Project Self Sufficiency - Center for Hope and Safety
Transcription
Project Self Sufficiency - Center for Hope and Safety
safety — Celebrating 35 Years — strength hope for victims of domestic violence Spring 2011 Project CHILD: Helping to Heal The Most Vulnerable Victims of Domestic Violence S even-year-old Trevor was perpetually in a rage, acting out at home and in school. His 5- year-old sister, Brittany, had become withdrawn, constantly clinging to her mother, Lauren, who was the victim of an abusive husband. (All names have been changed.) “Children don’t have to be direct victims of abuse to become traumatized,” says Elaine K. Meyerson, Executive Director of Shelter our Sisters. “Witnessing violence toward a loved one, or living in a home where domestic violence occurs, can cause irreversible damage to them.” Recognizing the need to help children who have been affected by domestic violence, either as witnesses or direct victims, SOS launched Project CHILD, a community outreach program now in its ninth year. Based on a successful pilot research program called PALS (Peace: A Learned Solution), Project CHILD is funded primarily by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families and with private donations and grants. “Every day, SOS works with families who are putting the pieces of their lives back together,” notes Meyerson. “Helping vulnerable children is a natural extension of what we do.” The goal of the program is to build Confidence, Hope, Independence, Love and Direction (CHILD) through creative therapy, including music, play, and art. “There is considerable evidence that creative arts therapy facilitates children’s expression of their feelings,” says Susan Bertolotti, Director of Project CHILD. “Artistic self-expression developed through creative arts therapy reduces stress, enhances self-esteem, and improves social, communication, and conflict resolution skills.” Since its inception, Project CHILD has served more than 400 children ages 4-12, parameters set by the PALS grant. Developed to address the assessment and treatment needs of children whose nonoffending parent is receiving domestic violence services, the goal is to provide intensive therapeutic treatment, case management, and supportive services that will help mitigate the negative effects of domestic violence on children. Services are provided at no cost to the client and are available in Spanish as well as English. Project CHILD also provides transportation so that children can attend sessions at its office. The staff at Project CHILD includes three full-time creative arts therapists, a full-time family therapist, a case manager, and part-time transportation and support staff. Working as a therapeutic team, they have helped many children make enormous strides. “Children often feel isolated by their exposure to domestic violence, believing that it occurs only in their family,” says Bertolotti. “We aim to give each child the opportunity to fully explore their specific situation, gain perspective and understanding, and develop healthy coping strategies. We help them to realize they are not alone.” Youngsters like Trevor and Brittany often undergo weekly individual therapy sessions for 6 months. Typically, they will then be assigned to a group, which meets weekly for an additional 6 months. “Through painting and sculpting, Trevor was able to channel his internal anger into the creation of a tangible work of art,” notes Project CHILD Art Therapist Daniele Kaplan. “He was able to tap issue Continued on page 3 SOS is grateful to Columbia Bank for an $11,191 grant! This financial support, along with a $3,000 grant from the Junior Women's Club of Ridgewood, enabled SOS to purchase a previously leased van that is used to transport children to the Project CHILD program. From left to right are Cathy Tanis and Susan Bertolotti of Project CHILD, with Raymond G. Hallock, President of Columbia Bank. inside this SOS Milestones: page 2 SOS Launches Elder Abuse Program: page 3 Volunteer of the Year: page 4 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner Honorees: page 4 Acknowledging Our Community Partners: pages 6 & 7 A Letter from the President of the Board Imagine about Project CHILD on page 1 of this newsletter). And more. Imagine a world without smart phones, GPS systems, personal computers, and other contemporary conveniences that help us through our busy days. Thirty-five years ago, in 1976, none of these gadgets were household possessions, or even household words. Somehow we survived without them. None of this would happen without a staff of extraordinarily dedicated and passionate individuals, none more dedicated and passionate than Elaine K. Meyerson, who this year celebrates 25 years as the Executive Director of SOS. Congratulations, Elaine! Your leadership throughout has