2008-2009 News & Events

The Family and Children's Trust Fund (FACT) of Virginia Conference on Community Collaboration in Preventing Family Violence

The Family and Children's Trust Fund (FACT) of Virginia Conference on Community Collaboration in Preventing Family Violence was held June 25th from 8am until 3:30 pm at the Richmond Convention Center. Participants of the conference came from state and local public and private agencies that provide family violence prevention and treatment services, including child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, sexual assault, suicide, and adult abuse and neglect. The purpose of the conference was to: 1) Recognize local family violence programs and volunteers in Virginia; 2) Facilitate improved community collaboration capacity to prevent and treat family violence; 3) Provide opportunity to exchange ideas with other local family violence programs in Virginia ; and 4) Get information about resources to support family violence prevention in local communities.

The event opened with a networking breakfast with FACT Board Members and a welcome from First Lady Anne Holton who encouraged participants to listen for ways to bring hope to the problems of family violence in local communities. She then challenged each conference participant to "learn, ask questions, stay open to new ideas, look for networking opportunities and seek out supportive relationships. Then take the knowledge gained and apply it to ameliorate family violence in our Commonwealth."

Thirty of FACT's collaborative partners set up display booths to share information regarding family violence programs from across the state. Breakout sessions were provided on a variety of subjects including:

The Use and Regulation of Nonprofit Organizations in Virginia
Presenter: Louis Booker
This workshop focused on the legal formation and administration of a nonprofit organization.

Stop It Now! Campaign to Address Child Sexual Abuse
Presenter: Rebecca K. Odor
Participants learned about the Virginia Department of Health's Stop It Now! Campaign to address child sexual abuse.

Building a Strong Financial Foundation for All Size Organizations
Presenters: Erin Garvey, Bev Walters, Jeffrey Wilt
This interactive workshop dealt with various types of revenue streams and was hosted by a panel of three experienced fundraisers who represent small, medium and large budget organizations.

Building Organizational Capacity through Strategic Partnerships
Presenter: Ruth Stone
In this session participants explored taking a new nonprofit from infancy to adolescence by examining several key components of building capacity in young organizations: mission and vision, leadership, resources, publicity and outreach, along with products and services.

Developing and Maintaining a Strong Board of Directors
Presenters: Jeanine Harper, Paul Krizek
In this workshop, designed for paid and volunteer leadership, practical suggestions and tools were provided for building and maintaining an effective board.

Program Evaluation
Presenter: Jack Frazier
This workshop provided guidance toward the planning and implementation of an ongoing outcomes based evaluation process.



Are Special Events Really Worth the Effort?
Presenter: Rhonda Ford
This workshop explored the evolution of a "friend-raising" event through its maturity as a significant source of funding for a small non profit organization.

Social Indicators Project: The Virginia Family & Children's Trust Fund (FACT) and Virginia Commonwealth University Collaboration Project
Presenters: Fran Inge, Monica Leisey
In order to assess the state of family violence in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Family and Children's Trust Fund (FACT) and the VCU School of Social Work are working together to create a state family violence report card. This presentation explored the complexities of the problems of family violence, the complexities of using social indicators, and the possible dimensions that a report card.

Preparing your Organization for Generational Changes and Succession Planning
Presenters: Matt Gross, Rhonda Ford, Daniel L. Johnson, Neal Masri
Generational workplace differences affect an organization's ability to recruit, build teams, deal with change, motivate, manage and produce. In this workshop, four generations (Veteran, Boomer, Generation X and Millennium) of employees/employers discussed how generational differences are impacting communication, employee turnover, work ethics, difficulty in attracting employees and gaining employee commitment.

Developing Latino Services that Address Family Violence
Presenters: Nancy Fowler, Kathy Anderson, Dilcia Molina, Sylvia Torres, Leslie Moncada
This workshop examined the achievements and challenges of domestic violence work in the Latino community from three perspectives: the state, the local agency and the Latino community.

Tips and Suggestions for Writing Successful Grant Proposals
Presenters: David Boehm, Fran Inge
In this workshop, Family & Children's Trust Fund's (FACT) grant chair and executive director discussed ways to create successful grant proposals, with special emphasis on the FACT grant.

Creating and Sustaining Successful Public-Private Collaborations
Presenter: Nikki Nicholau
This workshop focused on the elements of success in partnerships between community-based organizations and government agencies.

During the FACT Awards luncheon Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marilyn Tavenner provided the keynote speech and reminded participants of the seriousness of the problem of family violence and various initiatives taking place across the Commonwealth to address issues such as child abuse and neglect, dating violence, elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, sexual violence, domestic violence and suicide. She highlighted a variety of collaborative projects that are occurring and encouraged communities to work together to produce better outcomes for children and families. Secretary Tavenner thanked participants and applauded their efforts to protect families - "it is only through efforts such as the Family & Children's Trust Fund of Virginia that we can hope to improve some very daunting statistics. And your role as a provider of information in addition to public awareness and leadership is crucial to our success."

