Thank You to the Percepta Community Impact Team!

On July 21,2012, The Percepta Community Impact Team (employees who volunteer to participate in events to better the community) , held an indoor yard sale to fundraise for The Women's Center. They raised $550.00!

The Women's Center would like to acknowledge the team for their support; Kymberly Duran, Brandy Hensley, Lois Andres, Karen Arnold, Felicia Daniels, Timothy Geoghegan, Sheri Konicki, Danielle Mallady, Sandi Martin, and Breann Robertson.

The Women's Center Team at the Heart Walk

The Women's Center supports Heart Health!

South Guild President’s Message

What a pleasure it is to work with the talented and enthusiastic women who are members of the South Guild. The South Guild Board of Directors sure can put on a fun party! Our first luncheon of the year was "Spectaculaire -- A Stroll Down the Avenue des Champs-Elysee," with a fashion trend presentation by Nordstrom, silent auction, 50/50, and a Girlfriend Package Live Auction! What a wonderful way to lunch with our gal pals while raising money for the Women’s Center.

Our next event will be just as fun, but in a more unique sense…
Face of Change Food Packaging Event
Please join us while we package 100,000 meals for the hungry in Brevard County. We will be doing this on Saturday, October 6th, 9am to 3pm at Florida Air Academy in Melbourne. Yes, many of the meals will be delivered directly to the shelves at the Women’s Center, and the rest will be distributed throughout Brevard County via the Second Harvest Food Bank. We will also be raising money for the Women’s Center and for the Children’s Hunger Project. This is a tremendous team building event where students can earn community service hours too! Find out more at www.faceofchange.info

Friday evening, November 2nd will bring the return of "Uncorked!" at Villa Tropicale. Wine pours, Scrumptious Bites, Games with Corkmeister Clemente, Silent Auction, and Dancing with DJ Dan, and more! Please contact the Women’s Center at 321-242-3110, check the website for information on Sponsorship.

In January 2013, the South Guild Board of Directors will begin the new year with a new educational format for Guild members. At monthly lunch meetings we will socialize, find out what’s happening at the Women’s Center, and learn about different facets of the services provided by this fantastic organization.

Have a wonderful month, enjoy the beginning of fall in Brevard, and thank you again for supporting the organization that helps our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends.

Dani Clevens and Robin Panicola
Co-Presidents, South Guild

North Guild President’s Message

Across North Brevard each day people are working in partnership to address needs locally in their communities. The Women’s Center North Guild is bridging the gap. Volunteerism and stewardship have never been more important than it is today as our members work together to increase domestic violence awareness for women and families by providing a safe place that leads to a life of being self-sufficient and in a safe environment. Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Appreciation and gratitude is extended to the North Guild members and friends for their dedication and commitment of purpose and passion in making a difference in the lives of those whose voice is silent because of their environment.

In March 2012, the Ravindran Family Domestic Violence Safe House at Parrish Gardens opened. Special thanks to Premier Corporate Partner Parrish Medical Center and Shelter Benefactors the Ravindran Family; Yvette R. Boodhoo, Ph.D. and Victor Boodhoo, M.D.; Shanti & Meera Rao; Sarita Sachdev; and Dr. Patricia Manning. A Recognition Luncheon was hosted by the Women’s Center on Saturday, September 22, 2012 to recognize and thank these generous donors.

Our thanks and appreciation to the 2012 North Guild Leadership: Officers; Vice President Joyce Cole, Secretary Cherie Heimer, Treasurer Sarita Sachdev; Immediate Past President Sudha Talluri-Rao; and Appointees Assistant Treasurer Carolyn Elbon; Membership Director Yvette Boodhoo; Fund Development Director Dawnna Brown; and Communication Director Dawn Hohnhorst. Executive Director Jenny Gessler, Ph.D. installed the officers at the annual meeting held at Dixie Crossroads.

Vice President Joyce Cole leads our fundraising efforts with a dedicated team of volunteers. In addition to the successful fundraiser Night at the Museum held on February 4, 2012 that raised approximately $40,000, a Bridge SUMMERAMA was held July 20, August 17, and September 26 at La Cita County Club. Our thanks to Joan Gast for her suggestion to have this Bridge SUMMERAMA that led to a successful fundraiser for the North Guild. Interest is high to continue and schedule another Bridge SUMMERAMA in the next several months.

The Super Bowl of Trivia with a sports theme! There will be 10 rounds with 10 challenging questions per round with all the usual categories. Be thinking about your team of "brainiacs" for an evening of laughter and fun with the North Guild.