been nothing less than inspirational. Elaine will be honored at our 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner on May 23, along with other important long-standing SOS constituents. (For a complete list of 35th Anniversary honorees, see p. 4.) Now imagine a world without Shelter Our Sisters, an organization that thousands of women and children in North Jersey have turned to as a reliable-and necessary-source of safety, strength, and hope. Thirty-five years ago, SOS wasn’t around either, not until community volunteers organized to incorporate and began providing support services to victims of domestic violence, followed by the establishment of the emergency shelter. Today, we can’t imagine how abused women and children in our area would cope without the essential, often life-saving services that SOS so effectively delivers. None of this would happen without hundreds of caring volunteerswomen, men, and children of all ages, who contribute their time, talents, and energies to ensure the success of every SOS initiative and extend its reach in the communities we serve. And none of this would happen without you, our steadfast supporters and donors, our friends and neighbors, whose contributions have sustained our efforts, lifted our spirits, and enabled us to grow and thrive. Your consistent financial gifts are a vote of confidence in our basic mission, an endorsement of our successful programs, and a clear message to us to keep up the good work. I am privileged and proud to be part of an organization that for three and a half decades has offered a beacon of light to victims of domestic violence, illuminating a pathway to emotional and economic selfsufficiency and a life free from fear and harm (we’ve listed just a few of the key milestones in the accompanying box). We have never lost sight of our original mission-to offer emergency shelter, food, and clothing to those in peril. Over the years, thanks to the generous support of countless government agencies, public and private organizations and businesses, and caring individuals, we have been able to build upon that solid foundation and offer a wide array of services that help to restore and reinforce lives shattered by violence. A heartfelt thank you to you all! We need you more than ever. The families who rely on our services need you more than ever. I hope to see you at the Awards Dinner at the Venetian in Garfield on May 23; it is our single biggest fundraising event of the year. Come celebrate 35 years of SOS. Come honor Elaine’s 25 years of service. Come join the fun! And let me thank you in person for all that you do to help us. Thus, when we talk about SOS today we are talking not only about emergency shelter but also transitional housing (we opened our sixth such facility in 2010). We are talking about legal assistance. And job counseling. One-on-one mentoring. Services and outreach for our Hispanic clients. Programs for the abused elderly and disabled. A follow-up program to help clients return to their communities. Project Self-Sufficiency (work readiness). Art therapy for children (read all Victims of domestic violence may not be able to imagine a world without SOS. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve them. As we do so today, we also look to tomorrow, and imagine a world without domestic violence. -ANITA L. ALLEN, PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES SOS: Key milestones and the establishment of new programs 1976 SOS is incorporated 1978 Emergency shelter opened 1978 First transitional home 1987 Hispanic Outreach Services 1989 Follow-Up Program - for all former residents 1994 Physical expansion of the emergency shelter - counseling rooms, conference room 1994 Volunteer Program 1999 Project Self-Sufficiency 2002 Project CHILD Several SOS employees celebrated special anniversaries at the SOS Holiday Party in December. From left: Michelle West, Evening Counselor (10 years); Karin Kono, Finance Assistant (5 years); Minnie Bostick, Weekend Counselor (25 years); Christoph Grieder, Music Therapist/Clinical Supervisor (5 years); Vidalia Acevedo, Hispanic Services Counselor (15 years); Marta Levy, Art Therapist (5 years); Lil Corcoran, Associate Executive Director (20 years) and Maria Rojas, Bilingual Case Manager (5 years). 