SafePlace is committed to helping survivors of sexual violence find

SafePlace is committed to helping survivors of sexual violence find

Advocate
The
SPRING 2014
24-Hour Help Line
360 754 6300
TTY 360 943 6703
[email protected]
Join the conversation
on Facebook!
www.safeplaceolympia.org
SafePlace is committed to
helping survivors of sexual
violence find their power
“SafePlace has gone above and beyond for me. I thought the sexual assault
group was really comforting, welcoming, and I learned a lot of great coping
techniques on how to deal with triggers. At SafePlace I feel like I can really
open up and talk to people without being judged or criticized.”
In 2013, SafePlace helped over 250 adults and children who were victims of sexual
abuse through our advocacy and support group programs. Unfortunately, we know
the impacts of sexual abuse are lifelong and can be life changing. Survivors share
with us their experience with PTSD, depression, eating and sleeping disorders,
flashbacks, and an increase in substance abuse as a result of this abuse. We know
that people of all demographics are impacted by sexual assault, and as a result,
SafePlace has expanded our services to help meet these varied needs.
SafePlace offers a broad range of support for victims of sexual violence, including
a male survivor group, a child sexual abuse group, a Spanish-speaking women’s
In this issue
Sexual Violence Healing . . . . . . 1
Letter from Mary. . . . . . . . . . 2
Growing SafePlace. . . . . . . . . . 3
We’re Moving!. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Support for Victims of Sexual Violence, continued page 5
Client Services
From our Executive Director, Mary Pontarolo
Aubrie
Autumn
Carolina
Dan
Davy
Doris
Erika
Heidi
Jennifer
Joanna
Julia
Laura
Lucila
Raymond
Sarah Jordan
Sarah S
Zoe
Yessica
Coordinators
Amy
Britt
Jace
Jen
Tiffany
Administrative
Derek
Jessica
Kellie
Randy
Shirley
Facilities
Donna
Karina
Board of Directors
Lucy Clifthorne, President
Kelli Hegsted, Treasurer
Sandy St. Dennis, Secretary
Joanna Aldridge
Mary Belz
Jason Cain
Scott Douglas
Karen Hogan
Nancy Koptur
Nancy Parkes
Directors
Mary Pontarolo
Executive Director
Thomasina Cooper
Development Director
Cheri Literal
Human Resources Director
As a sexual assault survivor, April Sexual Assault Awareness is an important
month to me personally and professionally.
It is the one time of year that many institutions recognize the impact of sexual
violence in our society and work toward its prevention. As a survivor, this helps
me to heal because acknowledgment breaks the isolation and recognizes the
societal breadth of the problem.
Simply put, sexual violence is pervasive. It is documented that it occurs within
our religious institutions, within our families, within our schools, social and
athletic clubs, and within our work environments.
No haven escapes the possibility of sexual violence unless clear boundaries are
drawn and we all are attentive and intent on its prevention.
It is within this framework that SafePlace has launched community engagement
activities, including a capital campaign to purchase a larger service delivery space.
We are buying a building where we will focus the space and our energy not only
serving survivors and their families, but also engaging all corners of our community
in the act of preventing sexual violence.
To me as a survivor, it is a statement made by my community that I am not
alone. That there are people and institutions intent on others knowing “this
violence was not my fault.” That our society, in the form of our community, and
all of its institutions, has a deep responsibility to abate its occurrence.
Silence is the garden in which sexual violence is allowed to grow and prosper.
Not talking about it does not end it. We cannot ignore the problem away.
We can interrupt this violence by teaching healthy relationship behaviors and
the accompanying attitudes. But this requires a cultural shift.
What I wear does not cause sexual violence. How I act does not cause sexual
violence. These violent behaviors are not an “out of control” response.
This violence occurs because a person decides they will act in a violent and
oppressive manner. These behaviors are used inappropriatly to problem
solve and oppress individuals and groups of people. And they do not belong in
healthy relationships or anywhere in our community.
