SafePlace is committed to helping survivors of sexual violence find
Transcripción
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