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- 1. wcstjoco.org Office (541) 476-3877 • 24/7 Crisis Line (541) 479-9349 STAND • SPEAK • ACT RISE TO END VIOLENCE WOMEN’S CRISIS SUPPORT TEAM We all play a role Domestic violence and sexual assault are preventable By Ray Dinkins Prevention Program Coordinator Women’s Crisis Support Team Intimate partner violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking, are not inevitable. They are not woven into the fabric of our community nor en- demic to the human condition. In fact, the opposite is true. Domestic violence and sexual assault are completely pre- ventable. Each of us regularly make choices that either support or challenge a cul- ture of violence. We are actors even when we believe we are doing nothing. The reality that violence is preventable and that we all have a role to play is stirring news that can shape our ac- tions. It can serve as a goal that drives us in creating change. Our hope, and our inspiration, is the vision of a com- munity where everyone assumes a role in preventing violence By starting here, we promote a framework for what is possible for our community. The cornerstone to creat- ing a safer, healthier community for all is for everyone to accept the responsi- bility to STAND, SPEAK and ACT in ways that prevent violence. Asimple solution to a complex problem... Our community can undermine the cultural norms that support violence by believing intimate partner violence is preventable and that we all play a role. First, we must STAND with survi- vors, listen to their stories, offer our support, and be willing to learn from their circumstances. Next, as individuals and as a com- munity, we must SPEAK in ways that promote justice and equality while in- terrupting sexist, biased language that normalizes violence and creates condi- tions that make it acceptable. Finally, we must ACT to create safe, healthy, educated communities. This necessitates assessing our communi- ty needs, including the needs of our youth, in order to provide relevant pre- vention programs and activities. It also requires support for the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive prevention strategies that move beyond simple awareness to challenge and change the conditions that tolerate violence. Domestic and sexual violence are preventable and we all play a role. If we all STAND, SPEAK and ACT to end intimate partner violence in Josephine County, we can realize the goal of a safe, healthy commu- nity for all citizens. Grants Pass High School partners with WCST By Keith Jaroslow Assistant Principal Grants Pass High School Being a kid today is not as easy as it has been in the past. Today, students are expected to navigate the complex world of social media, cyber-bullying, and texting in a more mobile society with fewer per- sonal interactions and attachments. All of this is in addition to issues we all dealt with as teens, such as drugs and alcohol, relationships with friends and family, academics, sports, clubs, activ- ities, and planning for life after high school graduation. In order to help kids steer through these treacherous waters, Grants Pass High School constantly strives to increase student safety, health and well-being. And, as such, we are al- ways looking for partners within the community that can assist us in this endeavor. Grants Pass School District #7 has worked with the Women’s Crisis Sup- port Team since 2007. WCST works in cooperation with the GPHS Counsel- ing Department to provide mentorship, group discussions, and crisis advoca- cy in an effort to prevent violence and build community. The WCST helps GPHS administra- tion work with students dealing with crisis situations that result from a lack of social problem-solving skills or are based on circumstances beyond the student’s control. Prevention works... What has been even more valuable is the proactive work that the WCST does with students to help prevent many of these crises. In my role as GPHS Assistant Prin- cipal in charge of discipline, there have been numerous situations where I have witnessed Women’s Crisis Sup- port Team groups help students to pre- vent crisis. Because of the success in building safer, healthier relationships, the young men’s and women’s groups that the WCST oversee on our campus have created a real buzz among stu- dent, staff, and parents. Membership in WCST groups is strictly voluntary and the work accom- plished in these groups can benefit any student. Group norms of respect and tolerance are established from the be- ginning. Confidentiality of the group is a valued asset among students. This allows group members to speak freely and participate without fear of ridicule or public embarrassment. Students are also encouraged to speak openly and honestly with each other about specific situations or issues in an atmosphere of trust and understanding. In the words of Mr. Thompson, GPHS Principal, “WCST empowers kids and helps them develop leader- ship skills. They are a fantastic part- ner in the work we do with our kids at Grants Pass High School.” Clothing Fair STAND… Support survivors of violence. • “I believe you, and it is not your fault.” • “You are not alone. I am available to you.” • “As you’re ready we’ll explore the community