24-Hour Helpline
(920) 729-5727
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
P.O. Box 99
Neenah, WI 54957-0099
Phone: (920) 235-5998
Fax: (920) 729-0690
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services Receives Multiple Program Grants to Assist Victims
For Immediate Release
Menasha, WI - March 11, 2008 --- Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. has been awarded three grants. A Community Impact Grant of $10,000 from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation will support Project P.O.W.E.R. (Providing Opportunities for Women's Employment and Retention), which provides domestic abuse victims with crisis intervention and advocacy, job training, and employment development services, and an $800 grant from the Oshkosh Area United Way Program Fund will support the pilot program, "Stepping Stones" that focuses on domestic violence victims and substance abuse issues. A third grant of $1,093 through the Women's Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation will support the agency's Expressive Arts Program, which offers victims that may be a safe, alternative way of processing their thoughts and feelings, helping them heal from the affects of abuse.
"Project P.O.W.E.R. addresses a serious gap in domestic violence services. For battered women and their children to be safe, they need to be free from the violence and control of abusive partners and financially able to meet their family's basic human needs. Training and employment assistance are two key services that help battered women secure a violence-free and healthy economic future," said Julie Fevola, executive director of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services.
"Removing the numerous barriers or tangible obstacles such as transportation, rent assistance, basic needs, and child care that can prevent women from taking the logical steps toward economic independence is critical to the success of the program," Fevola added.
The Stepping Stones program is the only one if it's kind in Winnebago County. The program, which helps meet the unique needs of an increasing number of victims seeking shelter that also are dealing with their own substance abuse issues and/or those of their partner. Although the vast majority of battered women are not alcohol or substance abusers, those that are confront a system that is ill-equipped to deal with their needs, particularly their need for safety. Many battered women report that they began to use substances as a way to cope with constant danger and fear.
Says Fevola, "Unlike the traditional 12-Step Programs whose primary focus is to initiate the substance abuse recovery process and reinforce the skills needed to stay sober or abstinent, Stepping Stones makes safety a priority and as a definition of recovery, supports any positive change that a participant makes toward addressing their substance abuse issues as part of their domestic violence safety plan. The overall goal is to help clients attain safety in their relationships, thinking, behavior and emotions".
The Expressive Art Program offers a non-threatening environment for women to explore the dynamics of domestic abuse, as well as explore new behaviors and ways of thinking about relationships. Clients can look back at pieces created throughout the group and witness the changes in thoughts, feelings, and self-perceptions. Making art together creates a sense of community within the group, breaking isolation and creating a valuable system of support. Also, through exhibition of group members' work, the general public comes away with not only a greater knowledge of the dynamics of abuse, but also the multiple uses of artistic expression as a healing tool
"The Expressive Arts group gives clients that may be uncomfortable expressing themselves in a traditional support group setting another way of working through their pain in a safe, non-threatening environment," continued Fevola.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services' mission is to prevent domestic abuse and violence and to provide intervention and safety to all individuals affected by domestic violence. In addition to emergency shelter, the agency provides comprehensive programs and services in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. is a United Way Agency.
Julie Fevola
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
(920) 729-5727
www.christineann.net
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