LifelinesViolence PreventionTHROUGH EDUCATION, ENCOURAGEMENT AND EMPOWERMENT.

Fall/ Winter 2011

Internal Success Planinvesting in our community, preparing students, offering greater service

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1985Celebrating more than 25 years of

Giving Victims a Voice & Families a Future

2011

Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center

Recent Additions Clinical Interns 2011-12 (left to right)Kate Kamaya, BA, Lisa Frize, BS, Julie Curtiss-Lusher, BA, Amanda Palmisciano, BA, Sarah Smith, BA

Development Intern 2011-12

Kelsey McMillen, BA

By Cindy Smrcka, LCSWEvery year the clinical team selects a handful of master’s level students to complete clinical internships at WCFOC. These students become part of the team serving victims of domestic violence and master each step in the process of serving our clients well. Interns provide group and individual therapy to adults and children in our Castle Rock, Kiowa and shelter locations under the supervision of licensed staff therapists. Students have the opportunity to receive formal training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.We know that 77% of the adult clients accessing therapy at our Castle Rock and Kiowa offices have received therapy from other agencies in the past and 90% state WCFOC services are better than services offered at other agencies. This suggests that mental health practitioners often do

not have the specialized training to manage issues related to domestic violence and effectively support these victims. Our investment in training interns each year is one way we work toward fulfilling our mission to reduce domestic violence and family conflict. The result is an ever-increasing

number of therapists across the Denver Metro area with the skills and expertise to address the specific needs of DV victims as they work at hospitals, community mental health centers, drug

and alcohol treatment centers, and in private practice. Previous clinical intern, Ana Balzar, had this to say about her time at WCFOC, “This internship provided me with the opportunity to develop a diverse range of clinical skills, and gave me the space and support to grow and cultivate my

individual voice as a clinician. Integral to my learning experience was the exceptional quality of the supervision that I received.”

- Development Intern Added-The WCFOC Development team is excited to annouce the addition of Kelsey McMillen, graduate student at the University of Denver, as the 2011-2012 Development Intern. Kelsey is in the International Human Rights program and is excited to learn the various tasks in non-profit development.

“WCFOC services are better than

services offered at other agencies”

Mission

The Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center (WCFOC) is dedicated to reducing domestic violence and family conflict through advocacy, empowerment, violence prevention and

intervention, services and education.

VisionTo assist in ending violence in the lives of all people.

Programs & Services24-Hour Crisis Line/emergenCy sHeLter

Staffed by trained professionals, the Crisis Line is available to provide immediate intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of callers each year. Our 28-bed Emergency Shelter

provides a safe haven for hundreds of women and their children and men, who are escaping the atrocities of domestic violence each year. During their stay, all daily essentials are provided, as

well as on-site therapy, legal and goal-setting assistance, transportation, safety planning and round-the-clock emotional support.

tHerapy Last year, mental health professionals provided almost 15,693 counseling and advocacy contacts to victims of domestic violence and at-risk youths. Special programs exist for

children who have experienced, either directly or indirectly, violence in their lives. Individual therapy and group counseling are available to both residential and non-residential clients.

LegaL advoCaCy The WCFOC employs two Advocates who provided services to 419 victims of domestic

violence last year during the often complex and confusing legal process. The advocacy program includes assistance with restraining orders, legal referrals, court accompaniment, and general

support navigating the criminal and civil justice systems.

Community outreaCH and voLunteer program

Specialized trainings, educational presentations, a school-based violence prevention initiative, annual fundraisers, and outreach booths are methods by which the WCFOC helps to raise awareness of this very important social issue. Volunteer opportunities are also available for

community members and businesses interested in making a personal impact.

