April 2010
Rounded Rectangle: Family Justice Center 9309 N. Florida Ave. Suite #109 Tampa, Florida 33612 Phone: 813-935-2015 Fax: 813-935-2019 E-mail: info@fjchc.org Website: www.fjchc.org Hours of Operation: Monday– Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-5pm Rounded Rectangle: In This Issue: 10th Annual International Family Justice Center Conference Kookaburra Charity Package from Outback Family Justice Center Donors ABC Action News to Launce 2010 Domestic Violence Campaign April is Sexual Violence and Child Abuse Awareness Month It’s Your Turn - Make a Difference For Our Children Two FJC Partners voted ‘Tampa Bay’s Top Workplaces’! Gulf Coast Legal Responds to Haitian Earthquake Crisis FJC Monthly Partner Spotlight Safe and Together Blog FJC Volunteer Program FJC Training Academy Child Welfare and Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Sexual Abuse Intervention Network Training 2010 ‘Take Back the Night’ Community Meetings Rounded Rectangle: Family Justice Center Newsletter Text Box:  FJC Donors Fiscal Year 09-10 Quarters 1 & 2 $0 - $500 Rosemary Armstrong Brighter Tomorrows’, Inc. Alexander and Anita Caballero Embassy Suites Elita C. McMillion The Messer Family Faith Moeller National Institute of Crime Prevention, Inc. $500+ - $1000 First Baptist Church of College Hill Kenneth Lane $ 10,000+- $20,000 Verizon In-Kind Donations Brighter Tomorrows, Inc. - Gift Cards Davis Island Toy Drive - Holiday Toy Collection IBM - Office Furniture OFM Sacred Heart Church - Holiday Toy Collection Ryan Companies US, Inc. - Circus Tickets Clothing Closet Donations We thank the many individuals that have made clothing and toiletry donations to our clothing closet. During quarters 1 and 2, over 500 guests have benefited from these donations. For more information or to make a donation please e-mail the Outreach Coordinator at outreachcoord@fjchc.org . We, and those we serve, deeply appreciate your support and generosity.    FJC Featured on ABC Action News! WFTS-TV ABC Action News launched the Emmy Award winning Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Campaign on March 22nd 2010.  The 6- week campaign includes a one-hour primetime special on Friday, April23, at 8pm; special reports airing on ABC Action News March 22 – April 30th; Positively Tampa Bay interviews with local advocates on a range of topics; Public Service Announcements; and increased awareness of the station’s www.abcactionnews.com/dv website. The Family Justice Center will be highlighted on the April 23rd primetime special and the April 13th Positively Tampa Bay segment during the 12 o’clock news. Our director, Nikki Daniels will be featured on the segment, hosted by Lisette Campos to discuss FJC services and domestic violence in Hillsborough County. Way to go Nikki!     April is Sexual Violence Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month Most of us are aware that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Perhaps some of us are also cognizant of the fact April holds two very important events for recognition, as well: Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Between the ages of 7 and 15 years, as a victim of molestation by an extended family member, personal experience taught me early how child abuse can paint the picture of a future of victimization on the canvas of our minds and lives so that we tend to blindly accept abuse as a normal way of life. Personally, it painted me into a corner of fear and believing I had very little, if any value. That perception stayed with me well into adulthood. Knowing my perpetrator would be protected by family members (and probably society), I felt defeated in the midst of the ongoing battle. He repeatedly assured me that I’d be blamed. For decades the words, “It’ll be all your fault,” haunted me. Child sexual abuse ranges from voyeurism to rape and incest, with a wide spectrum in between. Most child sexual abuse is not reported out of fear – fear of repercussions such as rejection, disbelief or hearing, “She’s just a child. She has such a vivid imagination.” I was also convinced if I told anyone what was happening to me, I would be personally responsible for tearing my family completely apart, if they even believed me at all. So, silence became my ally. I hid in silence and fear, expending most of my youth attempting to keep it all a secret, while maintaining a “Merry Sunshine” persona in public, only to retreat immediately to my bedroom which was my sanctuary, sitting cross-legged in bed, trying to come up with a plan to avoid the next occurrence of victimization and molestation. Statistics reveal to us the following: 1.       60% of teens who become pregnant were sexually abused as children (Briere, 1989) 2.       95% of teen prostitutes were sexually abused (Jennings, 2001) 3.       32% of convicted killers in the U.S. were sexually abused as children (Blake in Jennings, 2001) 4.       The chances of being caught for a sexual offense (of all kinds – exhibitionism, voyeurism, adult rape and child molestation) are 3%! (Anna Salter, PhD, 2003) The fourth statistic alone surely gives victims more reason to bear a “Keep silent” attitude about the perpetration taking place against them. Why fight it, with a 3% chance of receiving justice? Since only 1 out of 10 child sexual abuse victims in the United States speak out and tell of the crimes against them, I can’t help but wonder how many thousands of us are still out there shrouded in silence, too afraid to speak. There’s a very fine line. The victim has to take into consideration how much danger speaking out will bring to him/her, and if taking the risk will be worth it. I can only speak for myself. My personal liberation came at the age of 56, when I finally decided to speak out by writing my memoirs, recounting