Crisis Line
1-800-270-1620 or 641-673-5499

	Empowering Our Community
Volume VI, Issue 1		January 2006

[ Upcoming Events | Progress in New Counties | Pathway 2 Independence Grand Opening | Shirts and Sweatshirts For Sale | U Can 2 Sisterhood | Mom's Support Group | Little Sarah | Shelter Update | Knowledge is Power | Call United Way 211 | CIS Board Members Needed | STALKING—Know The Risk | Thank you, Lucas County, for Your Support | Volunteer Program & Upcoming Training Opportunity | Finding Your Voice Week | Purple Ribbon Auction Coming Soon | ]

Don't forget to read the Press Releases

Upcoming Events

January 18-22-Level I Advocacy Training, call today to register!
January and February-Medical Provider Training
February 14-Violence Against Women Lobby Day at Iowa Capitol
April-Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April-Volunteer Recognition Event with United Way of Mahaska County
April 1 -Purple Ribbon Auction at Bos Landen
June 3-CIS Golf Tournament at Harvest Point
June 30-CIS Golf Tournament at Bos Landen

Back to top

Progress in New Counties

Back to top

‘Pathway 2 Independence’ Grand Opening

Crisis Intervention Services is proud to announce that we have recently opened our transitional housing program in October of 2005.  Prior to holding our open house we asked for the assistance of the Oskaloosa Middle School in developing a name for our program.  The students were given a description of what the program would include and worked on their names in homeroom classes.  Mrs. Mours had the winning class with the winning name being “Pathway 2 Independence” by Shauna Long.   The winning homeroom class was rewarded with a class party and treats.  The open house where the winning name was revealed was held on Friday October 14.  We were very happy with the outcome of the open house and estimate that there were over 150 guests over a two hour period.  Our first families moved into the transitional housing apartments on Monday October 24.  The apartments are full at this time and we have started a waiting list for interested persons.

Construction was completed by Vander Wilt Builders on Friday, October 21 and we are very pleased with their hard work.  There are a total of four apartments, two two-bedrooms, one three-bedroom, and one one-bedroom.  Our one bedroom apartment is also completely handicap accessible.  To be eligible for participation in Pathway 2 Independence a person must meet the HUD definition of homelessness and be a Mahaska County resident for at least two weeks.  Priority is given to individuals who have been affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault and individuals who have the greatest barriers to achieving self-sufficiency.

Participants of Pathway 2 Independence are required to meet with their advocate three times per week.  The maximum time limit for a participant is two years; however a participant can receive supportive services for six months after they leave the program.  One of these meetings is a weekly support group called the U Can 2 Sisterhood, which is held every Monday at 2:00 p.m.  This support group is also open to the public.  If you are interested in joining the support group feel free to call us for more information.  During the other two weekly meetings with their advocate, participants work on setting realistic and achievable goals.  Participants are required to set their own goals and work towards them in a timely manner.  At least one of the weekly visits is an in-home visit.  A variety of supportive services are provided in weekly meetings including life skills training, personal advocacy, medical advocacy, child care, transportation, counseling, safety planning, etc.

Participants are also required to develop a budget and participate in a savings program.  For the savings program, participants are required to put 10 percent of their monthly income into and escrow account.  All money put into an escrow account will be returned to the client after successful completion of the program.  The money that has been saved can be used for a down payment on a house or car, deposits for apartments or utilities, or other needs identified by the participant.

Back to top

Shirts & Sweatshirts For Sale

The fundraising committee is now selling t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and hooded    sweatshirts.  They make great gifts!  If you are interested in purchasing one contact Dawn at 673-0336

Prices are:
T-shirts $15.00
Long sleeve shirt $18.00
Hooded Sweatshirt $22.00

Back to top

U can 2               

SISTERHOOD

caring and sharing is what it is all about!

This support group meets every Monday at 2:00 p.m. in a safe and confidential location.  Group members support each other in recovering from traumatic experiences and with accomplishing personal goals.  To register for the group call 673-0336.

Back to top

MOMS Support Group Available

The MOMS support group is a facilitated group that provides support for women experiencing multiple challenges to recovery. Each group is self-ruled by the women who attend the meeting. Topics cover a variety of topics such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse, self-esteem, courts, children, DHS, and any other topic that affects a woman’s recovery process. Recovery is a process that takes time and outside support because of the interaction between substance use, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse. Working on any one of these issues leaves the other two to promote relapse with substances or returning to an abusive relationship, thus failing to improve the overall health and well being of individual. The MOMS Group is not a 12-step program, but does encourage participation in support groups such as A.A. and N.A.

