HOPE Center

As much illness and death as cancer

2010-08-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Sexual, physical, and psychological violence cause as much illness and death among women ages 15-44 as cancer.
-Executive Summary, 2003

This is an impressive statistic. We all know someone who has had cancer. In fact, we could probably name upwards of two dozen people we know who have had cancer, even those small, localized skin cancers that you get removed and don’t have to worry about anymore—they heal quickly and seem like a non-issue. Try making a list of people. It’s pretty amazing how readily the names come to mind once you get going. Go ahead and stop after a dozen, though; after that, it can get overwhelming. Chances are, some of the people on your list are people who you care deeply about and who you have supported during their suffering.

But what about sexual, physical, and psychological violence? How many people do you know who have been victims of these kinds of violence? You probably know far more people than you realize. After all, there as many illnesses and deaths caused by sexual, physical and psychological violence (among women ages 15-44) as there are caused by cancer. Why is there such a dramatic discrepancy between the number of people you know in each category, even after considering age and sex? The difference is probably because we don’t talk about sexual, physical, and psychological violence like we talk about cancer. Discussing and fighting cancer are socially acceptable. When it comes to addressing the issues of domestic (and non-domestic) violence and sexual assault, things are a lot more taboo and there is a lot more gray area.

Consider the following scenario: you’re at the grocery store when you run into a friend who you haven’t seen for a month or so. Last week, you learned that a mutual friend of yours, Mary, was diagnosed with cancer and will be starting chemo in a few weeks. You say to your friend, “By the way, have you heard about Mary?” “No, what about her?” “She just found out that she has cancer.” “How bad is it?” “We’ll have to wait and see. She starts chemo in a few weeks. There are a few of us who are coordinating dinners for her, since she might not feel up to cooking during her chemo.” The scenario seems plausible enough, right?

What if we changed it around a bit. What if, instead of having learned of Mary’s hypothetical cancer diagnosis, you learned that she is being abused by her husband? How would you have heard about this in the first place? Chances are, Mary’s husband has also been isolating her from friends and family, making it even more unlikely that Mary would be able to share her seemingly shameful secret with you. Even if she did tell you—and she said that it was okay to tell others, would you tell your friend? If you did tell her, would it be out of genuine concern for Mary or would it feel more like gossip? If you shared the news, would you have arranged some way to support Mary like you did with the dinner plans when she had cancer? (Just so that YOU know, my goal here is NOT to make you feel guilty; it is to illustrate how strongly we are all affected by the societal taboos and judgments that surround domestic violence.) As mentioned earlier, there is a lot more gray area in dealing with incidents of violence and supporting victim/survivors. But that doesn’t mean that we should avoid helping them; we just need to know that the situation needs to be approached with kindness and compassion and with a non-judgmental attitude. Because acts of violence, like cancer, cause a great deal of illness and death and the people going through either experience need and deserve support.

And neither condition is uncommon. We have probably all heard the statistics about sexual assault, for example: 1 in 4 college women is raped during her time in college; 1 in 6 women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). (For men, the chances of being sexually assaulted are 1 in 33). Keep in mind that these are only acts of sexual violence; physical violence is a much broader category. And psychological violence is broader, still. Often, it’s hard to even recognize that you’re being psychologically or emotionally abused because the abuse doesn’t leave physical marks. What’s the point here? The point is that you know a lot of people, especially women, who have been victims of sexual, physical, and psychological violence, whether you—or they—know it or not.

So, as we asked above, why are you aware of so many more people who have had cancer than people who have been victims of violence? The probability of having cancer isn’t that much higher than the probability of being a victim of violence, is it? No! In fact, it appears that women are more likely to be sexually assaulted than they are to develop cancer! Consider a woman’s likelihood of getting breast cancer, the most common form of cancer (aside from non-melanoma skin cancer) for females: according to the American Cancer Society, “The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is a little less than 1 in 8 (12%)” (Key Statistics for Breast Cancer, 2009). Even if we consider all forms of cancer, a female’s probability of developing an invasive cancer from birth to age 39 is 1 in 48(American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures, 2009). Between the ages of 40 and 59, the probability is 1 in 11. It’s not until women are 70 and older that their chances (1 in 4) of having cancer equal or exceed their chances of being sexually assaulted. Only a woman’s lifetime probability of getting cancer (1 in 3) exceeds her lifetime probability of being sexually assaulted.

But why do these numbers matter? Clearly, the probability of being sexually assaulted and the probability of getting cancer are both too high. Much is being done to address the issue of cancer. Think about all the money that goes towards research to improve treatment and find a cure. Consider all the prevention tips that you hear: wear sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer! Do a monthly breast self exam to help with early detection of breast cancer! Remember that smoking increases your chances of getting a variety of cancers, especially lung cancer! We offer similar advice to young women for avoiding violent crimes: don’t walk alone at night! Carry a rape whistle and/or pepper spray! In addition to sweeping the issue under the rug and not talking about acts of violence like we do about cancer, another critical difference is that acts of violence are something that are done by one person to another person. In other words, they are intentional.

Clearly, no one wants to get cancer or be the victim of sexual, physical, or psychological violence. However, the preventative efforts for acts of violence are minimal, compared to what we do to raise awareness about cancer. So what do we do? Well, for starters, we can take a stand and say that just as I will not give someone cancer, I will not make someone a victim of violence. In addition, we can be more aware of the fact that far more of the people we know have been victims of violence than we realize. By keeping this in mind, we can be sensitive to the potential and often silent struggles of those around us. If we maintain a warm, supportive attitude, we may find people opening up to us, asking for the support that they need and deserve. In addition, we can make a concerted effort to support those who we already know have been victimized. This can take many forms: quietly listening and withholding judgment, helping the victim find the professional support that he or she needs to heal, or simply avoiding sexist or violent jokes and remarks. One of the most important things that all of us can do is to talk about the issue of violence, to remind people that it does happen and that no one is immune. Think about the progress that breast cancer awareness campaigns have made; with enough time and effort, we can bring violence out of the shadows and into the daylight, reminding the world that (1) this happens, (2) survivors who have already been victimized need our support, and (3) we can make a difference and stop it from continuing.

