DASH Resident, Jackie and DASH Advocate, Connor McFadden

On Thursday,  DASH resident and domestic violence survivor, Jackie, and two members of the DASH staff, Connor McFadden and Alison Gurley, attended Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED)’s Art in Action Exhibit and Silent Auction at the Longview Gallery in DC.  Art in Action was created by partnering ten local artists with

DASH’s Artwork, created by Joann Lee

ten nonprofit organizations, including DASH. After meetings with organizations and District residents, the artists gained a deeper understanding of the importance of community development and its impact in the city. Each artist then drew on this as inspiration to create the pieces for the exhibit. At the event, Jackie, Connor, and Alison mingled with an array of volunteers, staff from various non-profits,  artists and art-buyers while viewing a breathtaking collection of incredibly inspirational artwork. They were also able to reconnect with DASH’s partner artist, Joann Lee, and snap some photos with her and the beautiful piece she created for DASH, which was based on Jackie’s story of survival and her conversations with DASH staff.  And even better news…the piece sold for $500! Thank you so much to CNHED for hosting such a wonderful event and to everyone who supports DASH and helps us foster these wonderful partnerships in the DC community.

DASH interviewed Board Co-Chair Julia Wright about her involvement with the organization.

DASH Board of Directors Co-Chair Julia Wright

How did you first find out about DASH? What stood out to you?

Peg and I have a mutual friend Lydia Watts who started WEAVE – formerly “Women Empowered Against Violence,” now known as “Washington Empowered Against Violence,” a legal clinic helping survivors of domestic violence work through the court system in Washington DC. We were both on the Board of Directors of that organization. When Peg took the very bold step of purchasing the building for the Cornerstone Program she needed someone to work with her doing the redevelopment of the site. I have been in the commercial construction business for almost 30 years and jumped at the chance to work with Peg in this very important project. Peg and I worked together turning a 52 unit apartment building into a 47 unit building with services. We worked together for over three years making this dream come true.

What stood out to me about DASH was the different approach that DASH takes to serving the survivors and their families. First, this is a low barrier program so it allows for more women to be reached and therefore more families getting the opportunity to live safer lives. It also is the longest term program in the City. It is not simply an emergency housing program but gives women the opportunity to live for up to two years with their families while rebuilding their lives. My belief is if you don’t have a program that allows people the opportunity to go through a meaningful healing process and put their lives back together it is going to fall short. DASH was established with this goal in mind.

How is DASH’s work and focus important to your community, family and friends? How can you see people in your life connecting with the organization?

DASH’s work is extremely important to our community because it addresses the issue of  domestic and sexual violence head on. These are both still  difficult issues to discuss  because of the misinformation about victims and the uncomfortable nature of this topic. DASH works to educate our community about the problems that exist and the ways that we can all work together to help change the outcomes of existing situations in addition to educating young people about alternatives to violence.

I take every opportunity I can to discuss my involvement with DASH with family and friends. My 21 year old daughter Sydney has volunteered at the shelter working with the younger children during times of the day that have been set aside for the women to be able to work on the computer or address things that need to work on in their own lives as well as getting a break from childcare duties to just relax for a while. Sydney has worked with me all of her life when I served on the Board at Calvary Women’s Services a homeless shelter in DC as well as the work that we did at WEAVE. I think by bringing members of our family and our community together to tackle these problems we are “getting the word out” , so to speak, and educating young people about ways in which they can help to change the communities that they live in to healthier safer places.

I work very hard at trying to connect the people in my life to the work that we do at DASH. I have had fundraisers in my home to introduce my friends and neighbors to the organization and give them an opportunity to ask questions about the work that we do and the things that we need to continue to be a success. I think the key is taking the opportunity when possible to bring up the work that we do and the things that we need to continue the work. I find that most people are very receptive to hearing about DASH and in turn asking what they can do to help. This is especially true for the children that we serve. There is always a need for food, clothing, toys, school supplies and other essential items and people are generally very willing and eager to help. People won’t know what we need unless we are out there asking, educating, and explaining the nature of the work that we do and the urgency with which we need to act. When I discuss the work at DASH with people in my life it seems that most people can identify with people in crisis and want to be able to do something to help out. I have gotten an overwhelmingly positive response when I ask for help, which makes me very proud of my family, friends and work associates.

What are some of your personal interests and skills that you think are a good fit for DASH’s needs moving forward?

I have been interested in women’s issues as well as working with homeless populations from a young age. I helped at So Others Might Eat working in the dining room as well as serving on the Board of Directors at both Calvary Women’s Services and WEAVE. I have seen too many people’s lives destroyed by domestic abuse and therefore whatever I can do to help change someone’s life to free them from that type of situation is important to me. As a small business owner in the commercial construction business I helped to bring the project to life by managing the construction of the facility and then joining the Board to continue my work with DASH. I work with Peg and her team around issues with maintenance of the building, financial stability and fundraising. The community that I work in is very generous to charitable organizations especially related to housing.

Is this your first time working with a nonprofit? If so, what stands out about DASH?

