ANNUAL REPORT
2014
“Bringing healing and light to the many shades of domestic violence”
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.), I would like to express appreciation for your contribution in advancing our mission to provide support and advocacy for women and children survivors of domestic violence. This year we moved into a shared community space where we can better serve our clients. We’ve fine tuned and expanded our programs and workshop offerings. We also increased the number of trained volunteers who have the skills we need to assist our work in our community. Our experiences continue to educate and inform us. Domestic violence has many shades far beyond physical abuse. It is not a stretch to see its effect in the rise of bullying at the pre-school level, apathy in our youngsters, isolation and fear in its victims and in the financial burden/dependency it also so commonly inflicts. At S.O.F.I.A., we are continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of those we are committed to serve. We have actively sought out well-qualified, experienced and empathetic workshop presenters. We’ve listened deeply to the feedback we’ve received and have implemented ways to better both our message and our impact. We are taking key steps to widening our outreach by employing social media, streamlining our management structure, and investing in board development and operational analysis. We also hold on to our dream of founding a Safe House in the very near future to serve women and children in need. Today, based on the wealth of skills and leadership within our Board of Trustees and the organization, as well as our partnerships with like-minded community organizations such as our affiliate, Men Against Domestic Violence (MADV) who focus on the “Real Man Model” in addressing domestic violence, local officials and local businesses, I am confident that we are equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the County, our partners, donors, grantors, policymakers, and individuals who helped bring us this far. We remain stalwart in our endeavor to merit your much needed ongoing support. Respectfully,
Cynthia Walker, Founder and Executive Director
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
Our mission is to provide domestic violence victims and survivors with the assistance and encouragement they need to become positive, self-sufficient, and successful.
FOUNDING HISTORY Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (fondly referred to as S.O.F.I.A.) was founded in 2009 as a committed grassroots movement to serve the needs of women and children who are victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community. We offer a wide array of programs and services that we are constantly refining and adapting to assist women and children in safely escaping domestic violence and to aid them in leading successful, independent lives, free from abuse. Hand-in-hand with this our goal is to raise awareness about the complex issues surrounding domestic violence by offering and advocating for strategies for it’s prevention and healing in our community and beyond.
OUR CORE VALUES •
We value integrity for each individual as unique and inherently worthwhile. Our goal is to build inner peace, independence, security and self assurance with our clients.
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We value the rights of victims to make life decisions based on being fully informed of all their legal rights and options.
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We value the growth of our clients. We will commit to overseeing continuous personal improvement, encourage clear and constant focus and will help guide towards self-sufficiency.
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We value safety, privacy, and justice for all our clients (women and children).
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
OUR SERVICES EMERGENCY SAFE HOUSING Our referral service assists women and children who need immediate and safe shelter to escape a violent situation. LEGAL REFERRAL ASSISTANCE Our referral service provides access to legal professionals and advisors to assist with all matters relating to domestic violence.
OUR IN HOUSE PROGRAMS WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP Our support group offers a welcoming environment to come together to share their experiences and to offer support to one another. We believe that healing can come through discussion and creativity, so
we offer a number of “therapeutic arts” classes during our support groups where our women can create as they heal including: aromatherapy, creative writing, painting & drawing, nature walks, soap & fragrant oil making, massage therapy, yoga, zumba and self-defense. FREE WORKSHOPS • Business/Financial Basics – private & group sessions • Women’s Empowerment Series • Workshops and Awareness Presentations SUPERHERO CLUB Children and their caregivers come together with fun, team building, superhero themed activities promoting healthy self-esteem and social skills.
Healing from domestic violence is not a linear process. At any time something may trigger an unresolved issue – hence “the many shades of recovery.” Our support groups acknowledge this process and the empathy developed within the group creates a trusted continuum in the healing process.
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S.O.F.I.A Annual Report I 2014
A NOTE ON OUTREACH, FEEDBACK AND A SALUTE TO OUR WOMEN PRESENTERS During 2014, S.O.F.I.A. continued to successfully provide top-quality outreach programs aimed at bringing awareness to domestic violence issues as well as strategies for its prevention. We brought our workshops to middle and high schools, colleges and Planned Parenthood in our greater community. We pay careful attention to the responses that we collect upon completing each program and learn from them. These help us make our presentations relevant and vital. More and more young people are barraged by unfiltered cultural influences and our feedback has confirmed that there is a high rate of “soft violence” coming their way including the degradation of women to the simple disrespect of others so prevalent in the onslaught of social media. This “soft-violence” does extract an often unrecognized toll manifested in ambivalence and lack of personal agency. Over and over again attendees most appreciate learning how to recognize the “warning signs” of an abusive relationship and often offer up an “aha” moment from a personal experience. Participants responses have also informed us that first hand, even age similar accounts, are highly valued. As women heal in our support groups many become willing to provide written or oral testimonials and some the willingness to speak in public. This generous sharing of experience, and its many shades from from fear and isolation to the journey to health and wellness, has made it possible for us to respond to this feedback. Because of their positive transformative power we have chosen to share a few of these testimonials with you in this report.