The Oskaloosa group currently averages between 7-14 women who share personal experiences and offer mutual support to each other. Members are in varying stages of “recovery” as some may be one day off of drugs and/or alcohol or maybe beginning to think about leaving an abusive relationship; other members may have years of clean time and have found a good relationship. The relationships go much farther than just supporting others at the group. Many have exchanged phone numbers, so support outside the meeting is just a phone call away. Members also learn accountability by holding their peers accountable for their choices and receiving feedback from their peers about themselves. Children are discussed at almost every meeting because many MOMS have their children in DHS foster care. This specific area promotes the greatest amount of compassion, love, and support among members. Those women who have successfully accomplished their goal of bringing their children back to a stable and loving home share their strength, courage, and resolve with moms who are just beginning the journey.

 The Sigourney County MOMS Group has been challenging, but there are two who claim membership. Their recovery community is not as established as Oskaloosa’s, which means that potential MOMS are even more isolated and fearful of taking the first steps towards a better way of life. CIS is currently evaluating the need to change the meeting time from Wednesday afternoon to an evening meeting in hopes of gaining more members.

 CIS has received many requests from Chariton, Knoxville, and Pella to begin MOMS Groups in those communities, and it a high priority goal for CIS to establish these groups as soon as possible. However, CIS needs volunteers to assist with this goal. Each meeting requires two facilitators, one to conduct the meeting and one to assist a woman who may need some individual time during discussions of very emotional topics. CIS needs one or two people from these communities to assist with meeting facilitation. Beyond the weekly meeting, facilitators assist members with DHS hearings, court appearances, team meetings concerning children, or just an occasional phone call from a mom needing support. The challenges are many; however, the rewards far outweigh those challenges. CIS volunteer training and MOMS Facilitator training are being scheduled for the end of January 2006.

If you are interested in this very rewarding challenge, please contact Jeff or Jackie at 641-673-5499.  There are a few requirements for this volunteer position.  The most important is the ability to help someone who has reached the depth of despair and hopelessness, pick them up and brush off the muck and mire, treat them with respect and dignity, and love them until they can love themselves.

Back to top

Little Sarah

My name is Sarah
I am but three,
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see;

I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?

I wish I were better-
I wish I weren’t ugly
Then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.

I can’t speak at all
I can’t do a wrong
Or else I’m locked up
All the day long.

When I awake
I’m all alone
The house is dark
My folks aren’t home.

When my mommy does come
I’ll try and be nice,
So maybe I’ll get only
One whipping tonight.

Don’t make a sound!
I just heard a car
My daddy is back
From Charlie’s Bar.

I hear him curse
My name he calls
I press myself
Against the wall.

I try to hide
From his evil eyes
I’m so afraid now
I’m starting to cry.

He finds me weeping
He calls me a jerk;
He says it’s my fault
That he suffers at work.

He slaps me and hits me
And yells at me more;
I finally get free
And I run for the door.

He’s already locked it
And I start to bawl,
He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall.

I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And my daddy continues
With more bad words spoken,

“I’m sorry!”  I scream
But it’s now much too late
His face has been twisted
Into unimaginable hate.

The hurt and the pain
Again and again
Oh please God, have mercy!
Oh please let it end!

And he finally stops
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor.

My name is Sarah
And I am but three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me.

Every day thousands of kids just like Sarah are killed at the hands of one or both parents.

-Author unknown

We always welcome  poems, stories, and  artwork from survivors! Contact Dawn at 673-0336.

Back to top

Shelter Update

Things have been fairly busy at the shelter these past few months.  We have seen an increase with the number of women and children needing shelter services.  Since July 1st of this year we have had 80 women and children in shelter, which is up from this time last year. With an increase in shelter numbers our demand for shelter supplies has also increased.  Unfortunately, donations of supplies have not been able to keep up with this increased demand.

We’ve also been busy with shelter renovations and these renovations were made possible through a special appropriation grant awarded in 2003 for shelter renovations thanks to Congressman Boswell.  Thus far, with the money awarded we have replaced three porches on the shelter that were in poor condition.  We installed a new high efficiency boiler and a new 75 gallon water heater in hopes of cutting down the cost of utilities.  We’ve installed a new shower unit, stool, sink, and vanity in one of the bathrooms and all new plumbing pipes for this bathroom has been completed.  We have also installed a new stove in the kitchen.  As we all know the weather has turned colder and the remaining outside repairs and painting at the shelter will have to wait until spring.  We are please with the work that has been completed and give many thanks to Buck Vander Wilt and Lee Grubb for their continued hard work on this project.

