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Tag: harris county nonprofits

Categories
Community Share Crime Victims

Commissioners Court

Greetings Advocates, Survivors, Stakeholders, & Community Members!

We have an ACTION ALERT we would like to share!  We would love for you to join us in speaking and/or showing up at Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday September 10 in support of the budget to continue Domestic Violence Assistance Funds.

We are thrilled that Harris County is recognizing the value of this important fund for survivors, and we are beyond grateful that Commissioners are considering the continuation of this assistance.  This is exciting news for our county, and we need YOUR HELP to make sure we voice our support for this fund!

If you’ve never provided public comment to Commissioners Court on an issue before, never fear!  Here are some important things to consider when signing up and in using your voice/making your statement:

Comments are restricted to 1 minute, so it’s helpful to write out what you’d like to say beforehand to ensure you adhere to the time given.  Public comment is generally provided at the beginning of the session, and registered names are called one at a time.

  • The Meeting Location – Commissioners Court meetings are held in-person at:  1001 Preston, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002 and meetings start at 10:00 am.  We hope to have quite a few folks sign up to speak, so please be prepared to stay for a while.  And even if you don’t feel comfortable providing comment, showing up will also be important!  We’d love for folks to fill the room – especially dressed in purple  to show our support.  Never discount the visual of a room full of people who took time out of their busy schedules and day to make sure their elected official sees and/or hears from them.  There is power in that!
  • What to Say – if you don’t know your Commissioner, you can find out by looking at the precinct maps here – Harris County Commissioner Court Precincts (harriscountytx.gov).

If you live in Harris County, it would be great to state who your Commissioner is as you begin your comments.  An example of this could go as follows:

Hello.  My name is ____________, and I live in Pct. ____________.  I am here today to voice my support for the Domestic Violence Assistance Funds because_____________________.

If you don’t live in Harris County, no worries!  Your comments will still be important because you WORK and/or provide service to survivors in Harris County.  So, an example of your statement could go as follows:

Hello.  My name is ____________, and I work for Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.  I am here to voice my support for the Domestic Violence Assistance Funds because______________.

And the because will be important!  AND there is so much to say here that will be valuable!  For instance – If you have a specific story of a survivor you’d like to share (with the survivor’s permission), please do.  If you want to share how these funds made you feel in being able to do your work, please do!  If you want to talk about how proud you are of our county in recognizing the need for this additional support and really listening to what is working for our area, please do!  If you want to give a history lesson of how dv/ipv has been a longstanding epidemic in our community that has been under resourced and under funded for a very long time, please do!  The sky is the limit on what you could say and share!  And remember – first rule of advocacy especially in an area that you know so well – YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON THIS! Don’t let their position or “status” make you feel like you don’t know what you are talking about or that what you say isn’t valuable.

WE THE PEOPLE… 😊

Remembrance, Caring, & Hope Vigil


October 10


@

6:00 pm


–


7:30 pm

CDT

Join us at United Way of Greater Houston for an evening of reflection and support. This event aims to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and spread hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference and show our solidarity with those affected by domestic violence. Together, we stand against abuse and promote healing in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Interfaith Council

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Street

Houston,

TX

United States

+ Google Map


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

June Community Partner Meeting

June 13 @ 2:30 pm – May 23 @ 4:00 pm CDT

Keeping Kids Safe In The Summer

Join us for a conversation with Kristen Beckworth. She will be sharing some tips on keeping kids safe during the summer. Topics include pool/water safety, hot cars, most common preventable injuries, etc.

Kristen Beckworth, MPH, CHES, CPST-I

About our Speaker:

Kristen Beckworth has worked in injury and violence prevention for over 15 years in large pediatric healthcare systems across Texas. She currently serves as the Manager of the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s Hospital. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University and the University Of Texas School Of Public Health. Ms. Beckworth has extensive experience educating children and adults on a variety of child safety topics. She is active in many local, state and national groups focused on injury and violence prevention, such as the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Injury Free Coalition for Kids and Safe Kids Greater Houston. At the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention, Ms. Beckworth oversees several Health Education Specialists who lead pediatric injury prevention programming across the Greater Houston area. As Manager, Ms. Beckworth is engaged in educating the community, creating strategic partnerships, and training other advocates in the field of childhood injury prevention.