Refrences

American Cancer Society, (2009). What are the key statistics for breast cancer?. Retrieved from http://ww2.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_breast_cancer_5.asp
American Cancer Society, (2009). Cancer facts and figures 2009. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/500809webpdf.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (2007). Understanding sexual violence. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov.ncipc/pub-res/images/SV%20Factsheet.pdf

Executive Summary, (2003). Beyond victims and villains: Addressing sexual violence in the education sector, Women’s International Network News, 29(3), 37-38.

Voices of Survivors...

2010-08-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult aspects of what we do is that all too often we never get a chance to find out what happens to our clients. We see them in the midst of crisis but unlike in the movies the ending is not rolled up nicely and packaged in a two hour time span. Healing, getting back on your feet and starting over as our clients do is a long and complicated process.

One of our sister programs Annamarie's Shelter in St. Cloud recently shared this letter in their newsletter... a powerful testament to growth, to healing, to a life changed... if only we offer them the place, support and time to do so.

I hope you enjoy!
http://www.annamaries.org/documents/Intheirownwords.pdf

Calling a few good men...

2010-06-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

In honor of Father's Day, and with the knowledge of how important good Father's are. HOPE Center wanted to give you the opportunity to step up to the plate and take the pledge, or honor a man in your life that lives up to the pledge against violence.

The Family Violence Prevention Fund has sponsored this initiative, and we here at HOPE Center want to make sure the men in our lives that use words instead of violence, who share love instead of fear are celebrated and honored.

"I proudly pledge my support to become a new Founding Father and join with other men in building a new kind of society – where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, where boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say, “No more.”

To sign, click here.

Or if you know of an honorable man who you would like to honor.
Click here.

A New Normal for the State's Non-Profits...

2010-06-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

A new normal for the state's nonprofits
Minnesota charitable organizations on the fault line: looking for how to bridge the sustainability gap.

By DANIEL JOHNSON

Last update: June 13, 2010 - 3:57 PM

An interesting article on the current situation of the state's non-profits.
http://www.startribune.com/business/96179854.html?page=1&c=y

What are your thoughts?

Economic downturn complicates and intensifies safety issues in domestic violence cases, Senate panel told

2010-05-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Read the Article.

The Numbers Are In!

2010-05-04T13:04:00.001-07:00

We just completed the Midyear Report and for a small staff we have been busy!

From October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010

Total Safeline Calls: 396

In our Domestic Violence Program:

Primary Adults: 270

Primary Children/Youth: 28

In our Sexual Assault Program:

Primary Victims: 42

Secondary Victims: 26

Criminal Justice Intervention service numbers:

New Incidents in which an advocate provided services/information: 12

Individual victims provided information: 264

Individual victims provided legal advocacy: 447

Staff regularly attended the following monthly community collaborative initiatives:

Children’s Mental Health Team

SMART Team [Sexual Assault Multidisciplinary Action Response Team]

United for Kids

Homeless Response Team

Chamber Events
We have provided 52 presentations and over 1,170 people learned more about HOPE Center in the past six months.

In addition we have had 6 trainings for professionals and have had 135 participants in those trainings.

Thank you to everyone who has helped support HOPE Center and our staff in helping to complete our mission!

A busy day!

2010-04-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a busy day for HOPE Center and its board members!

In the morning we made the case for our United Way funding from Faribault. We were excited that board member Gary Lazarz came to talk about the importance of having men be involved with HOPE Center. It is always nice to be able to talk about what HOPE Center does and is working on and to see the excitement of the Investment Panels who have the chance to find out more about all of the good work happening in the community.

Then in the evening our Sexual Assault Advocate went to speak to a group of Girl Scouts about healthy boundaries, the importance of good friends, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

And at the Lonsdale City Council meeting board members Renee Thompson and Pastor Howard White were there to accept the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation.

Not in our town?

2010-04-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Not in our town?

I was fortunate enough to be chosen to attend a week-long Community Leadership training put on by the Blandin Foundation. The Blandin foundation’s mission is: “To strengthen communities in rural Minnesota,” by providing community leadership training opportunities (Blandin Foundation).

As a social worker, I attended to seek ways to enrich my work with Northfield Hospice. I wanted to learn ways to engage our community in conversations about death and dying. As a Hospice social worker, I work with a team to support and guide dying patients and their families both leading up to, and following the death. It is an invaluable service to our community and touches many lives.

However, at the end of the week, I felt more compelled than ever to seek ways to raise awareness of another important issue facing our community—sexual violence.

In addition to working with those facing a terminal illness, I have spent the last 10 years advocating for survivors of violence around the state, and more recently in the Northfield area. I do so by serving on the Board of Directors for the HOPE Center. For those that may not be familiar with the HOPE Center, it stands for: Healing, Outreach, Prevention, Education. The HOPE Center is the only organization in Rice County providing free, direct support to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. It is also committed to creating zero tolerance for violence by collaborating with many community agencies and schools to provide education and prevention strategies in Northfield and all of Rice County.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month...

2010-04-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Two updates...

2010-03-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

First of all thank you for your support of the Pets in OFP bill, it passed overwhelmingly in committee! We will keep you updated as it moves through the process.

Secondly I finally have the pictures from the Rally Day at the Capital and I thought I would share those.

The roses represent the women and men who lost their lives as a result of domestic violence, including the police officers killed in the line of duty, and the little bears represent the children that were killed this year by domestic violence, child abuse and neglect.

Protecting our Four Legged Friends...

2010-03-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

There is a bill right now that is in the Minnesota House of Representatives that would help protect pets within Domestic Violence Orders for Protection.

We know that many of our clients don't come forward for fear of what will happen to their pets. This order would help protect that.

Of 50 shelters surveyed about women and children escaping from domestic violence, 85% said that women in their shelter talked about pet abuse, 63% of children talked about pet abuse, and 83% said that they had observed the coexistence of domestic violence and pet abuse.

