Welcome Note

March 2013: Sister’s Unite for Women’s History Month

March 23rd, 2013

This March, Center for Community Solutions wants to acknowledge the work of women past and present. From award winning actresses and directors to teenage revolutionaries— here are some of our favorite women through the decades. We honor you all as part of our Sisters Unite Campaign.

 SPOTLIGHT

 MARLEE MATLIN

#SistersUnite

We could not be prouder to announce that academy award winning actress, Marlee Matlin, will be CCS’ keynote speaker at our annual tea on April 26th. Marlee is a hero who has shaped mainstream media by making a place for hard-of-hearing and deaf people on TV and film. You can catch Marlee on the ABC show, Switched at Birth, or see her in person at CCS’ 2013 Tea & Tonic.

Marlee, CCS’ Guest of Honor

 

LOCAL

 CAROL COUNCIL & JOYCE NOWER

#SistersUnite

Today we honor our co-founders, Carol Council and Joyce Nower, who helped create one of the first domestic violence shelters ever and the very first women’s studies program  in the  United States.  You  both sparked  an

incredible light in our community.

CCS Now

 

ELLEN SCRIPPS

#SistersUnite

Yes, of THE Scripps Family. Ellen was a true local hero, someone who strived to improve the lives of women through simple gestures  and

grand ideas. Her life’s work is all around us.

Ellen’s Legacy

 

AURORA SORIANO CUDAL, BETTY EVANS BOONE, IRMA CASTRO, CONSTANCE CARROLL, & DOROTHY HOM (NOT PICTURED)

#SistersUnite

The latest inductees into the San Diego County

Women’s Hall of Fame.

San Diego’s Newest Inducted Heroes

 

 ENTERTAINMENT

 TINA FEY

#SistersUnite

Tina Fey Rocks! She has worked hard to redefine the image of women in the media by acting, writing, and out-clevering others on her way to the top. She is funny, honest and figured out how to have her cake and eat it too. We think she’s a powerhouse.

Rockstar Tina

 

KATHRYN BIGELOW

#SistersUnite

It is thanks to women like Kathryn Bigelow that all of us can realize there are NO limits to what we can achieve. In 2012, Kathryn became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for The Hurt Locker. TIME Magazine raves that she is “the finest action director at work today”. That’s no small victory!

Kathryn’s Big Win

 

MARGARET CHO

#SistersUnite

At a young age, Margaret Cho embarked on her path toward fame. Her comedic genius earned her the respect of many and got her a sitcom. Since then, Margaret has used her personal experiences to become outspoken on issues affecting all women starting at a young age: body image, bullying, independence. She’s a prime example of someone who chooses to improve the world by sharing her

sharing her story.

She’s a Riot

 

ELLEN DEGENERAS & PORTIA DEROSSI

#SistersUnite

CCS is proud to highlight Ellen & Portia as two awesome women in the cause for equality. Celebrities have an opportunity to shed light on important issues and these two have used their love to garner support of the gay and lesbian community. We wish you a long and happy marriage!

Ellen’s “Brief” to the Supreme Court

 

 POLITICS

 ALICE PAUL

#SistersUnite

Activist Alice Paul brought women’s issues to an all-male Congress, proposing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) for the first time. She championed women’s rights and watched as the 19th Amendment passed, guaranteeing women’s suffrage.

Alice Paul From The Beginning

 

HILARY CLINTON

#SistersUnite

Maybe you’ve heard of Hillary Clinton? Well, CCS hopes so because there isn’t enough room on this page to fully cover Hillary’s impact on the rights of

people everywhere. Thank you for your lifetime of service!

More on Hillary

 

MICHELLE BACHELET

#SistersUnite

Women’s History Month is about those who have made and ARE making history. Recognized in 2006 by Forbes as the #17 most powerful women in the world, Michelle Bachelet is revered has having broken barriers in becoming Chile’s first female President.

Madam President

 

THE WOMEN OF THE 113TH CONGRESS

#SistersUnite

Really all we can say is, THANK YOU for passing VAWA.

A Sight to See

 

 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

SHERYL SANDBERG

Chief Operating Officer, Facebook

#SistersUnite

Sheryl Sandberg is a triple threat: she’s business savvy, she’s a brilliant COO at Facebook, and now she’s practically a motivational speaker. She dares to ask us all to LEAN IN and stop sitting on the sidelines. Leading by example, she’s on the brink of becoming today’s most symbolic leader of the women’s movement for equality. “I truly believe that only when we get real equality in our governments, in our businesses, in our companies and our universities, will we start to solve this generation’s central moral problem, which is gender equality.”

