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Tag: nonprofits

May Community Partner Meeting

May 9 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm CDT

May Community Partner Meeting

Free

Felicia Young, from the Family Scholar House-Houston, will be our Guest Speaker. She will talk about Family Scholar House and the new facility they are building here in the 3rd Ward.

About Felicia:

Felicia Young serves as the Regional Outreach Coordinator for Family Scholar House which provides access to education and housing for single parent college students.

As a social services professional with over twenty years experience within the local school system, city government in the Office of Youth Development and United Way network for community impact, Felicia enjoys helping connect people to people, people to resources and resources back to people.

Felicia previously co-lead a large-scale, comprehensive youth programs quality improvement effort serving over 100 community-based Out-of-School Time (OST) and delivered more than 80 training programs to OST staff. She managed the strategic creation of programming initiatives including Sister Circle, BLOCS Minority Mental Health EAP Program which provided free therapy to OST staff and Ukaaji Business Development for minority led nonprofits. Felicia managed the Mayor’s Give-a-Day Week of Service effort for two years and tracked more than 100 volunteer projects and 100,000k acts of kindness during this period annually.

Felicia also holds certifications in YPQI Methods, YPQI Management Series, and Neighborworks Financial Coaching. She has completed certificate programs in Diversity and Inclusion – Cornell University, Project Management (36 hours) – University of Louisville and SHRM Essentials of Human Resources – Bellarmine University. She was also recognized by the Jefferson County Public School Board for completion of the Governor’s Commonwealth Institute of Parent Leadership (60 hours) and JCPS Magnet School Core Team that redesigned the magnet program for 100,000 students.

Felicia is a proud alumna from the University of Louisville who relocated from Louisville to Houston in 2022. She’s a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Felicia is married with three grown children and one granddog. She enjoys travel and considers herself a foodie. 

Thecia Jenkins

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Street
Houston, TX United States + Google Map

Attendee

General Attendee

2 Going
47 remaining, Last day to RSVP
RSVP Here
Categories
Community Share Legacies Mental Health Awareness Month

Journey 2 Advocacy…

May is Share Your Story Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.   Combining those two topics we sent out a survey to our staff  with the following questions: 

1) What initially drew you to the field of non profit?

2) What motivated you to specialize in domestic violence issues specifically?

3) How do you maintain self-care and resilience while working in such a demanding and emotionally taxing field?

4) Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your motivations, or your experiences in this field?


Here are their stories.

1) “I love giving back to others. I think that it is important to all the communities.”

2) “My past experiences-first my mom’s ex and then my ex. This industry is the most overlooked and most misunderstood.”

3) “I practice self-care by spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries on TV, working out, and playing video/board games.”
1) “The ability to learn community, work on the front lines to assist individuals and families in time of need. Hear the stories that probably no one has heard before or didn’t want to hear.”

2) “Domestic violence is a personal story of mine, being a child that survived the violence at home created many barriers during my childhood, teen years and as a young adult. The trauma has followed me through the years. I have not only heard stories of DV survivors I am a survivor of such crime: no child should ever have to live through such pain.”

3) “GOD is the only one who has taught me how to heal and forgive. I believe individuals have the opportunity to learn how to be better to themselves and to others. The journey might be a long road, but it will lead you to where you need to be to feel complete.”

4) “I maintain self- care by seeing things grow (I am not a gardener by no means) but enjoy seeing plants grow. I share my life with my loved ones. Nature nurtures my soul and spirit all living things bring me joy. I love! love, love! to hear from past clients (now friends) that have kept my contact number. Some still keep in contact with me, I now hear a different story, stories of happiness, stories of success, stories of growth, stories of triumph. We now share tears of joy. That is my MOTIVATION seeing, hearing people becoming, a change, sharing a different story to tell others.”

1) “My journey to advocacy began with the mission of DVCC not necessarily that it was a non-profit.”

2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when I realized there are a lot of survivors but not a whole lot of quality services. Everyone deserves to live a violence free life and I want to make sure that kids that grow up in that environment don’t have to continue the cycle of abuse.”

