Safe Housing Champion: Mary Braxton

Building Brick Award

We are excited to award Mary Braxton, Assistant Community Manager at Edgewood Commons, with the “Building Brick” award. In construction, the “building brick” is that which makes up the substance of the structure. Mary Braxton’s help to ensure that the families at DASH are provided with more than just a safe place to run, but the ability to establish new homes – quickly, easily, and comfortably, the way a home should be – helps changes lives.

How did you first become connected to DASH?

My first connection with DASH was around the beginning of 2014 while working at another Edgewood Managed property. I was online researching housing programs for victims of Domestic Violence to assist a resident that was dealing with a serious domestic issue with her family and I came across a link (http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/dashs-empowerment-project-rapid-re-housing-for-survivors-of-domestic-violen ). I clicked on the link it was an article about DASH. I then googled DASH to get the contact information. I reached out to DASH to get more information and I started referring residents to them.

What has DASH’s impact been on the survivors of domestic violence you work with?

DASH has had a tremendous impact on the survivors I work with. The financial assistance that DASH has provided to survivors it has enable them to maintain their affordable housing and most are now receiving counseling from other sources. Unfortunately, due to the type of work I do I’m unable to provide specific stories.

From your perspective as a property manager, what are some of the unique challenges that survivors of domestic violence face when looking for affordable housing?

The greatest challenge survivors face is having good credit. Many of the survivors I work with depended on their abusers for financial assistance to pay their rent . Once the abuser leaves then the survivor can no longer rely on that source for assistance. Unfortunately, it’s a trickle-down effect and they’re not able to pay the rent on time and as a result I have to sue them. Every time they’re sued it’s reported to the credit bureau and then their credit is negatively impacted. When the survivor goes to look for affordable housing the first thing that is checked is their rental and credit history. Most HUD funded properties will not accept applicants with negative rental history.

Why do you think that safe housing is an important service for survivors of domestic violence in DC?

I think safe housing is an extremely important service for survivors because it allows them time to get themselves together and reflect on their situation. Without safe housing they will not be able to move forward with their recovery.

6 Reasons to Attend Allies in Change; Part 2

Join us at Allies in Change as we honor the people and organizations that make a difference at DASH. Need a reason to buy a ticket? We’ve got six good ones. See part 1 here.

4. Hear a Survivor’s Story. Our Special Guest Speaker will be a DASH survivor who will share her story and courageous efforts to escape from abuse and rebuild her life.

5. Take snapshots in our photo booth! Thanks to MOI Inc. our photo booth sponsor!

6. Support Safe Housing. At DASH we believe that safe housing should be a right shared by everyone. Help us make that a reality, buy a ticket today.

Join us on April 30th, go to our event page for tickets and information.

6 Reasons to Attend Allies in Change; Part 1

Join us at Allies in Change as we honor the people and organizations that make a difference at DASH. Need a reason to buy a ticket? We’ve got six good ones.

1. A chance to stay at the Luxurious Jefferson Hotel. We have some amazing Silent Auction items this year – including a one-night weekend stay for two in a Deluxe King Guest Room with breakfast valued at $500.

2. It’s the Allies in Change 5th anniversary! In the last 5 years, with the help of DASH supporters, we have grown by leaps and bounds in our capacity to safely house survivors of domestic violence. Come honor the individuals and organizations that have made our growth possible – being DC’s largest dedicated safe housing provider.

3. We’ll be showcasing the #WhatitTakesDC campaign. For the last 6 months we have been working with Ad 2 DC on videos and materials designed to raise awareness about DASH services and highlight the challenges that survivors often face when trying to find safety.

Join us on April 30th, buy your ticket today.

Not convinced? Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

Safe Housing Champion: Princess McDuffie

Support Beam Award

We are excited to award Princess McDuffie with the Support Beam award at our 5th annual Allies in Change benefit on April 30th. In construction, the “support beam” is that which steadies and strengthens a structure. Mrs. McDuffie has helped to strengthen and steady the lives of the youngest survivors of abuse – children – with fun, creative expression and have truly made a difference in the lives of those recovering from trauma, and we and the families that we serve are all better for it.

Interview with Awardee, Princess McDuffie

What brought you to the DASH Art Group? I have worked in the domestic violence field for the past 13 years and I have always had a love for creative arts. I was able to merge my passion of working with survivors of domestic violence and my creativity when I saw an advertisement for help needed in the Art Group at DASH.