resources available to you.” Hold abusers accountable for their actions. Become educated. • Participate in community trainings to recognize abuse, red flags, and the cycle of violence. • Become familiar with resources available in the community. Recognize domestic and sexual violence as critical and preventable public health problems. SPEAK… Always speak in ways that promote justice and equality. Interrupt sexist language, jokes, and media. Use language that holds abusers accountable and prevents victim-blaming. Engage friends and family in regular conversations about violence prevention. Promote awareness and prevention of domestic and sexual violence in social settings. Invite guest speakers into your business, community group, or church to speak about violence prevention and awareness. ACT… Advocate for early education of youth on the dynamics of power and control. Participate in community awareness and prevention events and activities. Volunteer with your local domestic violence intervention, prevention, and advocacy agency. Move beyond general awareness and adopt workplace policies specific to domestic and sexual violence. Be prepared to safely take action in the moment in order to create safety for someone else. • If you see something, say something; call 911. Let the police determine if it is a crime. • Be a great witness. Make mental notes about everything you see and hear so that you are best equipped to help the survivor or the police. Petition public officials to develop, plan, and implement proactive violence intervention and prevention policies. Ensure availability of accessible, high quality, and culturally competent intervention, prevention, and shelter services in your community. Financially support your local intervention and prevention agency, the Women’s Crisis Support Team. This is a photo of some of the members of the WCST’s YOUTH ACTION TEAM. The group is comprised of recent high school graduates, current District 7 students, alternative education program students, and even one National Guard member. The Youth Action Team’s mission statement: We are a group of high school students who came together to reduce violence and build community. We work to raise awareness, encourage others, and set an example for a violence-free community.
- 2. • Baby formula • Baby products and supplies • Diapers (all sizes) • Gently used clothes (all sizes) • Shoes of all types (all sizes) • Flip-flop sandals (sizes 7-10) • Sweatpants and shorts with elastic waistband (sizes M-XL) • Sweatshirts (sizes M-XL) • T-shirts and tank tops (M-XL) • New underwear, bras and socks (sizes M-XL) • Pillows • Twin sized bedding • Kitchen supplies • Cleaning supplies • Toilet paper • Lotion • Shampoo and conditioner • Feminine hygiene products (pads & tampons) • Shaving razors • Deodorant • Body wash and soap • Toothbrushes and toothpaste • Makeup • Brushes and combs • Hair ties • Woven bags, small and large purses, or fabric grocery bags Grants Pass Public Safety has had a close working relationship with Wom- en’s Crisis Support Team for more than 20 years. This ongoing relationship has made GPDPS much more successful in handling domestic assault and sex- ual assault cases. In addition, it has also created ongoing training between our two agencies for officers and new WCST Advocates. In 2014 GPDPS requested service from Women’s Crisis Support Team 72 times for assistance in handling abuse and other related-type calls. During that same year WCST provided 3,564 shelter nights for women and children, and provided intervention services for 731 additional re- ferrals for resources from other agencies. During my time working with WCST, I’ve found their dedication and com- mitment to helping the community to be exceptional. The resources that the Women’s Crisis Support Team provide are of such value to the City of Grants Pass that, due to the value of those services, we have been contributing to their budget for several years now. I’ve seen many instances where victims have been empowered by support from WCST to come forward and report crimes. The support is not only at the time of the crime or the crisis, but is ongoing. WCST often provides follow-up assistance with things such as restraining orders, coun- seling referrals, shelter, etc. Krisanna Albrecht’s guidance and leadership of the Women’s Crisis Support Team has made it the success that it is today. I’ve enjoyed working with her and her staff over the years as we confront and defeat abuse in our community. Chief William O. Landis Grants Pass Department of Public Safety (GPDPS) Support when it is needed most By Ryan Mulkins Josephine County DistrictAttorney As the District Attorney responsible for prosecuting all sexual assault cases in Josephine County I work closely with, and depend on, assistance from the Women’s Crisis Support Team of Josephine County. Victims of sexual assault suffer not only a physical violation, they also suffer severe emotional injury. Feelings of shame, fear, and self-blame are common. The Women’s Crisis Support Team is always there to listen to, support, and to counsel victims. Despite societal myths that most women are raped by a stranger, the truth is that the vast majority of rape victims are known to their attacker. Because of that most