Free

Thecia Jenkins

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Street
Houston, TX United States + Google Map
Categories
Community Share Legacies Mental Health Awareness Month

Journey 2 Advocacy…

May is Share Your Story Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.   Combining those two topics we sent out a survey to our staff  with the following questions: 

1) What initially drew you to the field of non profit?

2) What motivated you to specialize in domestic violence issues specifically?

3) How do you maintain self-care and resilience while working in such a demanding and emotionally taxing field?

4) Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your motivations, or your experiences in this field?


Here are their stories.
1) “The mission! The end goal of what I do has to be meaningful in that at the end of the day, I have been able to help someone in need, in my own small way.”

2) “Too many vulnerable people who are unaware there is help for them, so they are able to save themselves and escape their suffering.”

3) “Exercise, spending a lot of time outdoors in nature, and surrounding myself with my family and friends.”

4) “The learning curve is steep and challenging but extremely rewarding and fulfilling.”
1)”I was drawn to the field of nonprofit after I started to volunteer at M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital. when I was 14 years old.”

2) “My older sister was in a very bad Domestic Violence relationship that almost took her life. I wanted to understand why she allowed someone to treat her so poorly. When I went to the University of Houston I graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Inner Disciplinary studies. That started my career in helping make a difference in the lives of survivors.”

3) “I make sure that I take time to do something that makes me smile every day. Music has always been therapy for my soul.”

4) “I have learned a lot about healthy relationships and that saying “no” is not a bad thing it’s a way to set healthy boundaries.”
1) “The belief that the focus of work is not for a financial profit, rather for the profit of impacting and assist with changing people’s lives.”

2) “Advocacy in domestic violence issues allows my loud voice to be heard for all victims that was silenced.”

3) “Daily I ground myself through prayer, meditation, singing, dancing, exercise, breathing, gratitude, and hugging on the little people that call me mom and grandma!”

4) “This journey called life was and is not easy, yet it feels like a walk in the park, and I am grateful to be here.”
1) “Domestic Violence brought me to the non-profit world.”

2) “Survival and my children.”

3) “Praying and not giving up.”

4) “I was able to get out the abusive relationship and lived through it all.”

1) “I’m passionate about making a positive impact in the world and believe in the power of collective action to address social issues and create positive change. I’m also inspired by the opportunity to work towards a cause that aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to the greater good of society.”

2) “I was designed to have a understanding of various social and provide support and information on how to address them. Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects many people, and I want be able to provide accurate and helpful information to those who may be experiencing or know who is experiencing domestic violence. It’s important to raise awareness and support survivors in any way we can.”

3) “Self-care is extremely important when working in a demanding and emotionally taxing field like supporting survivors of domestic violence. It’s important to take breaks when needed, set boundaries, and practice self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time loved ones. It’s also helpful to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or a therapist to process difficult emotions and experiences. I try to remember to prioritize my own well-being so i can continue to others effectively.”

4) “I am programmed to provide accurate and helpful information on various topics, including domestic violence. My main motivation is to assist and support individuals who may be experiencing such difficult situations. It is important to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide for those in need.”

1) “I love giving back to others. I think that it is important to all the communities.”

2) “My past experiences-first my mom’s ex and then my ex. This industry is the most overlooked and most misunderstood.”

3) “I practice self-care by spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries on TV, working out, and playing video/board games.”
1) “The ability to learn community, work on the front lines to assist individuals and families in time of need. Hear the stories that probably no one has heard before or didn’t want to hear.”

2) “Domestic violence is a personal story of mine, being a child that survived the violence at home created many barriers during my childhood, teen years and as a young adult. The trauma has followed me through the years. I have not only heard stories of DV survivors I am a survivor of such crime: no child should ever have to live through such pain.”

3) “GOD is the only one who has taught me how to heal and forgive. I believe individuals have the opportunity to learn how to be better to themselves and to others. The journey might be a long road, but it will lead you to where you need to be to feel complete.”

4) “I maintain self- care by seeing things grow (I am not a gardener by no means) but enjoy seeing plants grow. I share my life with my loved ones. Nature nurtures my soul and spirit all living things bring me joy. I love! love, love! to hear from past clients (now friends) that have kept my contact number. Some still keep in contact with me, I now hear a different story, stories of happiness, stories of success, stories of growth, stories of triumph. We now share tears of joy. That is my MOTIVATION seeing, hearing people becoming, a change, sharing a different story to tell others.”

