dash, Author at The District Alliance for Safe Housing

International Visitor Leadership Program

On Wednesday, August 13th two DASH staff attended a Department of State-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program entitled “Combating Gender-Based Violence.” Michelle Linzy and Afusat Olaifa were joined by representatives from Break the Cycle, The Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP) and hosted by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They met with five visitors from the Palestinian Territories who work in the domestic violence field in order to share experience and information. The purpose of the event was to “examine various social service agencies involved in the prevention, treatment and assistance to victims of domestic abuse.” The visitors represented the continuum of domestic violence services provided in the Palestinian Territories.

Saeda N.N. Alattrash: Director of the Mehwar Center, a shelter and referral center for survivors of abuse.
Nidal K.A. Alawawdeh: Public Prosecutor working mainly on cases of violence against women.
Maysoon Sayyed Ibrahim Qawasmeh: Head of the Palestinian News Agency, Wafa.
Sherin J.S. Shalabi: Psychologist for the Palestinian Working Women Society for Development.
Shadi K.D. Zidat: Project Coordinator at the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy.

The DASH representatives enjoyed the conversation immensely. They were able to discuss issues and partnerships with law enforcement, governmental support, and safety and confidentiality practices. Michelle, the DASH Addictions Specialist, said that the event caused her to reflect on the work that she does every day with survivors, “I realized there is always more we could be doing.” Michelle and Afusat also enjoyed connecting with Break the Cycle and DVRP and hearing about the great work that other domestic violence organizations are doing in DC.

Both Michelle and Afusat felt motivated and grateful after meeting with the Palestinian representatives, who are doing great work to combat domestic violence in Palestine. Michelle states, “the men and women we met with are doing everything they can to ensure that survivors have what they need.”

The big takeaway from the event was that regardless of nationality we are all working towards one common goal: to end domestic violence. “Domestic violence doesn’t know age, country or color. It doesn’t discriminate.” said Afusat, Resident Advocate and Children and Family Activities Coordinator, “I am so glad I went, it gives me the motivation that I need to continue working with families at DASH.” Andrea Gleaves, of DCCADV, who organized the event echoed Afusat’s sentiments, “Ms. Alattrash said it best when she said ‘we are all advocates,’ the challenges that we face here working for survivors of domestic violence are similar to those they face in the Palestinian Territories and across the world.”

We look forward to more opportunities to share experiences with other like minded domestic violence advocates. A big thank you to Andrea Gleaves and the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence for inviting us to attend!

“If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired.” – Askhari Johnson Hodari

Revolution: DASH goes to the Diaper Bank

Last weekend Revolution: DASH took a trip to the DC Diaper Bank to learn about their work and volunteer! Revolution: DASH is our youth service learning club, founded and run by the younger DASH residents. Every month we take time to learn about and volunteer in our community. In the past we have worked with the local neighborhood association and the Capital Area Food Bank, but this was our first field trip and we were excited. In the car on the way to the warehouse we played trivia and learned some interesting facts, like that in a single month an infant requires 100 diapers, and 1/3 of families struggle to buy sufficient diapers every month. We were able to reflect on why it’s so important that all families have access to diapers.

We then spent our afternoon packaging diapers, eating girl scout cookies and breaking down boxes. The kids had a blast and worked hard, at times even carrying three boxes of diapers at a time! At the end of the day we had packed over 1,400 diapers in two hours!

What made the trip so special is that DASH partners with the DC Diaper Bank to provide our residents with diapers each month. We were even able to organize the diapers we needed to transport to DASH while volunteering! We were glad for an opportunity to learn about issues that effect our community while giving back to such a wonderful organization.

At the end of the day we had some hard earned deep dish pizza and discussed our trip. When asked what their favorite part of the day was, the kids thought first of the pizza, obviously. But they also talked about how great it was to see the real impact of their work as the pile of diapers grew bigger and bigger, about how they enjoyed working outside and inquired as to when we could go back.

A big thanks to the DC Diaper Bank for hosting us! To learn about you can volunteer with the Diaper Bank check out their website: http://www.dcdiaperbank.org/get-involved/events/

Family Movie Night Done Right

Friday, June 13th, DASH held one of its monthly Family Movie Nights. Rather, The Women’s Information Network (WIN) held a movie night for the families and children residing at DASH’s Cornerstone Building. Three volunteers brought cookies, Capri-suns, fruit and veggies and a copy of Despicable Me.