Why do you think Art Group is an important program at DASH? Children need to be exposed to the arts. They should be able to be creative and have a place that allows them to be expressive. The trauma of domestic violence on children can have a lasting impact on them and having an Art Group gives children the development, growth, and outlet needed to overcome the obstacles that domestic violence may have placed upon them.

What is your favorite Art Project that you have worked on with the kids? I enjoyed working on the framed art projects that were showcased during the DASH Open House as well as the BalderDASH Reception. These items captured the children’s hard work and efforts and they were bid on and purchased by several donors. Personally, I was able to bid and snag a couple of the art pieces at BalderDASH to showcase in the office and at home. They are great conversation starters for guests and colleagues about the great work at DASH.

Why do you think safe housing is an important service in DC? Safe housing allows survivors of domestic violence to continue with their daily lives, have a place that they can call home, and be able to have support and advocacy in the fight against domestic violence.

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DASH is an innovator in providing access to safe housing and services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families as they rebuild their lives on their own terms.

DASH February Events

The District Alliance for Safe Housing is excited to announce a number of new events and partnerships this February!

2/14: The Valengrinds Day Massacre

Join us on Valentine’s Day for a head banging concert to remember at the Rocketship featuring everyone from Cold Blue Mountain to Clay Davis. For more info check out the Facebook Event.

2/17: Fat Tuesday Beer Tasting at the Red Derby

We’ve got a great event for our beer lovers out there! Oskar Blues presents Dale’s Firkin (What’s a firkin?) with $4 pours starting at 5pm. Get a chance to meet the brewers and discuss fermentation processes, craft beers and micro breweries. All proceeds go to DASH.

2/21: Selfish Dreams Beauty Expo and Fashion Show

The Chicara’s Dreams team is hosting a fashion show and free beauty expo to benefit DASH on February 21st. To purchase a ticket to the fashion show and for more info check out the event page.

2/25: Water Cooler Wednesday

Ad 2 DC is hosting a happy hour at Penn Social to raise funds for the special campaign they are putting on for DASH this spring. More info can be found here.

DASHing into the Community: 1

Art Group Profile: Amanda

We are starting a new monthly blog featuring the community partners and volunteers who contribute so much to the success of the DASH safe housing programs. Amanda volunteers every week in the children’s Art Group. Read below to see what her favorite art project has been!

1. Why did you decide to start volunteering with DASH?

I’ve always had a passion for volunteering. When I moved to DC two years ago, I was looking for volunteer opportunities that were consistent and that I could really make a commitment to. I first heard about DASH from one of my friends who was a volunteer. I was definitely interested in volunteering here based on what a great organization DASH seemed to be. I also have always had a passion for art. So when an opportunity presented itself to volunteer on a weekly basis for Art Group, it seemed like it could be a really good fit. After the first Tuesday night of volunteering for Art Group, I knew that it was actually a great fit!

2. What is your favorite Art Project that you have created in group thus far?

I really thought about this question, and what I continuously went back to was when we made snowflakes right before the Holidays. No matter what age the children were, this project presented no requirements or restrictions, like painting in the lines, etc. They could fold the pieces of paper into any type of fold, could fold it in half, or fold it ten times, and they could cut whatever shapes they wanted to into it. No matter what, the end result was a beautiful snowflake. To me, this project really portrayed what art should be; a way to express yourself through creation. Furthermore, it was wonderful to see how excited and proud the children were when we hung the snowflakes up all over the room.

3. What’s your favorite thing about volunteering with Art Group?

Seeing what the kids create from week to week, and how they’re able to express themselves through art. Selfishly, I would also say that it forces me to focus on and appreciate the here and now and leave everything else at the door for at least an hour and a half. I think sometimes the focus and appreciation of the present gets lost in the busy shuffle of everyday life. It also provides a humbling reminder on a weekly basis of what matters most; the importance of community and taking care of one another in that community.

4. Why do you think that Art Group is an important program at DASH?

As cliche as this sounds, to me, art can be therapeutic on a diversity of levels. If you’re having a bad day or whatever you may be going through, doing art on any level – whether it’s painting, cutting shapes, coloring, or creating a Monet-like masterpiece; it forces you to focus on what you are doing in that moment and takes your mind off of everything else, if even for a short period of time. Basically, it’s like a breath of fresh air for your mind.

Art Group at DASH is important because for an hour and a half, it provides an opportunity for the kids – no matter what their age is – to focus on creating something that is completely unrelated to anything else, and provides that mental breath of fresh air. Further, I think that through creating something like a piece of artwork that they are excited about and proud of, it helps build their confidence through a tremendously fun mechanism.