3) “I maintain my mental health through spending time with friends who are not in the movement to take a break but the most important thing is cuddling with my dog!”

4) “My final thoughts on motivation and experiences are setting boundaries, knowing your limits and knowing when to take a break are the only things that get you through working in this high stress environment. “

1) “My journey to advocacy began with my passion for bringing about positive change and making a real difference by addressing social issues attracted me to the nonprofit field. My work is a legacy, as I know my efforts can have a lasting impact beyond my lifetime. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I am contributing to something greater than myself and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.”

2) “My passion for domestic violence advocacy work started when entering a women’s domestic violence shelter and realizing I was the only male present was a turning point for me. Understanding the statistics surrounding domestic violence, I realized the crucial role men play in both perpetuating and addressing this issue. As a husband, father, and brother, I am inspired to challenge myself and others to become involved and specialize in domestic violence issues. By breaking stereotypes, dismantling patriarchy, promoting healthy relationships, and building empathy and compassion, men can make a significant contribution to eradicating domestic violence.”

3) “I maintain my mental health is practicing self-care and resilience is by knowing my limits and understanding that I can only control what I can control.”

4) “Making someone feel visible will increase their perceived value of you. It’s a powerful lesson I learned on my own journey, and I’ve found that it can make a huge difference in any personal or professional relationship. “

April Community Partner Meeting

Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston

Join us for a conversation with Praveena Lakshmanan. She will be sharing about who the Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston is and the work they have been doing over the past few months.


April 11


@

2:30 pm


–


4:00 pm

CDT

About our Featured Speaker:

Praveena Lakshmanan

Ms. Lakshmanan, Community Engagement Program Manager for Refugee Services at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, is a seasoned advocate for migrants, refugees, and underserved populations. With expertise in migration and gender issues, she manages the initiatives for refugee women, men, and youth programs as well as for volunteerism. Praveena, a first-generation immigrant, intimately understands the challenges faced by newcomers. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, and Malayalam, she ensures culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services for refugees and underserved communities.

Free

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Street

Houston,

TX

United States

+ Google Map

Thecia Jenkins

Related Events

February Community Partner Meeting

February 8 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm CST

Felicia Young, from the Family Scholar House-Houston, will be our Guest Speaker. She will talk about Family Scholar House and the new facility they are building here in the 3rd Ward.

About Felicia:

Felicia Young serves as the Regional Outreach Coordinator for Family Scholar House which provides access to education and housing for single parent college students.

As a social services professional with over twenty years experience within the local school system, city government in the Office of Youth Development and United Way network for community impact, Felicia enjoys helping connect people to people, people to resources and resources back to people.

Felicia previously co-lead a large-scale, comprehensive youth programs quality improvement effort serving over 100 community-based Out-of-School Time (OST) and delivered more than 80 training programs to OST staff. She managed the strategic creation of programming initiatives including Sister Circle, BLOCS Minority Mental Health EAP Program which provided free therapy to OST staff and Ukaaji Business Development for minority led nonprofits. Felicia managed the Mayor’s Give-a-Day Week of Service effort for two years and tracked more than 100 volunteer projects and 100,000k acts of kindness during this period annually.

Felicia also holds certifications in YPQI Methods, YPQI Management Series, and Neighborworks Financial Coaching. She has completed certificate programs in Diversity and Inclusion – Cornell University, Project Management (36 hours) – University of Louisville and SHRM Essentials of Human Resources – Bellarmine University. She was also recognized by the Jefferson County Public School Board for completion of the Governor’s Commonwealth Institute of Parent Leadership (60 hours) and JCPS Magnet School Core Team that redesigned the magnet program for 100,000 students.

Felicia is a proud alumna from the University of Louisville who relocated from Louisville to Houston in 2022. She’s a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Felicia is married with three grown children and one granddog. She enjoys travel and considers herself a foodie. 

