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Knitting and Community Building

Donations from Looped Yarn Works

Alison Gurley, Resident Advocate at DASH, recently lead a knitting program with DASH residents. The pictures are just a portion of the yarn that was donated by DC business Looped Yarn Works. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity! Here Alison talks about how she came to DASH and the project:

I am originally from Massachusetts, but I went to a small college out in Minnesota called St. Olaf College. I graduated in 2010 and decided that I needed to be somewhere warmer so I moved to DC. I am a resident advocate. A resident advocate at DASH does pretty much what the title suggests, we advocate for our residents and partner with them throughout their stay at our transitional housing program. During their two years here, advocates work to support residents are they work toward their goals, seek permanent housing, connect to community resources and etc. Advocates are available to share their knowledge of community organizations and resources, government programs and benefits and to generally provide a listening ear. We also plan much of the programming that occurs within our Cornerstone housing facility.

I first got involved with DASH as a full-time volunteer through Lutheran Volunteer Corps (kind of like AmeriCorps) in March 2011. I had been working at an organization doing advocacy work on federal immigration and refugee legislation, and I wanted a chance to do direct service work. DASH had an opening for a Resident Advocate so I applied to work here through Lutheran Volunteer Corps. DASH hired me as a full-time advocate outside of Lutheran Volunteer Corps in August 2011.

Resident Advocate Chanel Meadows, knitting with DASH residents

A number of residents had expressed interest in starting a knitting/crocheting group. One resident in particular was interesting in teaching crochet. For me, knitting is an important stress relieving activity, I find it wonderful and satisfying to create a tangible product. I thought it was a wonderful idea for DASH to help the women take some time for themselves and build community together. One of the founders of Looped Yarn Works used to work with a DASH staff member at Our Place, DC, so I got in touch with her to see if we could have supplies donated to make the group possible. Looped does drives quarterly to help make knitting/crochet groups possible for a number of non-profits.

As a resident advocate, my first priority is to build a relationship of mutual respect with the women I work with at DASH. The most important thing to me is that we approach the work we do together as a partnership. I want to make sure that the women have self-determination in the goals that they set for themselves and the life they build for themselves while they are in our Cornerstone program.

Donations from Looped Yarn Works

Knitting is a great way to build community. When your hands are busy, it’s amazing what will come out of your mouth! Building a strong community among the residents in our Cornerstone program is very important to DASH. Survivors are the people best equipped to help other survivors, we always want our residents to be able to turn to one another for support, as well as to staff.

Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce Action Alert

Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce Action Alert:

Stop Cuts that Hurt!

Fully Fund Domestic Violence and Homeless Services!

Housing Ends Homelessness

What you need to know:

No families requesting shelter at the Family Resource Center will be provided lifesaving shelter until next winter. The Administration has no plan to change that policy.
Families requesting shelter at FRC who have no safe plan for where to stay will be reported to CFSA. CFSA currently has no housing resources to assist such families.
On any given day more than 50% of victims seeking domestic violence services in the District of Columbia request shelter or housing placement.[1] While it is common for victims to need safe housing, 74% of service requests for shelter or housing go unmet. [2]
The Mayor’s budget proposal has a $7 million funding gap for homeless services. The Administration is suggesting cutting food, transportation, outreach, medical and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness— which will hurt people already desperately in need of services.
The Mayor’s budget proposal has a $2.6 million funding gap for Office of Victim Services that will affect all services OVS provides to survivors including shelter and hotel stays.
The Mayor has no plan in place to provide long-term affordable housing to help lift families out of homelessness.

What you can do:

Wednesday Action: Call or email the DC Council to put money in the budget to help DC residents in need!

1) Restore the $7 million funding gap in FY13 to make Homeless Services whole;

2) Restore the $2.6 million to OVS to make victim services whole; AND

3) End Homelessness for more than 500 children (250 families) with a Housing investment of $4 million in FY13.

