December 2011
Dec. 13th
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Open House on December 12th! If you couldn’t make it, feel free to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you’d like to hear more about our new Hillsboro Family Advocacy Center!
Dec. 8th
Our Open House and Grand Opening of the new Hillsboro Family Advocacy Center is just around the corner, happening Monday, Dec. 12th, 4:30pm-6:30pm. See the article in the Oregonian about the the event!
November 2011
Domestic Violence Resource Center is featured in The Oregonian’s Season of Sharing Wishbook! In the article, one of our clients in our Counseling Program speaks about her experience with abuse, and the support she’s gotten from our agency. You can read the article here.
June 2011
June 16
Actor and father Daniel Baldwin filed at Restraining Order against his wife this month in Clackamas County, bringing attention to the fact that men too can be victims of domestic violence, despite the common myth that they are not. Our Executive Director La Donna Burgess spoke with a reporter from KOIN 6 about the issue.
You can read more about this story here.
May 2011
May 28
Read all about intern graduation, garden partnerships and our trip to Salem in our May 2011 eNewsletter!
March/April 2011
March 31
In March and April’s monthly eNewsletter, read about room sponsorships and family nights at shelter, future collaborations this summer, and how indulging in a strawberry shortcake over Mother’s Day weekend can support your local domestic violence agencies!
February 2011
February 25
February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Check out the February’s eNewsletter to learn how two Riverdale High School students are educating their peers about teen dating violence, and what you can do to support those who may be affected by dating violence.
January 2011
January 18
“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,” Dr. Martin Luther King once wrote. This month, we reflect on our human connectedness, and the need for awareness and action in our community. Read more in our January Newsletter.
December 2010
December 21
Read about our new dog runs at shelter, a project spearheaded by the Washington County Animal Protection Multi-Disciplinary Team, as well as holiday gift ideas and volunteer projects in this month’s December Newsletter!
November 2010
November 30
Need some fun holiday gift ideas or want to learn how to support Domestic Violence Resource Center during the holidays? Read this month’s November Champion eNewsletter to learn about the fabulous products we are selling and holiday giving opportunities!
October 2010
October 29
Our October Champion eNewsletter is now available! Learn what’s going on during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
September 2010
September 20
Another tragedy in Tigard over the weekend. Best wishes to Dorene and Ms. Kay for a safe recovery.
September 18
Read about our annual event and current needs at Shelter in September’s Champion eNewsletter.
September 2
Tragedy in Tigard. Husband shoots his wife in front of his wife’s mother, then himself, leaving two-year-old to grow up without her parents. Including the Njus’s, 16 lives were taken by domestic violence in Washington County in the last 10 months. Please help keep your friends, families and yourself safe—reach out for help. Not sure? Read about the warning signs of abuse here. Or, come out to our Friends & Family class (.pdf link) the first and second Thursday of every month to learn more. Studies show that it’s access to support and resources that make the difference for survivors: so please reach out to one another, and to our advocates and counselors here! We’re here to help. 24-Hour Crisis Line 503.469.8620 | Toll Free 1.866.469.8600
August 2010
August 6
Check out our August Champion eNewsletter announcing Autumn Affair and other exciting news!
July 2010
July 15 The July Champion eNewsletter is available. Our Executive Director responds to recent tragedies and the agency considers possible ramifications of the recent Supreme Court ruling.
June 2010
June 21
Another fatal domestic violence murder-suicide in Hillsboro, last Thursday night at a local restaurant. Our condolences and support to the friends and family who lost loved ones. If you know someone who is in a domestic violence relationship (or maybe you aren’t sure), know that we have an informational class/group on the first and second Thursday of every month. Here’s the flyer with more information. Join us. Together we must break the cycle of violence.
June 10
We’re covered in the Hillsboro Argus: “The Domestic Violence Resource Center is the only program of its kind in Oregon to offer free counseling for children who experience or witness domestic violence, said Gettings.” Full article permalinked here.
June 3
“At the time of leaving Monika’s House I felt sad, but yet at the same time excited about going to my next place, a step forward towards reaching my goals! When I think of this special House, I will always have good reflections about my experiences there; of what I learned and whom I met; and most important of all—of what I took from there…” Read more in our June Champion eNewsletter.
May 2010
May 28
Do you suspect a loved one isn’t safe? Come out to our informational class that repeats every first and second Thursday starting June 3rd for friends and family.
May 6
Our May Champion eNewsletter shows off Monika’s House Shelter Spring make-over thanks to Leadership Beaverton! You can also read about the award our advocate recently received, and recognition of this year’s group of rock star interns.
