Volunteer Connection Volume 6 Issue 4 April 2013

Inside This Issue: Welcome............................1 One Billion Rising..……….1 35th Annual Gala……........2 Spring Training…..….......2 New Needs………….…….3 Media Corner…………….3 Staff Connection……..…4 Volunteer News…………..5 Volunteer Spotlight……...6 Vol. Spotlight cont...........7 Birthdays………………8-9 Close……………………...9

Quote of the Month:

“Volunteers do not necessar ily have the time;

they just have the heart.”

Hello and Welcome! This has been a very exciting quarter! It began as we held a brand new event in February, One Billion Rising, for which we collaborated with sister agency Project Sister for the first time. Then in March VAWA passed (yay!) and we began our Spring volunteer training with an amazing group of new people. Finally in April we held a few very important events. First, on April 6th, House of Ruth held our 35th Anniversary Gala which was a great success due to staff and volunteer help. Then our Spring training class graduated, and finally, since April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, we held our Volunteer Appreciation dinner and tea party! We drank iced tea, ate tiny sandwiches, took photos in hats, ties, pearls and scarves, and mixed and mingled. But the main thing we did was show the volunteers from 2012 that their hard work was appreciated. Summer is coming up and things are going to settle a little, but I just want to say that I am very excited to integrate the new volunteers and am so appreciative of the important, diverse, and difficult work that you as volunteers have done thus far. Some volunteers have helped us get donations, have helped us book presentations, have recruited other volunteers, have referred us clients, and of course, have provided help when we needed it. Please keep it up! As I always say, If you don’t know how to get started, just email or call me and I will help; don’t forget that I am here as your supervisor and advocate. To another amazing quarter!

– M ar i n a W o od , P r ev en t i o n C o or d i n at or

– M ar in a W o od , P r ev en t i on C o or d in at or

…One Bil l ion Rising …

…Welcome…

What can I say? Amazing event! Alarming statistics! Amazing speakers! Inspiration in excess! Lots of smiles! Lots of tears! Tons of DANCING! This was a very inspiring, motivating, tear jerking event. The live music was warm and inviting. Poems read and acted out with so much passion and emotion you felt it. The sad reality of what happens when men do nothing was addressed. Testimonies of women who were once victims of domestic violence and sexual assault were shared with tears, shock, gasps and frustration flowing. Liberation and empowerment taking place as the strength and power in the numbers

Ruthie’s and Sisters of House of Ruth and Project Sister

bustin’ a move at One Billion Rising in Claremont!

present who all shared a common goal of no more violence towards women. The “one billion starting with one” phrase that was reiterated prompting everyone to take a stand because “YOU” matter was very encouraging. And finally, several women, of all ages dancing a choreographed dance with words that empower women, reminding them of their power and authority over their own bodies. I simply loved this moment. Thank you, House of Ruth and Project Sister for organizing such a spectacular event.

– Tr a cy E v an s on , V ol u n t eer

Folks dancing to “Break the Chain” of Sexual Violence

in our communities!

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…House of Ruth celebrates its 35th Annual Gala!…

…Welcome Spring Volunteers!…

When I signed up to become a volunteer at the House of Ruth, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. On the first day of orientation, I walked in with an open heart and an open mind because judging by the size of the manual, I knew we were going to cover a wide range of topics. The HOR staff and guest speakers were very educational and spoke with so much passion in their voices. I could tell that they love what they do and I really appreciated that. I also enjoyed the activities we participated in. Some brought us out of our comfort zone and some bonded us as a group. The speakers made me feel really welcomed there and Marina did an outstanding job at facilitating and engaging the group in discussion. I feel really fortunate to have been a part of the HOR training program and being able to listen to and meet some very inspirational people. I truly look forward to volunteering here!

– Viv ian Voong, Volunteer

~Here is a reflection from a new volunteer about the Spring 40 Hr. Domestic Violence Training!~

Staff and volunteers pose in their fancy attire at House of Ruth’s gala at the beautiful Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center in Pomona.

…New Needs… There is always a way to lend a hand here at House of Ruth, so in this section you wi l l find

any new, updated, or upcoming needs that the different departments of HoR would l ike volunteer help with.

Prevention Department: Interested in tabling at a resource fair or presenting

to the community on topics such as Teen Dating Violence or Bullying? Then we have a spot here for you!

