NOVEMBER 2017 INDEPENDENCE HOUSE NEWS

Independence House emergency domestic and sexual violence residence opens November 1st with much thanks to the community
November 1, 2017 marked the official opening of a new emergency domestic and sexual violence residence for Independence House, Inc., Cape Cod's comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency serving the community for 38 years. The agency was awarded a 10-year contract by the Department of Public Health to offer a confidential emergency domestic and sexual violence residence, designed to be a temporary respite for individuals with and without children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and who need to transition to safety.

Independence House would like to gratefully acknowledge the following community leaders who provided corporate sponsorships to help support this milestone:  
  • The Cape and Islands United Way;
  • The Lawrence Lynch Corporation;
  • Cape Cod Aggregates;
  • Robert B. Our Company;
  • Aggregate Industries;
  • The Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation
  • Cape Air / Nantucket Airlines
  • Barbo's Furniture; and
  • Wayfair
Gratitude is extended to the numerous individual community supporters who took part in the "Shelter Shower," to help outfit and beautify the space; to the Barnstable Sunrise Rotary Club who provided a significant donation and also pledged to provide welcome baskets for every person on an ongoing basis; and to Linda and Bill Zammer, Bayside Resort, and the Barnstable County Sheriff's Department for their important sponsorships of the Simply Diamond concert, the first fundraising event for the residence which took place on October 28.  

18th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance scheduled for November 17th
The Cape Cod Transgender Day of Remembrance Committee wishes to extend an invitation to all who are transgender, gender non-conforming, individuals who are gender-fluid, and to all allies, advocates and supporters of the transgender community, to attend the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

When: Nov. 17, 2017,  5:30pm light meal, 6:15pm program.
Where: Harwich Community Center, 100 Oak Street, Harwich. Full event details.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance on Cape Cod is a sponsorship collaboration between Eastern Bank, Fenway Health, PFLAG of Cape Cod, Independence House, Cape Cod's Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and the First Parish Brewster Welcoming Congregation Committee. 

3rd Annual Teddy Bear Breakfast set for Saturday Dec 2nd.
Don't miss this fun event for the whole family sponsored by Clancy's Restaurant.  Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and a visit from special guest Barnstable 1st District State Representative, Tim Whelan when he returns in his role of Santa Claus to give all the children new teddy bears. Children will also receive a photo with Santa. 

Independence House Holiday Giving Programs 

Beginning November 1st through November 22nd
Independence House is asking the community to help with holiday meals for clients of Independence House who have economic restrictions and would not be able to afford a holiday meal at Thanksgiving. We are asking for an assortment of items typically prepared for the holidays such as frozen turkeys, stuffing mixes, potatoes,
cranberry sauces, bread mixes, dessert items, etc. Items should be non-perishable or be non expiring before Thanksgiving. 

Beginning December 4th through December 22nd
New unwrapped toys are being accepted for all ages 
beginning December 3rd to support families impacted by domestic and sexual violence who have limited or no means of purchasing holiday gifts for
their children and family members.  Also welcome are gift cards for stores where clothing can be purchased, supermarket gift cards, and gas gift cards.

Family Sponsors are Needed
Would you like to sponsor a family and ensure they are provided with gifts you have chosen for them based on their needs?  Please let us know and we will match you with a family. If you would like to sponsor a family, please contact Annie at  
anniec@indhouse.net or call 508-771-6507 x251.

All donation items can be dropped off at the Hyannis Independence House office located at 160 Bassett Lane, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.  If you have questions about your donations please contact Donna at donnag@indhouse.net or call 508-771-6507 x221.

THANK YOU:  Nearly 1,100 attend musical fundraiser for Independence House and Cape Cod Synagogue

Saturday, October 28 th  turned out to be an enjoyable night for almost 1,100 fans of Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, Boz  Scaggs, and John Lennon.