Lean In with Sheryl

 

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

Founder, Children’s Defense Fund

#SistersUnite

When Marian Wright Edelman settled in Missisppi as the only female lawyer of her time, she knew it would be her opportunity to make a difference. After all this time, she has never given up. Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian made it her mission to improve the lives of children. In 2009, she spoke at CCS’ 10th Annual Tea — we owe so much gratitude to her and hope you will join our

collective efforts to make our world better for future generations.

A Brighter Tomorrow with Marian

 

MARY KAY ASH

Founder, Mary Kay Cosmetics

#SistersUnite

Who doesn’t know and love Mary Kay Cosmetics? She started with $5,000 and turned it into an internationally recognized, multi-million dollar brand. This is a story of success even after failure, as Mary Kay Ash was a business woman in a world dominated by men. Her legacy inspires others to never give up!

Mary Kay’s Empire

 

OPRAH WINFREY

Owner, The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)

#SistersUnite

Oprah may just be the name heard ‘round the world. After decades as the leading talk show host, dealing with the most historically significant topics, interviewing people almost as famous as she is, and impacting the lives of viewers and admirers everywhere, Oprah decided to retire from her show….to

create a network. She is limitless.

Oprah Goes Down in History

 

 EQUAL RIGHTS

 

GLORIA STEINEM

#SistersUnite

CCS was honored to have Gloria Steinem speak at our #### Tea on the Town. She is honest, passionate, and dedicated to the cause of women’s rights. Her revolutionary views have paved a new path for women in the United States. Founder of Ms. Magazine, Gloria provided a platform for women to create open dialogue on sexual harassment, domestic violence, body image issues, and so much more.

The Lovely Gloria Steinem.

 

ROSA PARKS

#SistersUnite

More than 50 years after she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, a Rosa Parks statue was revealed in the Capitol to honor her courageous efforts to end segregation. What began as a simple act following a long, hard day’s work, turned into a powerful civil rights movement that transformed the entire country. Rosa Parks is a true champion of equal rights.

A Statue for Equality

 

MALALA YOUSAFZAI

#SistersUnite

Malala Yousafzai is a 15-year old champion of women’s rights all over the world. After being shot by the Taliban for speaking out against the injust treatment of Pakistani women, Malala made an incredible recovery. She is now the youngest person to ever be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

A Young Revolutionary

 

SYLVIA RIVERA

#SistersUnite

CCS honors trans* leader, Sylvia Rivera for her work in promoting the rights of trans* people regardless of class, race, or sexual orientation.  Sylvia was part of the Stonewall Riot in NYC  which

sparked the Gay and Trans* movement.

United for All

February 2013: Teen Relationship Violence

February 4th, 2013

CCS sits down with Jessie Towne-Cardenas, Prevention & Education Director at Center for Community Solutions.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. We work hard to see that teens in San Diego have the tools to build healthy relationships, know their rights under the law, and local and national resources. Here are answers to some of the most important questions when working to spread awareness about violence in the context of teen relationships. 

How does CCS reach out to young people?

In the course of a year, our P&E Department reaches 2,600 young people throughout San Diego County with an average of three to five education sessions. Our trainings are normally presented to students in K-12th grade, or ages 5-18. We provide education primarily in schools, but also other youth-serving organizations like SDYS Storefront, IRC- Girl’s Group, Hillcrest Youth Center, Girl Scouts, etc. Our trainings are based on a public health model of prevention with two goals: 1) Reducing risk factors for victimization and perpetration and 2) Increasing protective and resiliency factors. 

What kind of outreach does CCS’ Prevention and Education Department do in regards to teen relationship violence?

One of our prevention programs at CCS is Camp Barrett, a residential juvenile detention facility for young men between the ages of 16-20. Many of these individuals are at Camp Barrett because of criminal offences for drugs, assault, and involvement with gangs.  CCS has been sending Prevention Educators to Camp Barrett for six years, providing services to 400+ young men every year over the course of three to nine weeks. The topics each week include: healthy relationships, relationship violence prevention, rape prevention, equality and respect, consent and boundaries, and healthy communication. 

CCS provides hands-on training on the topics above to over 2,000 young people all over San Diego County. Our Prevention Educators are invited to present year after year to over 20 schools and communities groups. Some have been providing education from CCS for a decade! 

When you’re working with youth of varying ages, how do you tailor your presentation so that it’s appropriate?

Our department is incredibly equipped to work with all age groups. Generally, themes based on age group are as follows:

Early Elementary

  • Respect and Boundaries
  • Good Touch Versus Bad Touch
  • Personal Space
  • Understanding Others
Late Elementary
  • Respect and Boundaries
  • Friendship/Being a Good Friend
  • How to Help if Someone is Hurt
  • Bystander Intervention
Middle School
  • Bystander Intervention
  • Power and Control
  • Healthy Versus Unhealthy Relationships
  • How to Help
High School
  • Bystander Intervention
  • Power and Control
  • Healthy Versus Unhealthy Relationships
  • How to Help
  • Negotiating Boundaries and Consent
  • Sexual Assault Prevention

How is teen relationship violence different from relationship violence between adults?