Free

Thecia Jenkins

United Way of Greater Houston

50 Waugh Street
Houston, TX United States + Google Map

Related Events

Categories
Holidays Op-eds

A Vision for 2024- Fostering Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

Domestic violence is, as you know, a harrowing societal issue that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. As we look ahead to 2024, it is mandatory for us to collectively strive for a future marked by diminished violence within our homes and communities. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement all play pivotal roles in this endeavor, working in tandem to raise awareness, improve education, and intervene effectively.

The Power of Active Bystanders

A fundamental aspect of reducing domestic violence lies in the empowerment of community members to become active bystanders. Such individuals are not merely passive witnesses but rather conscientious and courageous individuals willing to take action when they witness potentially abusive situations. The steps toward becoming an active bystander are as follows:

  1. Recognizing the Signs: Education is key; community members must familiarize themselves with the signs of domestic violence. These may include physical injuries, emotional distress, social isolation, or controlling behavior.
  2. Intervening Safely: When encountering an abusive situation, active bystanders should approach it calmly and non-confrontationally, prioritizing the safety of all involved parties. Offering support to the victim and discouraging the abusive behavior are crucial steps.
  3. Seeking Professional Assistance: In situations that may escalate or pose immediate danger, it is essential to call the police or a domestic violence hotline promptly. Timely intervention can be life-saving.
  4. Providing Ongoing Support: Beyond the crisis, active bystanders should offer sustained support to victims. Encouraging them to access local resources such as shelters, support groups, and counseling services can be instrumental in their healing journey.

 

Speaking Out: The Power of Voices

Silence is an accomplice to domestic violence. Community members must be encouraged to speak out and report abusive behavior when they encounter it. By doing so, they can become agents of change in their communities. This can be accomplished through:

  1. Reporting to Authorities: When witnessing or suspecting domestic violence, individuals should not hesitate to report it to law enforcement. Their information could be the catalyst for protecting a victim and holding the abuser accountable.
  2. Supporting Survivors: Encourage survivors to report abuse and provide unwavering emotional support throughout the process. Assure them that they are not alone in their journey toward justice and healing.

Empowering Law Enforcement Through Education

Law enforcement agencies are crucial players in addressing domestic violence. By enhancing the education and training provided to officers, we can ensure that they respond to these situations with sensitivity, expertise, and empathy. Improvements in this area should encompass:

  1. Specialized Training: Police departments should offer comprehensive, specialized training to officers on how to handle domestic violence cases. This training should encompass understanding the dynamics of abuse, victim advocacy, and de-escalation techniques.
  2. Cultural Competency: In a diverse society, it is paramount that law enforcement officers receive education in cultural sensitivity and diversity. Different communities may have unique needs and barriers when dealing with domestic violence.
  3. Collaboration with Advocacy Organizations: To develop a coordinated response that prioritizes victim safety, law enforcement agencies should work closely with domestic violence awareness agencies and advocacy groups.

Fostering Community Awareness

Building a safer future begins with fostering awareness within our communities. Several strategies can be employed to achieve this:

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns through local media, social media platforms, and community events. These campaigns should educate people about domestic violence, its signs, and the resources available to survivors.
  2. Education in Schools and Workshops: Integrate domestic violence education into school curriculums and community workshops. By teaching young people about healthy relationships and how to recognize abusive behavior, we can shape a future generation equipped to prevent domestic violence.
  3. Accessible Resources: Ensure that the community has easy access to vital resources, such as helplines, shelters, and counseling services. Make this information readily available to those in need.

Reducing domestic violence in 2024 and beyond necessitates a concerted and collective effort. Domestic Violence Awareness Agencies, community members, and law enforcement must collaborate to create a safer environment for everyone. By becoming active bystanders, speaking up against abuse, enhancing law enforcement education, and raising community awareness, we can draw closer to a future characterized by reduced domestic violence and increased support for survivors. Together, we can make a significant difference and ensure that every individual has the right to live free from fear and abuse. Let our shared commitment to this cause pave the way for a brighter, safer tomorrow.

Categories
Community Community Share Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Linking Social Media Use to Depression/Anxiety

There is growing evidence linking heavy social media use with increased risks for anxiety and depression. These mental health issues can, in turn, impact a student’s school performance, such as difficulties focusing, studying, or even simply attending school. It’s important for caregivers and school personnel to understand what is happening on social media and how to reduce its negative impact.