Fall / Winter 2011

StaffJennifer Walker, MPA, Executive DirectorAnn Carter, MPA, Director of DevelopmentJody Curl, MA, Shelter DirectorCindy Smrcka, LCSW, Clinical DirectorRobin Wilton, Business ManagerRenee Forsythe, Community Outreach CoordinatorNorma Keyser, Administrative AssistantKelsey McMillen, BA, Development InternHeather Orr, MA, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator

LegaL advoCatesStephanie Bollaro, Shelter Tracy Corsi, Douglas and Elbert County

tHerapy staffJulie Curtiss-Lusher, BA, Clinical InternStephanie Fitzsimmons, MA, TherapistLisa Frize, BS, Clinical InternRebecca Gale, LCSW, TherapistHeather Golden, MS, TherapistAnne Harper-Andra, LPC, TherapistBecky Hershey, LCSW, TherapistKate Kamaya, BA, Clinical InternTamara Milner, LPC, Therapist Amanda Palmisciano, BA, Clinical InternEllen Sloan, LPC, TherapistSarah Smith, BA, Clinical InternAudra Vann, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor

sHeLter staff

Svoboda Burns, Co-Located/Transitional AdvocateHeidi Dale, AdvocateJenny Dunn, Shelter Services CoordinatorDanna Hacker, Shelter Services CoordinatorSarahRose Haines, House/Primary Advocate Assistant(Bodhi) Monica Horton, AdvocateSonya Love, AdvocateSarah Paliwoda, AdvocateMarjorie Sayers, M.A, Primary AdvocateRuth S., AdvocateNicole Springstroh, Child AdvocatePaula Stack, AdvocateKim Zeszutek, Advocate

Board of DirectorsSherry Treat, PresidentLynn Williamson, Vice PresidentSandy Gibbons, SecretaryBarbara Gay, TreasurerArt CastroAudrey EllingNancy FalkBeth KleinRich LevineRichard RhodesDavid StarckKrista Tushar

Thank you for your support, WCFOC Staff 2011

As I reviewed the agenda prior to our annual leadership retreat for the Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center last month I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Our objective was to draft a clear strategic direction for the next three years and the supporting goals necessary to move the organization forward. That task seemed a bit daunting with all the external forces that face non-profit organizations in the current environment. To my delight we ended the day in agreement on a well thought out plan. How did we work together to make clear choices among so many worthy, but competing priorities? Our group is quite diverse in background and the ways we approach leadership and problem solving. Appreciating those differences and the strengths we each bring adds a level of creativity and energy, leading to lively discussion and a wealth of ideas. The downside is that our diversity could send us charging off in so many directions that we would have difficulty staying focused on our mission. I believe it is our commitment to the vision of the WCFOC that brings us into alignment. As individuals we are passionate about ending violence in the lives of all people. Together we test our ideas and assumptions against our Vision and Mission Statement in service of our clients. It is what unites us and keeps us grounded.

The pace and volume of information and change that we process is greater than ever before. Dealing with this rate of change stresses individuals, their families, and the larger community, often leading to a greater

need for the services we provide with less resource available. No one person can prepare us for the future; it will take each and every one of us with our unique talents, gifts, and perspectives working together one challenge at time. “Each and every one of us” goes beyond staff and board to include all volunteer and financial contributors; it is everyone who connects with us in a meaningful way to provide funding, manpower, community resource, and creative energy. We are grateful for past support and at the same time recognize that our greatest opportunities and obstacles may lie ahead of us. As we move forward to implement our strategic plan we encourage you to join us. You may look at our budget of over $1.5 million and the 19,000+ individuals we serve annually and wonder how you can possibly have an impact. Remember that collectively there is no end to the ways we can make a difference in the lives of those who are affected by domestic violence.

BOD President Thoughts

Sherry Treat2011 WCFOCBoard of DirectorsPresident

Thank you to our Annual Partners2011The WCFOC sincerely thanks its Annual Partners for their continued support. These businesses are vital to the success of our agency. The WCFOC continues to seek business partnerships such as these. If you or someone you know are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jennfier Walker at jwalker@twcfoc.org OR Ann Carter at acarter@twcfoc.org. or call 303-688-1094.

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Fall / Winter 2011

DENVER SOUTH

The Legal Advocacy Program provides legal support to any victim of domestic violence within Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln County. The shelter has a part time legal advocate who provides the following support.

For many of the Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center client’s who are unable to afford the cost of hiring an attorney, the legal advocacy program assists with many of their legal questions. All non-residential victims of domestic violence are eligible to receive services from a full time legal advocate.

There is no typical day in the life of the legal advocate and their work often involves clients who are currently in crisis. The legal advocate is available by phone and to meet with client’s on a one on one basis to help with any legal issues they may be experiencing. Many clients need help with the court system to file paperwork such as protection orders, dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, modifications of child custody and child support assistance. Court support to attend hearings can also be provided by the legal advocate or some of our volunteers.