There aren’t as many resources for teens as there are for adults who are in violent relationships. And teens who are victims are exposed to so many factors that are not necessarily present when dealing with adults. For instance, relationships between teens are often a symbol of status. Adding the world of social media to the equation, and the recent rise in bullying, it can be incredibly difficult for a teen to open up about a violent partner. Especially if there is no support system in place in the home or at school.

Teens can apply for restraining orders against a violent partner, just like adults. A big difference is that teens probably go to school, have class, and share mutual activities with their abuser. This makes it more difficult to feel safe.

Minors in California have many rights afforded by the state, but how many of them are aware of that? We try to educate young people on these rights and protections, not just the warning signs and prevention tools.

What can adults do?

Parents and adults may not always know that their teens are dating, or they might not approve of dating at all. Often, parents and other adults minimize teen relationships, not realizing the rate of teen relationship violence in San Diego County is higher than the national average. In 2011, the Center for Disease Control found that nationally, 9.5% of high school students had experienced dating violence – defined as hitting, slapping, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. In the same study, San Diego youth reported that 11.2% teenage girls and 11.9% teenage boys admitted to being a victim of dating violence.

It is important that adults start talking about healthy relationships early on and make it part of normal, everyday conversation. Even more important, remember that children mimic the behavior they learn from the adults closest to them. If you are a caregiver, it’s important to model respectful communication and healthy relationships. The media depicts most relationships as being highly dramatic with little equality or mutual respect. Popular shows geared toward teens like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, 90210, Teen Mom, all emphasize the importance of sexual relationships and often include themes such as cheating, controlling behavior, isolation, and dishonesty. If young people are getting this message on television and lack adults who model healthy relationship skills, then they have little chance of learning these important skills on their own. Adults can talk about the relationships young people see in the media and among their peers, be a good example of healthy, respectful relationships, and see out tools on healthy relationships and communication for the young people you care about.

What can teens do?

Know your rights! Youth Law put together this informative document on Minor Consent Laws in California.

If you or a loved one are experiencing abuse, please contact our 24-hour hotline 1-888-DVLINKS.

 

 

 

Jessie Towne-Cardenas has been at Center for Community Solutions for twelve years and has worked in multiple areas of the agency including family support services, after school programming, and case management with adolescent girls in the juvenile justice system.  In her current position as Director of Prevention and Education Services, Jessie oversees a variety of  prevention programs including  parent and teacher education, outreach and education services for relationship violence and sexual assault prevention, 60-hour crisis intervention training for staff and volunteers, and education to increase the efficacy of domestic violence programs for the Iraqi community. 

January 2013: HVH and PSH Auxiliaries

January 23rd, 2013

Dawn, Corinne, Roberta (winner of the raffle), Karen and Kim holding a quilt made by Candace which raised $730 for Project Safehouse.

CCS thrives on the work and dedication of our volunteers. We often rely on their expertise, their time, and their passion to help CCS be the catalyst it strives to be for caring communities and social justice. Thanks to the incredible women who share their time on our Auxiliary Board for Project Safehouse (PSH) and Hidden Valley House (HVH), our two emergency shelters, we are able to ensure safe, vibrant, and caring environments for women, men and children seeking refuge from abusive homes.

Why does CCS rely on the Auxiliary Boards?

The HVH Auxiliary Board supports our North County shelter, while the PSH Auxiliary Board supports our East County Shelter. We have staff that operate both shelters, including family advocates, hotline operators, and program managers. The staff is responsible for the care of the shelter and the residents who are staying temporarily. Our Auxiliaries foster a feeling of communities at these shelters. Each Auxiliary helps provide monetary and in-kind support. When new residents arrive who are in need of extra assistance, the Auxiliary step up to problem-solve. The members of these Auxiliaries go above and beyond, often hosting parties during holidays, baking cupcakes and cookies with the children who are staying at the shelter.

Are there any upcoming events?

YES! The Auxiliaries are always planning fundraisers.

  • Project Safehouse will be hosting their annual Game Night on March 15th at the Mission Beach Women’s Club.
  • The San Diego Repertory Theatre is offering $10 off your ticket and $10 to PSH for ANY upcoming show when you use the code word “SAFE”.
  • Hidden Valley House’s annual Tea is on November 2nd. More information to come…

How can I help?

We’re always looking to expand the membership of our PSH Auxiliary. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us. If your time is limited, consider making a personal contribution.