Here is a news clip about the bill... http://kstp.com/news/stories/s1463897.shtml

It will be heard in the Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee on Thursday, March 18th!

Please take a moment to call YOUR rep listed below and leave a message with his or her aide that you'd like them to support HF1396 Domestic abuse; courts authorized to include pets and companion animals in protective orders!

Here is a place to find your legislator: http://www.gis.leg.mn/mapserver/districts/

HOPE Rides on!

2010-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

What a great time was had by all last night!!

Thanks to the folks at Harley Davidson and the time and talent of Nick Sinclair and his team and the staff and volunteers at HOPE Center we were able to raise:

$432!!

It was a great time and we are so grateful for all of the support of those who stopped by and:

* the Northfield News and the Faribault Daily News for their story on this great fundraiser and Nick's passion

http://www.faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=97897

* KYMN radio for doing a story with Nick on Art Zany with Paula Granquist: http://kymnradio.net/2010/03/12/artzany-radio-for-the-imagination-nick-sinclair-sinclair-hot-rods/

* Ray Navarro for his donation of Taco Meat

* Faribault Harley Davidson for the great space, their warm and friendly staff and the chance to dream about firing up a Harley someday :).

Last minute touch-ups...

2010-03-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Friday was spent putting the last minute touches on the United Way grant application. Then in the evening some of the staff went to the Vagina Monologues, put on by some talented St. Olaf students and a much appreciated fundraiser for the HOPE Center.

Then Saturday afternoon was spent setting up for the HOPE Rides event, this afternoon was spent prepping a presentation for Monday morning and now off to do the last minute touch-ups for HOPE Rides.

Between Grant Applications, volunteer training, Sexual Assault Awareness Month prep (SAAM is in April), fundraising and all of our regular stuff, we have been busy here at HOPE!

If YOU aren't busy tonight come on down! From 6-9 we will be at Harley Davidson in Faribault eating tacos from a bag, looking at great art and chatting about HOPE Center.

See you soon!

Marital spat with a weapon?

2010-03-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

OnYourMind: Marna Anderson, of WATCH, says it’s time to hold the media accountable on choice of words when reporting domestic violence

Most often, one encounters the media referring to a domestic assault as a "domestic dispute." That is like calling a robbery a "commercial dispute." As a society, we acknowledge that in a robbery, the person being robbed was at a disadvantage and had something taken against her or his will. But this is typically not the case with domestic violence. The media often minimizes domestic violence by framing incidents as "relationship troubles" or "arguments." This infers a degree of partnership and equality in the relationship, something that rarely, if ever, exists when abuse is rife. A study conducted in the state of Washington reviewed 230 newspaper articles on domestic homicide and found that fewer than 22 percent accurately labeled the incident as domestic violence.

A Star Tribune report on the domestic homicide of Kathryn Anderson ("Boyfriend charged with homicide in Eagan woman's death," December 7, 2009) describes how she had been stabbed over 100 times after a "domestic dispute escalated." The article goes on to report that the police had responded to previous "domestic disturbances" and quotes a friend of Anderson's who said there had been "conflict" between them.

The real story

But this is not the real story. The real story is told between the lines of the news reports. It is not one of troubled marriages or relationships or ongoing arguments or disputes. The real story that rarely gets the headline is of the abusive partner's controlling, threatening, physically violent behavior. This is the story that needs to be told. Domestic violence is a widespread community problem, and it is time the media reports it as such.

In large part to increased training and education on the topic, the courts have made the shift from viewing domestic violence as a private matter to treating it as a criminal one. A similar shift has occurred in the way the criminal justice system approaches the crime of rape. Thirty years ago, victims were often assigned blame because of the way they dressed or acted. Media reports routinely quoted perpetrators and 'experts' alike who said the victim was "asking for it."

A recent national headline, "Sheen accused of using weapon in spat with wife," reveals a common problem with media reports of domestic violence: They frequently report domestic assaults as arguments, spats or disputes.

This headline about actor Charlie Sheen is especially disingenuous because it reports that a weapon may have been used, yet still refers to the incident as a "spat." Recent examples from local media include two Star Tribune headlines, "Slayings and suicide follow turbulent times," (January 19, 2010), and "Domestic dispute leaves three dead at farmhouse" (January 18, 2010).

For the rest of the story please visit:

http://www.womenspress.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=3550&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=738

Domestic Violence Counts...

2010-03-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

IN JUST ONE DAY:

1,648 participating local domestic violence programs (83%)

Assisted 65,321 adults and children through shelter, transitional housing, and advocacy
Answered 23,045 hotline calls, over 16 calls every minute
Trained 30,735 attendees at 1,468 community education sessions

These are the incredible results of the fourth annual Domestic Violence Counts: a 24 hour census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services. The survey was conducted on September 15, 2009 and the report was released March 8, 2010 in recognition of International Women’s Day.

A FEW NOTES:

9,280 requests for services went unmet because of a lack of resources or staffing. 60% of the unmet requests were for emergency shelter or transitional housing and 40% of the unmet requests were for non-residential services.
17,445 Children under 18 spent the night of September 15, 2009 in a domestic violence shelter or transitional housing program - far more than the approximately 11,000 children who are born every day across the U.S.
This year, 25 states and territories achieved a 100% participation rate!

Thank you to all the amazing local programs that helped make this third annual national, coordinated, and safe DV count a success!

For the full 2009 report and state summaries please go to www.nnedv.org/census
2009 press release and media enquiries, see: www.nnedv.org
For additional information, handouts, Frequently Asked Questions, and survey methodology, go to www.nnedv.org/census

Lots Of Ways to Support HOPE Center!!

2010-03-05T08:45:00.000-08:00

There will be great art, a taco bar, classic cars, music and more...

Stop by and support Nick and HOPE Center.

Help Nick reach his goal: http://www.razoo.com/story/Hope-Rides-Fundraiser

And we invite you to attend the Vagina Monologues

Thanks to the talented students at St. Olaf

THURSDAY MARCH 11th

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES IN THE PAUSE AT 8PM
---Eve Ensler’s powerful play featuring monologues on the good and bad experiences of being a woman.