May 5
Don’t forget! This weekend is the annual Strawberry Shortcake Benefit organized by the Soroptimists with New Seasons to benefit local domestic violence shelters. Visit a New Seasons near you between 12 and 4 PM this Saturday and Sunday!
Don’t forget to visit our newsletter archive for important news and updates not displayed on this page!
April 2010
April 12
The April eNewsletter is now online! Read about domestic violence in the news and a feature on our children’s services.
March 2010
February 2010
February 3
Thank you to all of our amazing donors for stepping up this holiday season. Read about their support, and learn about our upcoming 40-hour training in February’s Champion eNewsletter.
January 2010
January 26
Guest Article by Aaron Crawford, friend of Sheena Mendoza, “Losing One of Our Own”
January 11
Read our January 2010 eNewsletter to learn more about the Sheena Mendoza Memorial Tournament and to see our update on our annual appeal and other holiday support.
January 7
This just in! Make-your-own puppet kits put together by survivors at Monika’s House Shelter to help people nurture their relationships with their children & raise money for the Survivor Empowerment Fund.
December 2009
December 16
Our December Champion eNewsletter is online now! Read more for proof that Santa Claus exists.
December 10
Lori & Martin Rausch are featured in the Oregonian for their generous donation of a refurbished home to the Domestic Violence Resource Center! Executive Director, “Burgess said the center is excited for this opportunity to reach out to victims of domestic violence in a new way and provide transitional housing that is often hard to come by.”
December 4
The Hillsboro Argus draws attention to the greater need for community dialogue about domestic violence: “We have to lift this veil of secrecy,” Burgess said. “Let them know they have the human right to have a safe and healthy relationship.” The Argus also profiles a survivor who won back her life: “It took almost a decade for her to do the almost impossible, to escape - unlike the women who have dominated recent headlines when they lost their lives.” An inspiring and courageous story.
November 2009
November 25
The Beaverton Valley Times features the issue of domestic violence and reminds people that they can get help—they aren’t alone. But it’s not just about those people in the relationship—domestic violence is a community-wide concern. “The important thing we as a community can do is bring to light that domestic violence is a community issue, not a private issue – it’s something we all need to talk about, not sweep under the rug,” Keefe [Development Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Resource Center] said.
November 15
Thank you to the Washington County Rotary for sponsoring a bedroom at Monika’s House Shelter! Read more in our November Champion eNewsletter…
October 2009
October 26
Check us out on youtube—Regence Group created a feature video on domestic violence and interviewed our program. Thank you to Regence for helping to build awareness about domestic violence in our community!
September 2009
September 24
“It’s just an amazing expansion for us in a time when most agencies are experiencing a decrease in services,” said La Donna Burgess, executive director of the DVRC. Read about our move in today’s Beaverton Valley Times! “We just want to make it as easy as possible to get survivors help.”
September 18
Read the September eNewsletter to read survivor testimonials and all about upcoming events during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
September 16
A huge thank you to the Mary Kay Foundation for awarding a $20,000 grant to the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s Monika’s House Shelter! We appreciate your support.
September 8
“Some are drawn by the Children’s Intervention Program, which is the only place in the state that offers free counseling, play therapy and support groups to children who have witnessed domestic violence, Keefe said. That program will now be located at the new Beaverton site on Southwest Cedar Hills Boulevard.” Thank you to the Oregonian for helping us to get the word out on our free and bilingual services!
August 2009
August 31
Thanks to everyone who came out for Community Partner Day. We hope that your respective non-profits can put to good use the furniture and goods we no longer need.
August 12
We’re included in an Oregonian article about non-profit collaborations, which are “particularly important now, as the recession leads to shrinking donations and swelling cries for help… It is especially needed in Washington County, which has relied more than some other populous counties on nonprofit partners.” Our Champion Restaurant Tour was featured as a way for non-profits to partner with local businesses to build support and funds. Thanks to the Oregonian for featuring our Tour!
August 5
Read our August eNewsletter for a heart-warming story from our Children’s Intervention Program and for more information on upcoming events this month and next regarding our expansion of in-person services! Non-profits in search of office goods—this newsletter is for you! Community members looking to clean out your closets? Read on!
July 2009
July 28
We’re expanding to Beaverton! We’ll be ready to provide services in-person to survivors in Beaverton on Tuesday, September 8th. Help us raise money for this move by getting involved with our Community Garage Sale fundraiser on Saturday, September 26th, at Sonrise Church! Clean out your closets for a good cause, then come see what treasures you might be missing at the garage sale. Email Tracie at traciew (at) dvrc-or (dot) org for more information.
