SAFE PASSAGES - Eastside Domestic Violence Program

2 - Safe Passages
Dear Friends
“One size fits all” is not a term
used at Eastside Domestic
Violence Program. We take great
pride in our commitment to meet
the specific, ever changing needs of
our diverse clientele. We have long
had the vision of providing options
and opportunities to survivors of abuse who feel like they have
no options, no hope. As we grow stronger in our commitment
to diversity and meeting the needs of marginalized populations
we understand the complexities of individual cultures,
communities and genders as they face the challenge of leaving
a violent home and partner. The many barriers are extremely
challenging and become more complex for a person with
special needs as they try to navigate a system not set up with
them in mind. Whether it is a language barrier, cultural barrier
or gender barrier everyone’s cry for help is unique.
EDVP continues to grow and change to meet those needs.
We have committed ourselves in our current strategic plan to
help those that are oppressed and to continue our own internal
growth to address the complexities that surround us. We are
positioned well for that growth. Our emergency shelter My
Sister’s Home (see the enclosed article) is a scattered site facility
that can accommodate those others can’t – we serve large
families, people with special cultural needs, men and members
of the GBLT community. We truly believe it is not enough to
Facing the Challenge...
Domestic violence is pervasive. We work to break the cycle
of violence today and in future generations. The cost to our
community is devastating. Families are destroyed by domestic
violence not only financially and emotionally but the costs
accrue for generations. Nationally, the cost of domestic
violence exceeds $5.8 billion per year in direct health care
expenses, lost productivity and lifetime earnings.
The need for services at EDVP has increased. EDVP’s turn
away rate is 18 to 1 meaning for every one individual sheltered,
18 calls are turned away for that bed.
We have to decide as individuals and as a community, to take
a stand against domestic violence and all forms of violence.
Volunteer your time and donate as you are able to agencies
that work with the most vulnerable in our society. You have the
power to play a vital role in EDVP’s life saving services, change
lives and give hope. Together we can face the challenge.
SAY we serve those communities but we must understand their
unique needs and provide the individual support they need.
Our transitional shelter My Friend’s Place plays a unique role
in our community as well. We provide long term safety and
support for victims of domestic violence who are also fighting
drug or alcohol addiction. Victims often numb themselves
with drugs or alcohol and have very few options to find help.
Through our transitional shelter program we also continue to
grow our permanent housing program. We have been diligent
in our search for funds to support our permanent housing
program and work on a collaborative partnership with three
eastside agencies. The Eastside Landlord Liaison Program has
given us a step up with permanent housing providers who are
anxious to help those in need searching for a new start.
We also face the challenge of decreased funding in 2010. As
our requests for services have increased our resources have
decreased. Decreased funding for domestic violence agencies
is not just a county problem - it is a national crisis. Domestic
violence services are not a luxury – they are a moral obligation
of our communities to help those in need – to protect, defend
and ultimately save lives. Let your voice be heard. Please join
us and say “I will work with determination and fortitude to
end domestic violence in our community.”
Sincerely,
Barbara Langdon
EDVP Executive Director
Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season!
Invite your family, friends and coworkers to join you! Your Cash
Donation is one of the most effective ways to help a family in need.
Or donate Gift Certificates to stores that carry groceries, household
goods, toys and clothing. This allows a parent to shop for a traditional
holiday meal as well as family gifts that are special to them.
Deck your office bulletin board or tree with decorative, ready-tohang
Wish Tags from EDVP families. Each Wish Tag represents the
wish of a woman or child who is healing from abuse. Pick up a tag
from the Nordstrom Giving Tree at Bellevue Square and grant wishes
from families living in EDVP’s shelters.
Donations and gift certificates can
be mailed to:
Eastside Domestic Violence
Program ~ Holiday Program
PO Box 6398 • Bellevue, WA 98008
Holiday Line - 425-562-8840 Ext. 408
To find out more about the Holiday
Program visit www.edvp.org!
Warm wishes to you and may your holidays be bright