the path from child molestation to domestic violence, and ultimately, freedom from both. It was only after that when I was able to gain a sense of self-worth and speak up on behalf of others who have not yet found the place for themselves to open their mouths and talk of the traumas they have endured. So, to the best of my ability and as long as I am healthy enough to do so, I shall continue to be a voice and a face for all victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, not only sharing my own life experiences, but helping others find resources and organizations available to help them discover freedom, as well. I now know I am worth it. YOU are worth it, too. Silence is not always so golden. * Carolyn S. Hennecy is the author of ORANGE BLOSSOM WISHES: Child Molested, Woman Abused – Her Victorious Journey to Freedom, who works actively as a spokesperson and advocate for sexual abuse and domestic violence awareness. She is also a weekly featured blogger for Everyday Health at http://www.everydayhealth.com/blogs/emotional-wellbeing . More information can be found on her website – http://www.orangeblossomwishes.com .   It’s Your Turn - Make a Difference for our Children The Keeping Kids Safe Partnership is launching the Prevent Child Abuse America’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” Campaign. This Public Awareness campaign is designed to shift the focus from the problem of child abuse to the solution of effective supportive resources for all parents who will ultimately prevent child abuse from occurring. The campaign hopes to educate Floridians about the important role a community plays in a child’s development. This years theme, “It’s your Turn”, is about becoming actively involved in strengthening your community. The campaign is built around the symbol of the pinwheel. Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting symbol of childhood that conveys a message that every child deserves the opportunity to be raised in a healthy, safe environment. Even in the best of circumstances, parenting is a difficult job. Florida Families have been dramatically impacted by social trends which has lead to many children living in homes where single parenting, self-medicating, strained relationships and finances is more common. And, a host of all of these challenges makes it difficult for parents to meet their needs without the support of a friend, neighbor, or another community resource. Join us as a partner for prevention both from your home and your place of business beginning on April 1st and throughout the Month of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Here are ways you can show your support. Get children involved by coloring pinwheels using the pattern attached and display them throughout your neighborhood/agency. As a business, display a pinwheel garden in front of your facility to represent the number of children’s lives you touch on a daily basis. Request and Display a “Pinwheels for Prevention” poster to share the message and pass on information to parents of the resources in the community. Conduct a “Promises for Parents” Campaign. This is a pledge campaign that solicits promises, asking individuals to pledge to do something tangible to help, support or ease the job of parents. (See attached overview of the campaign) Attend the Temple Terrance City Council meeting (11250 N. 56th Street) on April 6th at 6:00 pm to show your support for a Proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention month and to strengthen “Pinwheels for prevention” campaign. Attend the Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 7th at 9:00am to show your support for a Proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention month and to strengthen “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign Attend the Plant City Council meeting (302 W. Reynolds Street) on April 12th at 7:30pm to show your support for a Proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention month and to strengthen “The Winds of Change” campaign. Please log on to www.childrensboard.org and look at the community calendar to find numerous FREE community family activities throughout the year. Be sure to come out and get your copy of the “Pinwheels for Prevention” 2010 Parent Resource Booklet, posters, and other materials to distribute to families in which you reach. Remember, It’s your turn!   Two FJC Partner Agencies voted Tampa Bay’s Top 60 Workplaces! St. Petersburg Times / Tampabay.com March 21, 2010 FJC partner agencies , DACCO and Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. were voted two of Tampa Bay’s top 60 workplaces! Workplace Dynamics, survey partner with the St. Petersburg Times, invited 914 Tampa Bay area companies to participate and surveyed 111 of them. The surveyed companies employ 42,424 people in the Tampa Bay area. The employees have spoken: Despite tough times they love their workplaces. Tough times cement loyalty. Leadership matters. Respect and fairness are valued. And a fulfilling work life starts with a baseline of good pay and benefits, but to make this list, companies also had to convey a sense of direction -- employees had to believe in the company's mission. Both DACCO and BALS have shown that not only do they do amazing work, but that their employee’s love what they do. Congratulations DACCO and BALS for being invaluable resources in our community!   