July 8
The July 2009 Champion eNewsletter is now available! Including: Survivor Story: Joseph’s Perseverance Despite Trauma & Discrimination | Last Stop on Champion Restaurant Tour this Thursday, July 9th | J. Jill partners with the Domestic Violence Resource Center | St. Andrew Legal Clinic’s Creative Fundraiser | Sponsor Autumn Affair 2009!
June 2009
June 26
With the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation, Oregon is one of the states suffering most from the recession. This increased economic hardship has drawn the attention of Human Rights Watch, who after researching the economic downturn in Oregon and its effects, wrote this letter to urge the Oregon State Legislature to “preserve desperately needed funds for emergency shelter and other services” (full story link) for those fleeing domestic violence. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 19,996 requests for shelter from domestic and sexual violence went unmet in 2008, a 36-percent increase over 2007.
June 16
We’re hiring! Passionate about helping survivors of domestic violence? Want to advocate for them at the Washington County Courthouse? Bilingual in Spanish and English? Really awesome? The position is open and we’re now accepting applications!
June 2
Read our June Champion eNewsletter to learn about a recent shelter client’s triumph over tragic odds this month, awesome community partners, and upcoming events.
June 1
June 2 eat at California Pizza Kitchen with this flyer and 20% of the proceeds benefit the Domestic Violence Resource Center!
May 2009
May 14
We are honored to be awarded with $14,000 by the Spirit Mountain Community Fund to support our project to build capacity to increase employee retention and improve service delivery for 2009-2010!
May 8
Please read our May Champion eNewsletter to find out about Mother’s Day at Monika’s House Shelter and to read a fond farewell to Sheryl Rindel, Family Violence Intervention Program Director since 2001.
April 2009
April 24
This Tuesday, April 28th, at the Public Services Building Cafeteria (155 N. 1st Ave.) in Hillsboro, OR, is the Annual Crime Victims’ Rights Week Fundraising BBQ from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (BBQ lunch is just $5). All proceeds go to the Emergency Services Fund for Washington County crime victims. Questions? Call (503) 846-8671.
April 6
Please read our April Champion eNewsletter to read our response to the March 16th domestic violence homicide—the first murder in Washington County this year. It takes the whole community working together to keep each other safe.
March 2009
March 30
Friday, March 27th, Hillsboro Argus: “In a widely publicized survey of 200 Boston teenagers, 46 percent answered that Rihanna was responsible for her own beating, and 44 percent thought that violent acts are typical of all relationships. That attitudes like these are so widespread shows the need for organizations like the Domestic Violence Resource Center.” Read the full article >> Thank you to the Argus for helping to build greater awareness about the cycle of domestic violence.
March 24
Join us at the 5th Annual Latino Cultural Festival in the heart of historic downtown Hillsboro. Enjoy an afternoon of food, entertainment, sports, and information (come visit our program L.A.Z.O.S.!) on Sunday, March 29 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 East Main Street, Hillsboro. The festival is free to attend and the entire community is welcome to join the fun and festivities.
March 18
The March 17th, 2009, 5:30 PM KOIN Local 6 Newscast covers the tragic murder of Nabintu Kelekele Kalamba by her husband on 3/16/09. KOIN asks La Donna Burgess, our Executive Director, what people can do if their friends or family are in a domestic violence relationship. Contact us to make a safety plan or talk to our advocates on our 24 hour crisis line (503.469.8620). If the community works together, we can empower everyone to have safe and healthy relationships.
March 10
The March 2009 Champion eNewsletter is now available! Including: Domestic Violence Resource Center Presents Personal Safety Program at Fern Hill Elementary | Autumn Affair Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available! | Adopt a Room at Monika’s House Shelter | Rihanna & Brown situation increases public awareness of domestic violence: where do we go from here? | Legislative Awareness Day in Salem
February 2009
February 25
The Domestic Violence Resource Center will be joining the Awareness Day Committee at the State Capitol in Salem, Oregon this Friday to meet with our representatives about the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (ODSVS) Fund and how it saves lives.
February 11
The February Champion eNewsletter is now online! Special thanks to the Verizon Foundation for their $9,900 grant to the Domestic Violence Resource Center outreach program. Check out the eNewsletter for more updates!