FRIDAY MARCH 12th
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES IN THE PAUSE AT 8PM

SUNDAY MARCH 14th
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES IN THE PAUSE AT 2PM

Another fine example of connections and collaboration :)

2010-03-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Using video games to help prevent domestic violence:

In Development at Champlain College: a Video Game to Help Prevent Domestic Violence

By Jill Laster

A team at Champlain College wants to educate boys about the effects of violence against women. So they are creating a product using two things that appeal to their target audience: soccer and video games.

http://chronicle.com/blogPost/In-Development-at-Champlain/21474/

United for Kids...

2010-03-01T11:46:00.001-08:00

One of the best parts for me about being at HOPE Center is being involved in other collaborative efforts that aim to help create a healthier environment for all of us to live in. One of these collaboratives is an effort called United for Kids which is a community initiative promoting literacy and learning for families with children age 5 and under.

At a meeting today we were talking about some of the projects that we have coming up and I had mentioned this great website that is for parents, educators and anyone who cares about kids that helps connects child development and violence prevention

"Understanding Child Development as a Violence Prevention Tool".

Which can be found here: http://actagainstviolence.apa.org/understanding_child_dev.pdf

There are some great tips on handling anger and conflict, parenting tips and techniques and so much more...

http://actagainstviolence.apa.org/

I also came across this...

Constant Yelling Can Be Just As Harmful to Children as Physical Abuse

What does the research show?

Most parents, even the most patient ones, lose their temper and yell at their children. According to a 2003 study published in The Journal of Marriage and Family, 88 percent of the 991 families interviewed admitted shouting, yelling or screaming at their children in the previous year. That percentage jumped to 98 percent in families with 7-year-old children.

While occasional yelling is common in American families, parents who constantly yell at their children are subjecting their children to emotional abuse that researchers say can be as harmful as physical abuse. A 2001 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry involving 49 people with depersonalization disorder (a mental disorder in which a person has a feeling of detachment or estrangement from one’s self) and 26 emotionally healthy people, found that yelling and other forms of emotional abuse was a more significant predictor of mental illness than sexual and physical abuse.

Besides being potentially harmful if overused, yelling is often ineffective. “Children can become immune to being yelled at and start to tune it out,” according to psychologist Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D., of Drexel University. Dr. Shure’s research shows that parents whose only way of disciplining their children is by yelling, demanding or commanding have children that at age four or five are more likely to display physical or verbal aggression, social withdrawal, and a lack of positive/prosocial behaviors, such as sharing and empathy. She says instead of yelling, which makes children feel angry and frustrated, parents should use a problem-solving approach in which children are taught to think about their own and others’ feelings. For example, if your children will not pick up their toys, ask them to think of how you feel when they won’t pick up the toys. Then ask them to think of something they can do so you won’t feel that way. This approach can have large and long-lasting effects on children's behavior (see http://www.psychologymatters.org/shure.html andhttp://www.thinkingchild.com).

http://actagainstviolence.apa.org/specialtopics/yelling.html

Domestic and Sexual Violence are about so much more than just dealing with that... we need to look at parenting, at resources, at prevention, at connecting why businesses should care about these issues, supporting schools to educate about healthy relationships and building safer communities.

A Story from NPR...

2010-02-24T14:47:00.001-08:00

Today I listened to a great webinar about involving people in the prevention of sexual assault. It was a follow up on the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault's Summit to Prevent Sexual Violence. There are some amazing pieces of information, videos, and so much more all in one place.

http://theminnesotasummit.wordpress.com/

And just as I went to go to look up another story, I found this story about campus rape victims...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124001493

And a comment that I thought was particularly compelling...

Rape won't be stopped by telling young women not to drink; it'll be stopped when people quit making excuses for rapists.

–M Clym (Oxford_Comma)

Vagina Monologues this Saturday to support the HOPE Center....

2010-02-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Performance of “Vagina Monologues” Will Raise Money for the HOPE Center in Faribault

February 6, 2010

On Saturday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m., Carleton College students will present their annual performance of Eve Ensler’s award-winning play “The Vagina Monologues” in the College’s Skinner Memorial Chapel. This even is free and open to public—all members of the community are welcome.

Over 50 Carleton students are involved in the planning, advocacy, acting, and direction of this year’s presentation of “The Vagina Monologues” and V-Day, an international movement to end violence against women. Advance tickets for the Carleton performance can be purchased in the Sayles-Hill Campus Center beginning Monday, Feb. 8 through Friday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., or at the door with a suggested donation of $5-$15.

Ten percent of the funds raised through Carleton’s 2010 V-Day production will go to the Spotlight Campaign on the Congo, combating the widespread physical and sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More information about violence against Congolese women and girls is available at http://newsite.vday.org/. The remaining proceeds will be donated to the HOPE Center, which provides advocacy and crisis intervention services to victims of domestic abuse, child abuse, and sexual assault through healing outreach, prevention and education. HOPE Center was formed in 1994 by merging the Rice County Sexual Assault Program, Battered Women’s Program and the Northfield Helpline. More information is available about HOPE Center at http://www.hopecentermn.org/index.html.

Ensler founded V-Day on Feb. 14, 1998 at the first benefit performance of her play, “The Vagina Monologues,” which was originally written as a one-woman show based on interviews she conducted with over 200 women. Since 1998, V-Day activists have raised over $50 million for local anti-violence groups.

The Skinner Memorial Chapel is located on First Street between College and Winona Streets in Northfield. For more information about this event, call (507) 222-7179.

Written by Mallory Monsma '11

http://apps.carleton.edu/news/news/?story_id=605670

Oprah...

2010-02-09T09:08:00.001-08:00

For those of you lucky enough to have a snow day yesterday you may have caught Oprah. But for those of you who didn't and would like to see it... there is a link on her site to view the entire conversation.

