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FEBRUARY 2023
Independence House News
"There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind." - Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers)
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The cold winds of February will soon be among us, and we're sending wishes for warmer days ahead, inclusive of a vision that together we can embrace peace, good health, safety, and fulfilled dreams. Independence House is part of making these dreams come true for many individuals and families on Cape Cod who have survived domestic or sexual abuse. Mr. Rogers also reminds us of the importance of our humanitarian commitment to each other when he said, "Many of us at some time or other, need help! Whether we're giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That's one of the things that connects us as neighbors - in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver."
Please ask yourself as you read our newsletter, how you can be a giver and help Independence House continue to triumph in the work we do to help our community members. And, if you're one that needs our help, know that we are here for you!
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Stay tuned for a major announcement on February 16th! | |
View our FY22 Impact Report | |
It's Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we're POPPING UP! | | |
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POP UPS IN CAPE COD HIGH
SCHOOLS
Our Pop-Up Tuesday's were so popular and well received last year across Cape Cod that we've created a month of Pop Ups this February during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. We'll be Popping Up in Cape Cod High Schools to meet with teens throughout the month of February
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for some pop up fun and giveaways, and a chance for teens to win contest prizes. Pop ups are heading to Sturgis East, Sturgis West, Cape Cod Regional Technical, Monomoy Regional and Falmouth High Schools. | |
Courageous Conversations about
Domestic & Sexual Abuse!
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Help us break the silence about domestic and sexual abuse. Please join us for a facilitated dialogue on “what is abuse”, “why is there silence about abuse”, and “what can we do to be part of the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.” Courageous Conversations meetings are scheduled from February through April at the locations listed below. For questions and to register, Contact Chris Morin at chrism@indhouse.net or call 508-771-6507 x230
Courageous Conversations Schedule:
- February 7th at 6:00-7:30pm by ZOOM
- February 28 at 6:00-7:30pm Hyannis Independence House Office
- March 14th at 6:00-7:30pm Cultural Center of Cape Cod
- April 5th at 6:00-7:30pm Cultural Center of Cape Cod.
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The 6th Annual Independence House Open Charity Golf Tournament | |
After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are pleased to announce our 6th Annual Open Charity Golf Tournament hosted by Willowbend.
Extend your Mother's Day weekend activities and golf with us on Monday, May 15th! It's a great way to honor or remember the mothers in our lives while supporting our important work.
Sponsors, Golfers and In-kind donations are currently being solicited. Please consider your support for this important fundraiser that helps Independence House provide free and confidential services.
Download Flyer
Visit webpage
Sign up to Sponsor or Golf
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Cape & Islands Regional Domestic Violence Council Quarterly Meeting
STRANGULATION in INTIMATE PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS:
Identifying, Investigating and Prosecuting Cases
Thursday, February 16, 2023, 1:30 – 3:30pm
All are welcome!
Strangulation is one of the most lethal forms of violence employed by perpetrators of intimate partner violence, and the overwhelming majority of strangulation incidents – that do not result in death – result in little or no visible injury to the victim. Lack of visible injury can result in the misidentification of strangulation injury and an inability for medical professionals to provide meaningful intervention and treatment. In the absence of visible injury, other telltale symptoms may be present, and it is critical for law enforcement officers and other first responders who interface with victims in the aftermath of an assault to be able to identify these symptoms of strangulation as a component of the violence.
This presentation will address common myths and misconceptions
related to strangulation injury and focus on the signs and symptoms of strangulation injury, medical evaluation and documentation, delayed fatalities, and risk factors.
To learn more about this meeting, and how to attend, visit: https://independencehouse.org/event/strangulation-in-intimate-partner-relationships-cirdvc-quarterly-meeting/
The CIRDVC is comprised of human service and social justice organizations, prosecution, corrections, probation and law enforcement agencies, health care, court personnel, attorneys and concerned individuals that meet quarterly for the purposes of networking and professional development regarding the issues that surround domestic violence.
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Independence House Providing On-Campus services for 4C's Students | |
Self-Care Day for Caregivers and Survivors at Cultural Center of Cape Cod | | |
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Independence House will be facilitating the Creative Expression workshop on February 18th from 10:45am-12:45pm during the Cultural Center’s Self-Care Day for Caregivers and Survivors.
Independence House will also be facilitating the Creative Expression workshop at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on these dates:
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White Ribbon Day - A Call to Men | |
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In a collaboration between Independence House, the Yarmouth Police Department and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office, White Ribbon Day events have been presented on Cape Cod for over a decade.
This year, the 2023 White Ribbon Day events again span throughout the month of March where we ask men to come together and pledge to be part of the solution in ending gender-based violence.