Sample message: Please pass a budget that protects DC residents and responds to DC’s crisis of skyrocketing child homelessness by: 1) Restoring the $7 million gap in homeless services money so all adults and children experiencing homelessness have the services they need to survive; 2) Restoring $2.6 million to OVS’ budget to ensure victims of violence can access needed services; and 3) Placing at least 250 homeless families into long-term affordable housing as an effective and cost-efficient response to homelessness.

Chairman Kwame Brown, kbrown@dcouncil.us, 724-8032, @KwameBrownDC

Councilmember David Catania, dcatania@dcouncil.us, 724-7772

Councilmember Phil Mendelson, pmendelson@dcouncil.us, 724-8064

Councilmember Michael Brown, mbrown@dcouncil.us, 724-8105, @CMMichaelABrown

Councilmember Vincent Orange, vorange@dcouncil.us, 724-8174, @VincentOrangeDC

Councilmember Jim Graham, jim@grahamwone.com, 724-8181, @JimGrahamWard1

Councilmember Jack Evans, jevans@dcouncil.us, 724-8058, @JackEvansWard2

Councilmember Mary Cheh, mcheh@dcouncil.us, 724-8062, @MaryCheh

Councilmember Muriel Bowser, mbowser@dcouncil.us, 724-8052, @MurielBowser

Councilmember Tommy Wells, twells@dcouncil.us, 724-8072, @TommyWells

Councilmember Yvette Alexander, yalexander@dcouncil.us, 724-8068, @CYMYA

Councilmember Marion Barry, mbarry@dcouncil.us, 724-8045, @marionbarryjr

Thursday: Come to the Department of Human Services budget hearing at 11AM in Room 123 at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW to show your support for this proposal.

Friday: Come to the Office of Victim Services budget hearing at 11:00 AM in room 412 at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW to show support for full funding for victims services.

Spread the word! Blog, Tweet, Facebook, talk to your neighbors– whatever you can!

Tweeting: Use the hashtag #dcfy13. Here are some sample tweets:

End the Hunger Games: restore homeless services gap and put 250 families in housing! #dcfy13
Looking forward to @JimGrahamWard1 supporting homeless kids at DHS budget hearing! #dcfy13
Cuts hurt in #dcfy13. Please restore homeless services $ [insert Councilmember handle]
Don’t gamble with kids’ lives: invest in affordable housing for 250 families in #dcfy13.

Contact the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless at 328-5500 for more info on this campaign or Janelle Treibitz at makeonecitypossible@gmail.com to get involved in the

Fair Budget Coalition’s campaign to prioritize human needs in DC’s budget.

Contact Suzanne Marcus at the District Alliance for Safe Housing at 462-3274 for information about the Domestic Violence & Housing Taskforce at 202-462-3274 ext. 116 or email smarcus@dashdc.wpengine.com

[1] National Network to End Domestic Violence (2012). 2011 Domestic violence counts: A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and

services, Washington, D.C.: NNEDV

[2]

DASH Seeking New Housing Program Director for Cornerstone

Please share.

Housing Program Director (Cornerstone Program)

Program Description: The District Alliance for Safe Housing, Inc. (DASH) is a nonprofit agency that works to ensure access to safe and sustainable refuge for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through the development and management of safe housing and housing resources. The Cornerstone Program is one of DASH’s newly developed and largest safe housing programs.

Report to: Deputy Director

Responsibilities: Provide support and management expertise to the operations of a 47-unit safe housing program and the holistic supportive services to be offered. This is a first line supervisory position involving planning, programming, and management responsibilities. Duties are as follows:

Provide oversight of participant advocacy services, including: Develop and implement supportive programs and activities; Monitor adherence to the voluntary service model, organizational commitment to low barrier services and universal accessibility; and, Solicit participant feedback in on-going program development and evaluation.
Identify areas for program improvement and innovation, and work with staff to revise or refine policy and protocol to enhance program functioning, incorporating participant feedback and best practices as often as possible.
Assist in resolving problems which may arise with staff, residents and community members.
Develop collaborations with other community-based organizations.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Residential Advocate staff, in close collaboration with the TA Team, assuring accurate documentation in participant files; adherence to confidentiality policies; and providing on-going staff support, evaluation and feedback.
Manage the 24-hour, 7-day a week, staffing schedule.
Coordinate with the Clinical Director to facilitate ongoing training and clinical supervision to the Resident Advocates and for technical assistance on issues requiring clinical support and analysis.
Coordinate with the Addictions Specialist to facilitate ongoing training and support to Resident Advocates on addiction issues and for technical assistance on issues requiring expertise in addiction services and support.
Work with the Property Manager to: Promptly address facility issues; Maintain clear boundaries between facilities and program roles and assist staff and residents in understanding and maintaining these boundaries; and Ensure prompt unit turnover through clear and timely communication with the Property Manager regarding new intakes and unit vacancies.
Work with the Development Specialist to: Communicate in-kind program needs; Provide program information for grant reports in a timely manner; Assist with site visits from funders; and, Collaborate to ensure volunteer events and activities for the program run smoothly.
Perform other duties which contribute to the running of the worksite, including ordering equipment and supplies.
Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A Master’s Degree and five years work experience in residential programs required (work experience may be substituted for education requirement). Experience in program development and implementation. Experience managing a housing program. Fluency in a foreign language a plus. Knowledge of domestic violence and related and intersecting issues, voluntary service model and harm reduction model a plus. Comfortable managing a large housing facility.

To Apply: Email cover letter plus resume to info@dashdc.wpengine.com (please put title of position on subject line). No phone calls please. No fax please.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Jamila Larson

On March 28th, DASH will hold its Allies in Change luncheon, honoring individuals who have supported and amplified the organization’s work to provide relief to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,through emergency and long-term safe housing, and innovative homelessness prevention services. We are doing a series of interviews of our awardees beforehand to share a bit more about them. This blog focuses on Jamila Larson, who has brought her work with the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project to DASH’s community. Remember to buy tickets to the luncheon here!

We are pleased to introduce Jamila Larson. Ms. Larson came to D.C. in 1996 from Wisconsin and has been running the Playtime Project as a volunteer since its founding in 2003. She assumed the role as first fulltime Executive Director in September 2009. Her experience as a licensed clinical social worker running a mental health and after school program and as a policy researcher at the Children’s Defense Fund helped inform her leadership of the Playtime Project. “We are fortunate to have the most amazing volunteers and dedicated supporters s who recognize the unlimited potential in the children and families we serve and make a commitment to protecting a child’s right to experience joy.”

Below is the interview we conducted with Ms. Larson. We are grateful to have her as a partner and friend, and are looking forward to honoring her and others March 28th!

Jamila Larson and Lars from Homeless Children's Playtime Project

“My friend from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless told me about this great group of women starting DASH and recommended we consider bringing our Playtime Project model to their new housing program. I jumped at the chance because we know many of the children we serve in family shelters have experienced domestic violence, but to be able to partner with an agency that specializes in this population is something we’d really like to do.

I grew up in rural Wisconsin but moved to DC in 1996 right out of college to work for the Children’s Defense Fund on national policy issues effecting children and families. Discovering how many local needs there are in this city made me passionate to stay and learn about the needs of children and families locally and serve here.

I think there should be a domestic violence fatality review team, similar to child fatality review teams, that analyzes what was done and what was not done by the authorities and service providers in order to fine tune interventions in high risk cases. More police escorts and relocation assistance is needed especially around the time protection orders are filed to ensure families survive dangerous transition times. Education for teen girls and boys in middle school and high school is also critical to help break the cycle as young people are experiencing their first relationships.

We educate our volunteers about the likelihood that many of the families we serve in non-domestic violence shelters have experienced domestic violence, and we work to create a safe environment for all the children we serve. It’s important to give children an environment that gives them therapeutic tools to work through their feelings and experiences (like doll houses, play doh, puppets and art supplies). We want to equip all of the children we serve with coping skills against violence and to make sure they feel safe to relax and express themselves.