Contact: Marina Wood mwood@houseofruthinc.org Ontario Office:

Ontario needs volunteer assistance with filing & organizing client case portfolios. This will give you a glimpse into what services our clients utilize the most and how case managers work to provide these resources.

Contact: Maricela Peña mpeña@houseofruthinc.org Counseling Department:

Counseling needs a volunteer to help file and organize client case notes at the office in Ontario.

Contact: Vibi Salcedo vsalcedo@houseofruthinc.org

Community Services Department:

We need volunteers to help put together information packets and hotline cards for officers and medical professionals.

Contact: Marina Wood mwood@houseofruthinc.org Donation closet is in need of some organization!

Contact: Susie Salcedo ssalcedo@houseofruthinc.org Development Department:

Data Entry-We are in great need for several volunteers to help input some data into our computer system.

Research- We would like someone to help do some research in three areas: grant research/foundation research, fundraiser database research, and grant resources. This can be done from home after meeting with the Director of Development.

Contact: Pat Bell pbell@houseofruthinc.org

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Media Corner:

President Obama signing the reauthorization of VAWA into

law on March 7, 2013. This strengthens the response and action taken by the criminal justice system to crimes like Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as well as helps to

remove barriers for LGBT, Native American, and undocumented victims accessing services.

For more information visit: www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/vawa_factsheet.pdf

Domestic Violence Counts! “In just one 24-hour period, local domestic violence programs across the country provided help and safety to 64,324 adults and children who were victims of domestic violence. Sadly, 10,471 times on that same day, a hotline rang or a victim showed up at the door to request a shelter bed, an attorney, counseling, or another critical service and the local program was forced to say “I am so terribly sorry that we don’t have the resources or funds- can I work with you on a safety plan or try to find you some help in a neighboring town?” For the seventh consecutive year, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) conducted its annual National Census of Domestic Violence Services on September 12, 2012 and today released their analysis of that data in the report: Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelters and Services. The report revealed that reduced funding for domestic violence services means that programs are unable to help survivors with shelter, attain legal help, or leave abusive partners. On September 12, 2012, 1,646 out of 1,924, or 86%, of identified local domestic violence programs in the United States and territories participated in the 2012 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The figures represent the information reported by the 1,646 participating programs about services provided during the 24-hour survey period. In addition to the number of victims served, more than 20,000 hotline calls were answered and more than 25,000 individuals were educated on domestic violence across the country on the survey day.”

Volume 6 Issue 4 Page 4 …Staff Connection…

~To make sure that volunteers continue to feel connected to House of Ruth we’ve added a new section to our volunteer newsletter called “Staff Connection” that wi l l help us get to

know a little bit more about the wonderful staff we have here at our agency.~

Tools for Self Care: 1. Take a nice warm and relaxing bath! 2. Write it out! Getting things down on paper can

help you release pent up feeling and help organize your thoughts.

3. Ashley does a 5 minute mediation every morning to help clear her mind and prepare herself for the day!

4. Let it go! After a challenging day sometimes allowing yourself to let go of the day can really make a difference and is the best way to self care!

To contact use the following information:

Email: asolis@houseofruthinc.org Phone: 909-623-4364

Five Fun Facts About :

Ashley also interns for an awesome Feminist organization that “strives to end the everyday violence, dominance, and silencing used against people due to their gender, sexual orientation, race, and class and make self-determination and loving communities a new norm.” Check them out at E very d a y F em in i sm . co m or www. f a ceb o o k . co m /ev ery d a y f em in i sm

She also loves to travel and just came back from visiting Zion National Park in Utah!

She also loves different types of art including writing, photography and painting.

One of Ashley favorite ways to unwind and get a good workout is by doing some calming and calorie burning Yoga!

This months Staff Connection is about one of our hard working and amazing residential case managers, Ashley Solis. Ashley has been with the agency for a couple years now, first as volunteer when she went through the 40 hr Domestic Violence training in the Summer of 2011 and then as a House of Ruth staff member in March 2012. Ashley’s role as a case manager is to help clients set goals, provide advocacy, help educate client’s about domestic violence, help find and provide referrals, as well as provide crisis intervention both with clients and on our 24 HR Hotline. Recently, Ashley has also begun teaching the DV 101 class in shelter. She does it all!

