Family Justice Community News- September 2014
Family Justice Community News By Susun Kim, Executive Director (September 2014) “Just want to get your week off to a good start! A client who came to the Center in 2011 came back in on Friday to get information for a friend. So great to know that she felt confident enough in our services to rely on us to help her friend in crisis. Keep up the good work everyone!” Elizabeth Wilmerding (Family Justice Center super-staff) Our Family Justice Center is a one-stop service center for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking. We bring law enforcement, public and non-profit service providers, under one roof, to provide holistic services to survivors and their families. Because our services are provided under one roof, our clients get safer, sooner. After dealing with immediate crisis, we stay connected with our clients to provide long term safety and community building support. We offer cooking classes, money management workshops and other life enrichment programs. We are constantly looking for partners to work together to improve the health and safety of our community. Building update On July 29, 2014, the Richmond City Council approved the contract with Turner Group to remodel the Family Justice Center’s new home on 24th Street, and construction began shortly thereafter. I want to acknowledge Craig Murray, Development Project Manager II, Engineering Department, City of Richmond, for his professional management of the project. He has been a key partner through the whole process, patiently explaining everything to me while orchestrating disparate moving pieces. If everything goes well, we will pack up our growing files, binders and materials in February 2015 and move to our new home. Partner Spotlight: Narika We can hardly wait till we move to our 7,000 square foot center so that we can bring more services and resources. One of our “currently off-site waiting to be on-site” partners is Narika. Narika started over 20 years ago as a helpline for abused South Asian women. Today, it promotes women’s independence and economic empowerment by helping domestic violence survivors with advocacy, support and education. Narika’s Self-Empowerment and Economic Development (SEED) program offers 12-weekends of instruction designed to foster economic independence and complements our Center’s WINGS (Women INspired to Grow and Succeed) program. Cooking Matters- Success Brings Smiles We successfully completed our first series of Cooking Matter classes and are now enrolling for the second series, every Friday from October 10 to November 14, 2014, from 10 am to noon. We strive to support building a safe and healthy community and would welcome interested community members. Please call (510) 965-4949 to sign up as space is limited or click here for more information. Etch Your Name on a Building Tile! Your name or business will be etched on tile to recognize your gift of $500 or more. Donor Gift Tiles will be used as part of the wall facing Peace Plaza. Join the 100 Club! Be Among the First 100 Contributors! The 100 Club members will be recognized on our website and in publications. To see the list of 100 club members, click here. Please send a check in any amount payable to “Tides Center/WCCFJC” to The Family Justice Center, 1210 Hilltop Mall Road, Suite 110D, Richmond, CA 94806. Visit us at www.wccfjc.org or call (510) 965-4949 for more information.
Fall Cooking Matters classes announced
Just announced! Register now for a FREE six-week Cooking Matters class beginning on Friday, October 10th until November 14th. Classes will be from 10am-Noon, so participants will eat the meal they make for lunch. All classes will be provided in English. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. COOKING MATTERS Learn how to prepare fast, delicious and healthy meals on a budget Come join us for 6 FREE cooking classes! Practice skills like: · Preparing healthy and delicious recipes quickly · Buying fruits and vegetables on a budget · Comparing prices to find bargains · Reading and comparing food labels · Planning affordable meals and sticking to your budget! In each class you will: · Cook and eat a healthy meal · Receive a FREE bag of fresh produce and new recipes to make at home Graduates from Cooking Matters will receive a: · Free book full of tasty recipes and tips on how to choose and buy healthy, low-cost foods · Reusable grocery bag · Cutting board and meat thermometer To register, contact Elizabeth Wilmerding at 510-965-4949 or ewilmerding@wccfjc.org
Save the Date: Innovations Conference November 5, 2014
Save the Date! Innovations Conference: Innovations and Best Practices in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Date: Wednesday November 5, 2014 Time: 8:30am-4:00pm Location: Pleasant Hill, CA The Family Justice Center and Contra Costa County’s Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative are pleased to announce a one-day conference focusing on the innovations and best practices in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response in Contra Costa and the surrounding East Bay Area. Speakers will highlight emerging research, innovations, and best and promising practices around trauma-informed approaches, culturally specific services, and the Family Justice Center model. Attendees can expect: Information about new approaches and resources. Tips on policies and practices to improve your work. Who should attend? Staff from City and County departments who partner with the Family Justice Center City staff Law enforcement Non-profit service providers Community Leaders CEUs pending. Plenary Session Dr. Jeffery Edleson, Ph.D., MSW Dean, School of Social Work, UC Berkeley Dr. Brigid McCaw, MD, MPH Kaiser Permenante, Family Violence Prevention Program Dr. Mimi Kim, Ph.D. Founder, Creative Interventions Professor, Social