When our children can participate in a
team sport or activity without fear of sexual
violence, we will have educated citizens able
to prevent and end sexual violence.
This should be our goal and I look
forward to that day.
Warmly,
Rosalie Saecker
Fiscal Director
SafePlace Executive Director
Mary Pontarolo with Hailey
2
THE ADVOCATE ~ SPRING 2014
www.safeplaceolympia.org 24 Hour Helpline (360) 754-6300
Growing SafePlace Services in South Thurston County
Starting this month, SafePlace is partnering with ROOF
(Rochester Organization of Families) to offer legal advocacy
services in Spanish and English to survivors residing in
south Thurston County. Open to all survivors, our legal
advocates, Lucy Santiago and Yessica Bevil, will be available
on alternate Mondays to provide bicultural/bilingual legal
support. This support includes assistance with sexual
and domestic violence
protection orders, safety
planning, immigration
proceedings, navigating the
court system, emotional
support and referrals to
community resources.
and partners to participate in this much-needed outreach.
We are delighted to be able to create more connections with
survivors in Rochester and outlying areas.”
According to the 2005 victim safety audit, victim advocates
are the single most important factor that help victims to
understand the legal and service system. “We know the legal
system is complicated- and especially more so if the survivor
doesn’t speak English (or
if it’s not a first language).
By offering support in
navigating this system, we
help empower survivors
to experience their rights
to participate in the legal
system if that is their need.
The ability to speak their
truth in a court of law can
be incredibly uplifting,” says
Pontarolo.
“Access and transportation
are major issues for
survivors,” says Santiago,
“we are thrilled to be able to
travel to ROOF and provide
these services during the
Additionally, we will
hours of the food bank.
begin a 6-session bilingual
This is a great example
workshop series at ROOF
of meeting clients where
called “A Community
they are at.” Adds Kellie
Conversation,” focused
McNelly, Executive Director
on addressing issues of
of ROOF, “for over 20
domestic violence and
years, ROOF Community
immigration. Santiago
Services has been bringing
shares “there is a critical
resources to the Rochester
need to increase the
community and we are
understanding of the
Safeplace Legal Advocates
very excited to partner with
resources available and
Lucy Santiago and Yessica Bevil.
SafePlace. This is a great
to share in conversation
opportunity to reach out to
about issues survivors and
a population that might not
their families are facing”.
have the ability to travel to Olympia for this service.”
The workshop series will cover topics such as cultural and
SafePlace is working on increasing our services, particularly
legal services, to those in South County for good reason.
The 2005 Thurston County Victim Safety and Offender
Accountability Audit, a comprehensive audit of system
coordination for services to domestic violence survivors in
our community, found three main goals, one of which is to
increase victim advocacy services to victims in rural areas.
“We have been actively pursuing public partnerships for years
to help us achieve this goal,” says Mary Pontarolo, SafePlace
Executive Director. “Now we’ve been able to find financing
family values, healthy relationships, the impact of violence
on children and what can be done to prevent violence from
happening. “We are so excited to begin this series,” exclaims
Santiago. “What a great way to deepen our connections to
one another.” A Community Conversation begins May 2,
and runs weekly through June 6.
In addition to our work in Rochester, SafePlace is also
working on creating a similar outreach partnership in Yelm.
“We know similar barriers to access exist for survivors in
Yelm as they do in Rochester. It is up to us to make our
Growing SafePlace, continued page 4
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre3
far has been construction of a new building. But
that is not the only means to achieve our goal.
We have now seized the opportunity to purchase and
renovate an existing building located at 521 Legion
Way in downtown Olympia in lieu of building from
scratch. The available site is close to our current
community service center, central to downtown
Olympia and bus service, and already has many of
the basic building configurations needed. We have
consulted with contractors and architects regarding
changes to further suit our service needs, and have
determined we can purchase and renovate for less
than originally planned.