Jamila and her newborn

I am a new parent to a darling 5-month-old boy, and it makes me think a lot about how to raise a wonderful man in this world. I read something recently about how respecting children when they tell us “no” helps teach them to respect others who tell them no. This makes a lot of sense to me, to help relatively powerless children find their voice. Check back with me in a year…I will put this consciousness to the test when he starts talking back!”

DASH Featured on Channel 9 News

Note: Some content may be triggering due to graphic descriptions.

Last night, DASH was featured in a lead story on Local Channel 9 news (CBS) about safe housing for survivors of domestic violence, a story that was prompted by the murder on Tuesday in Kensington, MD of Heather Lynn McGuire by her estranged husband, who then committed suicide.

Journalist Gary Nurenberg interviewed DASH Executive Director Peg Hacskaylo, as well as three residents of DASH’s Cornerstone Program, to learn more about safe shelter and how victims of domestic and sexual violence can escape abuse to establish safe, independent lives. The story, which also included footage of the safe housing apartments DASH provides its residents at Cornerstone, was the centerpiece of the feature, which also highlighted the story of the tragic murder/suicide, an interview with Dr. Phil McGraw, and an interview with Yvette McCade, a local survivor of an attempted murder by her estranged husband.

Click here to view the broadcast and read the accompanying story, click here: WUSA 9 DASH Story

If you would like to learn more about DASH and support the work we do to help women and children in our community, our 2nd annual DASH Allies in Change Luncheon is March 28 (2012) at 12:00pm at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The lunch is open to the public and tickets can be purchased here: Allies in Change. You can also visit www.dashdc.org for more information or to make a secure donation online.

DASH extends its gratitude to WUSA Channel 9 and Gary Nurenberg for its attention to and coverage of this important issue and the work that DASH does to help survivors and their families.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Andrew Lazerow

Andrew Lazerow, Allies in Change Awardee

DASH is happy to introduce Andrew Lazerow. Mr. Lazerow is of counsel in the Covington & Burling LLC’s Washington, DC office. He has extensive experience representing clients in numerous industries in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, antitrust class actions, securities fraud class actions, and complex commercial disputes. He litigates and tries complex matters in federal court.

Below are comments Andrew had about his relationship to DASH and to the District of Columbia:

I grew up just outside the city, in Bethesda, Maryland. However, I went to law school in DC, and lived in Adams Morgan for a number of years.

I have had the privilege of acting as quasi outside counsel to DASH for a few years now. I truly enjoy working with DASH’s executive staff to ensure that DASH operates safe facilities. It is obviously critical that victims of domestic abuse not suffer a second injustice. DASH offers that refuge, and I hope that my small part furthers DASH’s mission in this regard.

DASH is proud to honor Mr. Lazerow for his ongoing contributions to the organization.

DASH at NNEDV’s Second Annual World Conference for Women’s Shelters

DASH is pleased to be participating today in the second annual World Conference for Women’s Shelters, organized by the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Global Network of Women’s Shelters. The conference is organized as a peer-to-peer learning event, with over 2,000 advocates working in women’s shelters from all over the world learning best practices from one another. This year, the event is taking place in our home of Washington, DC.

Peg Hacskaylo, DASH Executive Director, Presenting at World Conference on Women's Shelters

DASH staff is presenting several workshops at the conference. Yesterday Peg Hacskaylo presented with Melissa Hook at the DC Office of Victim Services on Issues and Approaches to Developing Safe Housing, including discussions of how to start a safe housing program. The two used DASH’s experiences as a case study in building effective partnerships with the city agencies to build housing capacity, with various issues to consider, including evaluating housing options, assessing different models for housing, obtaining financing, planning for development, handling community relations, preparing for facility management and security, and determining program suitability.

Later in the day Peg presented DASH’s video and discussed DASH’s program model with Suzanne Marcus, DASH’s Deputy Director. On Thursday DASH management staff will present a workshop in the Empowering & Supporting Advocates track, titled Creating a Management Structure to Support Survivor and Advocate Safety. Along with Suzanne, Victoria Green, Clinical Director, and Michelle Linzy, Addictions Specialist, will discuss DASH’s unique management structure, designed to: 1) Support advocate (case worker) staff with navigating the nuances that exist within a low barrier, voluntary services housing program model; and 2) Process the emotional impact of the work to prevent advocate burn out which can often lead to staff abuse of power. This session will examine the role of DASH’s Clinical Director and Chemical Addictions Specialist staff to promote trauma informed advocacy with a diverse population of survivors and their families.

