Dear Kelly ,
I want to introduce myself to all of The Center's supporters and Enews readers. My name is Emma Owens, I work at The Center and have been writing the Enews for the past 3 months. I got started at The Center over 2 years ago as a volunteer while I was still completing my degree in Women's Studies from Sacramento State. I now work at The Center as a program assistant and counselor. You can find me on a daily basis up at the front desk or on the crisis line. I am a peer counselor and see victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Through my studies and work at The Center, I have become dedicated to the movement to end intimate partner violence. One avenue of that is trying to reach out to teenage victims of sexual assault. For these young girls the trauma of sexual assault at a young age can derail their plans and futures. I reach out to them and help them cope with the aftereffects of sexual assault. This often means helping them learn to decipher their emotions, and learn to function with this new reality of living as a survivor of sexual assault.
I am excited to be writing the ENews. I am planning to make some slow changes, so the ENews will be a tool for education and activism. I know all of you readers support this cause and I hope in the future the ENews will be a way for you to get involved. Enjoy this issue, and I welcome any ideas you as a reader think should be included.
I will be at The Community March to Stop Sexual Assault on Saturday, April 24th. I hope to see you there or at volunteer training in May!
Sincerely,
Program Assistant
(530)626-1450
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Mother's Day is May 9th | |
Mother's day is a time to honor mothering and all the work it entails, but mother's day is also about shining a light on much of the invisible work that mothers do all over the world, all year round. One of the duties of being a mother is to protect her child from danger. For a woman in a domestic violence environment that duty can often seem Impossible.
Domestic violence is about gaining power and control over the other partner and is used as a method to control their actions and behaviors. Having children with an abuser forever solidifies a linkage to someone who is abusive. Even if a mother manages to escape her abusive home, she must continue to communicate with her abuser in custody hearings and exchanges. Abusers often use these custody exchanges and hearings as a way to further the abuse by using the children as pawns to leverage power over.
Each year, an estimated minimum of 3.3 million children witness domestic violence, and approximately 90% of children are aware of the violence directed at their mother. It is through this observation of violence that domestic violence is transmitted between generations, but there are mothers all over the world trying to show their children new ways of living after leaving an abusive environment.
At The Center, 65% of clients we have seen in the past 9 months currently have children in their home.Hundreds of mothers in El Dorado County deal with intimate partner violence on a daily basis, and worry about what their children are learning. Not all of these mothers will be able to fight the abuse, and many become part of this web of family violence and might even inflict abuse themselves.
This mother's day take the time to honor your mother and the mothers around you. If that mother is a survivor, honor the invisible work she has done to protect her children, and if that mother is still living with violence honor her wisdom in when it might be safe to leave.
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The Center in the News! | |
The Center was featured in the local newpaper, The Mt. Democrat.
On April 19th, Rosemary Revell at the Mt. Democrat wrote a article about The Center's increase in sexual assault clients. Matt Huckabay, The Center's Executive Director, was interviewed and explained the cause of our increase in clientele and the facts about sexual assault.
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Volunteer Training Spring 2010 | |
"You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give."
Winston Churchill
Our volunteer training is beginning May 11th. Our spring training is the first to utilize our new redesigned training. Our training, State certifies volunteers as peer counselors within our organization. The training educates our volunteers on subjects such as: power-over dynamics, adults molested as children, advocacy in the criminal court process, crisis intervention, and sexual assault response teams.
This is a slide from our Domestic Violence Overview Session being held on Thursday, 5/13.
The Center's certified training begins in May 11, and if you are interested please contact Emma Owens, Program Assistant at 530-626-1450, or email Emma Owens |
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Julie, our Volunteer, is The Center's Newest Staff Memeber | |
As an ally of The Center many of you have already seen Julie Sena. She spoke as a survivor at our 2009 Auction and has been integral part of many of The Center's events. The picture above is of Julie at the auction. I wanted to Julie the chance to introduce herself and her work at The Center. The Following is Julie's message:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only think that ever has."- Margaret Mead. This quote has always been near and dear to my heart and it has inspired me to think about what I can do to change the world.
As a survivor of domestic violence and former client of The Center, I wanted to do something to help my community. In May of 2009 I was laid off from my job, so I attended training at The Center in September 2009 and began volunteering. As it turns out, volunteering turning into a staff position, thanks in part to Matt Huckabay, The Center's Executive Director, telling me about a program involving federal funds run by the county.
The work as a volunteer or staff member is very rewarding and there is always so much to do! I work as a legal advocate accompanying clients to court and/or mediation. The court system has always fascinated me and it is very rewarding to be able to support clients through that process. I also help our around the office. There are lots of opportunities to get involved on a daily basis, from counseling clients to making copies. The holiday program at Thanksgiving was lots of fun! The clients were so grateful for the turkey dinners provided by the generous donor. It made me feel good being a part of something so incredible.
So, if you're interested in changing the world... get involved today!!! The next volunteer training is coming up in May. Call The Center for more information."
