ENDING VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE presents TEENS INSPIRING
EXCELLENCE Teens Inspiring Excellence is a program of the EVE Foundation. Teens Inspiring Excellence (TIE) is designed to inspire hope, courage, and action in teens. It consists of a series of short documentary films, each highlighting a student who has overcome significant obstacles and adversity to create a productive and hopeful life. These young individuals have taken simple, courageous steps to improve their own situation, help others, and grow in the process. These films are designed to show by example how simple steps, such as asking for help, changing an attitude, or taking a risk, can empower students to move forward in their lives regardless of the circumstances life has given them. These films provide a stimulus for conversation, resources, and modeling of successful pathways to growth and happiness for youth who may be struggling with difficult challenges and a narrowed view of their own possibilities.
ENDING VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE
Teens Inspiring Excellence
The Teens Inspiring Excellence (TIE) project is a key component of the EVE Foundation’s mission to help end the cycle of domestic violence through education. By sharing the stories of at-risk teens that have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and adversities, middle school and high school students learn that making positive choices and accepting responsibility, teens can have productive and bright futures, regardless of circumstance. These videos are about students that have made the choices necessary to have graduated from high school, gone on to college, and live a life they believed was only "for other kids." Even at the pilot stage, TIE received significant community support. This support has grown considerably as the program developed. We see this support continuing to grow as the requests for the program expand nationally. Although the program is new, it has become apparent that the TIE program struck a nerve in kids struggling with hope for a future. The Teens Inspiring Excellence program depicts young lives of struggle, but the emphasis is on responsibility and capability, despite the struggle. During our focus groups we learned that this program has the capacity to profoundly impact teens and families. The first series of three videos is now complete. The EVE Foundation is currently seeking funding for the completion of Series II through IV, so that youth groups, schools, and communities will have the entire 12-month series available. The TIE films, each with an accompanying facilitator’s guide, are distributed free of charge to National Boys & Girls Clubs, middle and high schools, after-school programs, youth groups, youth homes and correction facilities in the.US. The program will also be available to anyone for free download from our website. A portion of our funding requests is to provide the availability of these materials to target organizations, as well as any other organization that requests it. We will also track results from the program to further enhance its impact and continued growth. The community outreach, while primarily limited to our immediate community, has resulted in a number of organizations and individuals that have expressed their support and interest in utilizing the program. Program Budget for '09-'10*: .............................................................. $75,000 Series II ............................................................................................................ $75,000 Series III ............................................................................................................ $75,000 Series IV (*This amount funds the production duplication, distribution, participant fees, printing, mailing, and evaluation for 9 additional videos, accompanying facilitation guides and professional services.)
The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
ENDING VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE
PROGRAMS Teens Inspiring EXCELLENCE
The EVE Foundation currently provides three programs: Teens Inspiring Excellence, VSI: 406, and Take It From Me. The Teens Inspiring Excellence (TIE) project is a key component of the EVE Foundation’s mission to help end the cycle of domestic violence through education. By sharing the stories of at-risk teens that have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and adversities, middle school and high school students learn that making positive choices and accepting responsibility, teens can have productive and bright futures, regardless of circumstance. These videos are about students that have made the choices necessary to have graduated from high school, gone on to college, and live a life they believed was only "for other kids." Even at the pilot stage, TIE received significant community support. This support has grown considerably as the program developed. We see this support continuing to grow as the requests for the program expand nationally. Although the program is new, it has become apparent that the TIE program struck a nerve in kids struggling with hope for a future. The Teens Inspiring Excellence program depicts young lives of struggle, but the emphasis is on responsibility and capability, despite the struggle. During our focus groups we learned that this program has the capacity to profoundly impact teens and families. The first series of three videos is complete. The EVE Foundation is currently seeking funding for the completion of the next three series' so that youth groups, schools, and communities will have the entire 9-month series available. The TIE films, each with an accompanying facilitator’s guide, are to be distributed free of charge to Montana Boys & Girls Clubs, middle and high schools, after-school programs, youth groups, youth homes and correction facilities in Montana. They will also be available to anyone for free download from our website. A portion of our grant request is for funding to provide the availability of these materials to target organizations. We will track results from the program to further enhance its impact and continued growth. The community outreaches, while limited to our immediate community, has resulted in a number of organizations and individuals that have expressed their support and interest in utilizing the program. Program Budget for '09-'10*: .............................................................. $36,000 Series II ............................................................................................................ $36,000 Series III Total.................................................................................................... $72,000 (*This amount funds the production duplication, distribution, participant fees, printing, mailing, and evaluation for 9 additional videos, accompanying facilitation guides and professional services.)