Further issues that a client may have could involve immigration status, applying for benefits through social services, landlord/tenant issues and bankruptcy. Because clients may have several legal cases at one time, explaining the different legal processes is a vital legal service.

Referrals to outside sources, providing transportation to clients to attend hearings and appointments and providing food boxes are also within the realm of the legal advocate duties. For the clients who can afford legal counsel, providing referrals and encouraging clients to retain counsel is important. Further, the legal advocate serves as a member of the Elbert County Child Protection Team reviewing child abuse cases.

A new arena for the legal advocate is participating in the state required multidisciplinary team. This team oversees those individuals that have been convicted of a domestic violence related crime and have been sentenced to treatment. The team typically includes the probation officer, treatment provider and the victim advocate (WCFOC legal advocate). The legal advocate has a vital role in advocating for victim safety and communicating victim concerns to the team.

Focus: Legal Advocacyfrom Limon to Highlands Ranch advocates offer support

For more information about the WCFOC Legal Advocate program, please scan the QR code below. or visit www.twcfoc.org/legaladvocacy

Expert Testimony As a way to collaborate more fully with the criminal and civil legal systems, the WCFOC has provided expert testimony regarding the dynamics of domestic violence. There are two types of expert witnesses; an expert that testifies about specific information related to a case, and an expert that because of their education, training and knowledge in a specific field knows more than the average person. Currently, the WCFOC staff have provided both kinds of testimony, assisting clients and the community in understanding the complexities of domestic violence. This has become a positive collaboration and a great enhancement to the legal program.

Future for Families Gala offered new location, exciting items up for auction

Fall / Winter 2011

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(left) Ben and Alicia Taylor browse the silent auction items.

(right) AJ and Sarah Arnett enjoy

the back patio.

THE OUTRAGE cast members perform a skit about teen rape and sexual assault.

Passport to Hope: 4th Annual Gala

First Bank Representatives (left to right) Jessica Ford, Laura Romero, Kelly Kaminskas, Dorothy Carr, Laura Rogers, Board Member

Beth Klein and Lisa Dirks enjoying the warm fall evening.

To watch THE OUTRAGE performce from the Future for Families Gala,

please scan the QR code below or visit www.youtube.com/user/twcfoc

By Renee Forsythe, Community Outreach Coordinator

Vibrant fall colors, crisp cool temperatures and a electric excitement ushered friends and guests alike into the Cielo event center for the Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center’s Future for Families Gala: Passport to Hope. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with melodic harmonies by Happily Ever After Strings Ensemble, and with scrumptious hors’ devours and mouth-watering entrees by Exquisite Catering. Local pastry chefs at Azucar Sweet Shop & Bakery, Monica’s Cupcakes and Sweet Nothings provided an assortment of confections for dessert.

Mid-way through the evening, guests were treated to a moving performance of the national-award winning drama THE OUTRAGE by the Chaparral High School Encore Players, under the direction of David Peterson. This heart-wrenching educational theatre performance addressed the topics of teen dating violence and sexual assault. The high school students candidly, yet sensitively, presented current statistical information and depicted realistic dating violence situations.

Upon completion of the drama, guests were able to make final bids on the wide-variety of silent auction items, which included various travel themed packages such as a trip to Santa Fe and a Swedish themed basket of crowd-pleasing Ikea items. Auctioneer Adam Kevil continued the fun and fundraising with eight live auction items. These one-of-a-kind opportunities, also travel-themed, included a week-long trip to Honduras as well as a “Choose Your Own Adventure” package generously donated by World Resorts International.

The beautiful evening was capped with guests showing their dance moves to the beats provided by Line Level Show Tek. A great time was truly had by all in attendance and would not have been possible without the support of the amazing Gala Committee; Becky Harvey, Keni Johnson, Karen Kostroski, Joanna Springer, Kristy Suda, and Donna Thurlow. A special thank you to our event sponsors; IREA, Land Rover Denver South, Lockton, and Sky Ridge Medical Center.

Future for Families Gala offered new location, exciting items up for auction

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Fall / Winter 2011

(left) David Kolstad, Linda Watson with Jackie and Neil Champeau, enjoying the evening air.