rape victims continue to be in danger from their assailant after the rape. The Women’s Crisis Support Team provides alternative housing to sexual assault victims who are no longer safe in their residence. Many times family and friends of a rapist will try to slander a victim as promiscuous, dishonest, or vengeful. Family and friends of a rapist will attend court hearings and the trial in attempts to intimidate the victim. The Women’s Crisis Support Team accompanies victims to court and provides a supportive presence during courtroom testimony. The Women’s Crisis Support Team plays a vital role by helping and supporting victims when they need it the most. DEAR FRIENDS: It’s been almost 33 years since I started as a volunteer at Women’s Crisis Support Team. Looking back, I am in awe of all that we have become since our humble beginnings in 1977. Throughout the years, Women’s Crisis Support Team has dedicated itself to making positive differences in the lives of people who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, child abuse, and human trafficking. I am proud to be a part of this mission and the ongoing journey of advocacy. It is an honor to witness the transformation of so many lives. At Women’s Crisis Support Team, we provide tools to the people we serve in order to help them break barriers, over- come obstacles, and live a life free from violence. We are able to meet these needs because of the generous and loyal support of people like you. WCST advocates and volunteers provide many critical services such as providing assistance with shelter, help in navi- gating the court system, and staffing our 24/7 crisis response hotline 365 days a year. They provide community education, support groups, and safety planning services which can be so crucial for victims living in our county’s more rural areas. Today I am asking you to join our team as we RISE to END VIOLENCE and improve the quality of life in our com- munity. There are many ways, large and small, that you can invest in this valuable mission of hope and safety. To learn more about how YOU can make an investment in this valuable mission please see our “How You Can Help” guide on page three. With gratitude, Krisanna Albrecht, Executive Director, Women’s Crisis Support Team (WCST) Hope for the future By Marty Bauer WCST Board Treasurer As the Women’s Crisis Team’s vol- unteer treasurer, I worry a lot about meeting our budgeted goals. So far, through the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers and the gen- erosity of our community, we’ve been successful. While we receive some public funds, the key to fulfilling our mission is to raise $265,000 each year through pri- vate grants, donations, and fundraising events. In order to do this, our entire team—staff, volunteer board mem- bers, and our Friends Group—must be perpetually focused on raising money and dedicated to the wise and fiscally conservative use of those funds. We work hard to reach our budget numbers; for example, several years ago our Friends Group started a wed- ding venue fundraiser called “My Special Wedding.” Home owners were asked to donate the use of their homes for one wedding a year. In turn, the wedding couple makes a donation to the Women's Crisis Support Team. This has become a great success. Another example is our annual Ca- reer Clothing Fair. With the much appreciated help of Evergreen Fed- eral Bank, this event will continue to be a success for our organization and for those who come to buy affordably priced clothing (generally $1 per item) suitable for the workplace. Our biggest fundraising event of the year is the Rise Against Violence campaign, formerly known as the 1000 Men campaign. We count on it to raise $60,000. This campaign gets a huge boost from AllCare CCO - formerly Mid Rogue Independent Physicians Association. Several years ago, All- Care started with a matching grant of $3,000 and, over the years, All- Care has increased that amount. This year they’ve increased their matching grant to $30,000. As physicians, All- Care recognizes that our community can reduce the number of emergency room visits by reducing the number of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. As employers they rec- ognize that, statistically speaking, one out of every four women they employ may need the services of the Women’s Crisis Support Team sometime during their lifetime. That is the stagger- ing statistic: One in four women—in Josephine County, in the United States, and world-wide—will be the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault during their lifetime. While the staff of the WCST works diligently every day to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, our real hope for the future comes from the prevention work we do with local high school students. This work is tru- ly cutting edge in the state of Oregon and is showing measurable successes. The Women’s Crisis Support Team is a great group of professionals—staff and volunteers—dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Our success depends on the support we receive from our entire community. We all work for the day when there will be no need for the Women’s Crisis Team. We’re not there yet, but we’re definitely making progress. To learn more about how you can