FREE TRAINING FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN HONOR
OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
TOPICS INCLUDE:
➡️Dynamics of Domestic Violence
➡️Elder Abuse
➡️TX-DFPS Reporting
➡️Victims Rights and Resources
➡️Forensic Medical Exam (SANE)
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.
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… 😊
@
6:30 pm
–
7:45 pm
CDT
“Elegance Meets Laughter” Celebrating 27 years of Legacy and Purpose. Purple Carpet Affiar VIP Cocktail Reception.
Live Music!
Gala doors open at 7:45 pm
About Fresh Spirit:
Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women, Inc (FSWW) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Dr. Conte Terrell in 1997. The organization is the oldest African American female founded non-profit organization and Agency for Domestic Violence in Harris County. FSWW assists and supports survivors who have been verbally, emotionally, physically, or sexually abused. FSWW serves as an out-care program and is open to anyone who is in search of support and healing from the toxic effects of domestic violence.
Our mission is to empower individuals impacted by the trauma of domestic violence by encouraging, educating, equipping and empowering victims/survivors confronted with unexpected challenges due to verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse by providing culturally appropriate, trauma informed, client centered crisis intervention services to help restore safety, peace, healing and wholeness to their lives.
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.
theciajenkins@hcdvcc.org
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) “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) “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. “
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:
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:
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:
Fostering Community Awareness
Building a safer future begins with fostering awareness within our communities. Several strategies can be employed to achieve this:
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.
There is growing evidence linking heavy social media use with increased risks for anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can, in turn, impact a student’s school performance, such as difficulties focusing, studying, or even simply attending school. It’s important for caregivers and school personnel to understand what is happening on social media and how to reduce its negative impact.
Virtual spaces are everywhere in today’s world and have become a constant presence in the lives of young people, offering social connectedness and the ease of instant communication. But the online world of selfies and social media also brings with it challenging situations that can have a negative impact on youth mental health.
The pressure to maintain a perfect online image, fueled by constant comparison to peers, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Young people may experience fear of missing out (FOMO) when they watch the highlight reels of their friends’ lives, bringing on feelings of loneliness and isolation. In addition, exposure to cyberbullying and negative comments can take a toll on their self-esteem, putting them at risk of experiencing depression.
As the new school year begins, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators to work together to educate and support young people in navigating responsibly the challenges of a digital world while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth and resilience.
The new Mental Health America toolkit, “Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth,” provides educational resources that tackle these topics. For caregivers and school personnel, they cover the basics of what youth are doing online, how online activity can impact mental health, tips for talking to youth about difficult feelings they may experience, and how to help young people reduce the potentially harmful effects of social media.
The toolkit also includes information and tips written exclusively for youth. Whether young people read the information on their own or discuss the topics with an adult, it is important they understand that they are not alone when they experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness and that help and support are available.
Free, confidential, anonymous screening tools are available atmhascreening.org for youth and parents who are concerned about their mental health. After taking a screen, results are provided along with tips for next steps. For even more information, youth and adults can check out MHA’s book, “Where to Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges,” which was written for young people in order to provide clear, honest, and reassuring information about the most common mental health conditions.
Sometimes conversations about mental health can reveal that a young person has thoughts or plans to hurt themself or another person. If this happens, they are in crisis and need help promptly. If you think a child or teen is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at988. Trained crisis counselors can help find local resources and suggest next steps.
NOTE: This article was part of a toolkit by Mental Health America. You can download the Mental Health America Back to School Toolkit HERE.
Who is Color me SAFE?
Color me SAFE is a family crisis management consulting firm serving mostly Texas and occasionally out-of-state clients. Our mission is to assist families of all backgrounds by offering guidance, solutions, and education regarding child welfare issues. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, including several decades working for Child Protective Services. Since Color me SAFE was founded, in 2012, our team has been empowering, educating, and protecting your most valuable asset – your child.
Color me SAFE specializes in cases where CPS is directly involved: divorce & custody issues, coparenting conflict, parent/child conflict, and other matters involving child-welfare. We work directly with families, including refugees and immigrant families, therapists, schools, family law attorneys, and nonprofit organizations that serve survivors of domestic violence, and the community in general.
Often, families feel powerless and helpless in dealing with government institutions such as CPS – they need an advocate by their side to ensure their rights are protected and institutions are held accountable.
When families are referred to us, they are often traumatized, helpless, scared, lost, with the fear their children may be taken away, not knowing what to do or who to turn to. Unfortunately, through our experiences at CPS and beyond, it is precisely the families who are more vulnerable that are treated the worst, often being discriminated, revictimized, their civil rights abused by the institutions who were supposed to protect them. It’s those disparities, inequities, and inequalities that led us to create Color me SAFE and do what we do.
We’ve helped families with some of the most heart-breaking cases such as a family that had their three-month-old baby removed after going to the ER for an isolated incident that was completely misunderstood and overreacted. The parents were recent immigrants, their English wasn’t polished, and, in that stressful situation, they were not able to explain satisfactory what had happened. Unfortunately, they went on for months and spent thousands of dollars in attorney fees before their family was able to reunite.
In another case, we were able to guide a survivor of domestic violence, whose daughter was also being sexually abused by her own father. He was well connected and was using the law to his advantage. In this case, CPS initially misunderstood the dynamics of what was happening, and we were able to help make her case heard and, at the end, justice prevailed.
Over the years, we have come across numerous such families that needed our assistance and guidance but could not afford our services. We have taken more than forty pro-bono cases since we began this work and invested almost 1000 hours to support these families. Unfortunately, we were unable to support and guide several other families who needed us due to limited resources.
This is the ultimate reason we launched the Color me SAFE Foundation as a 501c3 at the end of 2022. We do not want any family to face a child or family related crisis without support, independently of their economic means. Besides working directly with families who do not have the resources, Color me SAFE Foundation will also be launching other education initiatives to empower our communities.
To us, it’s not about a paycheck or closing a case file, it’s when a family comes back months later saying, “thank you for keeping my family together.”
Our Team on the Ground:
Gauthami Vemula-Queijo, MS, MSE (Founder & Chief Empathy Officer)
Britany Myers, LCSW (Director of Education)
Karen Ricks, LCSW (Consultant & Director Home Assessments)
Saranya Kari, BS (Senior Intern)
To learn more about Color me SAFE, please visit the website and you can also follow ColorMeSafe on the following social media platforms.