(right)Board President

Sherry Merrill with Kimberly Wagner

THE OUTRAGE cast members perform a skit about teen rape and sexual assault.

Passport to Hope: 4th Annual Gala

Fall / Winter 2011

By Renee Forsythe, Community Outreach Coordinator

Rebecca Gale, LCSW and WCFOC therapist is seeing exciting, and promising results obtained through a new technique called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which involves teaching people to work with horses in a way that serves as a tool for emotional growth and learning. This rapidly growing field is helping adults, children, and families to improve their emotional, behavioral, and mental health. The focus of EAP is not about recreation or riding horses. Rather, it involves setting up problem-solving activities that involve the horses, mostly in activities that take place on the ground, rather than on horseback. These activities are designed to reveal important insights and require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, work, responsibility, teamwork, relationships, confidence, and positive attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP. This approach has been compared to therapeutic ropes courses, but it has the added advantage of utilizing living beings which respond to the participants.

One popular group activity is called Life’s Little Obstacles. This involves asking the participants to get a horse to go over a jump placed in the arena. The jump can represent any challenge

Horse-sense Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

that the group is facing, such as going to school, or getting a child to school. It doesn’t sound too difficult until the rules of the activity are given: no physically touching the horse, no halters and lead ropes, no bribing, and no verbally talking to each other. The horse provides a great metaphor to working with kids or adults. Each horse has his own distinct personality, and doesn’t always want to do what you are asking him to do. The process of trying to accomplish this goal ends up leading to some pretty intense discussions and insights.

Lynn Thomas, LCSW, co-founder of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), states that the success of EAP comes from the horses. “Horses react to our body language. This gives incredible and immediate feedback to what people are communicating non-verbally. Participants learn that if they want to change the horse’s behavior, they have to change their own behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. It is powerful because it is more than just

talking, it is doing!”

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is the leading organization in the new and rapidly growing field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Founded as a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization in July 1999, EAGALA has grown far faster than anticipated. It now has over 2,000 members located in every state within the U.S.A., as well as in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia.

EAGALA offers a certification program during which professionals are trained to conduct EAP sessions. Over 1,000 individuals have completed the Level I training. EAGALA founders Greg Kersten and Lynn Thomas have been instrumental in helping start and train over 200 Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programs across the U.S. and Canada. (portions of this article were found on www.struglingteens.com)

Client CommentsToday I met a womanToday I met a womanSo stunning was her beautyHer long brown hair flows like melted dark chocolateAnd her deep brown eyes are warm with compassionShe carries herself with confidence and love

Today I met a womanShe is the embodiment of youthfulnessHer playful brown hair frames her sweet and kind faceBeing in her presence is like being wrapped in a blanket of love

She is nurturing and helpful and she makes everyone feel at ease

Today I met a womanHer tall slim figure tells how well she cares for herselfHer intelligence is equal to her beautyher wisdom is a testament of the endurance of life’s trialsPeople turn to her for advice as she offers insight without judgment

Today I met a womanToday I met me.

This insight into one client’s journey offers a chance to reflect upon the services WCFOC offers to victims of domestic violence. These victims not only have outward visible scars, but internal wounds that require more work and more time to heal.

Please take a moment and reflect on your journey through life. If your journey has brought you to a place where you can join with us in our fight against domestic violence, please visit www.twcfoc.org or call 303-688-1094

This poem was recently submitted by a former client

Fall / Winter 2011

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Get Involved

Vineyard Club

It’s simple: you sign up, choose your membership level and receive a monthly shipment of small batch, unique and eclectic wines. The best part: A portion of the proceeds from your membership benefits WCFOC. Join the club that cares, and feel good about giving back toWCFOC! www.thevineyardclub.com/wcoc

November 1st -30th

Highlands Ranch Whole Foods hosts its annual Whole Bellies program. Giving options are available at each register. In 2010, Whole Foods donated over $30,000 worth of food to WCFOC and hopes to exceed that goal this year.

Adopt-A-Family

This annual holiday assistance is offered to all families we have served in 2011. To adopt a family, please contact Heather Orr at hmorr@twcfoc.org or 303-688-1094.

recent successful donor ideas

Clays for Kids

Blu SKY would like to thank everyone who attended the 8th Annual Clays for Kids event in Denver benefiting the Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center. We are proud to announce that the event raised nearly $10,000 for WCFOC.