As for the holidays at the shelter the women fixed a Thanksgiving dinner and invited staff to attend, which was really nice.  The women and children have also decorated the shelter nicely for Christmas and are looking forward to a safe holiday.

Back to top

Knowledge Is Power

Crisis Intervention Services offers educational programs for teens to increase awareness and knowledge of abusive relationships.  Research has shown that many of our youth do not have a clear understanding of what healthy relationships look like.  50%-80% of teens report knowing someone in a violent relationship (Violence Against Women, 1998).  Advocates have been busy doing presentations within the school systems in both Mahaska and Keokuk Counties.  Because CIS just recently took on Marion and Lucas Counties, we are in the process of meeting school personnel in those two counties, and hope to get into those schools soon. 

Several topics are available for prevention education and they consist of: Gender and Violence, How Friends Help Friends, Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships, Sexual Harassment, Dating Violence, and Sexual Assault.  These topics are designed to address the specific needs of adolescents.  Additional topics can be provided upon request. 

Advocates are also available to meet with teens at any time during school hours.  Appointments can be made on an individual basis or an advocate can be available during regular school hours (i.e., once weekly).  Advocates are also willing to provide support groups on a weekly or twice monthly schedule either during or after school hours.

Back to top

Call United Way 211
Get Connected. Get Answers.

With the hundreds of community services available, sometimes it’s confusing to know where to turn for help.  Dial 211 (on your land phone only).  It’s one easy phone number that connects you with the help you need.  From finding assistance with paying your utility bills to locating childcare and finding housing….United Way 211 puts you in touch with people who have answers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Back to top

CIS Board Members Needed

The Board of Directors for Crisis Intervention Services (CIS) is recruiting volunteers.  The board is critical to the provision of quality services to crime victims in your community. The board is seeking additional representatives who either live or work in Marion, Lucas, and Keokuk counties, as well as rural Mahaska County. The board is also searching for people skilled in finance, public relations, construction, and fundraising.  We are also looking for representation from religious leaders, law enforcement, attorney’s, and corrections.  Volunteers for the Board of Directors do not need previous experience with domestic abuse, sexual assault, or other crime victim issues.  Volunteers do not need prior experience serving on a Board of Directors, as training is provided, though prior experience is helpful.  What is most needed is compassion, caring, and the ability to give up to three hours a month in volunteer services. The board asks each member to serve on at least one committee: Executive, Finance, Fundraising, Grant Review, Human Resources, and Buildings and Grounds. The committees meet as needed, with an average of five times annually.  The board meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and the meetings last up to 1.5 hours in most cases.  Please download an application at www.cismc.org or call Dawn at 641-673-0336 today!

Back to top

STALKING—Know The Risk

Stalking can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Everyone is at risk to become a victim. One in 12 women and one in 45 men have been stalked at some time in their lives in the United States (National Violence Against Women Survey 1998). It is important to know what can be done if someone becomes a stalking victim, and how to find the protection and support they need.

Common forms of stalking include harassing phone calls or letters, following a person, vandalizing a person’s property, and appearing at a person’s home or place of business. Virtually any unwanted contact between two people that directly or indirectly communicate a threat or place the victim in fear can be considered stalking (NCVC brochure).

If someone is being stalked it is important to report all incidents to law enforcement. To increase the possibility of an arrest, the stalking victim should try and document and collect any evidence (answering machine messages, threatening notes, etc.) of the stalking incidents. Other precautions can be taken to help protect the victim. This can include moving to a location unknown to the stalker, like a home of a relative or friend, filing for a “no-contact” order, or even seeking emergency shelter. These options will decrease, but not necessarily erase, the risk of danger.

Stalking is not normal, not the victim’s fault, and not caused by anything the victim has done. If someone is a victim or a survivor of stalking, Crisis Intervention Services has resources available to them to get the help they need. We can provide assistance with the previously mentioned precautions, as well as offer other alternatives and services for the victim or survivor. Please contact Crisis Intervention Services with any questions or concerns at 1-800-270-1620.

Back to top

Thank You, Lucas County, For Your Support

The response and support that we have received from the community in Lucas County has been excellent.  Since July 1st, we have met many local officials, health care providers, and clergy in the Chariton area.  We have put up flyers, handed out brochures and business cards to businesses, and have submitted several press releases in the local newspaper.  Several presentations have been provided for several groups and organizations, and we plan to do more in the future. CIS provides educational programs for schools, civic, religious and professional groups; businesses, clergy, human service providers, law enforcement, medical and other professionals.  If you or anyone you know would like more information about Crisis Intervention Services, please contact Janese at  641-621-1707 or e-mail at Janese@cismc.org.