DASH into December

Put DASH on your Holiday Gift List this Season!

#GivingTuesday

Support safe housing on December 2^nd by participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving for your community.

$25 provides a child living at DASH a winter coat
$75 provides a holiday meal for a family in safe housing
$150 provides 3 safe nights for an entire family.

Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 – every dollar you donate will be matched! Visit: www.razoo.com/givingtuesday4dash. To learn more, email Mari at mvangenadams@dashdc.wpengine.com.

Holiday Wish List

Help DASH ensure that every survivor and family has a joyful holiday season by donating a gift or hosting a gift drive. We are accepting new, unwrapped donations until December 17^th. Gift donations are a great way to make a big difference in the lives of DASH families.

For Women: Gift cards, Purses, Lotions, Perfumes, Nail polish, Journals.
For Children: Infant/toddler toys and clothes, Black baby dolls, Family movies, Legos, Educational books.

To donate gifts or host a gift drive, email Jasmine at jowens@dashdc.wpengine.com. You can also shop using our Amazon Wish List or the Target Wish List.

5 Ways to Participate in Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Take action this October to show your dedication to ending domestic violence in your community.

1. Donate to a local domestic violence shelter

Many women escaping abuse fall into homelessness or remain in abusive situations because of the scarcity of safe housing. At domestic violence shelters, such as DASH, safe housing is provided so victims don’t have to choose between living with their abusers or being homeless. Consider making a donation to DASH safe housing today!

2. Buy Your Ticket to BalderDASH on October 30th

BalderDASH is a fun, lively evening reception to celebrate DASH’s impact as DC’s largest dedicated safe housing provider for survivors. BalderDASH is held each year in October and will take place this year on October 30^th at the Mansion on O Street. Tickets include a tour of the unique venue (and many secret passageways), a jazz quartet and refreshments. Buy your ticket before they run out!

3. Can’t come to BalderDASH? Find another event!

Check out the DC Domestic Violence Awareness Month Calendar coordinated by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The calendar includes everything from marches to dance parties all organized by local organizations committed to ending domestic violence in the District.

4. Wear Purple on October 23rd for Purple Thursday

October 23rd is Purple Thursday, a day to raise awareness of about domestic violence as an office, a family or an organization. Wear your brightest purple and post a photo with the caption #SpeadtheLoveDC. Register here.

5. Engage with DASH on Social Media

Follow us on Twitter or Facebook to join in the conversation and share messages of hope that domestic violence is unacceptable and that all survivors deserve a chance to rebuild their lives on their own terms.

6 things you need to understand about domestic violence

1. Domestic violence is all about one person maintaining power and control over another. It isn’t a one-time loss of temper, it’s a pattern of intentional abuse.

2. Domestic violence isn’t just physical abuse, it’s emotional, psychological, financial and sexual. Domestic violence is put downs, threats, isolation and jealousy.

3. Domestic violence does not discriminate, it occurs in every occupation and income level, across all races, sexual preferences and gender identities, and in every family type.

4. Domestic violence is a learned behavior. It isn’t caused by alcohol abuse, anger management or stress. Abusers see it growing up, in their community, family, peer group or school.

5. Don’t ask, “why doesn’t she just leave.” Questioning the intentions and actions of victims of domestic violence contributes to a culture in which victims are blamed for their abuse, instead of abusers.

6. There is no right way to be a survivor of domestic violence. Every person has a different experience with abuse and deserves support and respect as they make their own choices regarding their relationship.

October is domestic violence awareness month. Purchase something from the DASH Amazon Wish List to directly impact a survivor of abuse and their family.

DASH Back to School BBQ and Art Show

Last night DASH unveiled our brand new grill, donated by My Sisters/My Friends, for our first annual back to school BBQ. Residents, volunteers and DASH friends gathered to eat hot dogs, pineapple kabobs and an abundance of watermelon. It was a great opportunity to welcome in a new school year and build upon the already strong community at DASH.

The BBQ was immediately followed by the Art Show put on by the wonderful Art Ladies, Anne Marie and Beth of the Red Derby and the Arcade, who lead the DASH weekly Art Group. The DASH Art Group is not your average art class, the kids rarely spend time simply coloring, instead they make Picasso inspired paintings, splatter paint and dye scarves. The Art Show is a time to appreciate the amazing work that Art Group does every week. The children acted as docents, able to describe the inspiration of certain pieces as they took volunteers, parents and staff on tours.

We are so thankful to all the volunteers, supporters and especially the kids who made the BBQ and Art Show possible.