As you know, SafePlace has outgrown our current
community service center on Legion Way in Olympia. Our
Board of Directors created a plan to expand our physical
capacity so we could provide services to both existing
and new clients in a manner that is respectful and allows
adequate space for clients, their children and staff alike.
We set forth the vision of moving the existing house at 314
Legion Way and building on that site a new center to meet
the needs of SafePlace well into the future. To make the
vision a reality, the Board embarked on an ambitious Capital
Campaign to fund construction of the new building.
Keeping in mind, always, the Board’s responsibility to
manage the funds of the organization effectively, as well as
to oversee the health of the organization, we remained on
the lookout for alternative opportunities to meet the space
needs of SafePlace. The means to achieve the vision thus
The building selected is located two blocks east of our
current location on Legion Way and renovation will save
SafePlace over $1 million. This plan, while meeting
our need to improve our community service capability,
will also support our community’s desire for a vibrant
downtown by renovating an existing structure that sits
vacant. The Board has approved the purchase and
renovation of this structure as the most fiscally responsible
way to meet our vision and goals. We are now in the
process of due diligence for purchase which should close
by early April.
If all goes well, we will be done with Phase 1 of the
remodel, and moved in by the end of the year.
We are deeply grateful to you for our community’s
support of the Capital Campaign, and welcome any
questions or comments you may have about the selected
site and the plans for renovation.
Thank you for being our partner during this exciting
expansion of our services.
Growing SafePlace, continued page 4
services easily accessible, and the best way for us to do that is
to bring them to Yelm,” says Bevil. Knowing that, SafePlace
is currently working with Yelm City Councilmember Mike
McGowan and staff at the City of Yelm to set-up a similar
program, where survivors can come speak with an advocate
about domestic or sexual assault legal issues on identified
days in Yelm. “It is through partnerships like these that we
can truly address the findings of the safety audit creating
4
THE ADVOCATE ~ SPRING 2014
critical services for those in rural areas of Thurston County,”
adds Pontarolo. “We are so delighted knowing that many
survivors will now have access to important advocacy
services. What an exciting growth for our community!”
To learn more about our legal assistance at ROOF or the
Community Conversation series, contact Lucy Santiago at
(360) 786-8754 x110 or via email: [email protected]
www.safeplaceolympia.org 24 Hour Helpline (360) 754-6300
We thank the following individuals
and businesses for hosting
community benefit events on our behalf
11/1/13-2/28/14
The Brotherhood Lounge, New Year’s Eve party
Calcara Chiropractic Patient Appreciation Day
Capital City Newcomers Club, member donations
Department of Revenue Property Tax Division, baked goods and
hot lunch sale
Dutch Brothers Coffee, Grand Opening Event
Gull Harbor Lutheran Church, Sausage Fest
Marilee Anderson, potluck
Olympia Honey Baker, tip jar funds
Port of Olympia, staff auction
Rainier Stampeders Bowling League, member donations
Seldon’s Furniture, furniture sales
South Puget Sound Community College Communications Class,
donation drive
Stormans Inc, Thrifty Card proceeds
Washington State Attorney General’s Office, staff donations
The Valley Athletic Club, Winter Tennis Tournament and Auction
Wee Love Learning, Annual Dinner and Auction
Women’s Leadership Circle, Shelter Shower
SafePlace is honored to have received support
in 2013 from the following foundations
Bank of America
Camp Solomon Schechter
Community Foundation of
South Puget Sound
Episcopal Charities
Horizons Foundation
Lacey Sunrise Lions
Lewis Community
Spouses’ Club
Ludlow Foundation
Northwest Children’s Fund
Olympia Rotary
PSE Foundation
Puyallup Tribe of Indians
Squaxin Island Tribe
TJX Foundation
Verizon Hopeline
Weyerhaeuser Foundation
Women of the ELCA
Women’s Funding Alliance
Zonta Club of Olympia
A special thanks to TSS for their longtime support
of SafePlace and their gift of ISP service to us.