1) “My journey to advocacy began with the mission of DVCC not necessarily that it was a non-profit.”

2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when I realized there are a lot of survivors but not a whole lot of quality services. Everyone deserves to live a violence free life and I want to make sure that kids that grow up in that environment don’t have to continue the cycle of abuse.”

3) “I maintain my mental health through spending time with friends who are not in the movement to take a break but the most important thing is cuddling with my dog!”

4) “My final thoughts on motivation and experiences are setting boundaries, knowing your limits and knowing when to take a break are the only things that get you through working in this high stress environment. “

1) “My journey to advocacy began with my passion for bringing about positive change and making a real difference by addressing social issues attracted me to the nonprofit field. My work is a legacy, as I know my efforts can have a lasting impact beyond my lifetime. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I am contributing to something greater than myself and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.”

2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when entering a women’s domestic violence shelter and realizing I was the only male present was a turning point for me. Understanding the statistics surrounding domestic violence, I realized the crucial role men play in both perpetuating and addressing this issue. As a husband, father, and brother, I am inspired to challenge myself and others to become involved and specialize in domestic violence issues. By breaking stereotypes, dismantling patriarchy, promoting healthy relationships, and building empathy and compassion, men can make a significant contribution to eradicating domestic violence.”

3) “I maintain my mental health is practicing self-care and resilience is by knowing my limits and understanding that I can only control what I can control.”

4) “Making someone feel visible will increase their perceived value of you. It’s a powerful lesson I learned on my own journey, and I’ve found that it can make a huge difference in any personal or professional relationship. “

Categories
Black History Month Op-eds

Anti-Racism Policy

BIPOC Subcommittee Anti-Racism Policy

Racial Equity

The BIPOC subcommittee of the Domestic Violence Steering Committee of the greater Harris County area collaboration, supports the development of policy to combat racism and its effects. The subcommittee recognizes that the issue is a threat to the viability and health of staff, volunteers, and those we serve. Racism often manifests itself systemically, culturally, and interpersonally. The subcommittee is committed to engaging in actions that break down the walls of racial inequality. We strive for an environment where those we serve do not experience the barriers of racism. We further strive for all staff of partners within this collaborative to feel included, heard, and valued without the barriers of racism. Actions the subcommittee is proposing include but are not limited to:

1. Racial Equity Workgroup – The Racial Equity Workgroup is comprised of select subcommittee members from agencies across the Greater Houston Area. The purpose of the workgroup is to address the systemic, cultural, and interpersonal issues of racism, to make recommendations to the Steering Committee regarding partner agencies policy, and to establish best practice recommendations for the collaborative.

2. Host Partner Agency Conversations – The subcommittee is committed to offering strategic meetings where the partner agency teams are encouraged to share issues they are facing. The effort will include a cost sharing program where partner agency staff can anonymously report incidents of racism so this information is tracked and opportunities for accountability and change occurs.

3. Training – The subcommittee is seeking viable training for partner agencies’ staff as needed to include proposing a select microaggression video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9l7y4UuxY as part of the onboarding process of all partner agencies.

4. Evaluate Internal Practices – The subcommittee is committed to continually evaluating internal policies and procedures to ensure a consistent eye is on racial equality in all aspects of the collaborative.

The BIPOC subcommittee recommends that each member organization of HCDVCC include the following language in their DEI policies regarding equity vs equality:

While the terms equity and equality may sound similar, the implementation of one versus the other can lead to dramatically different outcomes for marginalized people.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. Therefore, racial equity recognizes and acknowledges the oppression and subjugation of racial minorities and strives to achieve fairness depending on current status and need. Racial equity is intentional and provides the resources and opportunities needed for BIPOC staff so they can reach an equal outcome to their white counterparts.

In addition, ORGANIZATION NAME prioritizes racial equity for Black and Indigenous staff first due to their being the recipients of the most severe and ongoing oppression and thus discrimination and maltreatment.