invest in the work of the Women’s Crisis Support Team, visit wcstjoco.org. If you’re interest- ed in learning more about the My Special Wedding fundraiser, or would like to join with WCST to find your perfect wedding venue, visit myspecialwedding.org Domestic and sexual violence are preventable and we all play a role. STAND with survivors of violence. SPEAK in ways that promote justice and equality. ACT to create safe, healthy, educated communities. KNOW YOUR ROLE. AllCare CCO is providing a signifi- cant boost to the WCST’s 2015 Rise to End Violence campaign. AllCare will match the first $30,000 donated to the campaign. “The generous participation of All- Care validates the work we’re doing by demonstrating that the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault don’t just belong to women, but are men’s issues and community issues, as well.” says WCST Executive Director Krisanna Albrecht. Cynthia Ackerman, AllCare Vice President of Community Engage- ment and Government Programs says, “We understand that the services that WCST provides are viewed as a life- line for women in need. Domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic strata. However, women in poverty have additional risk factors, such as; poor support systems, fewer educa- tion attainment opportunities, inade- quate housing and transportation, and less ability to earn adequate income. WCST has the experience, empathy, and skill set to be a solid, safe, and de- pendable resource for these women.” AllCare CEO Doug Flow says that the mental and physical health prob- lems resulting from domestic violence and sexual assault make it imperative for the medical community to support WCST. AllCare’s matching support grew from $3,000 in 2009 to $17,500 in 2013, and then to $30,000 in 2014. Why the steady and significant in- creases? “We know that early intervention saves lives but that takes funding to ensure skilled, community-based staff, and other resources are available at the local level to help those in need.” The Rise Against Violence annu- al campaign (formerly the 1000 Men Campaign) to involve men in raising awareness and resources for WCST began in 2007 with the Ten Men Ask Ten Men effort. Doug Flow, CEO AllCare Perspective ... a letter from a survivor Dear Women’s Crisis Support Team family, I had to share this with you ladies because it meant so much to me and you have been such a huge influence in my life for so long… Last week a young lady came in to the restaurant where I work. She was there with her mother and two little boys. The boys were very unruly, not to mention dirty, and offensive to other guests. The other servers pointed and laughed at me because I got stuck with this table full of people with ill-mannered children who were probably going to leave a big mess and not leave a tip. Being me, I treat all guest the same no matter who they are. As the night went on I chatted with the family. I found out that the little boys go to school with my own children. When the children left the table with their mother, the grandmother let me know that they were celebrating finding a house. I congratulated her but didn’t quite understand why that would be such a big deal. Then she told me that they’d been staying in the WCST safety shelter for a long time. They’d finally been able to get a house that would accept them as tenants. My PERSPECTIVE of this woman and her children changed immediately. She was not a dirty, terrible mother who could not regulate her children. She was a survivor who had been through a terrible storm. The children were clearly acting out because they could not regulate their emotions, which were highly elevated from the trauma of a domestically violent home. This opened my eyes to recognize that this woman was in a place that I had been before, myself. Last night I spoke to an acquaintance who told me about how she had escaped from her violent husband. Over the course of their 10-year marriage she’d miscarried many times from his abuse. She is now with a good man and is pregnant, trying not to miscarry. I talked with her—without being triggered, which was amazing—and explained that I’d also been through those things but that it’s been many years for me. And then I realized… I am on the other side now! I finally reached the other side!! I remember when I was at the shelter and one of WCST’s Shelter Advocates would often say, “I’ve been where you are now. You are going to be okay but it’s going to take time.” She was my role model. I knew that if she could do it that I could do it, too. I realize that I’ve reached the other side and now I can be the role model. I wanted to share that with you and remind you of how very special and important you ladies are. Maybe I am, too. Thank you for everything that you are and for being strong female role models. Sincerely, C. Office (541) 476-3877 • 24/7 Crisis Line (541) 479-9349 • wcstjoco.org WCST Safe Shelter WISH LIST APRIL is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