In my conversation with Ashley, she describes her favorite part about being with House of Ruth as the feeling of making a difference through seeing the changes within her clients and being a part of their process of coming into empowerment. Thank you Ashley for your wonderful personality, hard work at House of Ruth and your dedication to your clients! –Alyssa R aquel Avila, Youth Adv ocate

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~Every year House of Ruth hosts a Volunteer Appreciation dinner to remind volunteers that they are imperative to the organization and that they are cherished. This year we held a Tea Party and had a wonderful time getting to know each other, eating, playing

games, taking photos, and hearing about the diverse types of work each volunteer did over the previous year. We also invite staff so that volunteers and staff can form relationships, which will ultimately help them work together to better service our clients. There was

a lot of laughing, a little crying, and most importantly, respect and admiration given to the hard working volunteers.~

…Volunteer News…

…Vo l u n tee r Spot l i g h t… Volume 6 Issue 4 Page 6

~Volunteer Appreciation Tea Party~

There’s a saying that goes, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” That’s the way we feel about our volunteers. Our volunteers do so much for our agency, so much in fact that several of them were honored by President Obama for their exceptional service. On the left we have our P r es id en t V o l un t eer A war d ees : (Top Row) Katie Miller, Ursula Flanagan, Kim Heideman, Alex Torres, and Taylor Marvulli. (Bottom Row) Evelyn Perez, Vanessa Flores, Venice Torres, Sister Joan Rybiki, and Leona von Kalb. (Not Pictured) Alyssa Avila, Cecilia Mc Coy, Luis Cruz, Denice Martinez, Jessing Singer, Jessie Fuentes, Veronica Macina, Shannon Sateri, and Shubha Gadgil.

This year we also wanted to recognize several volunteers who have provided an important service to the agency throughout this year. Marina Wood the Prevention Coordinator awarded the E s s e n t i a l P i e c e certificate to (From Left to Right) Taryn Cronkite, Alyssa McPherson, Brenda Davila, Diana Campbell, andTracy Zhao. (Not Pictured) Annemarie Delgado, Kimberly Ignacio, and Tracy Evanson. Thank you again to all our volunteers for their dedication and commitment to House of Ruth and ending Domestic Violence in our communities!

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…Vo l u n tee r Spot l i g h t…

Each year the City of Montclair asks organizations that serve their city to nominate one volunteer for Volunteer of the Year. Each nominee is then presented with a plaque and recognition from the Montclair City Council,

Mayor, and local representatives. For the year 2012, House of Ruth nominated Kim Heideman, a volunteer who served in Shelter Children’s

Program, Ontario Outreach, Prevention, and Case Management. Pictured here are Community Services Coordinator Maricela Pena,

Prevention Coordinator Marina Wood, and Volunteer of the Year Nominee Kimberly Heideman.

Congratulations Kim!

Happy Birthday to You!

Last but not least…

`

Volume 6 Issue 4 Page 8

We wish you the happiest day ever. Make the most of

your birthday celebration!

Love-

House of Ruth

A birthday is the first day of another 365-day

journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.

~Author Unknown

P.O. Box 459 Claremont, CA 91711 Hotline: 1-877-988-5559

Pomona Outreach: 909-623-4364 Fax: 909-629-9581

www.houseofruthinc.org

Alyssa Avila, Youth Advocate Email: aavila@houseofruthinc.org Phone: 909-623-4364 ext. 6108

March Birthdays: Brenda Davila: Mar. 1 Claudia Morales: Mar. 3 Tanya King: Mar. 5 Geri Zuniga: Mar. 17 Shannon Sateri: Mar. 18 Alisa Lawler: Mar. 20 Desiree Garcia: Mar. 24 Martha Barrales: Mar. 25 Aleida Bogdanski: Mar. 26 Vanessa Sapien: Mar. 29

Apri l Birthdays: Lissette Perez: Apr. 6 Michelle Horngren: Apr. 14 Estefan Encarnacion: Apr. 17 Penni Nagel: Apr. 20 Kayla Shively: Apr. 20 Donna Bales: Apr. 23

May Birthdays: Machara Clayton: May 1 Tracy Zhao: May 5 Catherine Conrado: May 19 Jade Jackson: May 23 Jacqueline Fryre: May 23 Maggie Grosjean: May 26

Thank you for tuning into this quarter’s House of Ruth Volunteer Connection!

We appreciate all that you do!

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