The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
ENDING VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE
PROGRAMS VSI: 406 VSI: 406 is a program that provides a forum for teenagers to talk about domestic violence in a safe and facilitated environment. The model for this program comes from a teen anger management program in Hamilton, Montana. Each week, a portion of the book, Raised on Fear is read or listened to by teens; afterwards there is a discussion about what the teens hear in the story. The Hamilton program discovered when teens read or listened to the story they became excited to talk about the characters in the book. Participants were able to relate the characters in the story to their own family situations. This provides a vehicle to open up conversations about being abused, being abusive and the healing process that must occur. This program has been very successful and is needed in more locations. Program Budget:
$144,000
(Provides initial program budget for Missoula/Hamilton program for teens)
Take It From Me Take it from Me is our speakers program. Lee Cox - author of Raised on Fear, is a powerful speaker. Motivated by a passion to see others healed from their experiences in violence, Lee shares his own struggles as not only the victim of violence, but later as the perpetrator of violence. Lee gives insight into the transformation that took him from being a victim, to being a responsible, compassionate person, truly living an extraordinary and powerful life. Lee’s daughter and mother also join him on occasion to speak from three generations' perspective living lives inside domestic abuse. Lee has spoken to over 100 schools and organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Take It From Me does not charge a fee for speaking engagements, however the costs of travel and lodging are sometimes cost prohibitive unless unwritten by the requesting group or outside funding sources are secured. Program Budget:
$21,000 annually
(Travel, lodging and meals for 3 speaking engagements per month to answer requests from Montana, Idaho and Wyoming)
The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
TEENS INSPIRING
EXCELLENCE Project Team Lee Cox – Executive Director Lee Cox is the Executive Director and Founder of the EVE Foundation. Lee brings 20 years of business leadership experience to his position. His last position was President of EZ Brothers, a company that manufactured and distributed a CD repair product. In three years he guided the company from an idea to a successful nationwide company. He was instrumental in turning the company over to a local non-profit organization that supports persons with disabilities in enhancing their quality of life. They continue today to manufacture, distribute and profit from sales. Lee lives an extraordinary life and is committed to everyone living the extraordinary life they are entitled to. Dr. Bruce Ammons – Psychologist Dr. Bruce Ammons holds undergraduate degrees in math and psychology from the University of Montana where he also completed coursework toward a physics BA. He holds PhDs in experimental psychology (Duke University) and clinical psychology (University of Montana). He has nearly 3 decades of experience in the field of psychology, working with college students of all ages at UM Counseling and Psychological Services and serving as a longtime publisher and co-editor of two psychology journals, Psychological Reports and Perceptual and Motor Skills for nearly 20 years before his opening his current private practice as a clinical psychologist in Missoula, MT. Jim Woodill – Video Production Jim Woodill brings 35 years in Media Production: audio production, voice-over and narration, still photography, and video production including: video photography, digital video editing, and postproduction. He is a graduate of San Diego City College with a degree in radio and television broadcast production. He spent 3-1/2 years as an on-air radio personality and commercial producer with the San Diego City College radio department; KYSS-FM, and Montana Public Radio in Montana. He holds a BA in Business Administration and is owner of Imagine That!, specializing in communications production and has been in business for himself for 26 years. Marge Hulburt – Writer Marge Hulburt has worked with the written word for over 20 years as an author, editor, scientist, and consultant. Her passion is to help people find their vision and voice and to express themselves well in writing. She holds a BA in geology and biology from Carleton College, Northfield, MN and an MS in hydrology from the University of Arizona. She is the author/co-author of 15 books and articles as well as numerous confidential reports. Through her company, Gone Writing, she provides writing and editorial support for people who are committed to making a difference in the world. Carolyn Risher – Business Manager Carolyn Risher has been the Secretary/Treasurer of the EVE Foundation since its inception. She brings 35 years of business management experience, with an emphasis on detail and organization, to the Foundation. She is currently President of the East Missoula Lions and a Trustee on the East Missoula Fire District Board. Carolyn is committed and dedicated to the success of the EVE Foundation and its projects. Patience Woodill –Communications and Development Patience Woodill recently joined the EVE Foundation to further expand our communications and development efforts. Patience has thirty years experience working as a project and production manager. Her experience includes fifteen years producing corporate meetings and communication materials for national and international companies. Her work history includes successful non-profit and private sector marketing in print, screen and website design. She is a College of Arts & Sciences scholar at the University of Montana and will complete her degrees in Communications and Media Arts in 2010. The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
SERIES I FACILITATOR'S GUIDE
TEENS INSPIRING
EXCELLENCE Series I
FACILITATOR'S GUIDE
Teens Inspiring Excellence is a program of the EVE Foundation. Teens Inspiring Excellence (TIE) is designed to inspire hope, courage, and action in teens. It consists of a series of short documentaries, each highlighting a student who has overcome significant obstacles and adversity to create a productive and hopeful life. These young individuals have taken simple, courageous steps to improve their own situation, help others, and grow in the process. These videos are designed to show by example how simple steps, such as asking for help, changing an attitude, or taking a risk, can empower students to move forward in their lives regardless of the circumstances life has given them. These videos provide a stimulus for conversation, resources, and modeling of successful pathways to growth and happiness for youth who may be struggling with difficult challenges and a narrowed view of their own possibilities.