- 3. Why should businesses work to end domestic violence? Domestic violence is an issue that affects employeesandtheircommunities Domestic violence can result in reduced productivity, increased medical expenses, absenteeism, and increase risk of violence at the workplace. There are many ways your business can support the Women’s Crisis Support Team’s work to end domestic violence in our community: Your business can become a monthly, quarterly, or annual donor. WCST needs to raise $200,000 unrestricted dollars each year from individuals and corporations. Women’s Crisis Support Team accepts in-kind donations of office supplies, food, toys, and household supplies. Hold a workplace clothing drive. Many of our clients needs clothing suitable for the workplace or for job interviews. Does your company have a volunteerism program? WCST provides a comprehensive volunteer training and utilizes volunteers to help out with our 24/7 crisis line, office support, and at our safe house. Your influential contacts and associates can help with WCST networking and making new contacts to support our work. What do you get in return? By forging a relationship with WCST you can create a safety net for your employees. WCST can come in and provide in-service trainings to your managers on how to respond to victims and batterers in the workplace, or to all your employees about what to do about domestic violence in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Finally, working to end domestic violence in your community can only enhance your corporate image. Many potential customers examine the “social responsibility” of the businesses they choose to support. A large number of today’s job seekers do this as well and will choose to work for a company that takes a stand to support survivors and prevent domestic violence in communities where they operate. How does my donation help? Your support makes it possible to help women, men, and children escape from the traumatic experiences of domestic and sexual violence. Your committment is also an investment in the long-term safety and stability of those we serve and in our community as a whole. $30perdayprovides24hours of crisis line operation. $72 provides four hours of sexual assault crisis response at ThreeRiversCommunityHospital. $140 per day provides a day of victim advocacy, including court advocacy and support groups. $150 provides one week of after school advocacy and activities for children in our Safe Shelter. $180 per day provides two Prevention Specialists to lead WCST violence prevention classes in area high schools. $950 per month provides for all of the utilities necessary to operate Talsunne Safe House. These are just a few examples of how your donations are used to fund the FREE SERVICES provided by the Women's Crisis Support Team. Seize the Opportunity to support PREVENTION By Ray Dinkins Prevention Program Coordinator Women’s Crisis Support Team Every time a young person is vic- timized by intimate partner violence, such as domestic or sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, or human trafficking, our community’s future strength and growth are jeopardized. When the opportunities of our young people are diminished by intimate partner violence, we all suffer the neg- ative and long-lasting consequences. Fortunately, current research and growing community experience show it is possible to prevent these forms of violence. We all have an important role to play. Each of us can take specific ac- tions to prevent violence and protect Josephine County’s youth. Communities providing broad sup- port for prevention efforts that move beyond general awareness to develop individual assets, create positive re- lationships, and promote communi- ty pride and attachment have shown success in preventing violence. Pro- viding these types of effective school- based prevention strategies creates the opportunity to do more than sim- ply wait and respond when violence occurs. Our collective responsibil- ity includes ensuring that universal school-based prevention programs addressing intimate partner violence remain a prominent and viable ele- ment of our community’s prevention approach. PREVENTION EFFORTS have far-reaching benefits for our health, safety, and prosperity. The prevention of intimate part- ner violence among youth can lower the risk for other youth-related prob- lems, such as alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, and academic failure, and can result in cost savings for our justice, education, and health service systems. This demonstrates the importance for our community to take action that focuses on prevention and to be bold enough to engage our youth in addressing the problem. All of us have the knowledge, ex- perience, and proven strategies to take proactive steps today that can make real and lasting differences in the tomorrows of our youth and our community. But it will take a concert- ed effort from us all. No matter who we are—community residents and leaders; public health practitioners; parents, young people, teachers and others who work with youth—we all have an important role. We have specific actions we can take to protect Josephine County’s youth. Very simply, we can all STAND, SPEAK, and ACT. For more than three decades, Women’s Crisis Support Team has worked to prevent domestic and sexual violence. By giving our support to effective school and community-based preven- tion strategies, like those provided by WCST, we can prevent youth intimate partner violence before it occurs. Words have POWER The language