It is local businesses like these who make our
community a special place.
Commemorative Gifts
11/1/13-2/28/14
Memorials
Christilda Eleanor Ringle by Joyce & Andrew Watts
Emma Brosch by Joyce & Andrew Watts
Jann Marie Weiss by Joyce & Andrew Watts
Margie Allnes by Lois Bergenson
Sandy Cagle by Lylburn Cagle
Shannon Davis by Lesley & Daniel Franco,
and Judy & Richard Lincoff
Alison Good by Rita & Robert Read
Rosalie Gittings by Sandra Lee & Elmer Keiski
Marjorie Reeves by Sandra Lee & Elmer Keiski
Grace Nelson by Ann Marie Vandeman
Timothy Williams by Warren Williams
Honorariums
Sue Dahlmann and Betty McKenzie
by JoLove Beach and Diane Stiles
David & Melinda Hilborn by Arlene & Joseph Hartman
Bob & Fran Hilborn by Arlene & Joseph Hartman
Dr. Bob and Lynn Brunton by Michael Murphy & Cheryl Duryea
Wendy Cornell & Susan Cloen by Clayton & Susan Cloen
Wendy Cornell & Susan Cloen by BL Cloen
Amy & Dan Donovan by Larry & Earlyse Swift
Dr. Bill & Jackie Gavin by Michael Murphy & Cheryl Duryea
Jean Hamlin by Joan Osborne
Rozanne Hammond by Elizabeth Lilly
Elizabeth Hayes by Jessica & Nate Hoover
Jennifer Hine by Lorraine & Bill Hine
Rosanne Horovitz by Judith Scholes
Gene Kraft by Judy & Christopher Simon
Carolyn Lakewold by Goldberg Investments
Kari McClain by Robin & Roger Carnes
Michael Moore by Joslyn Trivett, and Peter Impara
John & Sandy Parry by Michael Murphy & Cheryl Duryea
Sandy Swarthout & Vernon Stoner
by Michael Murphy & Cheryl Duryea
Melanie Stewart & Wayne Wiliams
by Michael Murphy & Cheryl Duryea
Diana Williard by James & Maureen Kiefert
Jeanette Willis by Brian Willis
In Her Voice
SafePlace has gone above and beyond for me. .. the sexual assault support group was really comforting,
welcoming, and I learned a lot of great coping techniques on how to deal with triggers. At SafePlace I feel like
I can really open up and talk to people without being judged or criticized. They offer really great feedback.
“I don’t have to look for love, because I am love.” Euphoria Godsent5
Support for Victims of Sexual Violence, continued from front page
group and S.P.E.A.K. (SafePlace Peer Education, Action and
Knowledge), a group for teens.
Having a space to share, learn and heal is a cornerstone of
survivor services. “By offering a wide variety of groups,
SafePlace is acknowledging the breadth and depth of
the impact of sexual assault on individuals here in our
community. Over and over again, we hear, ‘thank you for
making this space for me!,’ and I am reminded about the
power of these groups,” said Jen Friedlander, SafePlace’s
Sexual Assault Program Coordinator.
SafePlace also offers community workshops for survivors
of sexual violence that include writing to heal, self care,
In Her Voice
You know that these people (SafePlace) are going to
have your back and they are going to be supportive of
you. That is what gets you up in the morning besides
your children’s smiling faces who now know that they
are safe. I think a lot of people think that small tokens
that you are giving are just small tokens and things that
you are giving, but my children didn’t have to feel the
effects of the situation, they still got to do things that
normal children do, a sense of normalcy.
6
THE ADVOCATE ~ SPRING 2014
embodied healing, yoga for survivors and more. In
addition to these services, we have increased our services
to the LGBTQ community. To address this need, we have
prioritized competency with the LGBTQ community
in hiring sexual assault staff and have added targeted
programming such as Advocacy Night, a drop in advocacy
evening each month that addresses the unique needs of this
underserved population.