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ENDING VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE We believe all people are entitled to live extraordinary lives. We are committed to making a difference in people’s lives through programs designed to inspire healing, responsibility, empowerment.
Š 2009 The Eve Foundation PO Box 828 | Milltown, Montana 59851 web: www.evefoundation.org 406.240.0277
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Table of Contents
~ Part I 1.
Objective ...................................................................................................... 5
2.
Things to Consider ........................................................................................ 6
3.
Leading Teen Discussions ............................................................................. 7 Suggestions for engaging teens ...................................................................... 8
4.
Handling Feelings That May Be Evoked ........................................................ 9
5.
Importance of Closure ................................................................................. 10
6.
Follow up .................................................................................................... 11 About the Questions.................................................................................... 12
Part II Shayna's Story ............................................................................................. 13 Brad "Brad-ittude"........................................................................................ 14 Stephanie's Choices .................................................................................... 15 National Resources for Teens ...................................................................... 16 Template for Building a Local Resource Guide for Teens ............................ 17 Notes........................................................................................................... 18
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
1. Objectives The Teens Inspiring Excellence program has been designed with three primary goals in mind: • To teach teens that active choice matters. Many teens feel lost or rudderless, hopeless, or apathetic. These videos offer stories of teens who have made active choices for themselves to handle – or change – adverse life circumstances. They have empowered themselves to dream and to take responsibility for the quality of their own lives. • To help teens understand that problem-solving is a process. Each video provides a model of choice-finding and choice-making. Each one illustrates a different attitude, approach, tool set, and/or support system for getting unstuck and moving forward with a more productive, hopeful, and compassionate life. • To increase teens’ awareness of community resources available to them when they are stuck. Each of these teens relied on community in some way to help them through, yet many young people are unaware of the resources available to them. If you do not have a list of youth resources available, we suggest checking with local youth agencies or searching the Internet. This guide includes a page of national resources for teens as well as a template to help you in creating a list of re-sources specific to your own community to give to each participant.
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
2. Things to Consider as a Facilitator • How will you create a safe place to view and discuss the video? • How will you set the context of your session: why is the group doing this, what teens can get from it, the nature of each of our “jobs” during our time together? • How will you aid viewers in processing and integrating story ideas and comparing the stories to their own lives and skills? • How will you discuss finding information on problem-solving? • How will you provide contact information for teen resources in your community?
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
3. Leading Teen Discussions There are many different ways to approach teens and engage them in conversation. Choose what is comfortable and seems to work best for you and your group. We have found that the best introduction to these videos is almost no introduction at all. This sets the stage for the viewers to engage with the thoughts and feelings that are natural and important to them and their lives without interjecting expectations of what they are “supposed� to experience, learn or do. Participants may also be invited to comment on the video for its effectiveness and what they got out of it. Each video includes a short set of questions at the end of the video. These may be used to give structure to a discussion of the video and how it affected the viewers. We suggest that you pause the video at each question and engage the group in a brief discussion. If you are short of time, fast-forward to Question 6 when there are 5 minutes left in your time-period. This question is designed to lead the teens to think more deeply and longer about their own lives and take action in a way that will be meaningful for them.