February 6
ADVOCACY ALERT! Please call your representative today! (phone list .pdf) This Tuesday, February 10th, the committee will meet to receive public comment regarding the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS). The ODSVS fund (download a fact sheet here) is the only source of general fund dollars that provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in every county in Oregon and it is a crucial piece of every domestic violence service provider’s funding. Here’s a sample advocacy letter, courtesy of Portland Women’s Crisis Line.
January 2009
January 20
Our February 4th fundraising drawing for Stalking Awareness Month is featured in the Oregonian!
January 13
The January Champion eNewsletter is now online! Read about significant changes to the Washington County justice system starting within the month thanks to the hard work of our advocates in the community.
January 8
Thank you to everyone who got involved this holiday season to support survivors in the Washington County area. Visit our Holiday 2008 page to see photos of people stepping up to make their community a safer place. The Domestic Violence Resource Center is the only agency in Washington County working specifically with victims & survivors of domestic violence, and because of the support of the community, we are able to provide free and bilingual services to thousands of people each year. Thank you for your continued support!
December 2008
December 31
A new Bureau of Justice Statistics report shows a 42-percent increase in reported domestic violence and a 25-percent increase in the reported incidence of rape and sexual assault from 2005 through 2007. Only violent crimes specifically against women by intimate partners increased. No other rate of violent crime increased in a statistically significant way.
December 16
L.A.Z.O.S. in the news! Read about our new program in El Hispanic News (page 3).
December 14
Family Violence Intervention Program Director Sheryl Rindel is interviewed in the national news article, “Holidays: A Time To Be Aware of Domestic Violence.”
December 11
The Champion eNewsletter for December is now online. Take a look at what’s going on at the Domestic Violence Resource Center!
December 5
A Monika’s House Shelter Christmas Story: Read about Stella’s momentous journey >>
November 2008
November 25
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “The economic costs of domestic violence in the United States alone exceed more than $5.8 million each year.” Read more >>
November 18
There are many ways to help this holiday season. Please look at the current list of needs at Monika’s House Shelter and see if your resources can provide a solution!
November 12
Hot off the presses: the November 2008 eChampion Newsletter
Now Accepting Applications: Spring 2009 New Media & Marketing Internship
November 2
Many survivors of domestic violence are afraid to vote due to concerns about compromising their safety. These are valid concerns. However, there are ways that survivors can safeguard their information from public voter rolls when registering to vote. Visit this website for more information and links to forms you might need.
October 2008
October 10
Come see us at the Beaverton Farmers Market tomorrow from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm!
October 1
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Check out our upcoming events and see how you can get involved! Wear your support for safe and healthy relationships for all by purchasing a shirt or sticker! NEW ITEM: Purchase The Good Home Cookbook: More Than 1000 Classic American Recipes by Richard J. Perry for a suggested donation of $20 and support the cause of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
July 2008
July 1
We’ve closed another fiscal year. Thank you for your support! Read more.
June 2008
June 10
The 11th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
May 2008
May 20
The Oregon Community Foundation has renewed its support for our prevention and awareness services with a $14,000 grant to fund the program’s second year. Thank you! Read more here.
May 19
This was the Soroptimists’ week! Their Strawberry Shortcake Fundraiser brought in $1,600 in donations over the Mother’s Day weekend. And, Soroptimists against Violent Environments (SAVE) Coalition has awarded two grants to support our stalking advocacy services ($1,800) and services for children at Monika’s House Shelter ($500). Thank you!
May 6
The 10th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
May 2
The Women’s Care Foundation awarded us a grant to support the expansion of stalking advocacy services. Thank you! Read more here and here.
April 2008
April 8
The 9th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
March 2008
March 19
Leadership Council has been established! Read more.
February 2008
February 28
The 8th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
February 11
The 7th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
January 2008
January 8
The 6th issue of the Champion eNewsletter is out! Read more.
January 3
The 9th anniversary of Monika Voits’ tragic death. Monika was murdered by her husband shortly after our new shelter opened. In her memory, the shelter was later named Monika’s House Shelter.
December 2007
December 15
We established the Survivor Empowerment Fund. Read more.
December 14
The Standard Charitable Foundation expressed its support for our new domestic violence awareness, prevention, and outreach services with a $15,000 grant. Thank you! Read more.
December 11
The annual holiday / staff appreciation party was a success! The event sponsors donated product and services totaling more than $1,800. Thank you to: Beaverton Florists, Beaverton Bakery, Outback Steakhouse, Ovation Catering, Party Pros, Seneca Village Apartments, and World Cup Coffee!
November 2007
November 23
We have launched the overhauled Holiday Giving Program. Help us establish and expand the Survivor Empowerment Fund! Read more.