Welfare, Cal State Long Beach Breakout Panelists include Cherri Allison, Esq. Executive Director, Alameda County Family Justice Center Ben Barr, MSW, Ph.D. Executive Director, Rainbow Community Center Kathryn Burroughs Consultant and Trainer, Families Thrive, Contra Costa County’s Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative Kanwarpal Dhaliwal, MPH Director of Community Health and Integrative Practice, RYSE Center Tim Grayson Mayor, City of Concord Chris Magnus Chief, Richmond Police Department Wade Myer, MDiv Director of Programs, Rainbow Community Center Usha Ramachandran Executive Director, Narika And More! The project is supported by Kaiser Permanente Northern California Community Benefit Programs. Conference registration will be announced in September. For questions or comments, please contact Melissa Caine-Huckabay at (510) 965-4949 or mcainehuckabay@wccfjc.org
Huffington Post: Financial Abuse Takes Heavy Toll on Domestic Violence Survivors
In a recent article, Huffington Post contributor Melissa Jeltsen talks about a recent study from Rutgers University that examines the impact of financial abuse on domestic violence survivors. The article explores the emerging understanding that financial literacy should not be viewed as a luxury or secondary service but a key part of a survivor’s long-term safety and healing. “Kim Pentico, the senior economic justice specialist at National Network To End Domestic Violence who trains advocates, said perceptions on financial programs for survivors are beginning to change. In the past, Pentico said, offering financial education was seen as “icing on the cake,” a nice service when there was extra time and funding. But now, it’s being recognized as a core service.” The article highlights the experiences of several survivors and is very similar to the stories shared by our most recent WINGS participants. The only program of its kind currently operating in Contra Costa County, Women INspired to Grow and Succeed (WINGS), was designed to increase self-sufficiency and leadership skills of survivors of interpersonal violence. WINGS is built upon a promising practices model based on the Allstate Foundations’ Career and Financial Empowerment curriculum and supplemental materials designed specifically to meet the needs of Contra Costa residents. The goal of WINGS is to empower and educate survivors of family and sexual violence so that they are able to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Topics include financial literacy, educational goals, career sustainability, goal setting, resume and interview skills, entrepreneurial skills, and stress management. These skill-building topics will be mixed with emotional support discussions and activities; it is critical that participants feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives. Read the full article here. To learn more about WINGS, contact Elizabeth Wilmerding at (510) 965-4933 or ewilmerding@wccfjc.org
Family Justice Community News- July 2014
Family Justice Community News By Susun Kim, Executive Director (July 2014) In July, we started our first cooking classes at the Family Justice Center. “Cooking Matters” is a free series of bilingual cooking and nutrition workshops designed to teach participants to shop smarter, make healthier choices and cook delicious meals. Founded in 1993, Cooking Matters is a nationally renowned program working to end childhood hunger. Like the Family Justice Center, Cooking Matters is a model of collaboration. It leverages the strengths of the national organization Share Our Strength and local partners. We have 10 women and 1 man registered for the inaugural series of 6 weekly workshops, with a dozen more residents wait-listed. The Center provides child care, and the children of participants get to eat delicious meals prepared by their parents. In our June e-Newsletter, I shared our interest in promoting healthy eating and active living in our community. Cooking Matters complements our resilience-based approach and creates improved connections among our former clients and other residents. Women Inspired to Grow and Succeed (WINGS) Women Inspired to Grow and Succeed (WINGS) is the Center’s long-term safety program. With the goal of increasing self-sufficiency and leadership skills of our low income survivors, WINGS is built on a promising practices model based on the Allstate Foundation’s curriculum. We offer seven workshops on budgeting, debt management, goal setting, record keeping and financial literacy. Our first cohort of 10 graduates had a lot to say about the program: “I found this workshop very helpful and relevant to my needs.” “New goals, new ideas.” “I think this is a good thing for us.” “Program helps restore hope for the future and ways to plan and prepare for it.” “I felt the WINGS workshop was very informative, and would like to see more classes.” We will offer our next series in English or Spanish in the fall. We also offer “train the trainer” workshops for those providers interested in incorporating the WINGS curriculum in their services. Thank you to STAND! for Families Free of Violence for their continued partnership in offering this program. Thanks to Our Funders We recently shared the great news about Kaiser Permanente’s support for the Center that took us one giant step closer to our permanent home in downtown Richmond. We also want to acknowledge Y&H Soda Foundation for their steadfast and committed partnership and The California Endowment for their encouragement of the Center’s community building work. Most recently, the San Pablo Community Foundation joined the ranks to support our work in building a community free of violence. Just last week, we received our first check from AT&T for our WINGS program. We are grateful to our foundation and corporate partners and ask YOU to join our Peace Plaza campaign.