Back to top

Volunteer Program & Upcoming Training Opportunity

The volunteer program has experienced tremendous growth over the last year. Volunteers have given approximately 2000 hours of service to Crisis Intervention Services in 2005.  We are extremely proud of our volunteers and grateful for all the tireless work that they do on behalf of victims.  With the addition of Marion and Lucas counties to our service area in July of 2005, the opportunities for volunteers has also grown.  There has been a positive response from people in all four counties; however, there is still a need for more volunteers.  In answer to this growing demand, we have sponsored three volunteer advocacy trainings in 2005: one in Oskaloosa in February, one in Sigourney in May, and one in Pella in September.  In January, we will again have another advocacy training for those interested in volunteering.  The dates for this training are set for Jan. 18-22, 2006.  The first three days will be evenings from 5:30-9:30pm and will be held in the United Way Room of the United Way Building at 500 High Avenue West in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  The final two days, January 21st-22nd, of training will be held in Knoxville, Iowa at Godfather’s Pizza from 8am-6pm on Saturday and 1-5pm on Sunday.  Any questions regarding this training can be directed to Jackie Allen Black, Volunteer Coordinator, 641-673-5499.

Back to top

Finding Your Voice Week

William Penn University and CIS had another successful week of events during Finding Your Voice: Speaking Out Against Violence and Oppression.  The week of events is dedicated to raising awareness about violent crimes and oppression, including violence against women.  The week started Monday, October 3rd and ended Friday, October 7th.  The planning committee was comprised of WPU faculty, staff, and students as well as CIS staff. Funding for the week is provided by WPU and CIS.  This year, there were several new events as well as traditional and popular events:           

Essay Contest-students entered an essay on how violence has impacted their lives. About 15 students submitted essays for this contest and the essays were judged confidentially by a panel selected by the Chair of the Humanities Division.  The winner received a $50 gift certificate to the campus bookstore and the essay was published anonymously in the WPU Chronicle.

Clothesline Project-This art project created by victims of violence was displayed in the student union.

Everything you need to know about sexual assault….almost-Over 50 students participated in this facilitated discussion about sexual assault issues.

T-Shirt Rally-About 65 students tie-dyed t-shirts to wear on purple day, which was Friday.

Self defense class-John Jannenga offered his expertise for students to learn basic moves on how to protect themselves.

Community Response Panel-Local agencies discuss their roles/responsibilities in responding to violent crimes.  Agencies represented include Oskaloosa Police Department, Mahaska Hospital, CIS, Mahaska County Attorney’s office, New Directions, and the Department of Corrections.

Everything you need to know about domestic violence….almost-Over 40 students attended this facilitated discussion about domestic violence issues.

Silent Witness Display-Silhouette display depicting stories of women from Iowa who have been murdered in intimate partner homicide situations.

Back to top

Purple Ribbon Auction Coming Soon!

Crisis Intervention Services is planning a new fundraising event for April of 2006. The Purple Ribbon Auction will consist of a live and silent auction. We hope to have 70 live auction items and 30 silent auction items at a minimum.  There will be a Purple Ribbon item sponsored by a community member, business, or group and a premium sponsored by a community member, business, or group.

The event will be held at Bos Landen Golf Club in Pella, Iowa on April 1, 2006. We hope to see you there!

To donate an item, gift certificate, tickets, or vacation packages for the auction, or to purchase a $5 ticket to attend, please call the CIS Pella office at 641-621-1707 or the CIS Oskaloosa office at 641-673-0336.

Want to join the CIS fundraising committee?  Here is what YOU can do to help:

Purple Ribbon Committee

This committee will be responsible for obtaining 100 sponsors of any item with a purple ribbon.  The Purple Ribbon is designated for domestic violence awareness.  The ribbon is the actual item donated, with an associated “premium” or prize.  Sometimes, the ribbons might be provided by the same organization, business, or individual providing the prize.

Prize Committee

This committee will be responsible for obtaining 100 prizes for the live and silent auction.  Prizes might be an item from a local retail business, time-share vacation, tickets to an event or place, art, gift certificates, or anything else that you can think of.

Reception Committee

This committee will be responsible for providing reception refreshments for the event. 

Publicity Committee

This committee will be responsible for designing and distributing invitations, flyers, press releases, and programs for the event.

Our goal is to raise over $5,000 at this event.

Back to top

Don't forget to read the Press Releases

Crisis Intervention Services
Design by ArrowQuick Solutions
Send all Design Comments to Info@arrowquick.com
Send all other comments to crisisintervention@mahaska.org