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Kelly Plag is Moving on in her Career. |
Kelly Plag, our Community Affairs Director, is leaving The Center for Violence-free Relationships. Kelly has been a dedicated and innovative member of The Center for the past 3 years. She has been critical in rejuvenating our volunteer program, hosting all of The Center's events, creating the faith partnership, and becoming a key member of this community.
We wish Kelly all the luck with her new employment, and know we will see her thrive in any work she undertakes. If you have any questions about who is taking over Kelly's duties at The Center email me at emmao@thecenternow.org or call me at (530)626-1450 |
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CPEDV's 2010 Legislative Action Day | |
March 22-23, 2010
On March 23, 2010 Matt Huckabay, our executive director; Susan Hamlin, a survivor and volunteer; and myself Emma Owens, a counselor, went to Sacramento with representatives from other domestic violence agencies across the state to attend the California Partnerships to End Domestic Violence's Legislative Action Day.
Throughout the day we met our local representatives, Assemblyman Ted Gaines and Senator Dave Cox. We asked them to help us permanently reinstated the $20.4 million domestic violence shelter funds that were removed from the California state budget and support two upcoming bills: SB662, AB 1883.
The event was a great way to connect with others in the domestic violence movement, and to present a united front to our state government that we are still fighting the fight to end intimate partner violence.
We hope that with continued state wide legal advocay we can reach these goals. If you have an questions about what you can do please email me at emmao@thecenternow.org or call me at (530)626-1450. |
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Family Trout Fishing Derby |
Saturday, May 22
Bring the kids fishing and spend the day at Lake! Dale's Foothill Fishing and Kacie's Ride for Hope present Family Trout Fishing Derby benefitting The Center for Violence-free Relationships. Hosted by Ice House Resort (Hwy 50 and Ice House Rd.)
Registration at Ice House Resort starts at 5:00 am. Must register by 9:00 am for your fish to be accepted at the weigh-in. All fish MUST be weighed by 1 pm at Resort. Cost: $25 per adult and $10 per junior (15 and younger) includes lunch at the Ice House Resort Restaurant.
Fishing awards: Prizes to the top 15 junior and top 5 adults, based on the total weight of up to 5 fish.
A major raffle valued at over $4,000 includes 10 professional guided fishing trips and many other great Prizes!
Families that Fish together...Stay Together
This is a fun family fishing event to raise money and awareness to build healthy and violence-free relationships in our community.
Sponsors: Bliss Electronics Sales; Bucks Outboard; California Inland Fisheries Foundations, Inc.(CIFFI); Fisherman's Warehouse; Fishsniffer; Honda Marine; Ice House Resort; Off the Hook Fly Shop; Pro Cure; Sacramento Fire Extinguisher; Sep's Outdoors; Shakespeare Tree Care Inc.; Western Outdoor News; and many more! | | Silver Lining Gift Club | |
The Center is offering a special membership program for you to make a difference in the lives of the those dealing with violence.
Like so many of us, The Center certainly has felt the impact of these challenging economic times. For many years, our family of supporters have been incredibly generous and we know how strong the desire is to continue to support us. When times get tough and less money is available, the need for The Center's services increases.
With this in mind, The Center has developed the Silver Lining Gift Club, as a way for you to continue your support with minimal impact to your budget.
For just $25 a month (less than a dollar a day) you can provide a silver lining of hope to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Your monthly contribution will help us to continue to provide safe shelter, food and vital needs for our clients and their children.
Click on the Donate Now button and join today. Join today and save a life tomorrow!
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The Center for Violence-free Relationships is dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual assault and domestic violence through education, advocacy, and services in western El Dorado County.
The Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible and vital to continue our services. |
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Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault 24/7 Crisis Help Line
530-626-1131
916-939-6616 |
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| Support The Center |
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CENTER'S CALENDAR
April 24 - Community March to Stop Sexual Assault
May 11- Center Volunteer Training Spring 2010 Class kickoff!
May 22- Family Trout Fishing Derby
September 9- Faith Community Partnership
September 11- Kacie's Ride for Hope
October -Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)
November 6 - 27th Annual Auction Gala
December - Adopt-A-Family
For more information on these events contact Emma Owens, Program Assistant. Call 530-626-1450 or 916-939-4464 ext 205 or email
Emma _________________________CENTER'S SUPPORT GROUPS
Domestic Violence Support and Education Groups: Tuesdays 5:30-7:30 pm and Wednesdays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm - FREE, drop in
AMAC - Adults Molested As Children Support Group
CAP - Women's Changing Abusive Patterns
Peace First - Men's and Women's Workshops on Improving Relationships
MAAP - Men's Alternative to Abusive Patterns (English and Spanish)
For more information on these groups call 530-626-1131
or 916-939-6616 |
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Thanks to your contributions and support:
The Center's Direct Services in the month of March were able to :
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Thanks to your contributions:
The Center has....
provided 25,000 counseling sessions, provided over 37,000 shelter nights and answered nearly 60,000 calls to our crisis line from victims of sexual assault and domestic violence since 1985. |
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Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault 24/7 Crisis Help Line
530-626-1131
916-939-6616 |
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| Support The Center |
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