Adult men, as coaches, mentors, fathers, sons, brothers, and more, each have a responsibility of preparing the next generation of leaders to be healthy, respectful individuals.
How can we do this and make a positive impact?
Please join us at any one of the following Cape Cod White Ribbon Day events, where we will show a short video from "A Call To Men", followed by Q/A and discussion.
- March 7, 6:00-7:30pm at Wellfleet Public Library
- March 14, 6:00-7:30pm at Falmouth Public Library
- March 21, 6:00-7:30pm at Cultural Center of Cape Cod
- March 29, 2:00-3:00pm at Cape Cod Community College.
For questions, please email Bob Ravenelle at bobr@indhouse.net or call 508.771.6507 x235.
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Save the Date For This Summer's International Festival | |
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4th Annual Independence House International Festival in July on Hyannis Green
The International Festival is returning to Hyannis Green on July 16th from 12:00-6:00pm. The family-friendly festival welcomes ALL and with an emphasis on embracing the cultural community of Cape Cod. Vendors will include non-profit organizations, representatives from embassies, retail establishments, and cultural food truck vendors. Entertainment, speakers and family fun games and activities will also take place throughout the festival. For more information on how to be part of the festival as a Sponsor, Vendor, Non profit organization or interest in performing your cultural music at the festival, please contact Katia at katiad@indhouse.net or call 508.771.6507 x243.
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A direct and compelling headline | | |
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LatinX-Independence House Collaboration
The Independence House, Inc. and LatinX in Action collaboration is made possible through a culturally specific partnership funding award by the Family Violence Prevention Acts Fund for Rape Crisis Centers from the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Community Health and Prevention, Division of Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention and Services.
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This collaboration will provide crisis intervention, individual and longer-term counseling for Black sexual assault survivors and immigrant survivors who speak Portuguese or Spanish as a first language. Independence House- LATINX in Action services take place at the LATINX in Action building, 116 Stevens Street, Hyannis (across the parking lot of the Hyannis Independence House office). | |
Active Groups & Workshops | | |
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Workshop Wednesdays in Orleans
This is an ongoing actively focused group. Some activities you can look forward to may include planting seeds, decorating 'Clothesline Project" t-shirts, collage, role-playing, pottery, and more.
Learn more...
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Independence House-LATINX in Action
Healing Through the Arts
This ongoing Tri-Lingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish) support group takes place on Saturday mornings and will give you an opportunity to use your creativity to tap into your innate power for growth and healing. All survivors are welcome- no art experience necessary
Learn more...
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Independence House-LATINX in Action
Skills for Dealing with Difficult Conversations
This Tri-Lingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish) support group will take place on Sunday afternoons and provides a safe space to talk about any issues you are currently facing or have encountered in the marginalized community. Open discussion with a safe space to express your opinions.
Learn more...
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More groups coming soon:
Adult (Portuguese & Spanish) Domestic & Sexual Violence Group
contact Katiad@indhouse.net for more information.
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Independence House is Hiring! | |
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We are seeking to fill the following positions:
- Tri-Lingual Domestic & Sexual Violence Counselor
- Domestic Violence Housing Advocate and Case Manager
- Domestic Violence Overnight Advocate
Please visit the Employment Page on the Independence House website for full job descriptions and details on how to apply.
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Volunteering at Independence House | |
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Independence House volunteers are special. They are dedicated individuals who provide unique services that assist domestic and sexual assault survivors. Our volunteers include professionals, survivors, retirees, stay at home mothers, and more. Each volunteer is required to complete a personal interview, a comprehensive 45+ hour training, a CORI background check, a National Sex Offender Registry check and provide a minimum of a 1-year commitment.
At this time, Independence House is seeking some special dedicated people who can provide volunteering in the following areas:
- Medical and Police Accompaniment
- Shelter Assistance
- Civil Court Advocacy SAFEPLAN team assistance
- Development and Fundraising team assistance
- Office reception assistance
To be considered for an interview, please visit the Volunteer Page on the Independence House website for full details and to download and complete a volunteer application.
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Donating to Independence House
A gift to Independence House Saves Lives!
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Every time a survivor of Domestic or Sexual Violence reaches us, your generosity is felt! | |
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Consider:
- A LEGACY GIFT (BEQUEST)
- STOCKS & SECURITIES GIFT
- BECOMING A MONTHLY DONOR
- GENERAL DONATIONS
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Your feedback is important! | | |
| Did you find this newsletter content interesting and helpful? | | | |
If you would like to expand on any of your poll answers above, we'd like to hear from you. Please email your comments (including interest in volunteering) to Donna Giberti, Director of Development and Marketing at: donnag@indhouse.net. | | | |
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Connect with Independence House Teens | | | | |
