Beyond Abuse is excited to announce that Animal Assisted Therapy will be utilized in conjunction with our current therapy programs starting in May 2016. A big thanks to Jessica Bell for spearheading this effort. The staff and handler/animal teams (see below) have been busy preparing for months. More details coming soon.
Pictured above:
Top row, left to right: Beth Wood and Brenda; Patsy Sirman, Tess and Brook. Bottom row: Carol Scales and Chase
Victim Services Manager, Elizabeth Wise, participated in Self Regional Healthcare’s Competency Fair held March 16,2016. She provided info on services and the vital role our organization plays when responding to victims of sexual assault.
L to R: Marlena Clary, RN, BSN Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE)at Palmetto Health Richland; Elizabeth Wise, Beyond Abuse Victim Services Manager; and Anne Mckibbin, PhD, RN Statewide FNE Coordinator
We at Beyond Abuse are plowing right into 2016 and capitalizing on the momentum we have gained in our awareness campaigns and strengthened relationships with our business partners.
Our program operating metrics have increased in almost every area for the Calendar year 2015 as compared to 2014. Child intakes are up 21%, Forensic Interviews have increased 17%, Initial Assessments are up 9%, and Counseling sessions have increased 21%. Education and Outreach Programs saw a participant increase of 48%. Our volunteer recruitment is up 40%! The staff has been amazing at handling this demand!
We continue to evaluate and address the need for our services in the counties we serve. We are exploring the possibility of expanding our services in Laurens County and provide a more convenient location for our clients and MDT partners. We are looking for a low cost expansion space, so let us know if you are aware of any buildings that may suit our needs.
Our Animal Assisted Therapy program (funded by our friends at SPF), led by Jessica Bell, is in full swing. Handler/animal teams are now being trained along with our therapists and we should be offering AAT to clients in May.
Our Engaging Men in Prevention Campaign is wrapping up its first year. Men will now be challenged to continue this important awareness campaign and be armed with an awareness “toolkit” to help them share valuable information about ending violence against women and children. Visit the website at www.ShowYourStrengthGWD.org to take the pledge and learn how you can get involved.
Eaton Corporation awarded the agency a generous grant to translate all agency material into Spanish and then print and share via community outreach events. This initiative is being led by Charlotte Ehney. Our first outreach event was held in December at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where we were able to share information about our services to approximately 900 Hispanics.
And, if all of the above is not enough, we are now in the midst of planning for our 2nd annual, Dancing with the Greenwood Stars. Last year this event gave a tremendous awareness boost for the agency as well as raised some much needed funds. Visit our event website: www.GWDSTARS.com for more information.
Remember that April is SAAM – Sexual assault Awareness month as well as Child abuse prevention month. To support this initiative we have planned a full slate of activities in and around Greenwood County including a collaborative training session with area law enforcement agencies on Sexual Assault Response. See our calendar of events inside the newsletter for a full list of activities.
Finally, I am excited to tell you that The Advocacy Club, our newly created donor recognition program, raised over $5000 for the agency in 2015. Donors were recently recognized at a luncheon held at the newly refurbished Inn on the Square in beautiful downtown Greenwood. Please continue to remember us in your donations and gift giving plans. Any gesture of kindness, regardless of how small, does make a difference.
Thank you all for your continued support.
New Peer-Support Service Accessible to Spanish-Speaking Survivors
Para leer en español, haga clic aquí.
Spanish Helproom open Wednesdays and Saturdays
(February 10, 2016) – A brand-new peer-support service is available today as part of RAINN’s commitment to supporting Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual assault. La Sala de Ayuda is a confidential chat room service that offers survivors another way to get help and support. Last year, the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline launched Spanish hotline services at rainn.org/es. RAINN’s top content is also now available in Spanish to offer survivors important information about things like the rape kit process and how to spot child abuse.
La Sala de Ayuda (Help Room), is similar to a group chat service. Up to 10 survivors will take part in each group session, which is moderated by a RAINN staff member. Participants decide as a group what topics to focus on during the session.
“The addition of a group-based service means that survivors and their loved ones can better understand that they are not alone,” said Candice Lopez, program manager for the National Sexual Assault Hotline. “We know that a group setting can help survivors connect with others to strengthen self-confidence, increase resiliency and promote individual healing.”
La Sala de Ayuda, like all of RAINN’s other services, is designed with privacy and safety top-of-mind: no chats are saved, and no IP addresses are stored. Participants can leave at any time, and can also messages the moderator privately with a question or concern.
Josue Melendez, a moderator for La Sala de Ayuda, says of RAINN’s newest service, “It provides the space to speak about your experience, and receive knowledge that can benefit [survivors] in the road to recovery. Sometimes the Spanish community may not have support from family when it comes to sexual assault. La Sala de Ayuda gives you hope that you are not alone.”
Anyone impacted by sexual violence can join La Sala de Ayuda on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 pm to 9 pm ET. La Sala de Ayuda is made possible through a Vision 21 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org, y en español: rainn.org/es.
About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.
La Sala de Ayuda (“Helproom”) was created by RAINN under #2014-XV-BX-K005, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this press release are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
We are excited about a new program that trains our volunteers for Front Office support. This is an excellent way for anyone who would like to help at the agency in a capacity other than crisis response. Please contact Elizabeth our Victim Services Manager for more information.
L to R: Lander Student Zoe Johnson, Elizabeth Wise, VSM, and Lander Student Dallas Thompson
Congratulations to the January 2016 graduates of Beyond Abuse’s strenuous 25 hour training program.
L to R Back Row – Zach Bowens, Leanna Riddle, Jamie Teague; L to R Front Row – Brittany Bush, Brittany Holbrook, and Stefanie Payne; Not Pictured: Susan Clarke
The Advocacy Club held it’s first annual Donor recognition luncheon on Tues. January 26, 2016 at the Inn On the Square in Greenwood, SC. The “Wall of Honor” plaque was unveiled honoring donors throughout the community for their financial support of the programs and services offered by the agency. Pictured below are some of the attendees at the luncheon.
Capsugel Supply Chain colleagues recently volunteered at the agency to paint our newly converted Animal Assisted Therapy “meet and greet” room where our clients will be introduced to the handler/animal team that will be participating as part of their therapy. Many thanks from the staff and clients for your support of our programs. Shown below are: Pauline, Debbie, and Andy
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