WIN is a non-profit organization that invites women to network with each other and help one another succeed in the professional, political, and social worlds. With this mission in mind, WIN is a perfect fit to help DASH pursue its own mission of helping people live their lives on their own terms. Three women from WIN generously donated their time to bring the two organizations together, in a fun, family-oriented way.

This blogger is a huge fan of Despicable Me, and was very excited to spend the evening sharing what she thinks is one of the best, funniest, and most charming movies of all time with the kids at Cornerstone. Unsurprisingly, the children loved Despicable Me.

The night ended with a dance party as Gru, his minions, and Agnus, Edith, and Margo boogied on screen. Dancing in front of the TV, the kids invited the volunteers to dance with them. All in all, the children at Cornerstone and the volunteers from WIN spent a
wonderful Friday night together, laughing at the movie and along with each other.

If you and a group of friends or coworkers would like to host a Family Movie Night – email Mari at mvangenadams@dashdc.wpengine.com.

Do More 24: Resident Addition

Sarah* moved into the DASH Cornerstone Program in October of 2012 with her son, Brian*. At first she was both cautious and overwhelmed, she didn’t know what to expect as her experience with housing providers in the past had been largely negative. Before she found DASH, she was at times treated with disrespect or turned away from shelters because she had a young son. For Sarah, splitting up her family was not an option.

After a few weeks living in her one bedroom unit in the Cornerstone Program, she was able to relax, “DASH has a real support staff full of loving people who really care about you and your family.” She reflects on how dedicated her advocate was when she arrived, “she even went to the doctors office with me after the abuse because I was afraid and ashamed to go by myself.”

Sarah’s favorite part of living at DASH has been the support groups and counseling that allows her to reflect on her past relationships and the cycles of abuse that people get caught up in. “When you’re younger it’s “cute” for your boyfriends to be possessive and tell you what to do,” she said, “now I look back and can see the warning signs. I look for them in my relationships and I can see the control and the isolation and say, ‘that’s abuse.’” Sarah also mentions discussing red flags and warning signs with her younger sister to help her understand what a healthy relationship looks like. More than anything, Sarah is determined to get a fresh start on life.

Sarah also spoke about the importance of the services that DASH provides for the children, specifically her son who is an active participant in Children’s Art Group, pet therapy and family movie nights. This is important to Sarah who says that, “at DASH you don’t divide the family, and you have services for the children so they can heal from what they saw as well.”

When asked what makes DASH unique, Sarah didn’t hesitate, “DASH is not just here to house you, they want to support you and help you so you can heal on your own terms.”

Give your dollars real impact with families like Sarah’s by donating to DASH for Do More 24 on June 19th!

$24 welcomes a survivor and her family to DASH safe housing with a gift basket of emergency supplies.
$48 allows DASH to pay the fee for a survivor to apply for permanent rental housing. With your help DASH can cover a survivor’s application fee for rental housing – which is one small but impactful way you can help an abused family find housing stability, perhaps for the very first time.
$96 will provide a transportation pass for a survivor and her family to arrive safely to and from work and school.

Click HERE to donate today

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of the DASH residents

Top 11 Reasons you should donate to DASH for Do More 24

Do More 24 is THIS THURSDAY! Check out our top 11 reasons you should donate to DASH to give where you live and then bookmark our Do More 24 page!

A donation to DASH will help ensure that no one has to choose between living in an abusive home and living on the street.
DASH has a unique model and innovative mission. We are “low barrier” meaning we don’t screen out survivors based on their drug use or mental health status. Our mission is to provide safe housing for those who need it, it’s that simple.
DASH is the District’s largest dedicated housing provider for survivors of domestic violence and their children. In 2013, DASH safely housed 225 individuals in our programs, providing over 80,000 “safe nights” for victims away from the threat of violence.
At DASH we work hard to make sure that survivors have a place to call home, not just a shelter. Each of the 60 families we work with has their own apartment where they can live safely and independently and are connected to a range of community resources to help them move toward long-term or permanent housing.
DASH is an award winning organization! Most recently we received the Mary Byron’s Celebrating Solutions Award for our innovative approach to safe housing.
DASH allows survivors and their families to reside with us for up to two years. While most shelters provide housing for only 30 days, DASH opens doors for a significantly longer time to ensure that our residents are ready to move out on their own terms.
At DASH we don’t just serve the adults, we prioritize the health and wellbeing of the whole family through our Children’s Program with parenting classes, family movie nights, and art group.
DASH educates policy makers and service providers on principles and best practices of successfully assisting survivors of domestic violence in recognizing that they are empowered and whole
DASH is committed to holistic healing. We understand that everyone heals on their own time, in their own way so we strive to provide a diversity of options for our residents including acupuncture, healing touch, animal therapy, cooking classes and gardening.
At DASH we have a weekly yoga class for our youngest toddler residents. Three-year olds doing yoga, enough said.
A little goes a long way! Any donation can benefit a survivor of domestic violence and their family.