“ OUR OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS HEALTHY VS UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS In this workshop, we teach women how to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and what steps can be taken to avoid becoming a victim. SAFE DATING FOR TEENS Through peer discussions and role-play, teens learn how to tell the difference between supportive and abusive relationships and are empowered to make informed, conscious, and healthy decisions about dating and breakups. ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS AND ADOLESCENTS This workshop alerts parents to the hidden clues that could indicate that their child is being bullied. Children learn coping skills and steps they should take to bring the bullying to the attention of a caring adult. HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP Workshop participants learn how to tactfully offer support to someone they suspect is in an potentially dangerous situation. They learn how to offer assistance without being judgmental or intrusive.
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
…I received a call from a friend whose coworker came to work with her face swollen and bruised from a beating she had received from her husband the night before. I …came to the realization that although I am a survivor of domestic violence myself, I didn’t know where to send her for help, other than the police. I had seen Cynthia …on Facebook so I contacted her. …I was so enthused about S.O.F.I.A. I … then joined in the Support Group sessions. What I found was after many years I still carried the effect of my trauma from my own ordeal. Through S.O.F.I.A. I have found other women who identify with my struggle and support me emotionally. No one will judge me, yet I now have a group of sisters to call upon when I am troubled or a flashback of the past comes my way. I am continuing to work on me. I thought I was alone and no one would understand me. People have judged me, which made me stay to myself. I kept my pain inside. Now, I’m not alone and there’s a platform to voice my feelings and get the help I deserved. With the encouragement from Cynthia, I have become certified through the Essex County Prosecutors Office to work as a DVRT (Domestic Violence Response Team) volunteer. I want to give back to others. Domestic Violence destroys families. It has to stop through awareness. My name is Adele and I am a survivor!
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
OUR PROGRAMING IMPACT
54
women attended our workshops and programs
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children and their caregivers participated in our SuperHero program
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women were counseled or attended our support group
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women benefited from our clothing distribution “Clothes for Career Women�
296
Middle, high school, college students and Planned Parenthood clients attended our outreach workshops
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families benefited from our toy distribution for children in local shelters during the holidays
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of our clients have gone on to become certified Domestic Violence Response Team Members
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
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OUR SUPERHEROES Clearly the impact of domestic violence carries another shade altogether when it comes to children. Witnessing violent behavior at anytime is distressing at the very least. For the young it’s impact can be life-long and crippling. Still there is reason to hope. Our SuperHero’s program serves children aged 6 to 12 years and also teens. The focus is on building positive inter-peer relations, healthy self-esteem and better inter-personal skills. In 2014 sixteen youngsters and their caregivers experienced that “every child is a superhero!”
As a child, I witnessed physical and emotional acts of domestic violence against my loved ones and as an adult, the cycle continued in my personal life. These experiences left me with feelings of shame, guilt and depression… I have been a regular attendee of the S.O.F.I.A. Support Groups since they began in 2011. Everyone is welcomed with opened arms and the atmosphere is always calm and soothing, which allows me to feel comfortable and willing to participate.…With a variety of activities such as discussion, creative writing, and arts & crafts, the groups encourage me to celebrate healing and self expression. I always leave the group with a sense of self value and awareness. The support group allows women affected by Domestic Violence to learn techniques geared towards healing, productivity and improvement. A large part of my growth stems from applying what I have learned in the group to my everyday life. …I finally have the chance to express how I feel and share my thoughts, whether they be downfalls or accomplishments, within a group that wholeheartedly understands my struggles. One of my goals is to strengthen my relationships through accepting my past and setting goals for my future endeavors. The S.O.F.I.A. Support groups have opened a doorway towards focusing on the importance of recognizing my worth, healing emotional wounds and helping others in the process. – S.W.
