http://choicescolumbus.org/news/ en bfreeman_8@yahoo.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-07T13:58:30+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_announces_new_allstate_foundation_economic_empowerment_program/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_announces_new_allstate_foundation_economic_empowerment_program/#When:13:58:30Z Made possible through a partnership with the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and the Allstate Foundation. The purpose of the program is to increase the survivors' assets, independence and safety and to decrease the abusers' financial control over the victim. Through the Matched Savings Allstate Foundation Project, a survivor can make monthly deposits into a savings account with a bank or credit union. CHOICES will then match the deposit amount the survivor has made using the funds provided by Allstate, allowing them to reach their financial independence that much sooner. Currently a financial literacy classes are being taught within our shelter as well as at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, where all the students are survivors of domestic violence. A community class will take place beginning in March. CHOICES estimates that fifty survivors from central Ohio will be provided access to the matched savings program and over one-hundred survivors from central Ohio will benefit from the financial literacy classes. 2012-02-07T13:58:30+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/mix_107.9_sponsors_cell_phone_drop_at_waterbeds_n_stuff/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/mix_107.9_sponsors_cell_phone_drop_at_waterbeds_n_stuff/#When:17:17:02Z Through December 31, take your used cell phone to any Waterbeds 'n' Stuff location and receive $10 off a $25 or more purchase. For locations and more information, visit the Mix 107.9 website. 2011-12-19T17:17:02+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/columbus_dispatch_articles_shine_light_on_domestic_silence_in_ohio/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/columbus_dispatch_articles_shine_light_on_domestic_silence_in_ohio/#When:17:21:40Z Two recent articles in The Columbus Dispatch discuss "domestic silence" in Ohio and the continued rise of abuse and deaths from domestic violence. CHOICES Executive Director, Sharon McCloy-Reichard, is quoted in the article, "Domestic Silence revisited: Abuse victims lacking shelter?" explaining the need for a shelter with more beds and fewer maintenance needs. An update on the numbers of domestic violence incidents and related-deaths is provided in the article "Domestic Silence revisited: Abuse continues." It also includes information on stalled legislation to help curb domestic violence. 2011-11-28T17:21:40+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_recognizes_verizon_with_2011_peacemaker_award/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_recognizes_verizon_with_2011_peacemaker_award/#When:17:06:46Z CHOICES interrupts the cycle of domestic violence by responding to those in need and serving as a light in the darkness. Sometimes the light is the glow of a cell phone. For this reason, CHOICES recognized Verizon with the 2011 Peacemaker Award at its annual luncheon on October 25. Verizon received the award for the company's commitment to addressing the issue of domestic violence through its philanthropy, use of technology, and employee volunteer force. Verizon has aligned their philanthropic work with their business by leveraging their technology expertise to help victims stay safe. The HopeLine program collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries, and accessories and enables service providers like CHOICES to give a phone to a victim to use so that they can feel safe and less isolated in times of crisis. Since the program began, more than eight million phones have been donated. (To learn more about donating your mobile phone, click here.) Verizon also launched #HOPE, a service available across the Verizon wireless network. By dialing #HOPE, then pressing send, callers are connected directly to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to get the help they need. Verizon is investing millions of dollars across the county to assist in domestic violence prevention and tackle the issue from many different angles. The Verizon Foundation makes philanthropic investments in programs that enhance prevention through education and incorporate online resources for broad outreach to diverse populations. They also fund programs that deliver effective relief and services for survivors. Also, the national documentary, Telling Amys Story, was produced by Penn State Broadcasting and funded by the Verizon Foundation. The documentary chronicles the domestic violence homicide of Amy Homan McGee and is helping it be used as a catalyst for community conversation and action. The detective in the documentary, Detective Deirdri Fishel, was the keynote speaker at the Peacemaker Awards luncheon this year. In addition, CHOICES and victim services organizations across the country have benefited from volunteer support from Verizon employees. Verizon has the fifth largest employee volunteer program in the country. Nearly 700 people attended the Peacemaker Awards luncheon and the event raised more than $100,000 to support the work of CHOICES. 2011-11-16T17:06:46+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/national_domestic_violence_awareness_month_acknowledged_by_president_obama/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/national_domestic_violence_awareness_month_acknowledged_by_president_obama/#When:13:24:04Z In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, President Barack Obama issued the following Proclamation, which begins: During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the significant achievements we have made in reducing domestic violence in America, and we recommit ourselves to the important work still before us. Despite tremendous progress, an average of three women in America die as a result of domestic violence each day. One in four women and one in thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. These statistics are even more sobering when we consider that domestic violence often goes unreported. Click here to read the Proclamation in full. If you are involved in a relationship where you are being hurt or abused, remember that you are not alone, it is not your fault, and help is available. Call the CHOICES 24-hour crisis, information, and referral hotline at (614) 224-4663. 