Dear Emma ,
I would like to invite you all to join us next year for "Kacie's Ride I would like to invite you all to join us next year for "Kacie's Ride For Hope". Kacie's ride this year will be held on Sept 11th, 2010. All that have ridden the past four years have made this ride and benefit larger every year, it's a grand event. I personally thank each and every one of you that assisted and participated in this event. It would not happen without you!!!
Our little putt through the High Sierra is getting pretty well known in Placerville and outlying areas. Each year our contribution towards "The Center" has grown considerably, ultimately assisting victims of domestic violence. Our goal is to provide much needed funds to The Center for Violence-Free Relationships. We not only provide monetary support, we are opening the public's eyes to the Domestic Violence that is happening all around us. I have a personal connection to "Kacie's Ride For Hope". My little sister Kacie was shot to death in the driveway of her home by her ex-boyfriend on the 26th of July, 2006. She was only forty and left a fine young son. Kacie and I grew up in a family which was affected by domestic violence, and she always fought against it. Kacie believed in helping others, numerous times she took women into her home for refuge from unsafe environments. She took them under her wing, so to speak. She did this hoping that she could empower them to choose new values and escape abuse.
My sister Kacie liked to ride, one of her favorites was the "Hope Valley Run" In those days it was a three day party, but nowadays we put a little different twist on it. You know myself and many others are tired of what is happening to families due to domestic violence. There is no excuse to use violence to solve a dispute. It never works. Kacie was also a client and supporter of The Center. If she were here today you would see her face at the microphone running the show. I wish she was! Nothing is going to bring my Little Sister back, but we can prevent other tragedies like this by supporting this cause. Come ride with us, and spread the word at home and in your County so that we can all work towards an end to DV. Let's make this a statewide and then a nationwide effort. You know, you just don't know how much you love someone until they are suddenly taken. "Kacie I will see you again someday". I Hope to see you all at this year's "Kacie's Ride For Hope" Even if you don't ride you are welcome to attend, the more the merrier. All contributions are greatly appreciated and will help to save lives in our community.
May no one else suffer the fate that my little sister has. In "Kacies" name I Sincerely Thank You all for your support.
Thank You,
Pat Barron (530)626-8405 www.kaciesrideforhope.com
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The Center's Safe Pet Program | |
"Family violence is not limited to those who walk on two legs"
I started the Safe Pet Program over twelve years ago to help victims of domestic violence leave their abusive environments and know their pets would be safe and healthy. Abusive family members may threaten, injure, or kill pets as a way of controlling others in the family. Pets need a safe, secure, loving home just like their human family members. The Humane Society of the United States found that over 70 percent of adult victims and 73 percent of children describe incidents of companion animal abuse when they entered domestic violence shelters. Other reports show there is a delay in leaving the abusive home because victims feared for their pets' safety. In fact, of the victims who did have pets, 32% indicated their animal had been seriously harmed, threatened with serious harm or killed and 47% stated if pet foster care was available they would be more inclined to leave. Violent adult offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. In addition, research as shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to hurt animals themselves. This is a warning sign that a child may be experiencing distress. Clearly this demonstrates the link between domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse. The Safe Pet Program has housed dozens of animals who have suffered as the result of domestic violence. Interestingly, I can tell how bad the human (domestic) violence is by the behavior of their animals. It takes some time before these animals gain the trust needed to live in a human family again. Only about 50% of owners can take their animal back. If victims decide to leave their abusive relationship, they need to find a new home, often which does not accept pets. Currently two cats need loving forever homes, click here for more information. The Safe Pet Program could use your help by donating money or pet supplies to help take care of these truly amazing creatures. If you would like more information about our Safe Pet Program and items needed, please contact Judy Knapp, Director of Education and Training at judyk@thecenternow.org or call 530-4204.
Animal Cruelty IS Family Violence
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Kacie's Ride for Hope | |
Saturday, September 11th

Kacie's Ride is about to happen again for the 5th year, September 11, 2010. Main Street is going to be closed for through traffic, as the meeting place for registration and there will be refreshments, raffle sales and education about the personal tragedy that domestic violence creates in our community. Kacie Barron was murdered by her intimate partner in a fatal act of domestic violence. The community, her family and her friend miss her dearly and honor her through Kacie's Ride for Hope. If you can come out on Saturday September 11th for the ride we would love to see you.
This year Sears Hometown Store in Placerville will be supporting Kacie's Ride for Hope by donating 3% of Saturday, September 18th's proceeds to Kacie's Ride for Hope and The Center. So, if you have any big purchases, a washer, dryer, mower think of Sears on September 18th and get 5% off your purchase and support The Center. Click here for more information
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September Volunteer News | |
By Martha Borders, Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Training will be taking place beginning September 14, at 6:00 here at The Center.
We invite anyone who is interested in volunteering here at The Center for Violence-Free Relationships to join us. Call Martha to schedule an appointment before September 14! Take a look at the calendar of sessions to see the in-depth knowledge base you will acquire while attending.
AUCTION GALA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
If you are at all inclined to solicit for auction gift items, please join us for a meeting on Thursday, September 9, 11:00 where we can share ideas and join forces in bringing in great auction items to the big event , our 27th Annual Auction Gala, Food and Wine Tasting, Saturday, November 6, 2010. If anyone would like to help the Auction be the fun and memorable event that it always is, just give us a call and we'll find a slot for you!
VOLUNTEER ACCOLADE
The Center for Violence-Free Relationships is proudly acknowledging Cynthia Higgins as an outstanding crisis intervention Volunteer whose engagement with clients has made a difference for all she has touched, clients and staff alike.Cynthia clearly demonstrates what it takes to go above and beyond the call of duty in every connection she forges, whether working as a crisis counselor on the telephone, handling client counseling appointments, triaging daily business in the front office, or brainstorming with staff at case review, all in the course of a weeks' business. Altogether since October 09, Cynthia has accumulated a whopping total of four hundred and two hours of service time in all areas that she has served; front office, 24/7 crisis line, client counseling and continued training. Hourly, this breaks down to 12 hours of volunteer service a week.Cynthia has made a difference not only for our clients, but for Staff who have welcomed client service support at a time in our tumultuous economy where we are short on staff and client numbers have risen. |
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27th Annual Auction Gala | |
November 6th, 2010- Mercedes Benz of El Dorado Hills
This year's Annual Auction Gala, on November 6th, is not only supporting a good cause but it will be a fun event with live music, delicious food, and great auctions items. We will once again have live music from the band, Back to Back. Also, we will have food from different caterers and restaurants from El Dorado County. This year Hemalayas Indian Restaurant will feature some highlights of their menu. 
Our auction this year is looking to be one of the best. We have a confirmed seven night stay in Cabo San Lucas up for auction.
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Get to Know Your Center Staff! | |
Buster, The Center's Safehouse Service Dog

We would like you to meet Buster, The Center's service dog. If you have been to The Center, lately, you might have seen Buster running around with Debbie, our Shelter Coordinator and Criminal Justice Advocate. Buster is a Boston terrier who loves people and especially people in crisis.
He seems to have a sense about who needs him the most, be it a client leaving her abuser or the three year old boy leaving the only home he has known. Buster has the ability to take someone in their worst day and cheer them up with a snuggle, a game of fetch, or a nap with a snore to go with it.
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| 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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CENTER'S CALENDAR
September 9- Faith Community Partnership
September 11- Kacie's Ride for Hope
September 14- Volunteer Training Begins
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 |
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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