SafePlace is also in partnership with many organizations in
our local community to provide comprehensive resources for
victims of sexual violence and their families. We currently
have an active partnership with St. Peter’s Sexual Assault
Clinic and Monarch Children’s Justice Center, supporting
families who are surviving child sexual violence. For example,
Monarch Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center offers
therapeutic and counseling services to child survivors of
assault while SafePlace staff are onsite three times a week
providing advocacy and support to the non-offending
parents and caregivers. We work with a parent/caregiver on
issues such as safety planning, empowerment and autonomy,
legal advocacy, and medical advocacy, while Monarch offers
counseling and therapy aimed at healing on a behavioral and
mental health level.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence,
SafePlace is here to help. Please call our 24 hour helpline at
(360) 754-6300 or [email protected]. April is sexual
assault awareness month and SafePlace is offering support in
various ways. Please feel free to attend any and/or all of these
events. We encourage you to spread the word and help us in
achieving our goal of ending the vicious cycle of abuse in our
local community!
www.safeplaceolympia.org 24 Hour Helpline (360) 754-6300
El Crecimiento de los Servicios de SafePlace
en el Sur del Condado de Thurston
E
mpezando este mes, SafePlace trabaja en conjunto
con ROOF (Rochester Organización para Familias)
para ofrecer servicios de apoyo legal en inglés y español
a sobrevivientes que residen en el Sur del Condado de
Thurston. Abierto a todo sobreviviente, nuestras intercesoras
legales, Lucy Santiago y Yessica Bevil, estarán disponibles
el segundo y cuarto lunes de cada mes para proveer apoyo
legal biocultural/bilingüe. Este apoyo incluye asistencia con
órdenes de protección de violencia domestica y asalto sexual,
plan de seguridad, medidas de inmigración, navegación del
sistema de la corte, apoyo emocional, referencias y recurso de
la comunidad.
“El acceso a transportación es uno de los problemas más
grandes que enfrentan sobrevivientes,” dice Lucy Santiago.
“Estamos encantados de poder llevar este servicio a la
comunidad de Rochester en ROOF durante las horas del
banco de comida. Este es un excelente espacio y oportunidad
para conectarse con la comunidad.” Kellie McNelly,
Directora Ejecutiva de ROOF añade, “ROOF servicios a la
Comunidad ha estado trayendo recursos a la comunidad
de Rochester y estamos muy emocionados de trabajar en
conjunto con SafePlace. Esta es una gran oportunidad para
llegar a la populación que tal vez no tenga la habilidad de
viajar a Olympia para este servicio.”
SafePlace está trabajando para incrementar sus servicios
a aquellas personas que viven al Sur del Condado,
particularmente en servicios legales por buenas razones. La
Auditoria de Seguridad de la Víctima y de Responsabilidad
del Infractor del Condado de Thurston del 2005, una
auditoria comprensiva de sistemas de coordinación para
servicios para sobrevivientes de violencia domestica en
nuestra comunidad, encontró tres objetivos principales,
uno de los cuales es incrementar los servicios de intercesoría
para las víctima en áreas rurales. “Por años, hemos estado
buscando activamente asociaciones públicas para ayudarnos a
cumplir esta meta,” dice Mary Pontarolo, Directora Ejecutiva
de SafePlace. “Ahora tenemos los recursos de financiamiento
y socios para participar en estos servicios necesarios. Estamos
encantados de poder crear más conexiones con sobrevivientes
en Rochester y zonas aledañas.”
De acuerdo con la Auditoria de Seguridad del 2005, los
intercesores son un factor importante para ayudar a las
víctimas a entender tanto el sistema legal como el sistema
de servicios. “Nosotros sabemos que el sistema legal es
complicado y más aun si el sobreviviente no habla inglés
(o si el inglés no es su primera lengua) ofreciendo apoyo
en la navegación de este sistema ayudamos a apoderar al
sobreviviente a experimentar su derecho a participar en el
sistema legal, si esa es una de sus necesidades. “La habilidad
de decir su verdad en una corte puede ser increíblemente
edificante,” dice Pontarolo.