Press Release: Safety and Healing of Abuse Victims Supported by Kaiser Permanente
Safety and Healing of Abuse Victims Supported by Kaiser Permanente July 8, 201 For Immediate Release Press Contact 510-985-4949 Susun Kim, skim@wccfjc.org Richmond, CA — West Contra Costa residents experiencing family violence or sexual assault are one step closer to having a warm and welcoming one-stop service center. The building of a permanent home for the Family Justice Center in Richmond, CA has become a reality, thanks to a new $600,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente. “Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with our Center has been invaluable. Our Center’s resilience based approach to interpersonal violence and promoting healthy relationships is in line with their commitment to building healthy communities,” said Family Justice Center Executive Director Susun Kim. The Family Justice Center brings multiple agencies together under one roof to coordinate wrap-around service delivery for victims of violence, their families, children, and youth in West Contra Costa County. Once complete, its 7,000-square foot permanent facility in Richmond, CA, will have close to 20 on-site partner agencies providing crisis response, safety planning, emergency shelter assistance, advocacy, peer support, mental health services, law enforcement assistance, civil legal help, and more. “Violence has far-reaching consequences that go beyond direct physical injury to individuals—it impacts the overall health and vitality of our communities,” said Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente’s Vice President of External and Community Affairs in Northern California. “As a health care organization committed to total health, we believe that by supporting the Family Justice Center in bringing together a range of comprehensive services for violence survivors, we can help make our communities healthier and safer.” While the Center has enjoyed the support from many funders, including Y&H Soda Foundation and the California Endowment, Kaiser Permanente’s grant represents the largest one since the Center opened at its temporary pilot site in 2011. This grant will help build the permanent home that will bring safety, healing and hope for many survivors and their families. For more information about the Family Justice Center, please visit www.wccfjc.org.