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAS ON WOMEN “Domestic violence affects one in four women in her lifetime – that’s more women than breast cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer combined. Most people think only of physical abuse when they consider domestic violence, yet financial abuse happens in 98% of all domestic violence cases. The number one reason domestic violence survivors stay or return to an abusive relationship is that they don’t have the financial resources to break free. Physical abuse leaves bruises and scars. Financial abuse is an Invisible Weapon that traps victims in abusive relationships. Financial abuse prevents victims from acquiring, using or maintaining financial resources. Financial abuse is just as effective in controlling a victim as a lock and key. Abusers employ isolating tactics such as preventing their spouse or partner from working or accessing a bank, credit card or transportation. They might tightly monitor and restrict their partner’s spending. Victims of financial abuse live a controlled life where they have been purposely put into a position of dependence, making it hard for the victim to break free. In 98% of all domestic violence cases, financial abuse helps keep victims trapped in the abusive relationship.” source: http://purplepurse.com/get-the-facts In 2014 with support from the Essex County Community Development Block Grant (and the Allstate Foundations Purple Purse Challenge along with support from our community partners and individuals), S.O.F.I.A. was able to step up our financial empowerment education and counseling. As we look to the future we aim to expand and enhance our programming in this crucial area helping our women get out from under this often overwhelming fiscal burden and able to take sound steps towards a stable financial future. Thanks to our supporters we are poised to bring healing and light to this other shade of domestic violence.
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
ESSEX COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT This generous grant of $12,731 provided us with the funds to offer the following programs: WORKSHOPS (CHILDREN AND TEENS) • Superhero Workshop • Financial Literacy for Children • Anti Bullying • Teen Safe Dating WORKSHOPS WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT • Vision Board • Ladies Night In • Recover & Renew - Motivational • Reawaken Your Dream • Yoga for Mind and Body • Self Defense
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FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT • Banking 101 • Making Dollars out of Sense • Money Management and You • Understanding Your Credit Report • Resume Writing • Couponing
It is such a heartwarming experience to volunteer for SOFIA’s support group. The environment is welcoming and warm – full of love and acceptance. It is a beautiful thing for women who have gone through situations of domestic violence to be able to find comfort in women who understand their experiences in a safe space. – Danielle
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
ALLSTATE PURPLE PURSE CHALLENGE In 2014, S.O.F.I.A was one of more than 140 community nonprofit partners that took part in the inaugural Allstate Purple Purse Challenge. In conjunction with crowd-fundraising platform Crowdrise, we competed in challenges to raise money for our organizations in an effort to win a prize. This campaign generated a lot of excitement and helped increase awareness of the enourmous impact financial abuse has on victims – often the number one reason a victim stays. In this challenge we raised a total of $7,071 and received a $3,500 check directly from Allstate. Countrywide over $2 million was raised to help fight domestic violence and with an emphasis on financial abuse.
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These funds have enabled us to create our Resource Center where we offer individual and group “Basics to Business” to help our women prepare to join the work force. Our Resource Center includes two private cubicles equipped with computers, software and printers. These funds are also targeted to compensate qualified professionials to instruct and help guide our clients. We have qualified for and are looking forward to participating in this benefical challenge once again in 2015.
Our Purple Purse supporters could attach this lovely icon to their purse to show their support in bringing light to the issue of Domestic Violence.
The S.O.F.I.A. support group has given me sense of self awareness. When I attend the group sessions I learn to about who I am. It also allows me to be around women who are learning how to heal from the inside out like myself. I am grateful to be apart of the support group. It has helped me love myself just the way I am. I thank S.O.F.I.A. support group for being a part of my life. – Vanessa
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
OUR 2014 ANNUAL WALK AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 2014 marked our 4th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence. Each year the September walk has continued to grow and attract more members of our community in understanding that “With Awareness There is Hope.� Support for the walk has increased steadily from businesses and neighbors and this year we had over 200 participants. Our noted speakers share their experiences and healing journey from the effects of domestic violence on their lives and the lives of those they care for. This event is also an important fundraiser for S.O.F.I.A., generating unrestricted funds to support our day to day needs and programming. In 2014 the walk raised $5,690 (after expenses) from our generous local teams and sponsors. It is also a day of both rememberance and honor of those from our community that we have lost to the plight of domestic violence.