DASH is not the first non-profit I have worked with over the years and its mission sets it apart from previous organizations I served because of the holistic nature of the approach it uses to help the population it serves. To me, that is what makes DASH special. I like that they are approaching it first and foremost as a way to keep families safe and then to give women the skills that they need to take care of themselves and their families. My interest in serving families in need as it relates to housing and safety serves DASH because I am motivated to help to raise money to keep our doors open and our programs available.

What future plans of DASH’s are you excited about?

Moving forward our desire is to raise enough money to expand our programs to serve more families in need as well as raise some money for reserves. Due to the incredibly difficult past few years I am sure that organizations like DASH all over the Washington Metropolitan area have used reserves and need to build back up to ensure that in case of emergency we are not going to be caught short. I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but I think it is very important and responsible to ensure fiscal soundness and operate in a way that ensures sustaining the programs and the building.

Men Can Stop Rape Strength Campaign poster

Thank you to our incredible community partners Men Can Stop Rape and the staff of Giant grocery store in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC. Giant hosted MCSR’s donation drive for DASH on Saturday, and it was a massive success. Thank you to everyone who donated much needed food, diapers, and other supplies. And thank you, again, to Giant for being such incredible community partners. DASH appreciates you!

DASH will offer a series of interviews with our Board members about their service with the organization. This interview with Joseph Sclafani is the first.

1. How did you first find out about DASH? What stood out to you?

I first came to DASH as a member of the pro bono strategic planning team engaged through COMPASS in 2009/10.  Over the course of several months we were able to delve into its history, its leadership, its programs, its relationships with clients, supporters and other service organizations, and its vision of future possibilities.  Now, that’s a terrific way of learning about an organization in very short order!

I can’t say that there was any one thing about DASH that stood out to me.  Looking back, I think it was a combination of things.  The most obvious was that here was an organization that was well managed, reflected in the recognition that the next step in its impressive growth and development up to that point was a formal articulation of its vision and the strategies to achieve it.  Another aspect that stood out was the quality and passion of its leadership – Peg’s vision and energy, which clearly infused every aspect of DASH’s operations, and the commitment and dedication of board members, individually and as a group.  Most impressive to me was DASH’s unique “low barrier” and “voluntary services” approach in meeting its client population’s needs.  I think that’s what really sets it apart from others working with DV survivors.

2. How is DASH’s work and focus important to your community, family and friends? How can you see people in your life connecting with the organization?

First and foremost, of course, is the importance of DASH’s contribution to meeting the immediate needs of the clients it serves, as well as to improving their longer-term prospects for a safer and more secure life.  But, its work and focus is also important in their demonstration that an approach that truly empowers its clients, that does not in any way “blame the victim” or judges their choices, can and does work.  I can see friends and family similarly impressed with that work and focus becoming DASH supporters.

3. What are some of your personal interests and skills that you think are a good fit for DASH’s needs moving forward?

I bring a life-long interest in social justice issues, and in organizational dynamics.  I think that both are a good fit for DASH.

4. Is this your first time working with a nonprofit? If so, what stands out about DASH?

No.  Most of my working life has involved not-for-profits.  My PhD dissertation was an examination of the structure and operations of a labor union in West Africa.  In a decade’s work with UNICEF our most effective program partners were local not-for-profits, typically community-based.  More recent work, both domestic and international, also involved initiatives to strengthen the governance and operations of not-for-profit organizations providing health and related social services.  What stands out about DASH is what I mentioned earlier – it is facing challenges not uncommon for an organization at its stage of development, but with a leadership team that inspires confidence that those challenges will be effectively met.
5. What future plans of DASH’s are you excited about?

Using DASH’s fifth anniversary as an opportunity to publicize and advocate for its unique approach to serving its client community.

The Census Bureau recently released its 2010 Current Population Survey, which contained shocking information about the state of poverty in Washington, DC. According to the Census, DC’s poverty rate for 2010 was 19.2% – up .8% from the previous year, and 3.9% higher than the nation as a whole. Two regions facing greater poverty, according to study, were Louisiana and Mississippi.

The statistics on the child poverty rate were the most startling of all, indicating that last year in our nation’s capital, 30,500 children lived in poverty. These kinds of poverty rates and the recession prove deadly for domestic violence victims. A piece in the journal Color Lines, noted that what is happening in the outside world often exacerbates what is going on behind closed doors. Women and their children are less likely to leave an abusive relationship if they feel their economic security would be nil in an economy with few available jobs. Housing becomes another relevant issue, forcing many people to stay in situations or face homelessness if they leave.

This October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. DASH has taken great consideration in developing programs that incorporate financial planning and job readiness training for the survivors it serves. With generous support from donors, funders, and corporate partners, we are able to serve as a vital safety net for those who need it more than ever. In this city in particular, with abject poverty on the rise, our work is critical. Please consider making a gift today here in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The District Alliance for Safe Housing is honored to be featured in the Fall Issue of Bittersweet Zine, a publication by Bittersweet Creative. This issue focuses on human rights, and the interconnectedness of domestic violence and homelessness. DASH is honored to be among the organizations whose work is highlighted, and happy to partner with such a top-notch creative firm. The zine will be available in the next month, and there is a release party scheduled for Thursday, October 6th from 7pm to 9pm at Washington Project for the Arts Options 2011 Exhibit Site. RSVP is not necessary but is helpful: kate@bittersweetzine.com.