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
Suggestions for engaging teens: •
Let kids talk – Ask a general question such as, “What was your impression of this video?” and see where the students take it. The goal is for the teens just to be able to talk about their own experience, whatever it was.
•
Ask Socratic questions – As leader of the discussion, profess ignorance of the topic being discussed but also guide the student to examine ideas towards logical conclusions.
•
Ask open-ended questions – These are questions that cannot be answered with one-word responses. They require some thought and some details to reasonably answer the question and are a good way to build rapport and keep the conversation going.
•
Be a non-directive questioner – Instead of directing the discussion with structured questioning, open things up by asking open-ended questions, making parallel observations, passively absorbing information, and reflecting back portions of what you hear.
•
Offer observations and ask kids to elaborate from there – The facilitator can “think out loud,” muse, and exhibit curiosity about events, people, emotions, and other topics.
•
Go to a place in the video and ask what is going on, what it means to them, what emotions are happening, etc.
•
Present “rings of questions” – Ask a short series of related questions so that more hands go up with each question in the set until all hands are up. This demonstrates the universality of being human and that we are all in this together. For example, one could ask: How many people have someone in their family who had this problem? Then, How many know someone like this? Then, who thinks that there are a lot of kids at your school that have dealt with these issues?
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
4. Handling Feelings That May Be Evoked Some viewers may have an emotional reaction to the video. The facilitator should be prepared to acknowledge and handle these feelings as they naturally arise. The physical space in which the video is shown can affect the comfort level and openness of students in expressing and working through their emotions. Smaller groups often feel safer, and familiar settings help. Sitting fairly close to one another may also help the group feel more comfortable. It is also important for the facilitator to be an integral part of the group and not set apart physically or emotionally. If the students are seated in a circle, the facilitator should be seated in the circle as well. The facilitator should be present in the moment and accessible both emotionally and visually. What if someone in the group becomes extremely emotional? Some people get upset, get mad, cry, or go to sleep – we see all these “human” things in-group interactions. All of these emotions and feelings are valuable, neutral information. We can each use them to everyone’s advantage unless we hide them away from conscious awareness. Group leaders will need to rely on their skills and resources to decide on appropriate actions. It may be helpful to normalize such situations beforehand, talking about how such reactions were originally important for survival.
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
5. Importance of Closure The session needs to be tied up at the end so that no one is left with very difficult feelings they don’t know what to do with. Indirect suggestions – open-ended suggestions which are general, non-coercive, and can be widely interpreted – stimulate creativity and encourage the listener to look past learned limitations. These can help kids continue to integrate their experiences after the group meeting. An example of an indirect suggestion is, “Sometimes you may get discouraged by negative things in the world, but some part of you knows how to listen, think, and heal.” A good closing technique involves asking each person to think of one “next action” they could do for themselves in response to ideas generated by the video. Have them write it down. This will help them integrate their what they have learned from the day into their lives. Give the group time and space to come back to the world comfortably. Tell them they have a couple of minutes to “get ready before they leave,” find their stuff, chat, etc. The facilitator needs to be available at the end of the session in case someone needs to talk. If you are approached by a student, you may also suggest they speak with their counselor and show them how to set this up if it is unfamiliar. You may want to accompany them to the counselor’s office.
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
6. Follow-up Plan to follow up with students a few days to a week after each video. This can be a part of the next session if you are showing the videos weekly as a series. This gives students the opportunity to address anything that may have come up for them after leaving the session and reinforces what they have learned from the video. Please evaluate the videos and the Teens Inspiring Excellence program for us. An evaluation form is included at the end of this guide, or you can offer your feedback by going to our website: http://www.evefoundation.org. Teens are invited to continue processing by writing to us via the website with their ideas and observations, such as useful “next actions� other kids can use when they are stuck. A good assignment would be to have students write to us in a month after viewing a video or completing the program.
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Part I ~ Teens Inspiring Excellence
ABOUT THE QUESTIONS: •
Questions 1 & 2: These are designed to engage the teens in discussion. We have found it highly effective to call on each participant to give an answer to these questions to the group. Each person always has the option to just say, “pass.”
•
Questions 3, 4, & 5: These may be addressed in a less-structured manner, letting the conversation evolve.