Oprah's Conversation with Child Molesters

She calls it the most honest conversation she's ever had with sex offenders. Oprah sits down with four admitted child molesters for a frank, graphic discussion of their crimes. Watch the two-hour conversation in its entirety—an Oprah.com exclusive

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Conversation-with-Child-Molesters

She asks them what to do to keep our children safe. It is a must see into the minds of Child Molesters.

Our next Girls Group...

2010-01-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Last update for today... it has been awhile since I have written any posts and as always there is a lot going on!

Don't forget to get the girls you love in your life involved in our upcoming Girls Group. It is their time to spend time with other girls their age, talk about their lives, do creative projects and build lifelong skills. Sign up soon classes start next week!

HOPE Center will be starting our second Girl’s Empowerment Group which is designed to empower young women. The program is designed for girls’ ages 12-14 years.

The 12-week program builds personal and social competency skills and provides a safe environment to explore issues faced on a daily basis. The group meets 4:30-5:30PM, Fridays, January 15, 2009 –April 16, 2009. If you are interested, or for more information please call Sara at 507-332-0882.

Free Money!

2010-01-08T14:24:00.000-08:00

Free money is always appreciated here at HOPE Center, the less time we have to think about fundraising and making sure our lights stay on and the doors open the more time we can help make sure our clients have everything they need.

Just the other day I received the check from GiveMN. During Give to the Max Day when Minnesotans set records across the United States for their generosity, GiveMN thanks to their generous partners, didn't charge anything for processing the donations, and in addition they promised to match them. $63.57- to us that is helping ensure we have supplies for our support group, or our cleaning and office supplies, or printoffs for community education we are doing for the month... Every little bit helps.

The latest Tally...

2010-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to you we have raised: $8,770!!

Each day it is fun to open the mail, it warms my heart to see all of the support and kindness that people continually show to HOPE Center. It is the support of the community and agencies we collaborate with that makes our jobs doable.

Thank you.

A giving update...

2009-12-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

The tallies are in...

drum roll please...

So far from our annual appeal we have received $6,480!!

Thank you so much to all of those who have contributed... it is GREATLY appreciated!!

As the snow gently falls, the presents are wrapped and the scent of the food made with love wafts through the house, I hope you take a moment to look around and savor all of the magical moments this Holiday season.

We here at HOPE Center hope you enjoy your friends and family and take time to nurture the important relationships in your life.

See Me!

2009-12-10T13:08:00.001-08:00

Today has been a busy day full of clients, and today I was privileged enough to spend some time with one of the clients little girls. She is 3 and so we colored and played while mommy met with the advocates to determine her next steps.

She was spinning around on a chair in my office and apparently I wasn't paying enough attention and she said "Hey... Hey... See me! Look at me with your eyes! See Me!".

Isn't that what all of our clients, and all of us long for... to be seen, to be appreciated for our special talents, be it twirling in a chair, or coloring or something a bit more complex.

So today, please take the time to "see" those special people in your lives.

Annual Appeal Update...

2009-12-10T13:04:00.001-08:00

So today has been a day of Thanks... catching up on the very important job of thank you letters to those who are so generous with their time and treasures and offering them to HOPE Center. So having just finished with that process I have an update for everyone!

As of 12/10/09 we have received $2,620.00! I will continue to update this as we go along.

Thanks to all those who have contributed!!

It is much appreciated!

A day of learning...

2009-11-30T15:14:00.001-08:00

Today I got the chance to go to St. Olaf for a few different things. My morning was spent talking to a class about the HOPE Center, Relationship Violence, Prevention, Education and a little bit about how I got to HOPE Center as well as some self-care tips for those thinking of entering the Social Work field. I always enjoy talking to students who are in the midst of determining what life path they want to choose. There is so much excitement, hope and a sincere desire to learn more about who we are and what we do. And with this class there were lots of great questions and I only wish we had more time to talk more about all of the issues we deal with on a daily basis.

And in the afternoon I was part of a class that had done brochures for the HOPE Center on different issues. The topics included:

* DANCO's (Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders)

* You are Not Alone: Understanding and Help for Families of Abuse Survivors

* Marital Rape

* What You Can Do When Someone You Love Is Being Hurt

* Understanding Why She Stays- for family and friends

As a part of the civic engagement piece of the Marriage and Family class with their professor Ryan Sheppard they had come to do a tour of HOPE Center, to find out more about what we do and how we could help, they then took that information and ran with it creating some great brochures for us with lots of good information.

Today was the unveiling of the final projects and it was so fun to see the final product and to hear more about what they had learned from the classes.

A good way to spend a Monday :).

Getting into the Holiday Spirit...

2009-11-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

We have already had several people ask about sponsoring a family, or what we need for the upcoming Holidays so here is our wishlist!

Do you want to be an Angel of New Beginnings this Holiday Season?

The celebration of the Holidays is an important part of family traditions across the world, and for many women and children we serve the Holidays mark the beginning of a new life, and new traditions. In the spirit of wanting to make this season as personal and as meaningful as possible for the women and children we support during this holiday season we would like to do things a little differently.

Here are the three ways we HOPE you will consider supporting us this year:

Gift Cards-

In the past we have asked for wish lists from our clients and then had community members adopt specific families. While that was wonderful- this year we want to involve our clients in the holiday fun, and let them be the elves. This allows our families to decide for themselves what will be the most meaningful, it allows them the joy of picking out exactly what their families most need and appreciate and most importantly enables them to be a part of the glad tidings and good cheer. We also want to be able to offer a chance for the children in the family to buy a gift for their mothers, something that in the past they often aren’t able to do.

What we need from you:

· Donations of Gift Cards for local stores (including grocery and gas cards) in denominations of $10, $25 and $50.

· Donations of gift wrap and tissue paper to give to the families

New Beginnings Basket-

Many of our clients are starting over with nothing, and so they need the essentials. Putting some or all these items in a clothes basket is incredibly needed and helpful for our families.

Basic Cleaning Supplies (laundry detergent, dish soap, glass cleaner, disinfectant cleaner etc.)

