The 2023 year was nothing less than jam-packed with news and events.

Independence House presented "Keeping Our Children Safe" at both Waquoit Congregational Church and Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Falmouth. Client groups for survivors were offered at all our locations throughout the year ranging from Healing through Art with our collaborative partner, Latinx; to self-care workshops, empowerment groups and cultivating emotional resilience and support for parents.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month education events included exciting pop-ups at five Cape High Schools to engage students about dating and healthy relationships. The Independence House Prevention, Education and Outreach Program launched a series of 'Courageous Conversations' with a year-long schedule of meetings that members of the community took part in to discuss solutions in making Cape Cod a violence free community; and we had a successful series of month-long White Ribbon Day events in March in collaboration with the Yarmouth Police Department and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office.

Staff in-service monthly trainings included guest speakers that presented workshops on Strangulation from Aequitas; overviews of services from Health Imperatives; an overview of Victim Services including CORI and post-conviction notifications by the Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS); and support for children of domestic violence from Biker's Against Child Abuse….Just to name a few.

Independence House participated in a new collaboration with the Cultural Center of Cape Cod which offered monthly Creative Expression workshops at the museum with Independence House counselors. April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month brought opportunities to discuss these forced, intimate unconsented acts through a month-long film series at Wellfleet Library. Our collaborations continued with The Enough Abuse Campaign when we took part in a panel to discuss Demystifying the Criminal Investigation Process: From Court to Support.

After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Independence House was thrilled to present our 6th Annual golf tournament in person at Willowbend, hosting our largest tournament attendance to date.

While the weather put a damper on our original International Festival date, we successfully pivoted to postpone the date and location for what turned out to be a full field of 64 non-profits and businesses offering resources to the community. Our Falmouth Road Race Team (14 runners in 2023!) had another incredible year raising money to benefit Independence House services for those who are exposed to and experience domestic and sexual violence; and we were grateful to be part of the 2nd Annual Walk for Kianna that took place in Falmouth. Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge Putnam was among those who address the walkers in Falmouth along with State Representative David Vieira and Cape and Islands District Attorney, Rob Galibois. Independence House was also proud to be the beneficiary of the Walk for Kianna proceeds to support programs and services for survivors of domestic violence.

Our participation as a leading partner of the Cape and Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council (CIRDVC) allowed us to facilitate their quarterly meetings, and as part of the CIRDVC, Independence House in collaborative leadership with the Yarmouth Police Department and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office hosted a resource fair showcasing local and state-wide programs and services that are beneficial to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. And the ongoing collaboration between Independence House and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office continued with Mandated Reporter Training to a select group of professionals and law enforcement.

We were please to educate over 150 attendees at the Independence House 23rd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Breakfast Program which brought Lisa Fontes, PhD, and author to discuss the topic of coercive control to the filled ballroom.

Independence House has been taking part in The Cape Cod Foundation Comprehensive Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Cohort throughout 2023, which comes with a capacity building grant from The Cape Cod Foundation and allows us to assess how Independence House can increase our organizational administrative capacity.

Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge-Putnam was invited as a presenter for the Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands 'Philanthropy Day' to present a seminar on Federal and State Grant Funding Processes; and Lysetta was honored to receive the Community Spirit Award at the Power of the Purse event by the Cape and Islands United Way/Women United for her tirelessly championing of others in the community.

Our long-time volunteer (over 25 yrs.!) Sue French received the Myra Kraft Community MVP award from the Kraft Family and the New England Patriots Foundation, honoring those who go above and beyond.

And Independence House was awarded $3.46 Million in the Appropriations Bill for a new building to support client and survivor services on Cape Cod with the leadership of United States Senators Elizabeth Warren, Edward Markey and United States Representative, William Keating.

Understanding the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence is extremely important. Recognizable scars of physical violence are not the sole aspects or signs one should look for. The trauma from both domestic and sexual violence has an enormous impact on victims/survivors.

Education, awareness, and training in order to address the multifaceted aspects of domestic and sexual violence are crucial to create environments where survivors feel safe and heard when they come forward with their experiences to seek assistance. 

Independence House provides this education as part of our Prevention, Education and Outreach Programs to the community. Workshops, seminars and meetings can be tailored to businesses and professionals in order to help you provide and foster a culture of empathy and support for survivors in your workplace, groups, or businesses.  

If you would like to discuss setting up a workshop or training for your business group or organization, please contact Chris Morin at chrism@indhouse.net (508-771-6507 x230).  

If you are a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence, please know we are here for you.

Please reach out to Independence House for support by calling our 24-hour hotline (800-439-6507), or stop into one of our offices to talk with a counselor.  Click here for all office hours and locations.

Independence House encourages applicants of diverse races, all abilities, sexual orientation, and genders.

Independence House, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, or disability and denial of family medical leave and pregnancy leave. This search is being conducted by Independence House, Inc.

To show interest and be considered for an Independence House position, please send a resume and a cover letter to: joaniew@indhouse.net.

Please write “IH Application- [Your Last Name]” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.