Inaugural Denise Fransua 5k Run/Walk

The inaugural Denise Fransua 5k Run/Walk was held on Sunday October 16 at Challenger Park in Parker Colorado. The event had more than 100 registered runners and raised more than $2,000 for WCFOC. For more information about the walk or the Denise Fransua story, please scan the qr code here. or visit www.ccnewspapers.com

Upcoming Opportunities...

Help us meet our goal of raising $5,000 in 24 hours!

Donate any time from 12:01am - Midnight on December 6th and 100% of your donations will go towards the needs of victims of domestic violence in Colorado.

Watch your email for more information and a reminder to give

on Colorado Gives Day 2011.

www.givingfirst.org/WCFOC

Save the

Date!Colorado

Gives Day

December6th

2011

Town of Castle Rock Town of Parker Krista Tushar Union Pacific Violet M. Johnson Family Foundation Virginia Hill Charitable Trust Wal Mart Castle Rock Wal Mart Supercenter Ohio-Foundation (MN) Wells Fargo Bank Wines Of The Pines Zonta Club of Douglas County

Volunteer Appreciation April 19th, 2011

Donor Appreciation June 2011

Contact Heather for more information at hmorr@twcfoc.org

Save the Date

Future for Families GalaOctober 21, 2011

Tickets will be available online September 1, 2011

www.twcfoc.org

Each fall we like to recognize those donors who have given more than $750 to WCFOC in the past calendar year. This year we pulled our donors from 10-1-10 through 11-1-11. To you and all our donors- THANK YOU! We would not have been able to serve over 19,000 individuals last year without you. Our sincerest apologies if we mistakenly left out anyone.

Supporters

Two long-standing, governmental grants were eliminated and/or drastically reduced in 2011-- creating a shortfall of over $100,000 as we look toward 2012. That is roughly 10% of our annual operating budget.

Giving NOW is more important than ever to ensure uninterrupted services to the vulnerable families.

1st Bank of Douglas County A.V. Hunter Trust, Inc. AM Signal, Inc Bellco Credit Union Amy Blackwell James F Byars Lori Cardenas Mark and Ann Carter Castle Rock Adventist Centennial Lutheran Church Christ’s Episcopal Church City of Lone Tree Coffee at the Outlets, LLC Colorado Asso. Realtors CRG-Castle Rock, LLC Dalebrook Fund Denver Foundation Denver Post Season to Share Douglas County Douglas County Sheriff ’s Dept. Dr Bruce Dubin Ehrhardt, Keefe, Steiner & Hottman, PC Audrey Elling Farmers Insurance Ted and Cyndi Fastert Phillip and Angela Garvin Barbara Gay

Gay & Lesbian Fund Michael & Sarah Gilsdorf Mike and Pam Golden Toni Green Guetz Foundation of Colorado Hein & Associates LLP Helen K & Arthur E. Johnson Foundation Charles A. Hinson Timothy and Christy M. Hughes IREA John G. Duncan Charitable Trust Joy Lutheran Church Suzanne Kabza Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock Delia Kreibaum Land Rover Denver South Edward Law Garry and Annette Lawrenz List Family Foundation Littleton Adventist Lockton Companies Holly McMahon Melvin & Elaine Wolf Foundation Sherry E. Merrill Ella Mae Mills MW Golden Constructors, Inc. Michael and Robyn Myers

Nathan & Florence Burt Foundation Legend High School National Art Honor Society Stan & Dorothy New New Hope Presbyterian Church Newmont Mining Corp. Ortino Family Foundation, Inc Parker Adventist Hospital Mike and Paige Prendergast Rhue Enterprises Richard Lumsden Foundation RNR Design Group Lynn Robbins Rotary Club of Castle Rock Rotary Club of Parker Sadako K. Judd Private Foundation Saint Francis of Assisi Church Schlessman Family Foundation, Inc. Carole Schumacher Sky Ridge Medical Center Jeffery and Nicole Smith Robert and Barbara Spencer Scott and Nancy Stockton The Data Train Group The Kettering Family Foundation The RJC Family Foundation Robert and Judith Thompson Robert D. Thompson

Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center

PO Box 367Castle Rock, CO 80104