Virtual spaces are everywhere in today’s world and have become a constant presence in the lives of young people, offering social connectedness and the ease of instant communication. But the online world of selfies and social media also brings with it challenging situations that can have a negative impact on youth mental health.

The pressure to maintain a perfect online image, fueled by constant comparison to peers, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Young people may experience fear of missing out (FOMO) when they watch the highlight reels of their friends’ lives, bringing on feelings of loneliness and isolation. In addition, exposure to cyberbullying and negative comments can take a toll on their self-esteem, putting them at risk of experiencing depression.
As the new school year begins, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators to work together to educate and support young people in navigating responsibly the challenges of a digital world while fostering a healthy sense of self-worth and resilience.

The new Mental Health America toolkit, “Selfies, Social, and Screens: Navigating Virtual Spaces for Youth,” provides educational resources that tackle these topics. For caregivers and school personnel, they cover the basics of what youth are doing online, how online activity can impact mental health, tips for talking to youth about difficult feelings they may experience, and how to help young people reduce the potentially harmful effects of social media.

The toolkit also includes information and tips written exclusively for youth. Whether young people read the information on their own or discuss the topics with an adult, it is important they understand that they are not alone when they experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness and that help and support are available.

Free, confidential, anonymous screening tools are available atmhascreening.org for youth and parents who are concerned about their mental health. After taking a screen, results are provided along with tips for next steps. For even more information, youth and adults can check out MHA’s book, “Where to Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges,” which was written for young people in order to provide clear, honest, and reassuring information about the most common mental health conditions.

Sometimes conversations about mental health can reveal that a young person has thoughts or plans to hurt themself or another person. If this happens, they are in crisis and need help promptly. If you think a child or teen is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at988. Trained crisis  counselors can help find local resources and suggest next steps.

NOTE: This article was part of a toolkit by Mental Health America. You can download the Mental Health America Back to School Toolkit HERE.

Categories
Community Community Share Sexual Assault

Meet ColorMeSafe!

Who is Color me SAFE?

Color me SAFE is a family crisis management consulting firm serving mostly Texas and occasionally out-of-state clients. Our mission is to assist families of all backgrounds by offering guidance, solutions, and education regarding child welfare issues. Our team has over 50 years of combined experience, including several decades working for Child Protective Services. Since Color me SAFE was founded, in 2012, our team has been empowering, educating, and protecting your most valuable asset – your child.

Color me SAFE specializes in cases where CPS is directly involved: divorce & custody issues, coparenting conflict, parent/child conflict, and other matters involving child-welfare. We work directly with families, including refugees and immigrant families, therapists, schools, family law attorneys, and nonprofit organizations that serve survivors of domestic violence, and the community in general.

Often, families feel powerless and helpless in dealing with government institutions such as CPS – they need an advocate by their side to ensure their rights are protected and institutions are held accountable.

When families are referred to us, they are often traumatized, helpless, scared, lost, with the fear their children may be taken away, not knowing what to do or who to turn to. Unfortunately, through our experiences at CPS and beyond, it is precisely the families who are more vulnerable that are treated the worst, often being discriminated, revictimized, their civil rights abused by the institutions who were supposed to protect them. It’s those disparities, inequities, and inequalities that led us to create Color me SAFE and do what we do.

We’ve helped families with some of the most heart-breaking cases such as a family that had their three-month-old baby removed after going to the ER for an isolated incident that was completely misunderstood and overreacted. The parents were recent immigrants, their English wasn’t polished, and, in that stressful situation, they were not able to explain satisfactory what had happened. Unfortunately, they went on for months and spent thousands of dollars in attorney fees before their family was able to reunite.

In another case, we were able to guide a survivor of domestic violence, whose daughter was also being sexually abused by her own father. He was well connected and was using the law to his advantage. In this case, CPS initially misunderstood the dynamics of what was happening, and we were able to help make her case heard and, at the end, justice prevailed.

