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- from the desk of Angela Jones, Interim Executive Director
A lot has happened at One SAFE Place this past month.  Since Jean King, our Executive Director for over 5 years, transitioned into her role as Director Emeritus, my new position as Interim Executive Director has been an exciting challenge. I have been a part of One SAFE Place for 14 years now, initially as Shelter Manager, then taking on more responsibility through the years until reaching the position of Associate/Deputy Director in 2012. I have grown with the organization - from our merge with the Shasta Family Justice Center, to the building of the Sierra Center, expansion of the Children's Program, and establishment of the Transitional Housing Program.
On October 5th, we celebrated our one year anniversary of the opening of the Sierra Center. Together with our partners, volunteers and generous donors we are making our community a better, safer place.
As we enter this holiday season--decorations, music, the smell of delicious foods, the drives to give to those in need -- these things stir memories of the past. Several years ago I met a young woman and her two children (ages 3 and 6). The three were terribly abused and they came to stay in the old shelter to escape their tormentor. This was a huge step for her because her mother told her the abuse was her fault for not doing what her husband asked and not keeping the children quiet when she should. By leaving, she lost the only family she had.
They were with us during the holiday season. Through the generosity of the community we were able to provide all of our families with gifts under the tree, things off of a wish list we collected. She was reluctant to put anything down. All she asked for were necessities: clothing, household items and books for her children. We had no idea what that act of kindness would mean to this particular family.
Since marrying and having children, neither she nor her children had ever had a gift under the tree. When they opened their presents, there were toys and non-essentials to enjoy. She sobbed as she watched her children beam with delight. She couldn't believe that people in the community would give to her and her children. She thought people would look down on her, and the realization that the community didn't blame or judge her, helped to give her the strength and hope she needed to follow through with leaving her abuser and making a new life for her family.
Through the services provided by OSP and many of our partners, including the Shasta County District Attorney's Office, the family received therapy, obtained protection orders, and their abuser was arrested and eventually sent to prison.
Today, years later, this mother still stays in touch to thank us for supporting her through the difficult process of seeking help. They have a great life. She has a degree and her children are healthy and happy. Each year she recounts the moments, big and small, that helped her the most and among them is that holiday when she realized that she wasn't alone. She had a community!
This is one of many meaningful stories that serve to remind us that we can make a difference. We are stronger together, and together we do change lives!
I'm honored to take on this new role and continue to be a part of serving survivors of family violence and sexual abuse.
Sincerely,
Angela Jones
Interim Executive Director
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Michelle Knight and the OSP Fall Banquet
Our Fall Banquet on October 20th, "Into the Light," with speaker, author and survivor Michelle Knight was the most inspirational event we've ever had. Michelle's story spoke to the heart of our mission and why we do what we do to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
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Rhonda Ramsey, Brandy Jones, Executive Director Angela Jones, Michelle Knight (front, center), Marian Marglon, Colleen Stan, Blake Bennett, Danielle Braun
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Partnership Health
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| Interim Executive Director Angela Jones with PHC Northern Region Director of Health Services Carly Fronefield |
When Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) CEO Liz Gibboney and Northern Region Director of Health Services Carly Fronefield toured One SAFE Place in October, the learned few Halloween donations had been received. PHCs Northern Region Team was moved to help. After a fund-raising pumpkin sale, pumpkins which Carley had grown herself, PHC staff delivered 30 pumpkins, costumes, and candy to OSP.
In September, as part of its Strategic Use of Reserves program, PHC disbursed $75,000 to OSP to help support on-site couselors who provide mild-to-moderate mental health services. One SAFE Place is grateful to PHC for their support! Read more...
Other OSP News Items:
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One SAFE Place Grants Administrator, Tami Diab, Highlighted for Support of Shingletown Community
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April LaFrance Completes Board Term
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Board President Jennifer Scarborough,
April LaFrance, and Board Vice President Chris Haedrich |
One SAFE Place gratefully honored April LaFrance for her term of service on the Board of Directors.
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Together We Can Change
a Child's Life
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To donate to Give Redding online
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Upcoming Events
Tickets will be on sale soon for our 30th Annual Crab Feed. Save the Date - February 4th!
If you are interested in joining behind the scenes fun, we are looking for committee members for procurement. Call Kristi at 244-0118 ext 202.
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Food for Fines at the Shasta Public Libraries
Bring in canned foods to any Shasta Public Libraries branch (Anderson, Burney, and Redding) to pay overdue fines, up to $10 per customer.
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Strike Out Domestic Violence
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Thank you to the District Attorney's office for a fantastic event, Strike Out Domestic Violence!
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Other Upcoming Community Drives Include:
- Pajama/Food Drive from AT&T
- Petsmart Chance and Lucky Drive
- Owens Healthcare
- Latter Day Saints Toy Drive
- Dr. Cooley Food and Toy Drive
Thank you for your support!
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Shasta Knights
As part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October, the Shasta Knights stepped up to show why they say No More and support survivors of domestic violence.
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Samantha Magana
Volunteer of the Month
Dear One SAFE Place,
When I decided to volunteer here, I had no idea what to expect. I guess I thought I would meet people who were angry due to their circumstance, that wouldn't care to meet or interact with me. But boy was I wrong! I met incredibly strong men and women who were making a change in their lives for the betterment of their children...
(see more)
Sam sent us this letter recently, because she was touched by her experience volunteering. She volunteers with clients and enjoys interacting with all of the children the most. "They are all amazingly unique little individuals," she says.
Sam Magana was born in San Francisco and has a younger brother, Sean. Her mom has always been her biggest role model. Sam describes herself as a goofy kid, who always tried to make others laugh. She uses that joyful spirit in her volunteer work with One SAFE Place.
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Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for One SAFE Place? For more information
click here.
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If your group would like to schedule a tour of our new Sierra Center facilities, please call us at 244-0118.
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