Monthly meetings are held at the Benton House at 11:00 a.m. the third Monday. Lunch is provided and the "lunch money" is donated back to the North Guild by the Benton House.

As I reflect back to November 2010 when the first North Guild Inaugural Meeting was held with 10 members present and look at the 150 plus members and friends that we have today in the North Guild, I am reminded of a quote by Albert Schweitzer, "Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being." The flame continues to burn because of the partnerships being developed by the North Guild members and friends.

If you would like to participate in this partnership and journey with the North Guild in making a difference, please contact us. You will have an opportunity to touch people in ways they will never forget.

Together we serve,

Rachel S. Terry
2012 North Guild President

North Guild Board Installation

From Left to Right: Dawnna Brown, Dawn Hohnhorst, Sarita Sachdev, Sudha Rao, Rachel Terry, and Jenny Gessler.

Employee Spotlight Allison Nevin is the Clinical Director for the Women's Center Allison has been with the Women's Center for 6 years.

Allison Nevin I am glad to be part of the Women’s Center because… I appreciate the mission of the Women’s Center and all that our organization gives to this community. Also, the people I work with are fun and there is a great sense of cohesion and greater purpose. What are you thankful for? I am thankful for how we (the employees) are treated. There are a lot of perks to working here.

Volunteer Spotlight Going Above and Beyond! The Women's Center called Amanda on a Thursday afternoon, and asked her to volunteer for a Brevard Health Alliance Health Fair ,on Saturday, August 4th . Amanda did not hesitate to say yes!!! Not only did Amanda volunteer for the Health Fair all day in the rain, she made her own sign, bought balloons and candy at her own expense. We would like to recognize Amanda for going over and beyond what was asked of her on that day ! Thanks to Amanda !!!!!

Amanda Shaw

How long have you been volunteering at the Women’s Center?

I've been volunteering at the Women's Center since June 24, 2012. Usually I come once a week(Tuesdays or Thursdays) and have also attended two events on weekends. (The Brevard Health Alliance Expo, and the American Heart Association Annual Walk)

In what areas do you volunteer at the Women’s Center?

I volunteer at the front desk as an intake specialists and I've also completed basic training for the victim advocacy program with Jackie Ares. Through these positions, I've assisted victims of Domestic Violence, provided community resources to clients,and completed data entry for intake forms and DV intake forms.

What do you enjoy about volunteering at the Women’s Center?

The Women's Center is so much more than just volunteer experience for me, it's a personal experience as well. Back in 2007 I was on the other side of the counter, asking for help as a client with the Women's Center. Even before this, I attended counseling with the Women's Center while I was an "at risk" teen in high school. The kindness and heartfelt help I received from the Women's Center staff and volunteers back then really made an impression on me. So much so, that I decided to give back and choose a career path in Art Therapy to help those who suffer depression, domestic violence, terminal illness and more. Coming back to the Women's Center as a volunteer has really empowered my self-esteem. I love working with my team at the front desk and in the back offices. I'm eager to get involved and give back to those who once gave to me.

What are you thankful for?

I'm grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Women's Center, and to have accomplished so much since my "at risk" days. I'm now a homeowner, have 1 AA degree under my belt and I'm continuing to work towards my BA and MA, I've received many scholarships for college, I've had my art placed in Galleries in Down Town Melbourne, I've landed a job with Brevard Behavioral Consultants Inc. as a mentor and the list goes on. Without community support from the team at the Women's Center, and support from my family, I probably would have taken a path spiraling out of control. I'm truly blessed to have met so many wonderful people.