Gulfcoast Legal Services, Inc. Responds to Haiti Earthquake Crisis The Immigration Unit at GLS has responded to the Haitian crisis caused by the January earthquake, by starting a program to help Haitian immigrants with filing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was authorized by an emergency ruling by the U.S. State Department. In addition to Peterson St. Philippe, Equal Justice Fellow already on staff, GLS has added Clair St. Jacques and Valdine Heck to assist with the project. All three are fluent in Creole and have extensive experience working with the Haitian community living in the Tampa Bay area. TPS allows Haitians living the United States to get work authorization on a temporary basis. This will enable those Haitians living here without other immigration status to help their family members back in Haiti.  Enrollment for TPS is open through July 20, 2010.  For more information, please call 727-821-0726 ex. 376 or toll free 1-800-230-5920 ext. 376 for an appointment. *The program is funded in part by an emergency fund grant of The Florida Bar Foundation  FJC Partner Council Spotlight  The FJC ‘Partner Spotlight’ for the month of March was Wheels of Success. Wheels of Success was founded in 2003; to date, the agency has provided 329 vehicles and an additional 315 car-related services to families to prevent their lives from skidding out of control. Wheels of Success is the only 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Tampa Bay dedicated to providing a full range of personal transportation solutions to keep people working and to sustain their independence. This includes vehicle replacement, car repair and licensing, car payment and down payment assistance to low and moderate income families. WOS client success story was of Tannia (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) who was in a troubled and abusive relationship). For her safety and the safety of her child, she knew she had to leave her abuser, but this also meant leaving behind her home and most of her possessions. Tannia sought assistance from The Family Justice Center and The Spring of Tampa Bay. She was able to start her life over with employment assistance, shelter and legal advice provided by the FJC and its partner agencies. Because abusers often exert control over their victims by denying them access to basic resources, like a car, she was also referred to Wheels of Success. Tannia recently received a new-to-her vehicle from Wheels of Success, and it has given her a sense of empowerment. She is no longer isolated from family and friends, and she has reliable transportation to get to work and to continue her education. Her vehicle is a key component in rebuilding her life and stopping the cycle of abuse. Thank you, Wheels of Success for all the work that you do! WOS invites you to join them at their 4th Annual R.A.C.E. (Recognition & Appreciation for our Champions Event) Luncheon & Hub Cap Awards. Please also join them in congratulating Nikki Daniels on receiving Wheels of Success’s Community Champion award. The R.A.C.E. luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 27 from noon – 1:15 pm at the A La Carte Event Pavilion. For details, please contact Susan Jacobs at info@wheelsofsuccess.org or 813-490-9443. More information can also be found on their website: www.wheelsofsuccess.org.   Safe and Together Blog: Shifting the paradigm where domestic violence, child maltreatment and child welfare meet For  over a decade David Mandel has been working with child welfare systems around the country to improve their response to domestic violence cases.  During that time he developed the Safe and Together model. His blog is dedicated to the ideas underpinning that model: Child welfare systems cannot achieve their core mission of safety, permanency and well-being of children without being competent and skillful in their response to domestic violence That the interests of domestic violence survivors and child welfare are in significant alignment: reducing or eliminating the safety and risk concerns posed by batterers. That child welfare systems need to develop their capacities and competencies to intervene more effectively with domestic violence perpetrators. In this blog he explores these ideas and the Safe and Together model that provides a practical and concrete approach to improving the response of child welfare to the risk and safety concerns presented by batterers.   He provides practical tips and ideas for policy and practice.  To view the ‘Safe and Together’ Blog please click the link below. http://endingviolence.com/blog/ * taken from the Safe and Together: Shifting the paradigm where domestic violence, child maltreatment and child welfare meet blog by David Mandel   FJC Volunteer Program Are you interested in volunteering at the Family Justice Center? The Family Justice Center is always looking for people who are willing to share their time and service to help us to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all those we serve. For more information Please contact the Outreach Coordinator, Mona Cruz at 813.490.9428 or outreachcoord@fjchc.org .  The Family Justice Center Training Academy “A Gift of Presence"  Interfaith Chaplaincy May 25th, 2010 4:30pm - 8:00pm FJC  A Gift of Presence is an Interfaith Chaplaincy Program training for clergy and lay people on the complex issues of providing spiritual support to victims of domestic violence.  This training addresses the key faith issues a domestic violence victim may be facing and teaches clergy how to offer support that focuses on safety and is victim-centered.  This training also addresses the issue of providing the Gift of Presence in a non-sectarian, non-proselytizing fashion.  This class trains clergy to serve as Chaplains in the FJC Interfaith Chaplaincy Program, although anyone of the faith community is welcome to attend.   Nuts and Bolts: The Basics of Domestic Violence Advocacy Training April 5th - 6th and May 3rd - 4th, 2010 8:30am to 5:00pm FJC ***12 CEU’s*** ***14.5 General CLE’s*** $20 suggested donation Nuts and Bolts is a four part (FJC 101, 201, 301, 401), 2-day training offered to advocates, volunteers, interns, clergy, and other community based providers who work with victims of domestic violence. Topics include, dynamics of domestic violence, safety planning, lethality assessment, confidentiality, boundaries, working with diverse populations, dating violence, and effects of domestic violence on children and adolescents.  