Click HERE to donate on Thursday!

Do More 24: The Volunteer Experience

Tayler Esherick is a rising senior at the University of Maryland. She started at DASH volunteering with Art Group and has continued to work with DASH as a summer front office volunteer.

My first visit to Cornerstone was through a Women’s Leadership course I took at the University of Maryland. Our Professor partnered with DASH to discuss domestic violence and the characteristics of a low-barrier shelter. First, my classmates and I talked to DASH professionals while in the classroom. Then, we came to Cornerstone and talked with some of the residents as well as the staff. My experience at DASH made me want to get more involved, so I started volunteering in the Children’s Art Group.

I have always enjoyed working with children and was very excited to work with the kids of DASH. I absolutely loved volunteering for art group, all of the children were excited about the art projects, and tried their best to create a masterpiece each week. I believe that art is a great way to creatively express yourself which has been extremely beneficial for these children. One of the best parts about art group is that there is a new and exciting activity each week for the kids to engage in so there is never a dull moment. At the end of the year, the children put on an art show where they pick their favorite pieces which are framed, and displayed in the hallways. During the art show the children show our guests and donors all the art work and discuss how each piece was made. My favorite part of volunteering for DASH is interacting with the children and their parents. I love being able to give the children an opportunity for fun outside of the school day and their apartment.

Why should you choose DASH on June 19^th for Do More 24?

DASH has a very unique mission that I believe is extremely effective when it comes to helping their residents. The low barrier housing model that they use puts trust in the residents and gives them responsibilities that they might not have in another shelter. DASH also stresses this idea of re-centering, where you address problems by figuring out how you, your family, or any other relationship has become unbalanced. Re-centering can help survivors bring themselves back to equilibrium of mind and body. Overall, I believe DASH is a great place for volunteers who want an enriching experience.

Donate to DASH for Do More 24, a 24 hour online giving campaign run by the United Way of the National Capital Area. Click here for more information.

Grant from the Meyer Foundation!

Grant from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation

We are excited to announce that we recently received our first grant from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation! The contribution of 25,000 will be used to support our safe housing programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families.

Founded in 1944 by Washington Post publisher Eugene Meyer and his wife, author and social activist Agnes Ernst Meyer, the Meyer Foundation identifies and invests in visionary leaders and effective community-based nonprofit organizations that are working to create lasting improvements in the lives of low-income people in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, and works to strengthen the region’s nonprofit sector as a vital and respected partner in meeting community needs.

“It’s an honor for DASH to be accepted as a first-time grantee of the Meyer Foundation” said Peg Hacskaylo, Executive Director of DASH. “This support is not only generous but also critical as it funds general operations. We appreciate the Meyer Foundation’s dedication to nonprofits through this type of support, which will allow DASH to continue its innovative mission to provide safe housing and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families in Washington, DC.”

We were one of twenty-eight organizations to receive a grant through the Meyer Foundation’s Healthy Communities program area, which supports organizations that provide healthcare and other essential services and advocacy organizations working to advance policy changes that will lead to lasting improvements in the lives of low-income people throughout the Washington, region.

Thank you so much Meyer Foundation!

Goodbye Bobbi!

Today marks my last day as the Cornerstone Housing Director at DASH. As I bid my final farewell, I am in the midst of trying to describe and deal with some very robust, mixed emotions. DASH has been an awesome employer for the past two years, and an even better service provider to our residents. I am very blessed to have been a part of such an innovative organization! My emotions are running very high today and I am not sure exactly what they all are; but, one thing for sure that I can attest to is how blessed I am to have played a key role in so many successes with our residents! Thanks DASH staff for being a part of this blessing with me!