It was even a more exciting  night for Independence House and the Cape Cod Synagogue, who successfully raised over $ 30,000 in the joint fundraiser 'Simply Diamond- A Neil Diamond Tribute Concert.'  The two organizations collaborated for the first time in an event to help raise funds that support their organizations which serve the Cape Cod community in numerous ways.  READ FULL ARTICLE AND WATCH VIDEO

Student Art Contest Returns for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

One in three teens in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. 

Independence House is calling all TEEN ARTISTS to take part in the 3rd Annual
click image to download full size flyer
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Art Contest.  Participation in the contest encourages students to take a stand against violence and promote respect. Students are challenged to submit work that portrays their ideas artistically and emits inspiration from the following pledge:  

"We are the Change. We are the ones that will usher in a new era of consent-driven thinking. We are the ones that will re-frame society's thoughts around healthy relationships. We are the ones that will redefine what respect is. We are the ones who will transform social norms and reinvent society's ideas."


Submissions must be original artwork in any medium including but not limited to drawing, painting, photography, collage, writing, sculpture, or performance pieces.

Entry deadline: January 31, 2018.  Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at a community event held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Hyannis on February 15, 2018 at 6:00pm.  Visit www.IHteens.org to download entry and permission forms. 

For questions about the contest, please contact Chris Morin, Director of Prevention, Education and Outreach at chrism@indhouse.net.

Independence House takes part in the 2017 Alternative Gift Market at Unitarian Church on November 11th-12th

The Alternative Gift Market is a unique two-day shopping experience where you can meet with non profit organizations and make donations in honor of someone as a gift.  

Independence House is one of 15 nonprofit organizations represented at the event.  We hope the community will come out and visit our table and purchase one of three options to honor a loved one this holiday season.  

A $15 dollar donation will assist with grocery needs for a family upon their arrival to the new emergency domestic and sexual violence residence;  a $25 donation helps to provide medical and police accompaniment at Cape Cod and Falmouth Hospitals for sexual assault survivors; a $50 donation helps provide a child, teen or adult with a counseling session. 

All donations are tax deductible and credit cards are accepted at the fair, located at the Unitarian Church of Barnstable, Route 6A, 3330 Main Street in Barnstable.  Hours are:  Saturday, November 11th, 10:00am-3:00pm  and Sunday, November 12th from 11:30am-3:00pm.    We hope to see you there!

Confidential Message/Chat 

Independence House confidential chat/messenger is available on both the Independence House website at  www.independencehouse.org  and the Independence House Teen website at  www.IHteens.org  from Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm.

A domestic and sexual violence counselor is available to assist with questions you may have about intimate partner relationships, relationships with family members, and any form of abuse you feel you or someone you know may be experiencing. 

If you question whether you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, have safety concerns or need resources, please reach out to us safely and confidentially through our websites.

If you have concerns and prefer to speak with a live person on the telephone, our 24-hour hotline is available at 800.439.6507.

Groups and Counseling in the Community
FALL GROUP OFFERINGS:

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group providing a safe space for any female adults who have been affected by sexual violence at any age. The group combines creative and relaxing activities allowing survivors to share their thoughts and feelings. Education and information is shared during the group, as well as, safe coping skills that can be easily utilized outside the group. Group meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM-6:30 PM starting November 8, 2017.  Contact Annie at anniec@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 251 for more information or to complete an intake.
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group providing a safe place for female survivors who have been affected by domestic violence.  The group will contain both psychoeducation as well as an opportunity to process emotions.  Group topics will include understanding domestic violence, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, anger, self-esteem, dealing with stress, as well as coping skills and gratitude.  Group meets on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-4:30 PM starting November 8, 2017.  Contact Alyssa at alyssaf@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 242 for more information or to complete an intake. 
 
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS CHILDREN GROUP
An 8 week group geared toward children ages 7-10 who have been impacted by domestic violence.  The group will focus on building healthy relationships.  The group will be activity based and topics covered will include feelings, self-esteem, and communication.  Date to be determined.  Parent/Guardian consent will be needed to participate in the group.  Contact Abby at abbyf@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 222 to participate or with questions.
 