Support Groups,
Classes, and Workshops

• Adalante
  Viernes, 2:00-3:00 pm, El Women’s Center estara ofreciendo un grupo de apoyo gratis para mujeres hispanas. Se discutiran temas de interes, incluyendo relaciones saludables y violencia. Facilitadoras: Jacqueline Ares, Victim Advocate.
• Childhood Sexual Abuse/Incest Survivors Support Group
  Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm. Therapist: Jennifer Guarino, LMHC, Free. Support group for adult women who have experienced sexual abuse as children. Focus on emotional reactions, resolution of feelings, the effects on everyday life, and on self-respect as a survivor.
• Domestic Violence Support Group Melbourne
  Mondays, 10-11:30 am. Therapist: Jennifer Guarino, LMHC, Free. An open support group for women to provide information and understanding of emotional and/or physical abuse by a partner.
• Domestic Violence Support Group Titusville
  Mondays, 6-7:30 pm, Free. An open support group for women to provide information and understanding of emotional and/or physical abuse by a partner. Location: Parrish Medical Center, 3rd Floor, Women’s Center Conf. room, 951 N Washington Ave. Facilitator: Tammy Caligiuri, M.A., RMHCI. For more information, contact Candace Tate at 321.607.6811
• NEW GROUP FORMING! Coping with Family Addiction Co-Dep Group
  This is an open �group for individuals in a relationship with an addicted person.�Participants will receive support, education, and therapy. �Gain understanding of addiction and how it affects all areas of life. Learn coping skills and self reliance as well as improving self esteem and respect. Therapist:� Pamela Lewis, M.S., LMHC, Cost: $25 Per Session. Call 242-1526.
• Men’s Survivor Group
  A new group is forming to support adult male victims of childhood abuse. If you are interested in signing up please call 321.242.1526.
• Kool Kids Melbourne
  Mondays, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Therapist: Jennifer Guarino, LMCH, Free. Support group for children ages 6-12 years old who have witnessed or experienced family violence. Telephone intake with parent required before attendance.
• Kool Kids Titusville
  Mondays, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Therapist: Ruth Mejias, M.A., RMHCI, Free. Support group for children ages 6-12 years old who have witnessed or experienced family violence. Telephone intake with parent required before attendance. Location: Parrish Medical Center, 3rd Floor, Women’s Center Conf. room, 951 N Washington Ave. For more information, contact Candace Tate at 321.607.6811
• Childbirth Preparation Classes
  Wednesday (6:30-9 pm-series of 5 classes) Classes on all aspects of labor and birth, including nutrition, pain medication, breast feeding, and stress relief. Classes provided by Brevard Chapter of Florida Outreach. For fee and registration, call Terri Myers 259-5598.
• Domestic Violence Class
  2nd Friday of each month, 12 noon- 1:30 pm. Free. Provides education about the dynamics of domestic violence relationships, the cycle of violence, definitions of abuse, warning signs, and safety planning. Certificate provided. Facilitator: Jacqueline Ares. Call to register, 242-3110.
• Clase sobre Violencia Dom�stica
  Educaci�n sobre las din�micas de las relaciones de violencia dom�stica, el ciclo de violencia, definiciones de abuso, se�ales de aviso, y plan de seguridad. Se proveer� un certificado. Favor de llamar al 242-3110 para informaci�n sobre las fechas y horarios. Gratis. Facilitadora: Jacqueline Ares.
• Career Interest & Testing
  Nov 7 & 8; 9:30-12pm, Free. In this 2-day workshop participants will take useful career inventories to assess their occupational interests, preferred activities, competencies and abilities. Results will enhance the person’s career direction and enlighten their career decision-making. Facilitator: Cindy Schroeder
• Career Directions
  Oct. 17, 18, & 19, 9:30 a.m.-12 or Nov. 28, 29, & 30, 9:30 a.m.-12, Free. Whether you’re thinking about a new career or want to advance in your current position, the Career Directions three day workshop offers the personal attention and career advice to help you get there. Covered topics include goal setting, interviewing, resume writing, applications and job search skills, among others. Facilitator: Cindy Schroeder
• Budgeting and How to Repair Your Credit.
  Must Have Workshop for Every Woman.
  Facilitator: MaryEllen Troilo
  Sat., Oct. 20, 10am-12pm
  Covers basic budgeting knowledge, how to avoid falling into the maxed out credit card trap, tips on why budgets fail, how to keep your budget on track, & creating a spending plan. What makes up a credit score, how to dispute items on your credit report, & steps to increase your credit score.
• Legal Aspects of Divorce & Separation
  Sat., Oct 13, 10 am-12 pm. Sat., Nov 17, 10 am-12 pm. Cost: $10. An attorney explains the legal rights of parties involved in separation or divorce. Includes fault/ no fault divorce, spousal and child support, property settlement agreements, custody and visitation, distribution of property and retirement benefits.
• Volunteer Orientation
  See website for dates or call. Free. The volunteer orientation is intended to familiarize interested applicants with the Women’s Center and volunteer opportunities available. Applications available via download from the Women’s Center website.
• Victim Advocacy Volunteer Training
  Scheduled training sessions as below (in each location) to assist victims of domestic violence in filing the petition from the court, and support in the courtroom when attending hearings related to the injunction process. Part-time and full-time volunteer positions. Minimum commitment of one 4-hour time slot per week.

  Two shifts available at the courthouse: 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. or 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers can work one or both shifts.

  Melbourne Training Dates: (must attend both days of training)
  Nov. 14, 9:30am-12pm &
  Nov. 15, 9:30-2pm, Free.

  Titusville Training Date:
  Oct 19, 9am-4pm, Free.

  Titusville Training Located at Our Office 603 N. Washington Ave. Titusville, FL 32796