A Pot and a Pan

Silverware and dishes for 4

Dishtowel and dishrag

A candle

Garbage Bags

Kleenex

Paper towels

Pot holder

Toilet Paper

Pen and Pencil

Deck of Cards

Towel and Washcloth

Full size toiletries

Adopt HOPE Center

We are always in need of the following things:

Copy Paper

Colored Paper (esp. teal and purple)

Legal Pads

Folders

Post-It’s

Highlighters

Glue Sticks

Ink Cartridges- [HP 94 and 97 or equivalent]

Kleenex

Jump Drives [6]

Blank Envelopes

Large Envelopes

Paper Towels

Napkins

Paper Plates

Styrofoam Cups

Cleaning Supplies

Diapers and wipes

Full size toiletries

Please bring all items to HOPE Center by December 18^th.

Questions? Call 507-332-0882 or e-mail estaab@hopecentermn.org

Giving and Upgrading...

2009-11-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

Giving the to Max...

So the numbers are in... and the spirit of giving spread throughout the entire state! People gave over $14 million dollars in just one day!! Over 3,000 non-profits benefited from that. What an amazing feat!!

Here at HOPE Center we had 14 donors and raised $1,573!!! We so appreciate you taking the time to think of us!!

On a different note...

I was looking through the ads for the upcoming Black Friday sales... and I was thinking of all of you who might be upgrading your technology this year. If Santa blesses you with a new computer, cell phone, ipod, game system etc. please keep us in mind as a place that would greatly appreciate your old ones. Two of our computers are on the brink and it isn't in the budget to get new ones.

Also remember we collect old cell phones, so we are happy to take those off your hands, and those it doesn't matter whether they are working or not, our program recycles the ones that aren't usable by our clients.

Thanks for thinking of us!

Awed and inspired...

2009-11-17T12:28:00.001-08:00

Well as many of you have heard from various sources it is Give to the Max day... people all over the state are choosing non-profits on www.givemn.org and sharing their money and passion for many wonderful organiziations.

Go here if you want to see more about HOPE Center or donate yourself:
http://www.razoo.com/story/Hope-Center-15

I was awed and inspired this morning when I came into work, turned on my computer and my inbox was filled with people who had chosen HOPE Center!

As of this afternoon we are up to $685.00!!

And all of that is eligible for the match from Give MN! But from what it sounds like there has been an incredible spirit of giving that has swept over the entire state... so although it will still be matched, it won't be $1 for $1... what a wonderful "problem", that the people of MN are so generous that the matching pot of $500,000 is too small to match dollar for dollar.

People around the state are stepping up and supporting causes they care about... thanks again to those who have chosen HOPE Center! We appreciate it!

Are you hungry yet!?!?

2009-11-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to go to Boston's tonight!

Boston's has kindly agreed to give 10% of their proceeds on November 16th, 2009 from 4-8!!

Come enjoy great food and support HOPE Center, see your friends and neighbors, or get it curbside to go, or better yet- delivered right to your door.

All proceeds from tonight's event will help HOPE Center continue to provide Hope- Outreach- Prevention and Education for the people of Rice County and to help support victims of domestic and sexual violence, to continue to provide options and opportunity for all of our clients.

HOPE to see you there!

Lots of people doing good things...

2009-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

This week I was struck by all of the people that continue to join together on a regular basis to do good things.

Board member Howard White and I gave a presentation to the Sunrise Exchange Club on Wednesday, and as I have mentioned before, I am a fan of service clubs. A great chance to meet people coming together to commit to doing something towards the common good.

Then Thursday I attended the Northfield Area Foundation's 15th Anniversary party at the Grand Event Center. Once again, an impressive group of people gathering to give and to continue the circle of giving, continuing to support all the good that is happening in the local community.

Here is the article about the NAF and the event.
http://www.northfieldnews.com/news.php?viewStory=50433

Then tonight I am preparing to go to the Power of the Purse Fundraiser for the United Way. As a United Way funded agency I am reminded of how powerful it is to truly live by the mission of the United Way, Give, Advocate and Volunteer.

So my question and challenge to you... how are you helping to Give, Advocate and Volunteer in your life?

A Healing Arts Project...

2009-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

A great way to share your healing story...

The Paradise Center for the Arts is doing a public art project:

The project is to write on a piece of origami paper a story of hope, healing, or strength - a story of illness and recovery, a fragmented relationship, or of the healing of the world - your story. You can get the origami paper here at the art center. If you'd like to participate, please contact Erica at HOPE Center or talk to Tami at the Paradise. Your story will be folded into an origami creation and included with a traveling exhibition.

Call 507-332-7372 (The Paradise #) for more information!

HOPE Center in the News again :)

2009-11-06T09:53:00.001-08:00

Board Member Howard White and I were featured in the Daily News yesterday :).
http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=95093

And our volunteer's story on the Level 3 Sex Offender Release featured in the Newspaper as well...
http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=95106

Great News!

2009-11-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

Senators Franken, Grassley, Feinstein, Hatch Introduce Justice For Survivors Of Sexual Assault Act: Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act Will Reduce Rape Kit Backlog

WASHINGTON, DC [11/05/09] –

Today, U.S. Senators Al Franken (D-Minn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced the Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2009. The House companion bill will be introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.).

The legislation will work to reduce the national backlog of over 180,000 untested rape kits currently in police storage. It will also address several other problems that work to deny justice to victims of sexual assault – including the denial of free rape kits to survivors of sexual assault and the shortage of trained health professionals capable of administering rape kit exams.

“These backlogs have serious consequences for law enforcement and public safety,” said Sen. Franken. “We just learned of a case where a rapist struck both a pregnant woman and a minor while the rape kit for one of his earlier victims sat unprocessed at a crime lab. It takes about a week to process a DNA evidence sample and there is no reason that every rape kit completed should not be tested in a timely manner.”