HOMICIDE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP
An 8 week group open to family members, close friends, neighbors, schoolmates and members of the community who have lost someone to a homicide (vehicular homicide, DUI, domestic violence, gun violence, etc.)  Our hope is to assist survivors in finding a path to coping with their pain and eventually rebuild and find a 'new normal.'  The group will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00-3:00 PM, date to be determined.  Please contact Nanci at nancir@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 232 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance. 
 
EMPOWERMENT BY LANGUAGE
An ongoing group designed to assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence in gaining confidence as they navigate the various systems and resources in the community to assist with their needs.  Clients will feel more empowered as they learn English as a second language.  The group meets on Monday evenings from 4:00-5:30 PM. Please contact Katia at katiad@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 243 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance. 
 
SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP LED IN PORTUGUESE & SPANISH.  
An ongoing group for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.  The group focuses on the cycle of abuse, the power and control wheel, signs of abuse, red flags and the impact to self-esteem.  The group also assists survivors of sexual violence to recognize the impact on them following an assault.  The facilitator utilizes art as an outlet to healing.   The group will meet from 5:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday evenings. Please contact Katia at katiad@indhouse.net or 508-771-6507 ext. 243 for more information or to complete an intake.  Intakes are required prior to group attendance.  Childcare will be provided.
 
All groups are offered free of charge and are confidential

ONGOING GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING AT LOCATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY: 
  • Independence House counselors provide weekly individualized counseling for those requesting services and are residents of Gosnold's Emerson House. 
  • An Independence House counselor is available at the following locations once a month to speak confidentially and in a private setting about any form of abuse they might be experiencing and to receive information and resources. 
       * Mashpee Senior Center, 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm. 
       * Health Imperatives, 4th Monday of every month from 1:00-3:00pm

Independence House immediate need WISH LIST
Emergency Domestic and Sexual Violence Residence Wish List
  • Individually wrapped child/kid snacks such as healthy granola bars, nuts, gummy fruit bears, PB dips, cheese dip crackers
  • (2) extension cords: 3-prong/6 ft
Independence House Hyannis Office Food Pantry Wish List
  • Diapers sizes 1, 2, 3 
INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.    
24-HOUR HOTLINE: 800-439-6507 

For appointments, please call Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm:
508-771-6507

MAIN OFFICE, HYANNIS:  160 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-5pm.  Walk-ins welcome. 

Other locations: 
FALMOUTH: 220 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Falmouth, MA 02540 
(Mon 9am-5pm, Tue 9am-7pm, Wed 9am-12pm or by appointment, Thu 9am-7pm,   Fri 9am-5pm, walk ins welcome)
ORLEANS: 5 Namskaket Rd. Unit 1, Orleans, MA 02653
(Mon 9am-5pm, Tue 11am-7pm, Wed 9-11am and afternoons by appointment, Thu 11am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm)
PROVINCETOWN: 2 Mayflower Ct., Provincetown, MA 02657 (Thursday by appointment)
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To assist with 209A abuse prevention orders and 258E harassment prevention orders, Independence House SAFEPLAN Advocates are available in ALL Cape Cod District and Probate Court Houses during normal court business hours. 
FALMOUTH DISTRICT COURT: 161 Jones Ave, Falmouth
ORLEANS DISTRICT COURT: 237 Rock Harbor Rd., Orleans
BARNSTABLE DISTRICT AND PROBATE COURT: 3195 Main (Court Complex), Barnstable
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Independence House Domestic Violence Advocates are available at the  following police departments:
YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Tues & Fri 9am-12pm 508-775-0445 x2181
FALMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Mon, Tues, Wed 8am-4pm 774-255-4527 x4550

Independence House is a
long standing
member of  Jane Doe, Inc.


Independence House is a 2017 community grant recipient

Independence House is a 2017 prevention grant recipient


 
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