October 2007
October 18
With a grant from The Collins Foundation, we have expanded our stalking advocacy program. What a way to honor the Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Read more.
October 1
The National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is under way across the country, including Washington County, Oregon. Read more here and here.
September 2007
September 25
The third issue of our Champion eNewsletter is OUT! Read more.
The Oregon Alliance to End Violence against Women has published a Summary of 2007 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Legislation. Read more.
August 2007
August 29
We received a $1,500 grant from the Beaverton Rotary Foundation to launch a domestic violence resource reference library for Washington County. Thank you, Rotarians, for your support! Read more.
August 16
Resilience, our Tokyo-based partner agency led by Sachi Nakajima, a former intern, brought a delegation of Japanese advocates, volunteers, and scholars for an annual site visit. The Hillsboro Argus covered the visit. Read more.
July 2007
July 31
The first issue of our Champion eNewsletter is OUT! Read more.
July 30
Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence opened its annual conference in Hood River, Oregon. This year’s theme: Cultivating a Vision - Building a Framework to End Violence in Oregon. Thru August 2. Read more.
July 11
We have received notifications of two grant awards to support the launch and operation of the domestic violence resource library: $1,500 from the Beaverton Rotary Foundation, and $4,000 from Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program. These grants will help leverage Autzen Foundation’s support we received last month, bringing the total seed money for the library to $7,500. Thank you!
The reference library will provide the general public, professionals in our partner agencies, and our staff with information they will use to prevent domestic violence in the community. The library will serve as the County’s focal point for domestic violence books, academic journals, articles, CD-ROMs, videos/DVDs, conference materials, and online resources. The Autzen Foundation’s investment will help establish the library by purchasing said materials and low-cost shelving. As match, our agency will provide space, supplies, desk, computer with internet access, and staff to manage the library.
We are currently in the process of purchasing bookshelves and first books for the reference library. If you’d like to support the library with funds to purchase library materials, use our convenient and secure online donation process.
June 2007
June 22
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski signed today the amended Address Confidentiality Program bill. Passage of this bill helped to “clean-up” the original ACP law. The changes will have a very positive impact on ACP participants. Read more.
June 5
We received a $2,000 grant from the Autzen Foundation to establish a domestic violence resource library, the first of a kind in Washington County.
The reference library will provide the general public, professionals in our partner agencies, and our staff with information they will use to prevent domestic violence in the community. The library will serve as the County’s focal point for domestic violence books, academic journals, articles, CD-ROMs, videos/DVDs, conference materials, and online resources. The Autzen Foundation’s investment will help establish the library by purchasing said materials and low-cost shelving. As match, our agency will provide space, supplies, desk, computer with internet access, and staff to manage the library. Thank you!
May 2007
May 29
We are excited to announce the launch of our new domestic violence awareness and prevention project. At the project’s core is Shanya Luther, Community Outreach Coordinator, who will serve as a facilitator between our agency’s and our community’s resources. She will raise public awareness through presentations, trainings and other outreach, and cultivate public engagement in raising awareness through the coordination of volunteers. Funding for this program has been generously provided by the Oregon Community Foundation. Thank you!
Shanya will be available for presentations from July 2007; you can reach her at 503.640.5352 x305.
May 25
We have received a Dollars for Partners Grant from Macy’s Northwest. A group of employees from Macy’s Streets of Tanasbourne in Hillsboro, part of Macy’s Partners in Time Employee Volunteer Program, came out earlier this year, in March, to paint the adult and children’s counseling rooms at our business office. To encourage and recognize this community involvement of its associates, Macy’s Northwest donated a $500 grant to our agency to “assist in the important work [we] do in the greater Portland community.” To link the Macy’s volunteers’ time and the results of their work to this grant, we will use the grant to purchase toys, equipment, and other supplies for the children’s rooms. Thank you!
May 19
At its annual Charity under the Stars dinner, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie and Auxiliary #4177, Cornelius, Oregon donated $1,200 for general operations. Thank you!
May 10
The 2nd Annual Open House was an overwhelming success. We showcased the services we provide to support victims and survivors of domestic violence, reinforced old connections, and made new acquaintances and friends. Thanks for coming!
May 9
We received a grant of $3,000 from the Jackson Foundation to replenish, replace and add equipment, therapeutic toys and supplies at our playrooms. The Children’s Intervention Program will see improvements in the existing playroom and the program will add another, smaller playroom. The grant will also help upgrade the playroom at Monika’s House Shelter. These improvements and expansion will boost services for children exposed to domestic violence. Thank you!