2 2003 Purchased 5th transitional home 2008 Domestic Violence Liaison Program - in DYFS offices 2010 Rented 6th transitional home (9th apt) - due to first OVW, three-year grant safety strength hope Shelter Our Sisters Offers Expanded Services to the Elderly and the Disabled T violence offenses in 2009 were committed against individuals over 60. In addition, women with disabilities are twice as likely to experience domestic violence as women without disabilities; they are also likely to experience abuse over a longer period of time and to suffer more severe injuries as a result of the violence. hanks to a grant opportunity from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Shelter Our Sisters will now be able to extend its services to elderly and disabled victims of domestic violence. Under its new Assistance for the Elderly and Disabled Project (AED), SOS will create and administer a more tailored response for the frail elderly or individuals who are physically disabled and have experienced abuse and/or neglect by a household member, family member, partner, or caregiver. In addition to safety planning and case management, these individuals may be in need of home health aides/companion services and/or residential placement. New clients will be referred and screened through the SOS 24-Hour hotline 201-944-9600. “Shelter Our Sisters is excited about this new opportunity to enhance our skills and serve the unmet needs of the disabled and elderly in our community,” said Elaine K. Meyerson, Executive Director. “Elder abuse and abuse of the disabled are pervasive, victimizing individuals who must depend upon others to live safely. Because of their reliance on others, they can easily be a target of manipulation.” We thank the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for its confidence in our agency to expand our services to this most vulnerable population. Every year, an estimated 1 million Americans aged 60 and older are abused in their homes. In New Jersey, 4% of police-reported domestic Project CHILD (Cont.) funding to enhance and expand its services. The PALS model, which originated in Burlington County, is now offered in 11 New Jersey counties, serving an urgent need. Continued from page 1 into his creative side and, more importantly, connect with a deeply authentic part of himself.” “As we approach a decade of existence, our goal is to extend our services to assist adolescents and their families,” says Meyerson. “Toward that end, we hope to find additional private funding and a larger permanent home for Project CHILD, which has been so pivotal as we work to heal the most vulnerable residents of Bergen County.” Music helped draw Brittany out of her shell. “Music can symbolize speech,” says Music Therapist Christoph Grieder, Project CHILD’s Clinical Supervisor. “When Brittany plays a musical instrument and sings, it allows her to express herself freely without feeling judged.” A 12-year-old client summed it up beautifully as she expressed her gratitude to her therapist: “Thank you for helping me find myself.” “The greatest measure of our success,” adds Bertolotti, “is the client’s recommendation of the program to other parents whose children are in need of our specialized domestic violence services.” Brenda, a mother of two, recalls, “My children were always happy to go to Project CHILD and very excited about the kinds of work they did there. Their confidence shot through the roof! The counselors made a positive lasting impression on them-and on me. Everyone working with us was very kind and genuine.” “Project CHILD helped us understand ourselves more and communicate better,” notes Lauren, whose two oldest children attended the program. “I especially appreciate that they also taught me how to work with my third child-who was too young for the programso that I could handle his behavioral issues more effectively.” Project CHILD has earned high marks from many corners. In 2005, 3 years after it was established at SOS, Project CHILD was recognized for its demonstrated effectiveness and subsequently awarded increased Some members of The Project CHILD team from left Christoph Grieder, Cathy Tanis, Susan Bertolotti, and Victoria Alexander. Excuse Me, Aren’t You In Charge? Like us on ... This highly lauded book, “a terrific collection of wonderful anecdotes distilled from years of business experience” is co-authored by SOS Trustee Gail Steinel. All net proceeds benefit SOS and Children’s Cancer Research. The book can be purchased at Amazon.com. 3 Meet the SOS 2011 Volunteer of the Year…Janet Blaustein! Janet, how did you get involved with Shelter Our Sisters? independent family. As an idealistic child of the '60s, I was always volunteering my time and energy to a significant cause that represented my values and hopes for the future. I have never forgotten or let go of a philosophy that always encouraged me to give back in some purposeful manner. So when a friend mentioned SOS, I knew intuitively that it was the correct place to once again actively demonstrate my core values. I have been very fortunate to receive so much appreciation and strength from the family I have mentored. It is often their courage that inspires me to continue to commit myself to being a volunteer. Tell us a little bit about Janet Blaustein the person. How long have you been affiliated with SOS? Janet Blaustein