Además, se iniciará un taller bilingüe de 6 sesiones llamada
“Pláticas Comunitarias” y se centra en cuestiones relativas
con la Violencia Domestica e Inmigración. Santiago
comparte “hay una gran necesidad de educación sobre
el tema, además de incrementar el conocimiento de los
servicios y recursos que existen en la comunidad, y compartir
esta información atreves de conversaciones acerca de sus
necesidades y las de su familia.” La serie de talleres cubrirá
temas como, cultura, valores familiares, relaciones sanas, el
impacto de la violencia domestica en niños, la prevención
de violencia y derechos inmigratorios. “Estamos muy
emocionados de poder empezar esta serie,” exclamó Santiago.
“Es una manera perfecta de profundizar nuestras conexiones
uno con el otro.” Pláticas Comunitarias se iniciara a partir
del 2 de mayo, todos los viernes culminando en 6 de junio.
Además de nuestro trabajo en Rochester, SafePlace también
está trabajando en la creación de programas similares con
organizaciones públicas en Yelm. “Sabemos que las barreras
que existentes son similares para el acceso de servicios
para el sobreviviente en Yelm al igual que en Rochester.
Nos corresponde a nosotros hacer nuestro servicio mucho
más accesible, y la mejor manera es llevarlos hasta Yelm,”
dice Yessica. SafePlace actualmente está trabajando con
el Concejal de Yelm Mike McGowan y el personal de la
ciudad de Yelm para establecer un programa similar, donde
los sobrevivientes puedan venir a hablar con una intercesora
sobre cuestiones jurídicas de acoso sexual o violencia
domestica durante días identificados en Yelm. “Realmente es
a través de asociaciones como estas que podemos descifrar las
conclusiones de la Auditoría de Seguridad creando servicios
críticos para aquellos en zonas rurales del Condado de
Thurston” añade Pontarolo. “Estamos emocionados al saber
que mucho de los sobrevivientes ahora tendrán fácil acceso a
importantes servicios para su defensa. ¡Qué crecimiento tan
emocionante para nuestra comunidad!”
Para saber más acerca de nuestra asistencia legal en ROOF o
la Serie de Pláticas Comunitarias, contacta a Lucy o Yessica
Bevil al 360-786-8754 X 120 o 109 o via email: lucys@
safeplaceolympia.org o [email protected]
“Our minds are information vacuums. Either we fill them with thoughts of our choosing or someone else will.” Ray Davis7
Non-Profit Org.
US POSTAGE
PAID
Olympia, WA
Permit #474
P.O. Box 2002 Olympia, WA 98507-2002
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Administration
314 Legion Way SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360 786 8754
TTY 360 528 3980
Fax 360 786 6377
Email [email protected]
24 Hour Help Line
360 754 6300
TTY 360 943 6703
[email protected]
www.safeplaceolympia.org
In Her Voice
Our Mission
We strive to put an end to
sexual and domestic violence
and advocate for personal and
societal change through
crisis intervention and education.
We Envision
A community free of physical,
sexual and psychological
violence and oppression.
SafePlace gave me hope. Someone actually cared about me, they gave me
a place to live that I felt safe in. They took care of all my needs. Then they
extended me because I didn’t have housing to go to, but it was in the process.
As long as I was doing my part, they supported me every step of the way.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities
“Take Back the Night Day”
April 10, candelight march, Saint Martin’s
Campus and Community Gathering in
Trautman Union Building
“Boys and Men Healing” screening
April 21, at the Co-Lab,
317 4th Ave E, downtown Olympia
ArtsWalk Exhibits
April 25-26- Restaurants/Shops in Olympia