2011-10-11T13:24:04+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_newsletter_september_2011/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_newsletter_september_2011/#When:14:03:21Z CHOICES' September 2011 newsletter is now available for download by clicking here. 2011-09-01T14:03:21+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/columbus_dispatch_article_details_choices_services_to_deaf_hard_of_hearing_/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/columbus_dispatch_article_details_choices_services_to_deaf_hard_of_hearing_/#When:15:18:49Z A recent article in The Columbus Dispatch details CHOICES' recently expanded services to the deaf/hard of hearing community through a contract with deaf therapist Stephanie Smith Bowman, MSW, LISW. Click here to read the full article. 2011-08-16T15:18:49+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/jewish_women_international_donates_childrens_library_to_choices/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/jewish_women_international_donates_childrens_library_to_choices/#When:18:07:11Z On Sunday, June 26, 2011, CHOICES became the 37th recipient of a library dedicated as part of Jewish Women International's National Library Initiative, which aims to establish 100 children's libraries in homeless and battered women's shelters across the United States. The CHOICES library was generously donated by JWI Board Chair Susan W. Turnbull and her husband, Bruce, in memory of Marguerite A. Hilton Turnbull. Ms. Turnball was inspired to create the library in her mother-in-law's name in Columbus, where Marguerite and her husband, Robert, had lived since the 1960s. "...[Marguerite's] long-time advocacy for those who could not advocate for themselves made us realize that a library in her memory at a local shelter would keep her ideals alive," said Turnball. "She taught her family and all who knew her how important it was to give to the community. I hope that the children who use the library will realize that one day they, too, may have the opportunity to give back and that books can help give you that chance." The new library at CHOICES, featured in these pictures taken at the dedication and reception that followed, was incorporated into an established tutoring area and includes new children's books, as well as bookcases, child- and adult-sized rocking chairs, child-sized table and chairs, and a large, brightly-colored carpet. "The creation of a unique learning area for the children in the shelter is a very special gift and one for which we are most thankful," said Sharon L. McCloy-Reichard, CHOICES Executive Director. "This is a wonderful addition to the shelter. A tutoring area that is equipped with library materials will make it more user-friendly and, consequently, an inviting place for the children to learn. We are blessed with this very generous gift from Jewish Women International." Jewish Women International is the leading women's Jewish organization whose innovative programs, advocacy and philanthropic initiatives protect the fundamental rights of all girls and women to live in safe homes, thrive in healthy relationships, and realize the full potential of their personal strength. 2011-07-07T18:07:11+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_receives_3-year_accreditation_from_carf/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/choices_receives_3-year_accreditation_from_carf/#When:17:34:15Z CARF International announced that CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence has been accredited for a period of three years for its Assessment and Referral: Mental Health (Adults) and Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults) programs. The latest accreditation is the third consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to CHOICES.CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program's quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. Read more about the certification by clicking here. CARF International is an independent, not-for-profit accreditor of human service providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, and Opioid Treatment Programs. 2011-07-07T17:34:15+00:00 http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/save_the_date_for_the_2011_peacemaker_awards_luncheon/ http://choicescolumbus.org/news/item/save_the_date_for_the_2011_peacemaker_awards_luncheon/#When:13:59:05Z Luncheon to Feature Documentary Film, Telling Amy's Story Mark your calendar for CHOICES' 2011 Annual Peacemaker Awards Luncheon being held Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency. The event addresses the widespread effects of domestic violence and recognizes individuals and organizations that make positive strides to respond to the issue. This year's luncheon will feature a special viewing of the documentary film, Telling Amy's Story, along with a presentation by the film's narrator, Detective Deirdri Fishel. A Public Service Media Project from Penn State Public Broadcasting, Telling Amy's Story is hosted by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay and told by Detective Fishel. It follows the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred on November 8, 2001. In the film, Amy's parents and co-workers, law enforcement officers, and court personnel share their perspectives on what happened to Amy in the weeks, months, and years leading up to her death. Click here for early sponsorship opportunities, or call (614) 224-7200, ext 103, to learn how you can support this inspirational event. About Detective Deirdri Fishel A 15-year veteran of law enforcement, Detective Deirdri Fishel has been the primary investigator and case manager of the State College Police Department's Victim Centered Intensive Care Management (VCICM) Unit since 2006. The VCICM Unit is tasked with investigating, coordinating, prosecuting, and responding to domestic violence and stalking crimes throughout the county. A court-recognized expert on domestic violence, Detective Fishel is certified to train law enforcement personnel on domestic violence issues and has trained judges, prosecutors, municipal and state police officers, medical doctors, nurses, advocates, and other system professionals across the nation. She has been a featured speaker/trainer at conferences for the National Center for Victims of Crime, the Stalking Resource Center, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. 2011-06-07T13:59:05+00:00