The goal is that delegates to the conference will leave with an enhanced understanding of how a management structure that centers on intensive supervision and support of the non-professional/ advocate staff can minimize compassion fatigue and increase staff retention. Delegates will also learn how having a Clinical Director, Chemical Addictions Specialist and other staff specialists can provide a space within the organization for on-going professional development, program innovation and individual growth.

DASH resident children offer flowers of welcome to Danish Princess Mary

During this historic world conference DASH is hosting shelter tours for program operators and city administrators from New York City, advocates from East Timor, and officials from the US Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. Conferences such as this one provide DASH with the imperative opportunity to share in our unique approach and best practices. We remain committed to domestic and sexual violence survivor services that are informed by innovation, survivor autonomy and respect, and delivering the best possible outcomes for program participants. We are happy to also learn from our colleagues around the world – a DASH program participant (the child of a survivor in our housing) today presented the Danish princess, one of the conference attendees, with flowers as welcome to the United States.

Thanks to NNEDV and the GNWS for the energy and vision required to put an event like this together.

Spotlight on Allies in Change Awardees: Dr. Kathleen Maloy and Heather Burns

On March 28th, DASH will hold its Allies in Change luncheon, honoring individuals who have supported and amplified the organization’s work to provide relief to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,through emergency and long-term safe housing, and innovative homelessness prevention services. We are doing a series of interviews of our awardees beforehand to share a bit more about them. This blog focuses on Dr. Kathleen Maloy and Heather Burns of the Live to Give Charitable Trust Fund, a philanthropic endeavor established to make strategic and catalytic gifts that support community oriented efforts focused on promoting social justice, equity and human rights. Dr. Maloy speaks to us here on behalf of Live to Give. Remember to buy your tickets to the luncheon here!

Dr. Kathleen Maloy and Heather Burns, Live to Give Charitable Trust Fund

“We learned about DASH from our good friend Jane Pittman who prepared a short film for DASH. We were so impressed during our conversation with Peg Hacskaylo, DASH founder and ED, about the DASH philosophy and programs to support women and their families leaving domestic violence. This inspired us to contribute support to DASH and to the building that can provide a safe and healing haven for women and their families.

Both Heather and I grew up in New England but have lived in DC for last two decades. We both are committed to supporting organization that contribute to creating healthier communities for vulnerable populations, especially women and their families.

We think that services like the ones that DASH offers, i.e., services that support that availability of safe and peaceful spaces where women and their families can start to recover from the experiences of domestic violence at their own pace and in accordance with their own needs are very important. Too often the deep impact of experiencing domestic violence is not understood.

Heather and Kathleen at Habitat for Humanity build in Egypt, 2010

Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, as well as the frequency of insecurity and uncertainty for women and their families, it is so important to expand programs and services that secure safety and peace for women and their families. The long-lasting impact on children mean that these program and services are key to securing the future for our country.

We love DASH and the principles that DASH stands for.”

Dr. Kathleen Maloy has worked for 30 years to improve the lives of low-income and vulnerable populations by engaging in research, policy, and advocacy focused on health equity and social justice. Her expertise include Medicaid, Medicare, healthcare financing reform, state health and mental health policy, intersection of health and public health policy, and the social determinants of health.

Heather Burns recently retired as the Senior Vice President with Booze Allen Hamilton, having successfully led the firm’s health care business. Since leaving Booze Allen, Heather and partner Kathleen Maloy have created the Live To Give Charitable Trust Fund. She is also the Executive Producer of In Your Hands, a film about two people’s journey to reintegrate into society after incarceration.

Thank you, Live to Give!