Family Justice Center hosts ‘Cooking Matters’ classes in July
This is the last call to register for the FREE six week Cooking Matters class. Child care is provided!! All classes will be provided in English and Spanish. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. COOKING MATTERS Learn how to prepare fast, delicious and healthy meals on a budget Come join us for 6 FREE cooking classes! Practice skills like: · Preparing healthy and delicious recipes quickly · Buying fruits and vegetables on a budget · Comparing prices to find bargains · Reading and comparing food labels · Planning affordable meals and sticking to your budget! In each class you will: · Cook and eat a healthy meal · Receive a FREE bag of fresh produce and new recipes to make at home Graduates from Cooking Matters will receive a: · Free book full of tasty recipes and tips on how to choose and buy healthy, low-cost foods · Reusable grocery bag · Cutting board and meat thermometer To register, contact Elizabeth Wilmerding at 510-965-4949 or ewilmerding@wccfjc.org
First 100 Club Members Announced
The Family Justice Center would like to thank our first 100 Club Members for their support! There is still time to join the 100 Club. Click here to learn more or become a 100 Club Member today! Haydee Alfonso Debra J. Barker Vanessa Barnett Allen Benjamin Carol and Robert Berkvist M.L. Braxton Rebecca Brown (Further the Work) Paul Buddenhagen Joan Carpenter Clara C. Chiang Chung-Chin and Teresa Chiang Noel Cisneros Carol and Tim Cole Elizabeth Colt Julie Core Virginia G. Finlay Karl Fischer Kay W. Flowers Kathleen Fowlie Julie Freestone and Rudi Raab Sandi and Lynn Genser-Maack Luz Maria Gomez Barbara and David Johnson John Kabasakalis Ed and Susan Kadlec Susun Kim Michael and Paula Koppisch Monique le Conge Jay Leonhardy Devorah Levine Nancy Lewis Gerhard Magnus Alison Mitchell Bielle Moore Paul and Louise Renne Vickie M Riggins Medina Gloria Sandoval Sibley Kathryn Alexandra Spadola Geoffrey Spellberg Betty and Sammy Ting Estelle Weiss Eric Zell John Ziesenhenne Friends of Congressman George Miller Sims Metal Management
Press Release: Susun Kim Named Executive Director of West Contra Costa Family Justice Center
For Immediate Release Susun Kim Named Executive Director of West Contra Costa Family Justice Center Richmond, California February 20, 2014 The Advisory Board of the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center (FJC) is excited to announce that Susun Kim, Esq. will be the new Executive Director of the West Contra Costa Family Justice Center beginning March 10, 2014. As Managing Attorney of Bay Area Legal Aid’s Contra Costa Office for over nine years, Susun has built a staff of first-rate attorneys while integrating Bay Area Legal Aid as a strategic partner with other service providers. “We are fortunate to have Susun’s expertise in domestic and interpersonal violence and her extraordinary tenacity and leadership” said Devorah Levine, chair of the FJC Advisory Board. Susun is happy to return to working in the area of family violence as she began her public interest law career representing immigrant domestic violence survivors. “The day I met my first domestic violence survivor client, a new immigrant from China with a broken arm, sitting in my small office, I knew in my heart that I found my life’s work. She taught me what courage was all about and inspired me to fight for her.” Richmond Police Chief Chris Magnus, one of the key leaders of the FJC’s planning and development, is confident that the FJC will be in great hands: “Susun will bring her clear vision and strategic thinking to building a meaningful and profound public-private partnership to end domestic and other types of interpersonal violence.” Over the past five years, the FJC has grown from an idea shared by community leaders and service providers into a dynamic partnership. Building on the momentum and good work at an interim location, the FJC recently broke ground on a new permanent facility at 24th Street, Richmond. At this permanent home, Susun will lead the FJC to the next phase, becoming an anchor organization for survivors, service providers and law enforcement agencies all working toward healing and community building. Melissa Caine-Huackabay, who has led the pilot phase, will serve as Operations Director. Melissa’s leadership has been Susun has devoted her career to developing effective partnerships among community members, service providers and policy makers. She understands how much more impact a true collaborative can create as she successfully developed the Concord Domestic Violence Clinic in partnership with STAND! for Families Free of Violence and Monument Crisis Center, participated in creating the SparkPoint centers, and played a leadership role in countywide reentry and realignment collaboratives. Devorah Levine Chair, West Contra Costa Family Justice Center Advisory Board
Community Violence Solutions hosts screening of ‘FLESH’
As part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, our partners at Community Violence Solutions are hosting a screening of ‘FLESH’, a documentary about sex trafficking in the United States at Hercules Public Library this evening at 6:30pm. From the FLESH THE MOVIE website: FLESH THE MOVIE “FLESH a shocking documentary, calls into question our definitions of slavery, human trafficking, and prostitution in the United States. This is a story told by girls who have escaped and by those still enslaved. It is told by former and current pimps. It is told by the abolitionists of today, including numerous directors of non-profit organizations, a former U.S. Ambassador, LAPD vice and the L.A. City Task Force on Human Trafficking. “ See a trailer for the film here. Join us for the screening and facilitated discussion tonight, Tuesday January 14, 2014 at 6:30pm at the Hercules Public Library located at 109 Civic Drive.