Over the years, we have come across numerous such families that needed our assistance and guidance but could not afford our services. We have taken more than forty pro-bono cases since we began this work and invested almost 1000 hours to support these families. Unfortunately, we were unable to support and guide several other families who needed us due to limited resources.

This is the ultimate reason we launched the Color me SAFE Foundation as a 501c3 at the end of 2022. We do not want any family to face a child or family related crisis without support, independently of their economic means. Besides working directly with families who do not have the resources, Color me SAFE Foundation will also be launching other education initiatives to empower our communities.

To us, it’s not about a paycheck or closing a case file, it’s when a family comes back months later saying, “thank you for keeping my family together.”

Our Team on the Ground:

Gauthami Vemula-Queijo, MS, MSE (Founder & Chief Empathy Officer)
Britany Myers, LCSW (Director of Education)
Karen Ricks, LCSW (Consultant & Director Home Assessments)
Saranya Kari, BS (Senior Intern)

To learn more about Color me SAFE, please visit the website and you can also follow ColorMeSafe on the following social media platforms.

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Categories
Community Share Mental Health Awareness Month Sexual Assault Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Active Bystander: Empowering Change & Promoting Safety

This month is Bystander Awareness Month! This is a time when we focus on fostering a culture of active bystanders and encouraging individuals to play an essential role in creating safer and more inclusive communities. Let’s explore the concept of an active bystander, delve into the significance of being proactive in various situations, and provide practical steps on what to do when faced with witnessing concerning incidents.

Understanding Active Bystanders:
An active bystander is someone who chooses not to be a passive observer but takes a proactive stance in addressing and preventing harmful situations. Instead of turning a blind eye or assuming someone else will intervene, active bystanders embrace the responsibility of making a positive impact when they see something wrong unfolding before them.

The Importance of Being an Active Bystander:

Promoting Safety: Being an active bystander is crucial for creating a safe environment. By actively intervening or reporting concerning situations, you contribute to the prevention of potential harm to individuals or the community at large.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Active bystanders demonstrate empathy and compassion by offering support to those who may be in distress or facing adversity. Your intervention can provide comfort, reassurance, and demonstrate that individuals are not alone in difficult situations.

Challenging Norms and Behaviors: Active bystanders have the power to challenge harmful norms, such as bullying, discrimination, or harassment, by speaking up and standing against such behavior. By doing so, you help establish a new standard of respect, equality, and inclusivity.

What to Do When You See Something:

Assess the Situation: Observe the situation carefully to determine if intervention is necessary or if someone’s safety is at risk. Trust your instincts but be mindful of your personal safety as well.

Call for Help: If immediate danger is present or a crime is being committed, contact emergency services such as the police, fire department, or medical services. Provide them with accurate details about the incident and the location.

Create a Distraction: In non-threatening situations, creating a distraction can divert attention and diffuse tension. This strategy can be effective in preventing a potentially harmful situation from escalating.

Direct Intervention: If it is safe to do so, directly intervene by addressing the situation calmly and assertively. Speak up against inappropriate behavior, offer assistance to someone in distress, or help diffuse a conflict by promoting dialogue and understanding.

Seek Support: If you are unsure about intervening alone, try to involve others nearby. Approach individuals who may be witnessing the same incident and encourage them to join forces with you in addressing the situation. Remember, collective action can be powerful.

Document and Report: If you cannot intervene directly or the situation has already resolved, document what you witnessed. Take note of details such as descriptions of individuals involved, time, and location. Report the incident to relevant authorities or organizations that can take appropriate action.

Becoming an active bystander requires courage, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our communities. By choosing to step forward and take action, we contribute to the creation of safer, more inclusive environments for everyone. This Bystander Awareness Month, let’s all pledge to be active bystanders and work together to build a society where compassion, respect, and intervention are valued. Remember, your voice and actions matter.

Our Mission:
To improve Harris County’s response to domestic violence, we lead efforts to build collaborative systems and innovative programs that increase access to services and safety.
Our Vision:
We envision a community where all persons have relationships that are safe, healthy, and free from domestic violence.
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