I have been volunteering at SOS for 5 years. I started gift wrapping at holiday times, and I must admit that my skills have only slightly improved since. But the true awakening to the meaning of SOS came when I decided to take the in-depth training led by the volunteer director, Rhona Feimster-Vega, and many other members of the SOS staff. It was also an opportunity to be present at the shelter itself and to engage with a few clients and their children. That experience helped me to deepen my understanding of the enormous emotional and physical challenges faced by victims of domestic violence. I could only imagine what it would be like to suddenly find myself in a communal setting with strangers. Their bravery was inspiring, and the daily commitment of staff made me even more determined to complete the training. I grew up in Bergen County and attended Fort Lee High School, where Mike Villano ( a current SOS Board Member) was my social studies teacher. He was an inspirational force for many students, and I was so happy to be reunited with him when I happened to see him flipping burgers at an SOS picnic! Once again, I felt like I was in exactly the right place at the right time and realized how wonderful it is to be part of Shelter Our Sisters. Professionally, I became a speech therapist, working with hearingimpaired children for nearly 39 years. I retired in June 2010. How does it feel to be recognized as SOS's Volunteer of the Year? I am grateful and honored to be recognized by such an amazing organization. It is and will always be so important to give back to something larger than yourself, and even larger than your immediate family. SOS is like an extended family. It has given me the chance to make a difference in the Bergen County community we also call "home." Making a difference in a world that can sometimes appear to be indifferent to those in need of a helping hand is the best feeling to hold in your heart. At times, we have taken our opportunities for granted as we lead our busy lives. The act of giving nourishes our human spirit. It is a reward in itself and the kind of nourishment that contains zero calories! Thank you SOS!!! How has your relationship with SOS evolved over time? After the training was completed, I participated in just about anything and everything as needed-answering phones, watching children in the playroom or on the playground, and driving clients to their appointments. I also spent time organizing huge bags of donations at Christmas time and helped out during holiday dinners at the shelter. Of course, the yearly picnics were not to be missed, and it was a joy to see so many clients past and present come together and have fun and reconnect with everyone. Now I spend more time mentoring a family and interacting with clients in a more personal way. The trust and guidance of the SOS staff has made it possible for me to become a mentor. I have gained so much through the experience of working with a family and watching the mom and the children grow with some help from me and their own determination to become a safe and Be sure to see Janet and the other honorees (listed below) receive their awards at SOS' milestone 35thAnniversary Awards Dinner, on May 23, 2011. Call to reserve your tickets today! 2011 Distinguished Honorees Elaine K. Meyerson, Executive Director 25 Years of Service SOS Leadership Award The Avon Foundation for Women Global Partnership Award United Water Corporate Leadership Award Maryrose and William McInerney Humanitarian Benefactor Award Janet Blaustein Volunteer of the Year Award Shelter Our Sisters is seeking volunteers for the following upcoming events and opportunities: ☛ Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift Wrapping Programs at various area stores and malls -– if you are interested in giftwrapping for SOS please contact [email protected]. ☛ SOS 35th Annual Awards Dinner – Monday, May 23, 2011, at The Venetian, Garfield, NJ – Staffing help needed. Special events experience required. ☛ Host house parties to introduce SOS to your various friends and family members. ☛ SOS Development and PR department is seeking interns, preferably college or graduate students with an interest in fundraising or public relations. Send resumes and cover letter to Beth Nussbaum, Director of Development and Public Relations. If you are interested in any of the above items please contact [email protected]. 