Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Recap

October was an impressive month of action, awareness, and community for My Sister’s Place (MSP) during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). From meaningful conversations at Malcolm X Park to impactful events that included honoring the lives we’ve lost to Domestic Violence this year, we came together to support survivors, amplify their voices, and build a stronger, more compassionate community. 

We proudly share that MSP participated in 15 events during DVAM, reaching a broad audience of 800+ community members, across various platforms.

We were honored to hold trainings for our partners including Dataminr, Accenture, and the Zonta Club. 

MSP staff also participated in various panels at American University, NVRDC, and the Office of Child Support Services to learn from partners and contribute to valuable community conversations on violence intervention and resources.

Our outreach team tabled at 7 partner events across the city spreading resources and awareness to the community. Thank you to AXO, the Madison, United Way, DHS, MPD, OFVPS, and DCCADV for hosting us.

Lastly, MSP hosted two events of our own: the Clothesline Project and Cause Tuesday.

We were honored to revive the historic Clothesline Project with our first event in years, hosted at Malcolm X Park. The day was filled with courage and support from attendees, survivors, and our amazing partners. Together we engaged the community in creating an inspiring display of t-shirts, generating a meaningful experience for both pedestrians and participants.

We are grateful to the D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project, Playtime Project, DC Victim Hotline, DCCADV, and Amara Legal Center for attending and supporting our Clothesline Project.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dacha Beer Garden for co-hosting a fantastic event with MSP that brought supporters and the local community together to raise funds for our Sponsor A Family campaign. Thanks to the generosity of supporters and beer garden enthusiasts, we raised over $1,500 while furthering our efforts to raise awareness of our services within the community. 

We are channeling the energy we’ve received during DVAM into our annual Sponsor A Family drive, which is more than just a fundraising effort—it's a chance for families to celebrate the holidays on their own terms during a difficult time. The funds raised will provide gift cards directly to families at MSP this holiday season. 

Please give today so we can reach our $25,000 goal!  

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to MSP this month. Your thoughtful donations play a vital role in uplifting the individuals and families we serve. This DVAM, we uplift Adrienne and her family in particular for their commitment to the families at MSP and the broader community. Adrienne and her daughter organized community members to refurbish our Children’s Playroom and prepared over 300 Lipstick containing hidden safety plans for outreach to the community. 

"Supporting MSP gives us an opportunity to let survivors know there is a community that cares. My daughter and I have a shared commitment to service and are gender-based violence prevention champions. It is an honor to partner with MSP and uphold their mission."

"Preventing domestic violence is a public health priority and we are a part of the stakeholder community to nurture those with lived experience back to a safe and productive life”. - Adrienne and Erin 

To join them in giving, View our Amazon Wishlist here.

GWFC’s Health Equity Fund 

This October, the Community Foundation’s Health Equity Fund (HEF) announced $10 million in multiyear funding to support 40 important projects that foster economic mobility in Washington, DC. MSP was selected as a recipient and awarded $400,000 over the next two years to continue our impactful RISE Trust program. RISE Trust is the only known guaranteed income program for survivors of domestic violence, providing select families in our transitional housing programs with $500/month for up to two years, along with financial education to support their economic mobility.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation 

In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mary Kay Ash Foundation announced it is awarding $1 million in grants to 50 domestic violence shelters across the country. My Sister’s Place has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Washington, DC. MSP is thrilled to be selected to receive funding that will have a real impact on the families we serve. 

This month wouldn't have been successful without the unwavering support from our volunteers, sponsors, funders, and partner organizations. Your efforts in attending events, organizing the community, donating to families in need, and spreading the word about DVAM have been invaluable. You are the reason we can create a lasting impact in our community.  

Warm regards, 

The Team at My Sister's Place