•
Question 6: This question is used in a different way and is the most important one of the set. If nothing else, please allow time for Question 6. Fast-forward the video to Question 6 and read it aloud. Give the teens time to formulate their answer, but don’t give them a chance to respond aloud. Let them take their thoughts and ideas home with them to gel. (This invokes a powerful problem-solving effect discovered by Gestalt psychologists, the “Zeigarnik Effect.” It invites participants to continue to work on a deeper level with their own solutions to any challenges they may be facing.)
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Part II – Shayna's Story The Story -Shayna’s father left the family when she was small, and her mother spent life either on drugs or in jail. At 16, when Shayna’s grandfather became physically abusive, Shayna moved out on her own. Before starting her senior year in high school, Shayna approached a school guidance counselor, who recognized Shayna’s strengths, helped her get on an academic track and into college and showed her that she could grow beyond her family history into a life of meaning and possibility. Main Issues Faced – • • • •
Alcoholic, substance-abusing parent Abandonment / neglect Physical and emotional abuse Constantly moving and changing schools
Seeds of Solutions – • • • • •
Resiliency (“knocked down 6 times, get up 7”) Self-motivation Seeking / accepting / making use of help from counselor Setting her own authentic, intrinsic goals Follow-through
Questions – 1. What was your impression of the video? (Call on everyone) 2. What will you remember a week from now? (Call on everyone) 3. What did Shayna bring to her situation that helped her manage? 4. If you had a friend in the same boat, what would you say to help? 5. If you were to make a video to inspire other teens, what would you do differently? 6. If you were going to talk to someone else for help about something that you are struggling with, what issue would it be? (Allow participants time to think about the question, but not to answer it aloud.)
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Part II ~ (Brad) “Brad-itude” The Story – Brad suffers from a bone growth disorder, called Multiple Hereditary Exostoses or MHE, which causes painful tumors to form on his bones and joints. He has had 10 surgeries, one per year, since he was eight years old. In spite of chronic pain and physical limitations, Brad has been active in high school sports, became an Eagle scout and he coached middle school basketball during his junior and senior years. With the support of his mom and dad, he has embraced a full and active life. In spite of an uncertain future, Brad sees people everywhere who have lost more than he has and he is grateful for his life, hopeful for his future, and accepting of the disease life has handed him. Main Issues Faced – • • • •
Tumors Arthritis Living with physical limitations and pain Facing an uncertain future
Seeds of Solutions – • • • • •
Positive attitude Choosing to give to others Gratitude Using family supports Acceptance
Questions – 1. What was your impression of the video? (Call on everyone) 2. What are Brad’s strengths? (Call on everyone) 3. What are Brad's weaknesses? (Volunteered answers) 4. What will you remember a week from now about this story? (Volunteered answers) 5. What keeps Brad going? (Volunteered answers) 6. What would people notice was different about you if you took on Brad’s attitude for a week? (Allow participants time to think about the question, but not to answer it aloud.)
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Part II – Stephanie "Choices" The Story -Stephanie was a victim of child abuse and often had to run to a neighbor’s house for safety. At 13, when her parents divorced, Stephanie was sent to live with her abusive father. At age 14, she was living on the streets, stealing food, and using illegal drugs. Her journey includes house arrest for selling drugs and two suicide attempts before she arrived at a youth home where she learned to make the choices that would help her find a safe, loving, and fulfilling life. Main Issues Faced – • • • • •
Violence and abuse Drug addiction Living on the streets Suicide as a way out Jail
Seeds of Solutions – • • • • • •
Making choices Learning to trust Getting help from a youth home setting Working on self-definition Choosing to live a life with meaning Attending to and improving self-care
Questions – 1. What was your impression of the video? (Call on everyone) 2. What choices did Stephanie make (both bad and good) to manage her life situations? (Call on everyone) 3. What has Stephanie learned that has allowed her to create a life worth living? (Volunteered answers) 4. What resources do you know of that you could share with a friend in a similar situation? (Volunteered answers) 5. What will you remember about this video a week from now? (Volunteered answers) 6. Where in your life do you tell yourself you have no choice, when you actually do? (Allow participants time to think about the question, but not to answer it aloud.)