4 safety strength hope Raising Awareness and Making Headlines In recognition of domestic violence awareness month, trustees, staff and volunteers were members of the studio audience when they visited the set of Good Morning America in October. Seen above is the SOS crew with GMA host Juju Chang. SOS was honored for its work in assisting women and children survivors of domestic violence at a “Big Hat Tea” sponsored by The TeaneckEnglewood & Vicinity Club of the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) on March 5. Seen here from left are Rhona Feimster Vega, SOS Director of Volunteer Services; Cheryl McKay, President, NANBPWC; Elaine K. Meyerson, SOS Executive Director; Lizette Parker, 2nd Vice President NANBPWC; and Susan O’Dwyer, SOS Trustee. To kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month, representatives from agencies and shelters throughout New Jersey convened on the State House steps in Trenton. From left: Allison Blake, Commissioner of State Department of Children and Families; Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle; Jennifer Velez, Esq., Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services; and Elaine K. Meyerson. At the event in Trenton, Marta Levy with decorated shoes created by clients in SOS’s art therapy program. Agencies throughout the state participated in the exhibit, “Baring Our Soles,” which is an expression of the journey domestic violence victims take as they work through their crisis toward a more hopeful future. Pathway to Self Sufficiency Why not honor someone special with a lasting testament? Purchase a customized brick for your friend or loved one and donate to a good cause in the process! Shelter Our Sisters’ Pathway To Self Sufficiency, located in Van Saun Park, Paramus, is a garden and walkway made up of customized donation bricks. Created in partnership with the Bergen County Parks department, this living memorial honors the journey that domestic violence victims take on their way to self sufficiency. To learn how you can make a difference, please visit www.shelteroursisters.org/donate 5 I Acknowledging Our Community Partners n addition to private donations, Shelter Our Sisters depends on grant funding to support its many life saving programs. SOS is pleased to announce that from August 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011 we received the following: Thank you! SOS receives many generous donations from local and corporate businesses, organizations and individuals. Although we cannot list each important donor, in addition to the grantors listed on this page, the following are significant contributions from August 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011. Helping Hands • The Avon Foundation for Women awarded $5,000 to support the Transitional Housing Program; • The Chicago Mercantile Exchange provided a $5,000 grant towards the Children's Art Therapy program at the shelter; $10,000 and above • The Church of the Atonement provided $1,200 for the Transitional Housing Program; Loren and Gary Breslow New Jersey Club Foundation $1,000–$4,999 (Cont) • The Lillian P. Schenk Foundation awarded $10,000 for the Judith and Mark Buono New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. Denise Spell Lori Stratton UJA Endowment Foundation Ann Marie Snyder Stein & Carol Geisenheimer Charitable Foundation Gail P. Steinel Barbara and Robert Stillwell Suzanna Kenney in Honor of Nina Connelly Noga Tarshis Family Foundation The First Presbyterian Church of Englewood • The PNC Bank Foundation granted $5,000 for Project CHILD art $1,000–$4,999 $500–$999 Anita L. Allen Amedisys Cathy Martinson and Susan Tobin Central Unitarian Church Chef Central of Paramus CMC Cometals Community Thrift Shop Empire Education Group Julie Epstein First for Women Magazine Flomo/Nygala Corp. Carol Susan and Kenneth Forester Darlene and Tom Gesell Fran and Mike Grabow Leigh Hallingby Hallingby Family Foundation, Inc. Atina Harley-Boyce Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. Jac Food Service Corp. John R. and Dorothy D. Caples Fund Kim & Bae, P.C. Lightspeed Research Susan Marx March Maryrose and William McInerney Linda Mohr Stephanie and Mohan Nair Payless Corporation Ridgewood United Methodist Church Ruth and Paul Seitelman About Jobs, Inc. Jodi Brenner Dian Ducey Eva and Leo Gans Kathy and David Grubb Patricia Jalal Randy and Samuel Ketive Klaus Kretschmer Cheryl List Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Carol and Thomas Martin Tanya Mayer Millman Family Foundation Arthur Morgenstern Brigid and Kevin O’Brien Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation, Inc Andrea Perkel Rockland Country Club Foundation Shalom and Edward Russo Anna Marie and Dr. Bernard Saccaro Amy Schmidt Sisterhood of Fair Lawn Jewish Center Ann and Thomas Skelley Elissa and Costantino Suriano Tommy Hilfiger Corp. Verizon Foundation Amy and Michael Wildes • The Citigroup Foundation granted $10,000 to help continue Project Self Sufficiency; $5,000–$9,999 • The Columbia Bank Foundation granted over $11,000 to purchase a van for SOS' Project CHILD art therapy program; • The Eisai USA Foundation provided $2,500 to support the Children's art therapy program at the emergency