“The route to achieving equity will not be accomplished through treating everyone equally. It will be achieved by treating everyone justly according to their circumstances.”
—Paula Dressel, Race Matters Institute 1

Categories
Holidays Op-eds

A Vision for 2024- Fostering Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

Domestic violence is, as you know, a harrowing societal issue that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. As we look ahead to 2024, it is mandatory for us to collectively strive for a future marked by diminished violence within our homes and communities. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement all play pivotal roles in this endeavor, working in tandem to raise awareness, improve education, and intervene effectively.

The Power of Active Bystanders

A fundamental aspect of reducing domestic violence lies in the empowerment of community members to become active bystanders. Such individuals are not merely passive witnesses but rather conscientious and courageous individuals willing to take action when they witness potentially abusive situations. The steps toward becoming an active bystander are as follows:

  1. Recognizing the Signs: Education is key; community members must familiarize themselves with the signs of domestic violence. These may include physical injuries, emotional distress, social isolation, or controlling behavior.
  2. Intervening Safely: When encountering an abusive situation, active bystanders should approach it calmly and non-confrontationally, prioritizing the safety of all involved parties. Offering support to the victim and discouraging the abusive behavior are crucial steps.
  3. Seeking Professional Assistance: In situations that may escalate or pose immediate danger, it is essential to call the police or a domestic violence hotline promptly. Timely intervention can be life-saving.
  4. Providing Ongoing Support: Beyond the crisis, active bystanders should offer sustained support to victims. Encouraging them to access local resources such as shelters, support groups, and counseling services can be instrumental in their healing journey.

 

Speaking Out: The Power of Voices

Silence is an accomplice to domestic violence. Community members must be encouraged to speak out and report abusive behavior when they encounter it. By doing so, they can become agents of change in their communities. This can be accomplished through:

  1. Reporting to Authorities: When witnessing or suspecting domestic violence, individuals should not hesitate to report it to law enforcement. Their information could be the catalyst for protecting a victim and holding the abuser accountable.
  2. Supporting Survivors: Encourage survivors to report abuse and provide unwavering emotional support throughout the process. Assure them that they are not alone in their journey toward justice and healing.

Empowering Law Enforcement Through Education

Law enforcement agencies are crucial players in addressing domestic violence. By enhancing the education and training provided to officers, we can ensure that they respond to these situations with sensitivity, expertise, and empathy. Improvements in this area should encompass:

  1. Specialized Training: Police departments should offer comprehensive, specialized training to officers on how to handle domestic violence cases. This training should encompass understanding the dynamics of abuse, victim advocacy, and de-escalation techniques.
  2. Cultural Competency: In a diverse society, it is paramount that law enforcement officers receive education in cultural sensitivity and diversity. Different communities may have unique needs and barriers when dealing with domestic violence.
  3. Collaboration with Advocacy Organizations: To develop a coordinated response that prioritizes victim safety, law enforcement agencies should work closely with domestic violence awareness agencies and advocacy groups.

Fostering Community Awareness

Building a safer future begins with fostering awareness within our communities. Several strategies can be employed to achieve this:

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns through local media, social media platforms, and community events. These campaigns should educate people about domestic violence, its signs, and the resources available to survivors.
  2. Education in Schools and Workshops: Integrate domestic violence education into school curriculums and community workshops. By teaching young people about healthy relationships and how to recognize abusive behavior, we can shape a future generation equipped to prevent domestic violence.
  3. Accessible Resources: Ensure that the community has easy access to vital resources, such as helplines, shelters, and counseling services. Make this information readily available to those in need.

Reducing domestic violence in 2024 and beyond necessitates a concerted and collective effort. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement must collaborate to create a safer environment for everyone. By becoming active bystanders, speaking up against abuse, enhancing law enforcement education, and raising community awareness, we can draw closer to a future characterized by reduced domestic violence and increased support for survivors. Together, we can make a significant difference and ensure that every individual has the right to live free from fear and abuse. Let our shared commitment to this cause pave the way for a brighter, safer tomorrow.

Categories
Holidays Op-eds

Time to Reflect and Celebrate

As another year ends, it is time to reflect on the year that was. 2023 what a year! I remember looking forward to such a wonderful year (especially after surviving the chaos of Southwest Airlines!)  But never did I imagine what the world had in store for us. Two major wars raging, not to mention all the smaller conflicts that get little to no media coverage. Political turmoil, poverty, homelessness, hate crimes, and senseless violence throughout our country and the world. We lost many famous people this year (here is hoping you are eating a cheeseburger in paradise Jimmy Buffett and could heaven be any nicer for you Matthew Perry).