“It's unacceptable that rape kits sit around for months or even years while the perpetrators are still out on the streets potentially harming others. Victims deserve justice in a timely manner and our bill works to ensure that this back log is a thing of the past," Sen. Grassley said. “The denial of a rape kit to a woman in any jurisdiction and for any reason is unacceptable,” Sen. Feinstein said. “I am proud to sponsor this critical legislation that will strengthen the Debbie Smith Act and provide grant incentives to law enforcement to clear their backlog of forensic samples,” said Sen. Hatch.

“The inventory of DNA samples waiting processing in our nation is nearly 200,000. This is simply unacceptable to victims of sexual assaults who deserve quick resolution of their cases. This bill will also provide much-needed assistance to rural and tribal communities in collecting and processing evidence from sexual assaults.”

The Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault Act of 2009:

· Requires jurisdictions applying for federal funds to implement plans to halve rape kit backlogs in a two-year period.

· Creates monetary incentives for jurisdictions to reduce their rape kit backlogs, promptly process incoming rape kits, and report their backlog numbers.

· Creates an annual reporting mechanism for rape kit backlogs across the nation.

· Requires states to be responsible for the full, upfront cost of rape kit examinations. Victims should not have to pay for rape kits and seek reimbursement.

· Requires that health professionals notify victims that they have a right to a rape kit examination free of charge.

· Creates an additional funding stream for training of sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners through the Grants to Encourage Arrest Program.

· Defines “trained examiner” in a way that will allow rural and tribal areas to use grant funds authorized under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to pay for admissible rape kits, even if they don’t have certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners to perform them.

National supporters of this legislation include the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), SOAR (Speaking Out About Rape), Human Rights Watch, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Family Violence Prevention Fund, Stop Family Violence, National Women's Law Center, National Health Law Program, Feminist Majority, NOW, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Research Center for Women and Families, National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO), Women’s Research & Education Institute (WREI), Wider Opportunities for Women, and the Equal Justice Society.

Minnesota groups supporting the legislation include the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, the Minnesota Nurses Association, the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, Advocates for Human Rights, the Domestic Abuse Project, Alexandra House, Breaking Free, Minnesota National Organization for Women, and the Mid-Minnesota Legal Assistance/Legal Services Advocacy Project.

Halloween Safety Tips...

2009-10-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Leaders of a local violence prevention coalition are urging parents to use caution and common sense to help their little boys and ghouls have a safe Halloween.

“Trick-or-treating is supposed to be fun-filled, and it’s a Halloween tradition for many Rice County families,” said Erica Staab, executive director of the Hope Center in Faribault, which works to end domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. “Using common sense can prevent injuries and help keep kids safe.”

Older children might be able to make their rounds without parental supervision, but they always should travel in groups, Staab said.

Parents should accompany younger children as a precaution, Staab said. Drive slowly and enter and exit driveways carefully. Drivers also need to be on the lookout for children who might dart between parked cars or out into the street.

Teens and adults also should avoid making and taking calls on cell phones and texting while driving. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found people driving cars were 2.8 times more likely to be involved in a crash while having cell phone conversations. People who used text messaging were 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Here are some other tips to help make Halloween safe:

Costumes:
• Alter costumes that are too long to reduce the likelihood of a child tripping and falling
• Make sure masks do not obstruct vision; face paint is a good alternative
• Wear reflective fabric or tape to boost visibility
• Dress appropriately for the weather

Before heading out:
• Plan a route and make sure adults know where older children plan to go
• Stress the importance of visiting well-lit houses of neighbors, friends, relatives and acquaintances
• Set expectations for when children should return home
• Instruct children not to eat candy before parents have a chance to inspect it. This can prevent unintended exposure to food allergens and possible tampering. Documented instances of tampering with candy are rare.

While out:
• Carry a flashlight
• Stay in populated areas
• Look both ways before crossing streets; use crosswalks
— Source: HOPE Center and Amy Olson, volunteer

Sexting... and other things from this week...

2009-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Monday was spent in Mankato looking with the Office on Justice Programs and other local providers at Best Practices, what does that mean, what does it look like for us and how would we use these to help enhance our work.

Tuesday was a subcommittee meeting of the SMART team, looking at monitoring and evaluation, how we collect data, what we look at etc. and we made some progress in that meeting. And the evening was spent with the our Volunteer Advocates who are almost done with their training for the Safeline and helping out at HOPE Center. We are thrilled to say that at this point there is 24 advocates that are almost through with the 40 hour training!

There was an article in the paper today about 2 level 3 Sex Offenders moving to the area, http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=94929, a community notification meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Faribault City Hall Council Chambers, 208 First Ave. N.W. so as always that will generate a lot of conversation about our community, the safety of its residents, victims' rights, offender's rights... and in the meantime we are here to answer questions you may have about any of that, and the local police department is as well.

For lunch I met with a friend who is currently in the midst of some job transition and is going to use her journalism skills and expertise to help out HOPE Center, and we are so excited to have her help us out! Last year we had around 600 hours of volunteer time, and this year we have already had well over 700, and the end of the year is still a few months away! We GREATLY appreciate all of the volunteers that we have and for all that they have given to HOPE Center.

This afternoon I am presenting to a local church youth group, talking about HOPE Center, who we are, what we do and looking at cyberbulling, sexting and healthy relationships... and in doing some research for that presentation I came across these scary statistics from youth around the issue of sexting... Keep in mind these laws are specific to PA, but the stats are from a nationwide survey... http://www.tesd.k12.pa.us/tems/appliedtech/Sexting-posting.pdf

“Sexting” is a growing problem:

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmogirl.com
recently published results of a “sex and tech” survey which explored the connection
between teen sex and cyberspace (October 2008). The survey polled 1280 teens and
young adults between the ages of 13 and 26 about their cell phone, computer and digital
device behaviors and attitudes. The results are disturbing:

The % of teenagers who have sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures or video of
themselves:

20% of teenagers overall
22% of teen girls
18% of teen boys
11% of young teen girls ages 13-16

The % of teenagers sending or posting sexually suggestive messages:
39% of all teenagers
37% of teen girls
40% of teen boys

Have you talked to your teens about this issue? If you haven't, let us help. We have resources and ideas on how to best help start that conversation.