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National Resources for Teens National Hot Line Numbers AIDS Hotline 800-584-8183 or 800-243-7692 America’s Pregnancy Help Line Information on pregnancy options. Special section for teens. 888-672-2296 Anti-Hate Line 800-649-0404 Al-Anon and AlaTeen 888-4AL-ANON or 888-425-2666 Alcohol and Drug Helpline Helpline for finding treatment. 800-527-5344 Alcohol & Drug Treatment Referrals 800-454-8966 Alcohol and Drug Helpline Helpline for finding treatment. 800-527-5344 CDC National AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Disease Hotline Information and referral. 800-227-8922 (24 hours) ChildHelp USA Nat'l child abuse hotline. 800-422-4453 (24 hours) Covenant House "9-line" 1-800-999-9999 A general hotline for teens with any kind of problem.
Domestic Violence 866-331-9474
National Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433 (24 hours)
Eating Disorders 1-800-931-2237
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-TALK
Girls and Boys Town National Hotline 1-800-448-3000 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Teenage Health Resource Line. Confidential health information for teens. 888-711-8336 Weekdays,12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Weekends, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m Lutheran Social Services 1-800-568-2401 National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders Hotline – Counseling and Referrals 847-831-3438 National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Information and referral. 800-729-6686 (24 hours) National Council on Alcoholism Affiliate referral. 800-622-2255 (24 hours) National Domestic Violence Hotline Crisis intervention, information and referrals. 866-331-9474 (24 hours) National Runaway Switchboard 800-621-4000 (24 hours) National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (24 hours)
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America Counseling and referral. 800-230-PLAN SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) 800-366-8288 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse Treatment Locator 800-662-HELP or 800-662-4357 Victims of Violence Intervention 1-800-999-2348 If you need help, help is here for you. The EVE Foundation PO Box 828 | Milltown, Montana 59851 web: www.evefoundation.org 406.240.0277
Building a Local Resource Guide for Teens Categories to consider including in your local Resource Guide:
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Legal Services
Stalking
After School Programs
Mentally & Physically
Suicide
Handicapped Youths Boys & Girls Club
Support Groups Mental Health Clinics
City/County Health Dept.
Tobacco
Pregnancy Counseling
Violent Behavior
Counseling Services Volunteering Running Away YWCA
Death & Dying
Drug Abuse
Sexual Issues
Eating Disorders
Sexually transmitted Diseases
YMCA
You may also want to include Education
Sexual Abuse
State-wide hotlines and agencies.
Emotional & Mental Health
School Counselors/Programs
If you need additional assistance, please contact us; we will be
Employment Discrimination
Sexual Assault/Rape
Sexual Harassment Local Emergency Rooms
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pleased to assist you.
Notes
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ENDING VIOLENCE E VERYWHERE
NEWS RELEASE Contact: Lee Cox, Executive Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2010 Missoula County Public Schools Includes Teens Inspiring Excellence in 2010-2011 classes. ~ THE
EVE FOUNDATION HAS CREATED A NEW APPROACH FOR WORKING WITH YOUTH.
Missoula, MT: "DO YOU WANT TO LIVE OR DO YOU WANT TO DIE? IF YOU WANT TO DIE, I CAN'T HELP YOU, BUT IF YOU WANT TO LIVE, I CAN...IT'S YOUR CHOICE."
Imagine being asked that question.