Spotlight on our Staff: LaToya Young

LaToya Young, DASH Housing Resource and Training Manager

Since 2007, LaToya Young has worked as the Housing Resource & Training Manager at the District Alliance for Safe Housing in Washington, DC. A native Washingtonian, she works with survivors and service providers – some people coming for assistance directly from the street, some who are referred to DASH. She also works with DASH’s innovative program, the Empowerment Project, where she connects with landlords and realtors to help them understand domestic violence and consider partnering with DASH in locating affordable, safe housing for clients. Additionally, she leads a host of different kinds of trainings for DASH.

Young works with all new domestic violence advocates in the District through the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She teaches these newcomers about the local and federal protections that survivors have under the Violence Against Women Act, and helps new advocates get acclimated to the work and the field. Through DASH, she also leads a DV 101 class on the barriers that domestic violence survivors face, and how individuals and communities can support them. DASH and the Housing Resource Center also point housing programs and staff to Young’s trainings, showing people what is available for survivors and pointing out emerging options.

Interally, she trains all DASH staff on housing resources and process. People know of Young and DASH’s work through community outreach and education, as she and other staff regularly attend a host of community meetings. There have also been a lot of referrals to lead service providers to Young. Requests for training are also made through the DASH website. “People are fascinated by how DASH works, and want to learn more,” says Young.

But what makes DASH so different in terms of its community work to address domestic violence? “It is really the culture,” Young explains. “We have few barriers – really none – for survivors interested in accessing our services. We allow survivors to be self-governing. We know that when given the chance, these clients can make good decisions, and are not interested in taking that power away from them. Power was already taken from them in the abuse, and we don’t want to do that again as an organization.”
Before coming to DASH, Young worked for three years at a “Housing First” organization, helping chronically mentally ill people to secure permanent housing. It gave her the expertise she is currently able to use in her work with DASH. She is very passionate about her work with survivors.

“What I also love about DASH is that while we are new in the field of dv prevention, we are very open to learning from and helping others in the movement and the field,” Young shares. “We are also committed to learning from survivors and working with them to help break the cycle of violence and create healthy lives. We are unique in how we as a staff come to understand social and economic justice, and how we commit, as a staff, to learning and growing.”

Contact DASH for more information on participating in one of Ms. Young’s trainings.

Spotlight on Our Supporters: MOI

DASH is grateful for its network of supporters, and will be featuring interviews with those companies, foundations and businesses. Today, the spotlight is on MOI, a full service furniture dealership, and an interview with Jennifer Ives.

1. How did MOI first find out about DASH and how did you decide to become such a strong corporate partner?

We first learned about DASH from a previous team member, Carolyn Franco. Carolyn and I discussed doing an Art show to raise funds for DASH and to show off our industry artistic talents. MOI has always been involved in the community. This year we are moving to a more structured Corporate Social Responsibility.

2. What has it been like working with DASH so far?

It’s been wonderful. MOI and DASH have built a strong relationship. The passion that the team at DASH have for the mission has driven engagement from MOI’s team – the grass roots enthusiasm has been shown through the gifts and donations we were able to collect during the holidays.

3. Does MOI have a history of other community partnerships?

Yes, through both financial and in-kind donations. We also have a history of employees donating their time and effort through collective ventures like the Real Estate game for JDRF and Habitat for Humanity. We frequently team our efforts with manufacturing partners for donations.

4. What were some of the values you wanted to bring from your company in this partnership?

MOI’s core values expressed with our mission statement; Agility, Accountability, Growth, Excellence, and Commitment. We believe DASH supports and drives these for their clients, making it a natural partnership.

5. What would you like DASH residents to experience when they come to stay?

We would like the new DASH residents to feel safety, peace of mind and hope for the future.
6. What would you hope other businesses and corporations would do to invest in safe housing for the District?
MOI hopes for awareness followed by action.
7. What are you looking forward to in your relationship with DASH coming up?

We are looking forward to building awareness and support for the cause of safe housing and safe lives. We are also looking forward to increased exposure for MOI through this partnership.

Thank you so much, MOI! DASH appreciates you!

Donate to DASH today! Your support empowers survivors and their families across the DC region.