we use can make a difference By Kim Procknow, RN Asante Three Rivers Community Hospital As a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), for the last 5 years I’ve been doing exams and forensic evidence collection on sexual assault patients pre- senting to the emergency department. In that position, I’m able to directly care for victims of sexual assault. I’d like everyone to know that they have a role to play in STOPPING and PREVENTING this epidemic of sexual assault. We may think that if we’ve grown up in a loving, safe family that this issue doesn’t affect us but this type of violence touches us all, directly and indirectly. It affects our community as a whole. It has an affect our individual lives, whether we realize it or not. We can make a difference with something as simple as changing the language we use to discuss sexual violence. The questions we ask after we hear about a rape often center on the victim; Where was she? What was she doing? What was she wearing? Was she drinking? This takes the focus off the perpetrator and allows him to remain invisible. We should be asking questions about him; Who is he? Has he done this before? Is he in custody? Words have power. Language is rarely neutral. Consider these examples: “Her story” versus “her account.” “She refused“ versus “she declined.” “Accuser” versus “Victim.” “Date rape” versus “non-stranger sexual assault.” Note how our feelings about what happened change based on the words we choose to use to talk about. it. In addition to being more aware of the language we use, making an effort to educate ourselves in order to get rid of misconceptions and stigmas surrounding sexual assault and intimate partner violence can make a POSITIVE difference “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead • Women’s Crisis Support Team • Intervention At 2 a.m. on a cold winter morning the WCST on-call advocate received a call requesting a response to Three Rivers Community Hospital. A middle- aged Latina women had been physically assaulted by an intimate partner. Covered from head-to-toe in bruises, emotionally distraught, and dealing with a language barrier, this survivor was experiencing feelings of panic, depression, and hopelessness. After the advocate spent hours by the woman’s side providing moral support and assisting the police with the reporting process, the survivor was able to express what she needed in order to feel safe and get away from the abuser. The advocate offered safe housing and provided the client with information about domestic violence, as well as victim’s assistance resources. The following morning the client was picked up by an Intervention Advocate at a safe location and taken to the county courthouse to file a Family Abuse Protection Order. The order was successfully granted. Back at the WCST office the advocate assisted the client in completing a U-Visa application through Catholic Charities, an organization that provides legal resources for non-U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. After being accepted to the U-Visa Program, Catholic Charities assigned the client an attorney to aid in the process. In time, the abuser was prosecuted and the woman was able to receive justice for the crimes committed against her. Months later the survivor came back to Women’s Crisis Support Team. She was considering dropping the restraining order. While attending the Abuse Awareness class, the survivor realized that her safety may be in jeopardy if the order were to be dropped. She decided to keep the restraining order intact. Since that time the client has expressed how she would not have been able to make it through such a dark time in her life without the support of the Women’s Crisis Support Team. WCST plays a vital role in establishing and maintaining safety and security for all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. A safe place “Carol” (name changed to protect client) came into The Talsunne Safe House pregnant, scared, and alone. She had no family except the one she was fleeing- -the abusive father of her child. The staff at the safe house were able to help her to feel safe, at ease, comfort- able, and welcome. During her stay at the shelter, she was able to save money and take classes to earn her GED. She learned what a healthy relationship looks like, attended counseling, and formed healthy, long-lasting relationships with the other women. Carol, much like all of us, is on a tight budget with a fixed income. WCST staff were able to help her create a workable financial budget so that she could set aside some money. She was saving for the day when she was ready to move into her own home. During her stay at the safe house, childcare was provided for her baby while she attended GED classes at Rogue Community College as well as help with her coursework. She continued to learn how to have healthy relationships and boundaries with family, friends, and future romantic partners. Counseling was also made available to her where she was able to slowly uncover wounds of past trauma in a safe environment. Most importantly, Carol was able to be herself. Carol was never judged or put down. That allowed her to be more open and willing to accept help from the WCST advocates. Carol is now safe in her own