Now imagine making that choice at 13 years old. Stephanie had only known an abusive household; she was living on the streets, and a drug addict. She had never known what it was like to sleep through the night, or feel a sense of security. Still, Stephanie chose to live. Turns out she had quite a bit yet to do in her life. With so many young people lacking a sense of belonging, often times suffering through what many would call an "adulthood" before they reach their mid-teens, Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) is taking a positive step towards recognizing our often "invisible" kids. Lee Cox, Executive Director for the EVE Foundation approached MCPS Superintendent Alex Apostle with the program last summer in hopes of bringing Teens Inspiring Excellence (T I E) to Missoula kids. "We needed to pilot and launch the program in our local community first, to gauge the reaction of the kids, to underscore the need, and see if the kids would respond to it," said Cox, "There are thousands of stories out there of kids who have overcome incredible adversity in their lives. And so many more kids, wondering on a daily basis if they can survive whatever they are going through." MCPS has approved the new program as a supplement for use in the classroom. Even at the pilot stage, TIE received significant community support. This support has grown considerably as the program developed. "We see this support continuing to grow as the requests for the program expand nationally, and although the program is new, it has become apparent the TIE program struck a nerve in kids struggling with hope for a future. " said Cox. ((more)) The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
ENDING VIOLENCE E VERYWHERE
Teens Inspiring Excellence depicts young lives of struggle, but the emphasis is on responsibility and capability, despite the struggle. The TIE program consists of a series of short documentaries, each highlighting a student who has overcome significant obstacles and adversities to create a productive and hopeful life. These young individuals have taken simple, courageous steps to improve their own situations, help others, and grow into healthy, productive young adults in the process. Three films, each with an accompanying facilitator's guide, are produced and distributed free of charge to middle and high schools, youth groups, and youth correction facilities. The video documentaries and the Facilitators Guide are available through the EVE Foundation website as a free download. Educators need only to register as a facilitator. Hard copies of the DVD's and the Facilitators Guide are also available by mail. These films provide a forum for conversation, resources, and modeling of successful pathways all youth, from honor students to those who may be struggling with difficult challenges and a narrowed view of their own possibilities. "The TIE program's goals and objectives align with the mission of MCPS and our schools district's goals for creating positive change for educational excellence in Missoula. I believe the TIE program is a valuable tool for educators to assist our students to take responsibility for their futures and overcoming obstacles in the their past," said Apostle. The EVE Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by Lee Cox and Carolyn Risher of Milltown, MT. The EVE Foundation is dedicated to teens and adults who have suffered abuse. Programs open up conversations about hardship and abuse and inspire a positive view of the future, empowering people to go beyond the hurt and pain and to live life with an inspired purpose. The (TIE) program is a key component of the EVE Foundation’s mission to help end the cycle of domestic violence through education. By sharing the stories of at-risk teens who have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and adversities, (not always abusive backgrounds) middle and high school students learn making positive choices and accepting responsibility, they can have productive and bright futures, regardless of circumstance. These videos are about students who have made the choices necessary to live a life they believed was only "for other kids." ((more))
The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
ENDING VIOLENCE E VERYWHERE
The EVE Foundation receives its monetary support solely from donations, fund raising events, and corporate sponsorships. The EVE Foundation is currently seeking funding for the completion of Series II through IV, so youth groups, schools, and communities will have the entire 12-month series available. Program website address: http://www.evefoundation.org/content/teens-inspiring-excellence. Currently the TIE program is under review by the National Boys & Girls Club, the National Exchange Club. School districts from Idaho, North Carolina, and Texas have requested the program for review and use their communities. For more information, please contact Lee Cox, 406-240-0277 ####
The EVE Foundation | PO Box 828 | Milltown, MT 59851 | 406.240.0277 web: www.evefoundation.org | email: info@evefoundation.org
08 2008
Domestic Violence Counts The National Census of Domestic Violence Services
Ohio Summary
On September 17, 2008, 72 out of 72, or 100%, of identified domestic violence programs in Ohio participated in the 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. 2,160 Victims Served In One Day 849 domestic violence victims found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs. 1,311 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including individual counseling, legal advocacy, and children’s support groups. Percentage of Participating Programs Providing These Services On the Census Day 88%
Individual Support or Advocacy
78%
Emergency Shelter (including hotels or safe houses)
58%
Legal Accompaniment/Services
49%
Transportation
44%
Advocacy Related to Public Benefits/TANF/Welfare
43%
Children’s Support or Advocacy
40%
Group Support or Advocacy
33%
Advocacy Related to Mental Health
85 Unmet Requests for Services In One Day Many programs reported a critical shortage of funds and staff to assist victims in need of services such as transportation, childcare, language translation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal representation. Of these unmet requests, 58 were from victims seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing. Programs reported that lack of staffing was a reason that they could not meet domestic violence victims’ request for services. 78% of programs have less than 20 paid staff, including 40% of programs that have less than 10 paid staff. The average starting salary of a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $23,339. Attorneys Victims of domestic violence often need legal assistance with restraining orders and civil and family court matters. Of programs that participated in the Census, only 13% of programs reported being able to regularly connect a victim requesting legal assistance with an attorney.
600 Hotline Calls Answered Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources. In the 24-hour survey period, domestic violence programs answered more than 25 hotline calls every hour. 1,538 Educated in Prevention and Education Trainings On the survey day, 1,538 individuals in communities across Ohio attended 57 training sessions provided by local domestic violence programs, gaining much needed information on domestic violence prevention and early intervention.
Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-Hour Census of Domestic Services
“For 2009, we lost over $30,000 in funding, which means we’ll lose an advocate who’s been us for 15 years. This also means that victims will no longer have an advocate with them when they go to court.” “A victim that I helped said to me today, ‘Your agency saved my life. Without your help and support he could have killed me.’”
08 2008
Domestic Violence Counts The National Census of Domestic Violence Services
Montana Summary
On September 17, 2008, 11 out of 23, or 48%, of identified domestic violence programs in Montana participated in the 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The following figures represent the information provided by 11 participating programs about services provided during the 24-hour survey period. 198 Victims Served In One Day 43 domestic violence victims found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs. 155 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including individual counseling, legal advocacy, and children’s support groups. Percentage of Participating Programs Providing These Services On the Census Day 100% Individual Support or Advocacy 64%
Legal Accompaniment/Services
45%
Emergency Shelter (including hotels or safe houses)
45%
Children’s Support or Advocacy
27%
Transportation
18%
Advocacy Related to Public Benefits/TANF/Welfare
18%
Group Support or Advocacy
9%
Transitional Housing
15 Unmet Requests for Services In One Day Many programs reported a critical shortage of funds and staff to assist victims in need of services such as transportation, childcare, language translation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal representation. Programs reported that lack of staffing was a reason that they could not meet domestic violence victims’ request for services. 82% of programs that have less than 10 paid staff. The average starting salary of a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $21,024. Attorneys Victims of domestic violence often need legal assistance with restraining orders and civil and family court matters. Of programs that participated in the Census, only 9% of programs reported being able to regularly connect a victim requesting legal assistance with an attorney.
112 Hotline Calls Answered Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources. In the 24-hour survey period, domestic violence programs answered more than 5 hotline calls every hour. 65 Educated in Prevention and Education Trainings On the survey day, 65 individuals in communities across Montana attended 7 training sessions provided by local domestic violence programs, gaining much needed information on domestic violence prevention and early intervention. Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-Hour Census of Domestic Services
“We have two full-time and two part-time staff running a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week shelter. The need for social service programs is rising while funding is being slashed every year. Something has got to change and change fast!” “Too often women in our area will not leave an abusive situation because they can’t leave their animals behind on the ranch or farm. For areas such as ours, where large farm animals are either a woman’s livelihood or pet, we really need to establish a place where women can bring larger animals while they get help.”
08 2008
Domestic Violence Counts The National Census of Domestic Violence Services
National Summary
On September 17, 2008, 78% of identified domestic violence programs in the United States and Territories, or 1,553 out of 2,000 programs, participated in the 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The following figures represent the information provided by these 1,553 participating programs about services provided during the 24-hour Census survey period. 60,799 Victims Served In One Day 30,433 domestic violence victims found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by local domestic violence programs. 30,366 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including individual counseling, legal advocacy, and children’s support groups. Percentage of Participating Programs Providing These Services On the Census Day 87%
Individual Support or Advocacy
58%
Children’s Support or Advocacy
58%
Legal Accompaniment/Services
51%
Transportation
46%
Group Support or Advocacy
33%
Transitional Housing
24%
Childcare/Daycare
21,683 Hotline Calls Answered Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources. In the 24-hour survey period, domestic violence programs answered more than 14 hotline calls every minute. 30,210 People Trained On the survey day, individuals in communities across the United States attended 1,455 trainings sessions provided by local domestic violence programs, gaining much needed information on domestic violence prevention and early intervention.
8,927 Unmet Requests for Services In One Day Many programs reported a critical shortage of funds and staff to fully assist victims in need of services such as transportation, childcare, language translation, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and legal representation. Over 50% of these unmet requests for services were from victims seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing. Most programs operate shelters, hotlines, and outreach services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In many areas, domestic violence programs provide a wide variety of services to large geographic areas. Lack of staffing was a key reason many programs could not meet domestic violence victims’ requests for services. 70% of programs have less than 20 paid staff, including 38% with less than 10 paid staff. The average starting salary of a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $24,765.
“We are the only shelter in an area of over 89,000 miles. Clients arrive at our door in freezing temperatures because they have nowhere else to go. We are an essential part of this community.” — Alaska DV Program “When asked what he liked best about staying in the shelter, a 10-year-old boy answered, ‘I can sleep at night.’” — Maryland DV Program
Domestic Violence Counts: A 24-Hour Census of Domestic Services
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