During the luncheon volunteers and local programs that have made a difference in the lives of children and their families were recognized for their service. According to FACT Board of Trustee Chair Martha Sayler, "These programs and individuals honored are excellent examples of how to marshal local resources, engage a broad base in the community, and make good use of resources to help the many families in Virginia who are victims of violence." VDSS Commissioner Conyers thanked and presented award winners from each region of our Commonwealth with a plaque. Individual volunteers recognized included:

Sara Robertson - Project Horizon-Lexington, Virginia

Ms. Robertson has been volunteering with Project Horizon in Lexington for nearly a decade. She provides hotline coverage for Rockbridge County during a regular shift almost every single Sunday while also supporting and encouraging women and children in the shelter. She works tirelessly to provide training to new volunteers and has a wonderful gift for motivating others to get involved and stay involved with helping domestic violence victims in the Lexington area.

A Project Horizon shelter client wrote, "Sara Robertson is so much more than words can describe, I always look forward to her visits. I really enjoy our conversations and appreciate her genuine concern. She is like a grandmother to me. As far as I am concerned she is family and I will never forget her. So, Ms. Sara, when you read this, please know that I deeply appreciate your time, encouragement, kindness, motivation, and patience. Keep on doing what you do best, being the beautiful you."

Sandy Morrissett-CASA of Central Virginia -Lynchburg, Virginia

Mr. Morrissett is a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. This past year he donated 313 hours of volunteer service - which averages out to 26 hours per month! A retired attorney, Mr. Morrissett has served as a CASA volunteer to 27 children since 2002. Additionally, he serves as the volunteer representative on CASA of Central Virginia's Board of Directors.

According to the CASA staff, "Juvenile Court Judges often comment on Sandy's excellent court reports as well as his professional demeanor in court. I have personally witnessed the sitting Judge call Sandy to the bench after a hearing to compliment him on his report and express how helpful the CASA report was to him in understanding the case."

Lloyd and Elverta Horst -Volunteer Emergency Families for Children-Front Royal, Virginia

Mr. and Mrs. Horst provide shelter care in their home to at-risk children and youth. Many of these placements are made on an emergency basis by local departments of Social Services. Since 2005 they have had children placed in their home 20 times. Mr. and Mrs. Horst do not hesitate to provide care to children in need. They have rocked fussy infants all night, chased energetic toddlers, welcomed scary-looking teenagers, served home-cooked meals with unfailing kindness. They have played board games, encouraged children to help in the garden, taken children to auction sales, and made many special trips to the community park to play on the playground.

According to a Shenandoah County Department of Social Services Foster Parent Trainer, "The Horst's have always been willing to help us when we call and they always know what questions to ask and how to deal with the situations that may occur. I am very proud to hear of them receiving this award. Our agency is very lucky to have them as a VEFC family."

Jodi Dickman-Victim Assistance Network-Alexandria, Virginia

Ms. Dickman is a long time volunteer with Victim Assistance Network. She provides three hours of volunteer service every week manning the crisis hotline, which serves victims and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. In the past year, she amassed 195 hours of volunteer time. Most importantly, she knows how difficult it can be for hotline callers to seek assistance and she provides information in a helpful, non judgmental way.

A Fairfax Social worker wrote, "Jodi understands Domestic violence and sexual assault affects our families and our communities. She understands how important intervention and prevention will assist with the ongoing problems to end family violence in our community. Jodi truly understands that 'it takes a village' to create safe and secure environments in the community."

Dona Briggs-Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program -Richmond, Virginia

Ms. Briggs is a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Since 2005, she has provided 776 hours providing court advocacy to 14 abused and neglected children. She collaborates with foster parents, social workers, family members, school personnel and other professionals to facilitate communication and smooth progress on her CASA children's cases. Dona cares deeply for the children she serves. Recently she stated, "I owe as much moral responsibility to my CASA children as I do to my own children." Dona believes she can change the world one child at a time.

A foster parent of a CASA child wrote to support Ms. Briggs's nomination. "I met Dona the same day that I met my new foster child, Jason. She was at our home several times during the first three weeks to make sure that Jason transitioned well into our home. She meets and encourages Jason on many levels. She has won his trust which is not and easy thing to do with this child. I have been a foster parent for almost ten years and have never met an individual with as much dedication as Dona Briggs. She has made all the difference in Jason's life by supporting him and all the professionals in his life."

Jeannine Purcell-Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault-Spotsylvania, Virginia

Ms. Purcell has served as a volunteer for the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault for over 3 years. She has provided on average 16 hours a week serving on our 24-hour crisis hotline and hospital accompaniment program. As part of crisis services, she may accompany victims to the hospital for medical care and evidence collection. Here she may sit with victims for hours, often in the middle of the night, while they undergo an uncomfortable and lengthy medical exam. She also links victims to services they will need following medical release, such as legal advocacy and counseling.

The Forensic Nurse Coordinator at the local hospital reports that Ms. Purcell is professional and compassionate with victims of assault during their forensic examination. Her encouraging words and calm demeanor provide the emotional support patients need to successfully complete their forensic exam and the collection of evidence. Through her continued care and support she is instrumental in helping victims through the first steps of the healing process.