My most memorable moment at DASH was the KaBoom Playground build in the

Fall of 2012. Although it took a lot of time and effort in a short preparation time period to get it all planned and ready to go; on the actual build day, I felt it was all worth it! That day was chaotic and hectic, and at the same time fun and exciting! I enjoyed working side by side with the residents and their children; as well as working with volunteers who gave their time and dynamism freely to make the build happen in one day! This experience will forever be etched a corner of my heart!

I want to say thank you to everyone at DASH for believing and trusting in me to carry such a huge responsibility for two years! May God continue to bless you all, the residents and the program’s growth and expansion, with abundance and greatness.

With Love,

Bobbi

DoMore24

domore24-fb-bk

Dear Friends,

On September 17th, 2013, there were 40 unmet requests for housing from survivors of domestic violence in D.C. In a single day, 40 survivors attempted to find housing to leave an abusive home but were turned down due to the lack of capacity and funding. At DASH we believe this is unacceptable.

On June 19^th, DASH is participating in DoMore24, a 24-hour online giving campaign designed to support organizations like DASH that make D.C. great. We are calling on all supporters, volunteers and housing champions to join in and Give, Share, Then Do More for our community to help survivors and their families stay safe.

Give – donate on June 19^th at the DoMore24 DASH page
Share – post on Facebook and Twitter about your donation and urge others to give
Then Do More – commit to finding 5 friends, coworkers and family members to donate to DASH for DoMore24!

At the end of the day, contributions will help to ensure that no one has to choose between living in an abusive home and living on the street.

“I’m happy long as I can sign something and it’s mine. I can open my own door, sleep in my own bed; my child is safe. I can decide when I come and go, and who can visit. I can lead my own life.” – Survivor

– $24 welcomes a survivor and her family to DASH safe housing with a gift basket of emergency supplies.

– $48 allows DASH to pay the fee for a survivor to apply for permanent rental housing. With your help DASH can cover a survivor’s application fee for rental housing – which is one small but impactful way you can help an abused family find housing stability, perhaps for the very first time.

– $96 will provide a transportation pass for a survivor and her family to arrive safely to and from work and school.

Mark your calendar for June 19^thand join in this one-day of community giving to support survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives on their own terms.

Many thanks,

DASH Staff

DASH Spa Day

Saturday, May 24th DASH hosted our second Spa Day! After months of preparation it was a day of rest and rejuvenation complete with snacks, childcare, bonding and spativities.

The day was a flurry of activity. One of our lovely front desk volunteers, Cynthia, is also a licensed cosmetologist. She spent her time talking to groups of residents about their skin types and going through basic skin care techniques. At the end of the day she provided full facials for two lucky women! A definite highlight of the afternoon was seeing a mother-daughter duo get facials together.

While Cynthia was was doing facials, Chicara and her team from Chicara’s Dream Salon (of Baltimore) were doing hair. They talked to residents about their hair types, gave tips and even styled and cut hair. While they were scheduled to stay until 6pm, they ended up staying until past 9pm so as to not leave anyone out. As one of the advocates states, “I felt she [Chicara] went above and beyond to meet each residents desires, each resident got exactly what she wanted. She even stayed an extra three hours to make sure everyone got serviced!”

In the other room Michaela, a recent DASH intern, and Princess were doing nails. They were amazing! While neither is professionally trained, no one could tell. As one resident said, “they were using the latest designs which takes a lot of extra effort.” They had every color imaginable plus gems and glitter.

Upstairs, Margaret, our new massage volunteer, was giving massages to grateful residents. We are so excited to have Margaret come in on a regular basis from now on as massage not only relaxes and soothes muscles, it also helps with anxiety, headaches and a host of other serious issues. Residents came downstairs looking more relaxed and peaceful after just 15 minutes of work. We are so thankful to all the volunteers who made this Saturday a success!

We had cupcakes donated by Georgetown Cupcakes!

The best part of the day was not the spa treatments or the cupcakes, though they were wonderful. It was the community that grew and the conversations that were had among the residents, volunteers and staff. During the six hours waiting to get hair done and drinking cucumber water, residents made new friendships, gossiped and sang along to Beyonce. At DASH we are not just a housing program, we are place for survivors to heal and grow on their own terms. Spa day showed us how we can heal and grow as a community.