shelter; Transitional Housing Program; therapy; • Macy’s gave $5,000 for the Emergency Shelter Program; • Molly Maid of Northeastern Bergen County donated $587 in unrestricted funds to SOS Programs; • The TJX Foundation granted $5,000 toward the emergency shelter. The Mahwah Chamber of Commerce selected SOS to receive its Organization of the Year Award! Standing from left at its annual awards luncheon are: SOS Executive Director, Elaine K. Meyerson; SOS Board President, Anita L. Allen; SOS Trustee, Cindy Myer; and SOS Director of Transitional Housing, Mary Ann Ploppert. Seated from left are Lisa Sharp and Deidre Tonelli of Ridgewood Moving Services, with SOS Trustees Gail Steinel and Paula Star. 6 safety strength hope Acknowledging Our Community Partners SOS is greatly appreciative of the New Jersey Club Foundation, which once again donated $10,000 to SOS. Seen here from left are David Schutzenhofer President of the New Jersey Club Foundation, with Mike Villano and Beth R. Nussbaum. The Avon Foundation for Women, long time supporters of SOS, recently granted $5,000 to SOS’s Transitional Housing Program. The check was presented by Dr. Xiaochun Luo, Group Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer of Avon Products, Inc. to Beth R. Nussbaum, SOS Director of Development at Avon’s Suffern offices in December. Thank you to all those involved in the annual SOS Gift Wrapping Fundraiser! 288 individuals volunteered at six locations on 28 days in November and December! Thank you also to Barnes and Noble stores in Paramus and Riverside Square, Chef Central, Lord and Taylor at the Fashion Center, Paramus Park Mall, and The Westfield Garden State Plaza. Over $16,000 was raised to support SOS programs! Seen above are members of Zeta Phi Beta: Alicia Van Diver, Loryn Cauthen, and Aquila Noble with Women Empowering Women Club representatives from Ridgewood High School, Haley Wodenshek and Liz Oliva at the Paramus Park Mall location. SOS Project CHILD staff member Cathy Tanis, right, and her daughter Kelly pitching in at Lord & Taylor at the Fashion Center in Paramus. Thank You! On behalf of the board, women, children, and staff of SOS, we’d like to personally extend a sincere heartfelt thanks to all those who supported our Annual Holiday Appeal. Because of you, we are able to continue providing essential life-saving and life-changing services to abuse victims in our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Your contribution to Shelter Our Sisters is greatly appreciated and will make a significant positive impact on the continuation and enhancement of our many important programs. SOS is deeply appreciative to the many individuals and organizations that give so generously at the holidays. 224 families – which included 456 children – enjoyed a festive holiday that included wonderful presents and food. Seen here from left are a mother daughter team, Courtney and Janet Wong, from Glen Rock Women in Community Service (WICS); with SOS staff members Helen Emond, Carolyn Folickman, and Marta Levy. 7 Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 825 Hackensack, NJ 07602 405 STATE STREET HACKENSACK, NJ 07601 Officers Staff President Anita L. Allen, CPA Executive Director Elaine K. Meyerson,LSW, ACSW, DVS Vice-President Ruth M. Seitelman Director of Development and Public Relations Beth R. Nussbaum Secretary Susan M. O'Dwyer Treasurer Paula M. Star Board of Trustees Miriam Batkin, MBA Charles Cumpston Nancy R. Corcoran Hon. Rose M. Heck Nora Kennington, MBA Cynthia A. Myer Lisa P. Parker, Esq. Denise Spell Gail P. Steinel, CPA Michael V. Villano, MA Newsletter Editors and Writers Anita L. Allen Susan Bertolotti Cammy Bourcier Maureen Cameron Charles Cumpston Jeff Forster Lisa Ludwig Elaine K. Meyerson Beth R. Nussbaum Photography Papillio Photography Layout and Design Linda C. Mohr 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner Monday, May 23, 2011 The Venetian, Garfield Honoring The Avon Foundation for Women Janet Blaustein Maryrose and William McInerney Elaine K. Meyerson United Water See enclosed flyer for information on sponsorship packages, journal advertising, silent auction donations, and dinner tickets. HOW TO REACH US: Administrative Office: 201-498-9247 ■ 405 State Street ■ Hackensack, NJ 07601 Elaine K. Meyerson, Executive Director ■ Beth R. Nussbaum, Director of Development Shelter Program Office: 201-836-1075 ■ 24-Hour Hotline: 201-944-9600 email: [email protected] ■ Website: www.shelteroursisters.org R AVE Walk The Zonta Club of Northern Valley will host its 14th annual RAVE (Rape and Violence Eradication) Walk at 9 am on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at Bergen Community College. The event raises funds for Shelter Our Sisters and the YWCA of Bergen County Rape Crisis Center. For more information, visit zontanvnj.org