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR START OUT FRESH INTERVENTION ADVOCATES (S.O.F.I.A.) FOR YEAR ENDING 2014 REVENUES AND GAINS: Public Contributions $37,343 Program Service Revenue: 0 Investment Income: 0 Net Assets Released from Restrictions: 0 Total Revenues, Gains, Other Support: (A) EXPENSES: Salaries Rent, Occupancy, Utilities and Maintenance Fund raising: Printing, Publications, Programs, and Shipping Other Expenses - Programming Costs
$37,343 $10,282 $1,967 $1,625 $16,473
Total Expenses and Losses
$30,347
Other changes in Net Assets
12,992
Net Assets as End of Year
$19,988
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
SHOUT OUT TO A FEW SPECIAL COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS We’d be remiss without acknowledging a few special local officials who show up, bestow their respect and their support for S.O.F.I.A. time and time again. Thank you Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, Mayor Robert Jackson and Councilwoman Renee Baskerville.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tamisa Covington Annette Johnson Leslie Faison Sharlene Walker
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS Cynthia Walker Founder & Executive Director Dr. Doris Walker-Bennett Alicia N. Robinson Lynette Kymack Kristin Wald Robin Young
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
OUR VOLUNTEERS One of S.O.F.I.A.‘s major assets continues to be the many selfless volunteers that dedicate their time, energy, skills and non-monetary resouces that keep us both vital and progressing. We would not be where we are today without their continual contributions. We are truly indebted to each and every one of them. In 2014 we began actively recruiting volunteers with specific skill sets online at both VolunteerMatch.org and idealist.org. This has helped us to find the right volunteer to fit a need as well as suit their interest.
PACING WITH THE POOCHES PROGRAM: matching our clients with rescue dogs for walks
OUR PARTNERS They say it takes a village to raise a child; it also takes a team to impact our community. That is why at S.O.F.I.A. we value our partner relationships. Below you will find a list of the very people and organizations that offer supplemental support to S.O.F.I.A. so that we may better serve those who are in need: Brother to Brother Essex County Prosecutors Office Essex County Rape Care Center Jill Berke, MA, LCADC (Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence Issues Counselor & Speaker) Men Against Domestic Violence (MADV) WomensLaw.Org Sister to Sister (Female Teen Mentoring) Monica’s Law Supporting Our Sisters Passaic County Women’s Shelter
S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
LOOKING FORWARD In 2015 we will reach the milestone of our fifth year working to bring awareness, advocacy, support and prevention measures and healing opportunities to our greater community on the issues surrounding domestic violence. Milestones are cause for reflection, assessment and re-evaluation. We will celebrate our accomplishments and our supporters yet this is no time to sit back on our laurels. The same challenges that we began with still exist. While we have made many significant strides and our sphere of influence has grown there is still much to do. Thanks to past support we now have a physical center, a new Resource Center and a wealth of experience to inform our decision making. We are evaluating where we are most effective and realize that education is of primary importance at every level and every stage. We intend to focus more programming on that with an emphasis on helping our survivors find financial independence and security. We are pursuing ways to better our online presence and communications with our community to widen our influence and broaden our support base. We will work to carefully select and train both our professional educators/presentors and volunteer staff so that the quality of the support we offer increases, even as we streamline services to better assist our clients. Most importantly, we will remain dedicated and focused on the work we set out to do in the first place - the need is as great today as yesterday:
Bringing healing and light to the many shades of domestic violence. We look forward to your continued support. We’ve really have only just begun. Thank you!
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S.O.F.I.A. Annual Report I 2014
Our Community Sponsors
Brookdale ShopRite 1409 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ
Neil Greco, CLTC
Our Community Supporters Assemblyman Thomas Giblin Freeholder Brendan Gill Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson Montclair Fourth Ward Councilor Renée E. Baskerville Montclair Deputy Mayor Bob Russo BLACKNJ Ceasar Jewelers Coda Kitchen and Bar 73 See Gallery Al Johnson – Artist Costco Montclair Eureka Lodge #52 Prince Hall Family Financial Management Practice Jay’s Freeway Collision Leone’s Italian Restaurant Baristanet Bistro 18 Montclair Mayor Robert D. Jackson M.F.E.E. Michael Watley Printing
Montclair Jr. Sports Academy Montclair NAACP Cuban Pete’s Grove Pharmacy Jypsea Handcrafted Leather Goods Kappa Sigma Philo Kat Klaw Productions Mr Cupcakes Palace Car Wash Pooka Pure & Simple Printers Place Salon Femi Senator Nia H. Gill School of Rock Montclair Senorita’s Smash Burger Trumpets Jazz Club and Restaurant Wireless Depot – Montclair Supporting Our Sisters The Positive Community Toast Restaurant Watchung Book Sellers The Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of NJ
THANK YOU for your continued support!
If you would like to make a donation now please go to our link: http://supportsofia.org/donate/ Any size donation is appreciated. Thank you. Donations to S.O.F.I.A. are tax deduction as allowable by IRS Tax Law Edited and Designed by: 73 See Gallery & Design Studio www.73seegallery.com Š 2015 S.O.F.I.A. All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 674 I Montclair NJ 07042 P: 862.251.6791 I F: 973.536.2032 Email: info@supportsofia.org www. SupportSofia.org