up any day.
The recipients of this award have been actively involved in helping the residents and staff to enjoy the day-to-day tasks that surround the services at BDVS.

On top of multiple jobs and schoolwork, Kassidy reached out to our program and put in many hours of volunteer work each week. She helped organize the shelter as well as process and sort many donations. Her work helped get needed donations to our clients and keep the walk-in center welcoming and presentable to visitors.

10/31/2025

Halloween is all about creativity, costumes, and community—but safety should never be scary.

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, going out with friends, or handing out candy at home, remember:
✨ Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.
✨ Consent always matters—yes, even at costume parties.
✨ Boundaries aren’t up for debate.

Let’s make this Halloween fun, safe, and full of care for ourselves, our neighbors, and our communities 🎃

10/30/2025

Purple Ribbon Award:

Lisa Mansel

The Purple Ribbon Award was created years ago to honor all victims in our community…the victims we are aware of and the victims who haven’t yet found the courage to speak about the abuse they endure.

Lisa was a new addition to the coalition this year and has been instrumental in the growth in both the coalition and at BDVS. She jumped right in to learn about the experience of the victims by immersing herself with staff at the shelter and even attending the annual Action Alliance training with staff. She has been very responsive to needs and desires expressed by the staff. Some of her accomplishments have included creating a garden at the shelter, organizing an art auction to benefit the coalition, and bringing on several more board members to keep the coalition thriving. She has been a very hands-on board member, and we are incredibly grateful for all her contributions.

10/30/2025

We are hosting another support group here in Bedford. If you would like to join, please make sure to register. Space is limited.

10/28/2025

Check out our 4th quarter Newsletter. October has been very busy. Thanks to all who have supported the program and continue to support our clients. We appreciate you all.

10/24/2025

We are at the Bedford Central Library today with awareness items and staff that are ready to talk with anyone who has concerns about domestic violence. If you are in the area, please stop by and chat. We also have tickets available for the cub cadet if anyone would like to purchase one for $10.

10/23/2025

Kenneth "Santa" Runyon Donor Award:

Wipledale Farm Greenhouse, Inc.

This award was created in 2015 after the passing of one of Bedford Domestic Violence Services’ most loyal donors. Mr. Runyon was known to our staff at ‘Santa”. He has dressed up for the holidays and entertained the children and provided many gifts for them to make the holiday special. His smile and joyful sense of humor made it a treat every time he visited the office. In looking over the years, that Mr. Runyon has donated to BDVS we have totaled more than $16,000 from all the gift cards, household items, school supplies, Christmas gifts, and monetary donations. It is safe to say that Mr. Runyon loved helping our program because he believed in the good work that is happening there.

Wipledale Farm Greenhouse, Inc. donated many farm supplies, crops, and flowers to help with a new summer project at the shelter. Their flowers have been a lovely addition to making the outside of the shelter seem more home-like and their crops were essential for the new project - a garden. Shelter residents have had the opportunity to care for the garden if they choose and have been able to take fresh vegetables to supplement their meals. Staff and residents enjoyed vegetables such as squash, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, lettuce, kale, and cabbage through the summer and now into the fall.
Thanks so much for the generosity and support of Bedford Domestic Violence Services.

10/23/2025

BDVS is so grateful for Bedford Domestic Violence Coalition members who are stepping out of the box and finding wonderful ways to support the program. Your time and care for the clients are much appreciated.

The basket of art supporting Bedford Domestic Violence Services is now at Town Kitchen Provisions. Feel free to make a donation and take a piece of art from the basket!

10/21/2025

BDVS staff is at First XI this morning and they are ready to talk with anyone who may have questions or concerns about domestic violence. Stop by and get a great cup of coffee and a treat. We would love to chat with you🤩.

10/21/2025

The Ruby Award:
Daniel “Zane” Dees

The Ruby Award is given to professionals or community members who exemplify services to victims of domestic violence. The idea of the Ruby Award originated after the death of a Bedford woman, who for years was a victim of battering. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Bedford Domestic Violence Services. These memorial contributions were used to create the first Annual Domestic Violence Awareness event in Bedford.
Zane has been an absolutely wonderful addition to the team at BDVS. Since he started as the court advocate almost two years ago, he has multiplied the number of clients served through his hard work and kind demeanor. Zane has built incredible working relationships with partners such as court staff and Victim Witness. He consistently seeks out clients in need and makes them feel at ease, connecting them with a variety of supportive services throughout the process. Allied services and clients are quick to compliment him on the quality of support he provides. Zane also brings a unique perspective to the BDVS through his knowledge of the legal system and his experience in the mental health field. We are blessed to have him as part of the team!

10/17/2025

BDVS staff are participating in the EHS Resource Fair event on Fenwick Dr. Lynchburg Va today. We love working with allied partners and reaching out to all who may need assistance.