While I could fill line after line of all the terrible things that occurred this year I do want to reflect on some really good things:

  • The smile of a random stranger
  • The laugh of a child
  • A really needed hug
  • Cuddles with a pet
  • Supporters/funders who really understand what we need
  • Partners that are willing to work together
  • Watching co-workers blossom
  • Being able to say yes when everyone else has said no
  • The kindness of people
  • The strength and resilience of our clients
  • The strength and resilience of each one of us

I realize 2024 will bring many challenges, some that we know of, and I am sure many more we do not anticipate. But I cannot help but have gratitude for the things above and many more I did not list. I heard a friend say the other day, someone told her they start their day off with three things they are grateful for. So, I challenge you as I am challenging myself, to start your list of resolutions by finding at least one or two things to be grateful for every morning. My hope is that by the end of next year, your gratitude list is longer than just the few same old things each day!

Happy Holidays and cheers to an amazing New Year!

About the Author

Pic of Deputy Director Amy Smith

Senior Director of Operations and Communications at HCDVCC,

Amy Smith

Categories
Community Share Mental Health Awareness Month Sexual Assault Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Active Bystander: Empowering Change & Promoting Safety

This month is Bystander Awareness Month! This is a time when we focus on fostering a culture of active bystanders and encouraging individuals to play an essential role in creating safer and more inclusive communities. Let’s explore the concept of an active bystander, delve into the significance of being proactive in various situations, and provide practical steps on what to do when faced with witnessing concerning incidents.

Understanding Active Bystanders:
An active bystander is someone who chooses not to be a passive observer but takes a proactive stance in addressing and preventing harmful situations. Instead of turning a blind eye or assuming someone else will intervene, active bystanders embrace the responsibility of making a positive impact when they see something wrong unfolding before them.

The Importance of Being an Active Bystander:

Promoting Safety: Being an active bystander is crucial for creating a safe environment. By actively intervening or reporting concerning situations, you contribute to the prevention of potential harm to individuals or the community at large.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Active bystanders demonstrate empathy and compassion by offering support to those who may be in distress or facing adversity. Your intervention can provide comfort, reassurance, and demonstrate that individuals are not alone in difficult situations.

Challenging Norms and Behaviors: Active bystanders have the power to challenge harmful norms, such as bullying, discrimination, or harassment, by speaking up and standing against such behavior. By doing so, you help establish a new standard of respect, equality, and inclusivity.

What to Do When You See Something:

Assess the Situation: Observe the situation carefully to determine if intervention is necessary or if someone’s safety is at risk. Trust your instincts but be mindful of your personal safety as well.

Call for Help: If immediate danger is present or a crime is being committed, contact emergency services such as the police, fire department, or medical services. Provide them with accurate details about the incident and the location.

Create a Distraction: In non-threatening situations, creating a distraction can divert attention and diffuse tension. This strategy can be effective in preventing a potentially harmful situation from escalating.

Direct Intervention: If it is safe to do so, directly intervene by addressing the situation calmly and assertively. Speak up against inappropriate behavior, offer assistance to someone in distress, or help diffuse a conflict by promoting dialogue and understanding.

Seek Support: If you are unsure about intervening alone, try to involve others nearby. Approach individuals who may be witnessing the same incident and encourage them to join forces with you in addressing the situation. Remember, collective action can be powerful.

Document and Report: If you cannot intervene directly or the situation has already resolved, document what you witnessed. Take note of details such as descriptions of individuals involved, time, and location. Report the incident to relevant authorities or organizations that can take appropriate action.

Becoming an active bystander requires courage, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our communities. By choosing to step forward and take action, we contribute to the creation of safer, more inclusive environments for everyone. This Bystander Awareness Month, let’s all pledge to be active bystanders and work together to build a society where compassion, respect, and intervention are valued. Remember, your voice and actions matter.

Our Mission:
To improve Harris County’s response to domestic violence, we lead efforts to build collaborative systems and innovative programs that increase access to services and safety.
Our Vision:
We envision a community where all persons have relationships that are safe, healthy, and free from domestic violence.
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