HUD home with her healthy, safe, and smart child. She is continuing her education and attending counseling. Her time at The Talsunne Safe House not only kept her and her child safe, it empowered her to make positive changes in her life and in the life of her child. JOIN THE TEAM □ Count me in! Enclosed is my gift of □ $50 □ $100 □ $250 □ $500 □ Other $__________ Prefer to use a credit card? Visit wcstjoco.org/donate to make your on-line donation or to set up a recurring donation. You may also call our office at (541) 476-3877 to donate by telephone. NAME: _____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _____________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: _____________________________________________________________________ Mail to: Women’s Crisis Support Team 560A NE F Street PMB 430 Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 Thank you for participating in the progress, programs and successes of the Women’s Crisis Support Team. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit public benefit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Join the Women’s Crisis Support Team STAND. SPEAK . ACT. Here’s how YOU can help... ○ Invest in the Women’s Crisis Support Team and become a monthly, quarterly, or annual sponsor. ○ Donate office supplies, food, children’s toys, toiletries, or household supplies. See our Safe Shelter Wish List on page two for a complete list of items that are always appreciated. Survivors are provided with these much-needed items as they leave the hospital or their homes. ○ Hold a clothing drive at your workplace, neighborhood, church, club, or service group. Make sure to donate your gently used business apparel to our annual Career Clothing Fair. Donation drop off location at Evergreen’s Bear Hotel in Grants Pass, 2101 Spalding Avenue. ○ Join the Team! Become a WCST Volunteer. WCST provides comprehensive volunteer training. Volunteers help with our crisis hot line, office support, and at our Safe Shelter. ○ Interested in donating an in-kind service such as landscaping, household repair, automobile mechanic services, etc? Call us at (541) 476-3877. ○ Show your support for WCST on social networking sites. Follow us on Facebook and share the link to our website (wcstjoco.org) on your Facebook wall or in your Twitter feed. ○ Spread the word! Share information about WCST programs, events, and services with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and business associates. Share this newspaper insert with your service club, church group, and fellow members of your professional organizations.
- 4. wcstjoco.org Office (541) 476-3877 • 24/7 Crisis Line (541) 479-9349 MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS The Women’s Crisis Support Team Board of Directors is comprised of local community leaders and volunteers from a variety of professions who are dedicated to our mission of ending the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assault in Josephine County through intervention, prevention, and safe shelter. MARTY BAUER Board Treasurer “WCST is a group of hard-working, dedicated professionals who help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault find a better future. To do the job, they need community support - financial and emotional. That’s why I volunteer.” BARB HOCHBERG “I am here to work hard to end domestic violence.” AUGUST HUNICKE “I was blessed with a loving family. My heart hurts for those who don’t have that. I won’t be a bystander to their suffering.” LINDA HUGLE Board President Elect “As an educator, I have depended on WCST’s caring love and professionalism to assist students and families with issues of dating violence, sexual assault, and domestic violence. I have also experienced firsthand the powerful impact of WCST’s Violence Prevention programs with youth. I believe in this work.” DENISE KALIC “I realized that I had very close family recently who were in abusive relationships growing up. I knew they were unhappy, but I didn’t realize why. Now I look back and know I want to make a contribution toward helping any way that I can... Hoping to make a difference.” SUE KLUMPH “I am a Grants Pass native and would love to see our community free of domestic violence and sexual assault.” JEAN LUCIDO “As a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), I have worked with abused women and teens. These experiences have amplified the great need for prevention, intervention and support to me.” KELLY MOODIE “Being on the board of Women’s Crisis Support Team is my time to give back to the many children and families I have served as a teacher in our community and continue to see at Rogue Community College.” GEORGIA MOULTON Board President “As an HR professional, I’m aware that 80% of violence in the workplace is an overflow of domestic violence. In order to prevent violence in the workplace, the school yard and everywhere else, we must seriously address the issues of violence in our homes. We must break the cycle of violence in our communities. Understanding this is what brings me to this important work.” KIM PROCKNOW “I’ve been fortunate to have grown up in an environment free of violence. Throughout my career in health care I have met those who weren’t as lucky. Edmund Burke said, ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ This is one thing that I can do to help make a difference.” JOCELYN SCHMIDT “From my own personal experiences I wish that, at one time in my life, I had an organization such as WCST to go to for support to change my circumstances. It is my great privilege to be a part of the passionate, intelligent, and highly motivated group that makes up this board. I fully support the need to educate our youth about domestic violence. I am standing, speaking and acting to end violence!” SCOTT SWINDELLS Board Secretary “As a health care professional, I have women patients whose lives and health are diminished, sometimes seriously, by sexual assault and intimate partner violence.” The Women’s Crisis Support Team formed in 1977 and operated entirely as a volunteer program and telephone hotline for rape victims. Over the years we expanded our scope to domestic violence intervention and prevention. WCST operates the only crisis hotline that is available to Josephine County residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for consultation about issues relating to domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and other forms of abuse. There is no charge for our services. All contacts are confidential. INTERVENTION Our Intervention Program is the heart of our agency. When incidents of domestic violence or sexual assault occur in Josephine County our Intervention Advocates are our agency’s first responders. Our team is made up of trained professionals; staff and volunteers who respond 24/7, 365 days a year, to calls from Grants Pass Public Safety, the Josephine County Sheriff’s office, and Three Rivers Community Hospital. The Intervention Department provides a broad range of support for survivors including; assistance in filing legal protective orders, awareness classes about sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and temporary safe housing for survivors and their children. We offer support groups and one-on-one peer support. We also provide referrals to area counseling services, local legal aid, low income housing services, and other necessary victim support services. Intervention Advocates often assist survivors who are attempting to flee the area by calling agencies in other areas to arrange shelter stays and safety planning, and are also occasionally able to assist those survivors by arranging bus tickets or fuel for vehicles. Two of our advocates are co-located at DHS Self Sufficiency and Child Welfare where they help victims navigate the system. SAFE SHELTER Women’s Crisis PreventionTeam’s Shelter Program oversees the day-to-day operation of our Talsunne House, a 12-bed safe shelter. Opened in December of 1998, it is the only safe shelter of its kind in Josephine County. Talsunne House is a residence where individuals and families who have escaped domestic violence or sexual assault begin rebuilding their lives in a healthy, supportive atmosphere. In addition to providing for a victim’s basic needs, our staff helps the victim develop a safety plan and identify barriers that keep their family from being safe. They work closely with community partner agencies to ensure that our clients have access to the necessary resources they need to live violence-free lives. The children that we help quickly embrace our advocates. The office and play room serve as a safe oasis to these children who have often had chaotic lives. We also help mothers with parenting ideas and offer a model of how to have fun with their children instead of always being in survival mode. PREVENTION WCST employs education and prevention specialists to lead our prevention efforts. As such, WCST's Prevention Program provides country- wide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of school-based prevention education to end domestic and sexual violence. Our goal is to educate and empower youth to make choices in their own lives that reduce violence and build community. Women's Crisis Support Team's school-based prevention strategies provide ongoing education, mentorship, and support to students. These strategies help them to explore alternatives to violence and challenge social norms supportive of bias and injustice. We help youth develop the skills necessary to become healthy individuals committed to non-violence in their lives and in their community. Women's Crisis Support Team also provides presentations to our community partners, service groups, businesses, and our local college and university. WCST's prevention work seeks to move beyond awareness to inspire knowledge, attitudes, and actions that reduce violence and build a safer community for all Dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic violence and sexual assault in Josephine County through prevention education, intervention and safe shelter WOMEN’S CRISIS SUPPORT TEAM You’re invited! Join Schmidt Family Vineyards & the Women’s Crisis Support Team on Sunday, May 24, 2015 Running for the Community First run begins at 11:30 a.m. • 5K • Family-friendly 12:45 p.m. • Canine and kid-friendly 3 p.m. Eat, Drink and Run Like Schmidt - for those over age 21 Visit sfvineyards.com for registration information and entry fees • Schmidt Family Vineyards • 330 Kubli Road. Grants Pass, Oregon 97527 • (541) 846-9985