Gift Card Christmas Tree Raffle
‘Tis the season for giving! Help us raise funds by purchasing a raffle ticket to win this mini Gift Card Christmas Tree valued over $450! Tickets are $20 each. All proceeds help us continue providing services to survivors of child abuse and sexual assault. To purchase a ticket, visit https://beyondabuse.charityproud.org/EventRegi…/Index/4859
A note from our Executive Director
I would like to express my gratitude formally and sincerely for the amazing outpouring of support Beyond Abuse has received from the community this year. When we asked for assistance with sheets for our medical maltreatment exam room and clothing for victims in the ER, you answered the call. During this pandemic, we had an ample supply of cleaning supplies and toiletries, thanks to the Greenwood American Legion, who made numerous donations throughout the year. All of your actions directly impacted the victims in our community by ensuring that the staff had the necessary materials to provide services.
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** SAVE THE DATE ** – Lip Sync Battle
Lip Sync Battle, a new fundraiser for Beyond Abuse, is rescheduled for April 6, 2024 at 7:00pm. This event will be hosted at The James Medford Family Event Center at Piedmont Technical College. We hope everyone will SAVE THE DATE for this fun night! Can’t wait to see you there.
July Volunteer Graduates
Over the last two weeks, 3 new staff, 1 new graduate intern and 1 new volunteer participated in our 27.5 hour virtual volunteer training program. Because of the current health pandemic we tried a new virtual platform (Zoom Webinar) to maintain social distancing during training. Overall, our first ever virtual training was a success
The training gives new volunteers, interns, staff, and board members a look into the ins and outs of the organization and prepares them for providing support and advocacy to victims and survivors of sexual assault and child abuse.
Please join us in congratulating them for their hard work and willingness to serve the individuals of our communities!
$5 MILLION GIFT TO FUND CAPITAL NEEDS OF ORGANIZATIONS STATEWIDE
Silent Tears on Wednesday announced a third round of grants totaling more than $1.1 million to organizations statewide that assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse, with a goal of an additional $1 million to be granted by year-end.
Six years ago, Silent Tears formed to systematically address the complex issues associated with child sexual abuse – considering best practices, the fragmented support system for victims, the culture and politics of South Carolina, and a lack of attention on the issue.
In April, Silent Tears announced a $5 million gift from the Castellani family of Greer. The commitment is funding a second phase of support for organizations that promote an end to child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence across South Carolina. This funding includes the 17 Children’s Advocacy Centers of S.C., 15 rape crisis centers, 12 domestic violence centers and 2 facilities for children impacted by maltreatment. With this third round of grants, more than $2.4 million has been gifted to-date.
“While these grants serve as significant aid to our communities’ centers, they are still small in comparison to the need, especially in the under-served and rural parts of our state,” Silent Tears director of philanthropy Kelly Nichols said. “These gifts are intended to ignite awareness and accountability of the issues in our communities, and there should be no stereotype of who should help due to an underlying stigma.”
Beyond Abuse received 63,000. Thank you, Silent Tears!
Beyond Abuse Received Grant Funding from Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF)
Beyond Abuse recently received Open Granting funding from the Greenwood County Community Foundation (GCCF) for new computers, software, printers, and a Voicestation. These items will support staff in their direct services to children and adults who are victims of physical and sexual assault.
Beyond Abuse seeks to “lead the community beyond sexual violence and child abuse through awareness, advocacy, and action”. From left, front row are: Jeff Smith, GCCF President; Tonya Harris, Beyond Abuse Executive Director; Mary Woodiwiss, GCCF Director of Grants and Projects; and Lisa Tolbert, BA Board Chair. Back row: Trentsie Williams, GCCF Board Member; and Beyond Abuse Board Members Wilson Bruce, David Harrison, Leslie Myers, Barry Putnam, and Evelyn Glenn.
Recent Happenings with Girls Club
Beyond Abuse received a grant from Greenwood Women Care to work with District 50 to provide cultural experiences for a group of select fifth grade girls! Claire Wieters, Prevention Specialist, meets with the girls weekly and discusses topics such as self-esteem, body care, respect, future goals, and leadership skills. Once a month, they go out into the community to different places for social engagements in hopes of broadening cultural understanding.
In October, the girls enjoyed Mexican food at La Hacienda. The helpful waitstaff went above and beyond and taught the girls a few Spanish words and shared some historical facts of Mexico. Many of the girls had never eaten at La Hacienda before; they were really excited and enjoyed their tacos!
In November, the girls went to volunteer at the Humane Society of Greenwood. The Humane Society tasked the Girls Club with making cat toys to help in their bonding room when a cat is adopted. Overall, the girls made over 30 handmade toys. The girls toured the facility and met with a friendly staff member who gave us information about the pet population in Greenwood County. This was a very eyeopening experience for the girls. They learned that volunteering is giving back to the community.
This month, the girls went to the Greenwood Community Theater to see the play, Madeline, and had lunch at Chick-Fil-A. As Madeline is set in Paris, they were able to learn some French words, as well as learn a bit about French culture. Attending the play was a culturally enriching experience for the girls, as many had never been to the theater or seen a play before.
Beyond Abuse wins again at Greenwood YMCA’s Fall Festival
“You’re a wizard, Harry!”…
For the third year in a row, Beyond Abuse earned the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the Greenwood Family YMCA‘s Annual Fall Festival. Beyond Abuse staff members participated in the YMCA’s annual fall festival as part of their awareness and outreach efforts. Shout out to our incredible team and their creative minds and talents!
American Legion Post 20 Donation
Our friends at American Legion Post 20 made another generous donation in addition to their consistent donation of supplies. We are so thankful to this great group of veterans for their continued support!
We are Beyond Abuse
Beyond Abuse is a 501(c)(3) organization that is working to eradicate sexual violence and child abuse in our community. Our community support is vital, and our partnerships are strong. We are making a difference, thanks to you.
Greenwood:
(864) 227-1623
contact@beyondabuse.info