May 2022 Newsletter
.A Word from Our Executive Director,
Marilyn Simon-Gersuk.
Dear Friends,

May has been a particularly trying month around the country. The number of mass shootings is startling, and thoughts and prayers cannot console the families who have lost loved ones. As we observe the alarming increase in gun violence around the country, we also have to pause to recognize its impact on domestic violence.
 
These stories have placed violence in the headlines daily. In a recent statement, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) stated, "Ending gun violence is critical to ending domestic violence. The presence of a firearm in an intimate partner violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%. Time and again, we see that mass shooters' first victims are often partners or family members." As we work to change laws, these shootings are a constant reminder of the danger to survivors and are triggering for many survivors.
 
DVS is committed to helping survivors process their trauma and establish their lives free from violence. We support NNEDV and its actions to "create coalitions against domestic violence and other anti-violence organizations to educate policymakers, the public, and the media about the link between mass violence and family violence."
 
As a supporter of DVS, please become a part of our efforts in reform. Reach out to DVS - Join our Advocacy Committee or sign up to be notified when action is needed to contact elected officials. Become a partner in helping us to sustain the services that have a direct impact on improving survivors' and their children's lives. Support our 2nd Annual May Flowers with a donation today. Purchase needed supplies on our Amazon Wish List using our Amazon Smile. Become a volunteer. However you choose to get involved, we welcome your participation and invite your support.
With sincere appreciation,
Marilyn Simon-Gersuk
Executive Director
๐ŸŒธ May Flowers - Last Chance to Donate! ๐ŸŒผ
Help survivors in our community bloom and thrive by participating in our .2nd Annual May Flowers. fundraiser!

Our interactive springtime campaign ends TONIGHT at 11:59 pm! We invite you to make your gift in honor or memory of someone special in your life or in honor of the thousands of survivors we help each year. As it was done last year, we encourage you to share a picture on the Giving Grid to illustrate your meaningful gift. However you choose to participate, your donation will make a powerful impact on the lives of domestic violence survivors throughout our county.

๏ปฟWhat your donation represents:

๐ŸŒธ $50: Clothing for one child for a week

๐ŸŒน $100: Educational learning tools for a family with three children

๐Ÿ’ $500: Home dรฉcor/furniture for two families

๐ŸŒท $1,000: Furnish a new apartment for a domestic violence survivor

๐ŸŒผ $5,000: Two months of safe nights of shelter for one family

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all who have already made a donation! We are grateful for your kindness and generosity.
Domestic Violence Education Groups
Our .Domestic Violence Education Groups. are scheduled through November! Survivors can attend as many sessions as they wish and may join in any week.

Learn about various intimate partner violence topics in a small group setting. Classes are offered in English and Spanish and are free of charge.

View the flyers:


For more information, please email counseling@dvsolutions.org.
Maritime Family Fun Day!

This month, DVS hosted a Sunday Funday for our clients. Everyone in attendance thoroughly enjoyed Maritime on the Move - a walk around Santa Barbara Harbor learning about protecting ships and boats, wildlife, the coastal villages of the Chumash, and more!

The incredible staff at the Maritime Museum went above and beyond to make it a very special and memorable morning.
Important Housing Information
Farewell, Julia and Jenni-Elise!
On behalf of the DVS family, we extend our sincerest thank you to Julia Black-DeVre, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Jenni-Elise Ramirez, Development Officer.

These wonderful ladies have created meaningful programs, communications, outreach, and most importantly, caring relationships at DVS. While they will remain a part of our DVS family, they are moving on to new opportunities. Please join us in wishing them the very best.  
We're Hiring!
We are looking for compassionate individuals to join our team and support domestic violence survivors and their families. Learn about available positions here.

If you know anyone who would be a good fit, please email Debby Husch, Director of Administration, at HR@DVsolutions.org.
Domestic Violence Solutions | 805.963.4458 | dvsolutions.org