A busy week...

2009-10-23T12:44:00.001-07:00

Lots of complex cases, some great breakthroughs, some good lessons... all in a week's work here at HOPE Center :).

We are thrilled that the Minnesota Department of Health has created a new website around Sexual Violence Prevention... so now people can get a sense of what is happening at the Statewide level around prevention of sexual violence... what is working, what isn't... and how the community can come together to Imagine a World Without Sexual Violence.

http://www.health.state.mn.us/svp/

This was a collaborative effort of many amazing people around the state and it is exciting to see people coming together to discuss what Minnesota would look like without living with the fear of sexual violence.

Candlelight Vigil...

2009-10-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Today started early, with speaking to the Kiwanas Club at 6:45 am. And this time I was lucky enough to be joined by a board member to help me speak to what HOPE Center does, who we help and why community involvment is so important.

And although mornings are not my thing :), speaking to Service Clubs is one of my favorite things. Getting a chance to speak to a group of people that are committed to service, that meet together to figure out how to get things done, people who put their ideals into action. Those are my kind of people!

Now on to the rest of the day and getting things ready for the Candlelight Vigil in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Courthouse this evening at 6pm. We hope to see you there!

Great Coverage!

2009-10-11T12:09:00.001-07:00

There was some great coverage in the Faribault Daily News the past few days...

A Brave Woman shares her story...
http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=94546

Vigil Recognizes Domestic Abuse
http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=94547

Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
http://faribault.com/news.php?viewStory=94590

A little more...

2009-10-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the celebration of Ruth's House being open for 5 years and the kickoff of the United Way Campaign at Business Before Hours for the Faribault Chamber. A chance to get together and hear what is happening with local businesses and non-profits.

Then a short staff meeting, an interview with the Daily News about our Vigil and other October events, working with a college class that is putting together brochures for us, doing some mentoring with other small non-profit directors and a chance to enjoy the fall colors later on in the day!

Today the SMART [Sexual Assault Multidisciplinary Action Response Team] evaluation sub-committee met to look at how to monitor and evaluate what we have been doing and to determine next steps. Then an interview with a college student for her paper on Public Health issues and how domestic violence affects women and children as well as the population as a whole.

I have also been doing some research for various projects and people and came across this great article: 10 Dynamics of Poverty By Ruby K. Payne
http://www.naesp.org/resources/2/Leadership_Compass/2008/LC2009v6n4a2.pdf

Welcome October!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month...

2009-10-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!! [DVAM]

See our website for lots of information on how to join us in many of the events we have coming up soon!!
www.hopecentermn.org

Today I was inspired by the many people who responded to the needs that we have put forth recently. We have been working with several families who were in need of children's clothing and within minutes of sending out the e-mail with the need we have had people step up and respond. It is so wonderful to be a part of such a giving community!

Recently I have been reminded of all the little ways that we come together to support each other. The tellers at the State Bank set out a collection jar for us to help us with the needs we didn't meet for the clients we had, I had a jewelry sale where 10% of the proceeds benefited HOPE Center, OAK Jewelry which is owned by Marypat Habermas and has beautiful handcrafted jewelry has consistently donated 10% of her proceeds to HOPE Center as well... http://home.earthlink.net/~oakjewelry/, Kids Avenue put up our needs list, and many individuals offered to help in whatever ways they could. This is one of the best parts about my job!

The importance of us coming together was also the theme from an e-mail I received today from the Office on Violence Against Women talking about DVAM activities across the country.

As President Obama states, “Together, we must ensure that, in America, no victim of domestic violence ever struggles alone." Therefore, we, as agents of social change, must elevate the conversation so that Americans understand that violence against women and girls is unacceptable in our homes, schools, and communities – stretching as far north as our Native Alaska villages and as far west as the American Samoa territory.

Violence against women is the seed to so many other forms of violence. This shift must happen because violence against women continues to have devastating effects on entire communities. When children witness violence in the home, those children are impacted by what they have seen and often experienced themselves. Therefore, all members of the community must be engaged to end the violence. Parents, grandparents, siblings, co-workers, coaches, mentors, teachers, religious leaders, must all be involved.

Here is the National Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/2009domvio_prc_rel.pdf

Why it affects us all...

2009-10-02T11:14:00.001-07:00

Here is a well articulated piece on why rape affects us all...

But rape isn't just a crime against one person, and we don't prosecute it in order to fulfill any one victim's needs or wishes. Rape is a crime against the social fabric that binds all of us together. The act violates what should be one of our core values as a civilization: that every person of every gender and age has the right to bodily autonomy -- to basic safety in our bodies. When that right is violated and the perpetrator goes unpunished, it makes all of us less safe. Not just because there's one more rapist on the loose, but because that lack of accountability sends a message to other would-be rapists: Go ahead and rape someone. The rest of us don't care that much, as long as it's not us or someone we love. In this case, we might add a caveat: Especially if you're rich and talented and have powerful friends.Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jaclyn-friedman/we-are-all-polanskis-vict_b_306211.html

Whew... A Busy Day!

2009-10-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

A busy day for the director yesterday... lots to do.

The day started with learning more about Project Home and some of their resources, getting a chance to connect and see what we could do. It is amazing to realize how many agencies are working together to help provide services to those most in need in our community.

Then on to the Northfield United Way Kick-Off to be able to express our gratitude for the grat campaign last year and how important the United Way funds are to our agency, then off to a short staff meeting, then off to present on Healthy Relationships to 50 7th and 8th graders at Trondjhem Lutheran Church.

Wow! Were the kids full of energy :). We had a great time discussing healthy boundaries, what a healthy relationship looks like and talking about respect. We watched a 13 min. video (you can click here to watch) http://www.chooserespect.org/scripts/materials/videos/video_13min.asp I had the kids do a skit around whatever boundary their group had, emotional, physical, intellectual etc. The kids had a great time, lots of giggling and some great and not so great acting :). But we had fun and each person hopefully walked away with a little more information than they had before.