The Child Welfare Domestic Violence Cross-System Training Series Presents: The Court System–Criminal April 14, 2010 from 1pm to 4pm Facilitators: Linda Shiflet- State Attorney’s Office, Lindsay Mueller- State Attorney’s Office and Jessica Spencer- ACTS Criminal prosecution of domestic violence and child abuse/neglect cases will be discussed, to include drug court and juvenile court.  Please Register for All FJC Trainings at: http://www.fjchc.org/public/events.html   SAIN Presents: Children with  Sexual Acting Out Behaviors  April 13th, 9 am - 11 am FJC ***2 CEU’s*** $5 SAIN is a collaboration of volunteer professionals working to reduce the incidence of child on child sexual abuse in our community through identifying, referring, supervising and treating children with sexual behavior problems. “Children with Sexual Acting Out Behaviors” is a two-hour, introductory course for professionals working with children.  This course enables participants to distinguish between healthy and problematic sexual behaviors in children.  Topics including characteristics of sexually abusive youth, definition of child sexual abuse, strategies for preventing further victimization and the legal process in Hillsborough County are also covered in this course. Please Register for All SAIN Trainings at: http://www.fjchc.org/public/events.html     Community Meetings FJC Partner Council Meetings are usually held the last Wednesday of every month. April’s meeting will be rescheduled due to the International Family Justice Center Conference. Please contact Shannon Sokolowski at: ssokolowski@fjchc.org for more information. Sexual Abuse Intervention Network (SAIN) Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be on April 21st, 2010 at 9 am at the Family Justice Center. Contact Renee Ristow at: rristow@fjchc.org with any questions. Sexual Violence Task Force Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of each month at rotating partner agencies. The next meeting will be on April 28th, 2010 at noon at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Contact Marilyn Bray at: mbray@crisiscenter.com with any questions. Child Welfare/ Domestic Violence Policy Group May 11th, at 3:00pm at the Family Justice Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org with any questions. Hillsborough County Domestic Violence Task Force Committee Meetings:  Domestic Violence Task Force May 13th, 2010 at 10:30a at the Crisis Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at ndaniels@fjchc.org for more information. Fatality Review Planning Committee ( Formerly Project L.A.U.R.A) April 22nd, 2010 at 3:00p at the Family Justice Center. Contact Roseanne Cupoli at: rocupoli@thespring.org or 813-247-5433 ext. 309 for more information. Public Policy Committee Working on DV and Child Welfare project. May 11th, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Family Justice Center. Contact Nikki Daniels at: ndaniels@fjchc.org or 813-490-9401. Community Education & Awareness Committee April 8th, 2010 at 9:00am at The Family Justice Center. Contact Donna Vento at: dmvento@thespring.org or 813-247-5433 ext. 315.  facebookRounded Rectangle: Volunteer Now! Rounded Rectangle: Donate Now! Rounded Rectangle: follow us on

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Text Box: 12 days to go! Registration is still open!  Support the Family Justice Center by purchasing a Kookaburra Charity Ticket Package Join us as TPC Tampa Bay hosts the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am April 12th-18th Phone (813) 265-4653 Fax (813) 265-4655 www.outbackproam.com Since its inception 22 years ago, this tournament has contributed over $8.4 million to Tampa Bay area charities. 100% of the money from all charity ticket packages sold will go directly to the charity that sold the package. The Kookaburra Charity Ticket Package Includes: Two (2) One Day Green-Hopper Party Passes (see description below) Four (4) Weekly Badges, tournament admittance entire week. Ten (10) One Day Passes, tournament admittance any one day. Two (2) preferred parking passes. One (1) weekday foursome of golf at TPC Tampa Bay. (Space available basis, May 3-September 23. Monday-Thursday Cart fee approx $30 + tax) One (1) Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am lapel pin. Total Investment: $500! (Retail Value: $1,000) Celebrity amateurs in the tournament! Ronde' Barber NFL CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks Former NFL LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vince Gill County Music Super Star Michael J. Fox Author, Actor, and Activist George Lopez Late Night TV Host and Actor Stone Phillips Former Dateline NBC Host Vinny Testaverde Former NFL Quarterback Joe Theismann Former NFL QB, Washington Redskins Click here to buy tickets and for more event information   It’s not too late - there’s still time to register! Tuesday, April 27, 2010 9:00 AM - Thursday, April 29, 2010 3:15 PM (Central Time) The Crowne Plaza Hotel - Riverwalk 111 East Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 USA Conference Description The three-day conference, "Dream Big. Start Small" will include discussions on issues related to the handling of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse cases and funding in the context of the Family Justice Center model. The conference faculty includes nationally & internationally recognized subject matter experts, advocates, and survivors.  For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=791193