Janice Weisenburger-Abuse Alternatives -Bristol, Virginia

Ms. Weisenburger is a volunteer Board member with Abuse Alternatives. As Board member, there are no limits to the many tasks she has performed on behalf of Abuse Alternatives including: working community booths, mowing and landscaping, staining the steps to the shelter, purchasing items to beautify the outside appearance of the shelter and completing maintenance work. She works tirelessly to garner community support and spreading the work about the good work of the shelter. She is currently serving as President of the Board of Directors where she demonstrates strong leadership ability; however her true love lies with the clients that are served by Abuse Alternatives. Her passion and dedication to end domestic violence is seen daily by the survivors of domestic violence.

The office manager at St. Anne's Catholic Church where Ms. Weisenburger also volunteers says, "Janice is always willing to support worthwhile efforts to help others. She volunteers with many outreach projects including Special Olympics Bowling, a homebound ministry where communion was taken to an elderly parishioner, community walk-a-thons, fundraisers and a special 'Thanksgiving Dinner' that includes community members who often find themselves alone for the holiday. She is one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious and I thank God that she is part of my life."

Theodosia Palmer-Laurel Shelter-Gloucester, Virginia

Ms. Palmer has been serving as a volunteer with the Laurel Shelter since 2001. As a volunteer she has managed childcare, staffed the emergency shelter, worked the Domestic and Sexual Violence crisis hotline, assisted with numerous fundraising endeavors, staffed the Laurel Shelters Thrift Store and served on the Board of Directors. Two of her most notable achievements include organizing two recurring fundraising events, which netted over $12,000 for the program and securing a vehicle for the transportation of Laurel Shelter clients and their children. The minivan Mrs. Palmer secured for the Laurel shelter currently transports approximately 10 clients per week to numerous medical, legal, and other necessary appointments.

The Shelter staff commented that "In addition to her personal service, Mrs. Palmer frequently recruits others to help Laurel Shelter and our clients. Mrs. Palmer pours her heart and soul into our program and models our principle of peace throughout the larger community. She has a truly giving and spirit and it shines through her."

Four local community programs were recognized by the Family and Children's Trust Fund Board of Trustees for their outstanding community collaborations. In 2006-2007 thirty-two local service grants were awarded by the Virginia Family and Children's Trust Fund. Award winners were grantee agencies that demonstrated their use of community partnerships to improve family violence outcomes. Agencies recognized included:

Abuse Alternatives
Bristol, Virginia

Abuse Alternatives participated in multiple trainings and presentations throughout the western part of the state that informed the public of problems associated with family violence. They collaborated with over 50 organizations in the community. Most notable was a Bullying and Teen Dating Violence at Highlands Juvenile Detention Center, a program at Emory and Henry College on Domestic Violence, and a program at Northeast State Community College that highlighted National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Henrico CASA
Richmond, Virginia

Henrico CASA worked with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to place a kiosk in the courtroom to provide information to parents and families on services available in the Richmond Community. Henrico CASA coordinated the efforts to get thousands of brochures placed in the kiosk. Some of the agencies that collaborated with this project included: SCAN, Victim Witness, Social Services, Family Focus, Family Lifeline, Domestic Violence Task Force, Commonwealth Mediation, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Police Department and others.

Northern Virginia Family Service
Oakton, Virginia

A bilingual mental health therapist provided services to first-time vulnerable parents enrolled in the Healthy Families Arlington and Alexandria programs of Northern Virginia Family Service. The agency collaborated with the Center for Multicultural Human Services since they had the expertise and bilingual staff skilled in providing in-home mental health services. They also collaborated with the Arlington County Department of Human Services and the Alexandria Department of Health who provided initial screenings of first time parents.

Roanoke Valley CASA Foundation
Roanoke, Virginia

The Roanoke Valley CASA Foundation collaborated daily with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, Department of Social Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care Services, Adoption Services, Court-ordered Custody/ Mediation Services and the Juvenile Justice system on child abuse and neglect cases before the courts. The program provided trained advocates who worked with parents and children to provide support, resources, and referral for services. The effect of CASA intervention and court advocacy benefits the child and the family by coordinating collaborative community efforts in providing access to services in the community. As an organization, Roanoke CASA participated in several community groups including the Roanoke City Prevention Team. This team consists of representatives from more than 25 community agencies, medical centers, educational institutions, school administrators, City Council, churches and more. This group analyzed local and national data on Youth Behavior Risk in middle and high school youth and made recommendations to both the local school system and City Council for planning future youth services and intervention for the Roanoke Valley.

Overall, conference participants enjoyed the opportunity to network and share information with other service providers. According to FACT Executive Director Fran Inge "People who are passionate about family violence work often do not get the opportunity to speak and share best practices with service providers outside their own community. The Family and Children's Trust Fund Board of Trustees recognizes that there are programs throughout the Commonwealth that make a huge difference in the lives of victims. Through this conference we recognized their excellent work while providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and providing information about resources that would aid them in their family violence work in local communities."