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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month On October 1, President Obama issued a proclamation (view proclamation here) that reads in part: “In the 16 years since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, we have broken the silence surrounding domestic violence to reach thousands of survivors, prevent countless incidences of abuse, and save untold numbers of lives. While these are critical achievements, domestic violence remains a devastating public health crisis when one in four women will be physically or sexually assaulted by a partner at some point in her lifetime. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the tremendous progress made in reducing domestic violence, and we recommit to making everyone's home a safe place for them…. “Children exposed to domestic violence, whether victims or witnesses, also need our help. Without intervention, they are at higher risk for failure in school, emotional disorders, substance abuse, and perpetrating violent behavior later in life. … “Ending domestic violence requires a collaborative effort involving every part of our society. Our law enforcement and justice system must work to hold offenders accountable and to protect victims and their children. Business, faith, and community leaders, as well as educators, health care providers, and human service professionals, also have a role to play in communicating that domestic violence is always unacceptable. As a Nation, we must endeavor to protect survivors, bring offenders to justice, and change attitudes that support such violence. … “Domestic violence affects everyone, and everyone must be part of the solution. There are many ways for you to help. You can volunteer or donate items to a local domestic violence shelter or program. … “We are urging everyone to take a stand against domestic violence, end the silence on domestic violence, and give hope to survivors and their children.” As Part of Growing Partnership with Faith Community Click on a photo to enlarge
More than two dozen leaders in the faith community registered to attend SWIC’s second annual ARISE (Awareness Raising, Information Sharing Event) held October 21 as part of Schuylkill Women in Crisis’s efforts to build bridges with the faith community for the betterment of victims of domestic violence. SWIC thanks The Lighthouse Church, Orwigsburg, for hosting the event and Subway in Pottsville for donating cookies and cinnamon buns. SWIC seeks to partner with the faith community in order to (1) provide avenues whereby abuse victims may address spiritual concerns and (2) provide information to the faith community to address other needs of victims in a way that promotes safety for all. Over the past two years, SWIC staff person Darla Troutman has spoken to many individual church leaders as well as ecumenical councils of churches in the Schuylkill County community to forge relationships and promote awareness of SWIC and its services. Anyone interested in inviting SWIC to speak to a church or subgroup (such as youth group, women’s group, etc.) or anyone with registration or questions about ARISE should contact Darla at 570.622.3991 or swicgrantwriter@comcast.net. Have you ever wondered how you can help SWIC but you don’t have a lot of time or money? Perhaps you could consider donating any of the items listed in this e-newsletter among SWIC’s “Most Wanted.” For the month of October, we are requesting the same items as last month: · Shampoo, · Toothpaste, · Deodorant. If you are able to donate any of these items, please call SWIC’s office at 570.622.3991 or email swicagency@comcast.net to make arrangements. Thank you! NOTE: The extensive renovations to SWIC’s facilities are winding down, and we will be able to accept donations again beginning November 8 (as long as plans go according to schedule). As always, please call ahead of time if you are considering dropping off donations to avoid too many items coming in at the same time. Thank you for your patience while this critical project interrupted our usual donation acceptance procedures. to participate in Holiday Marketplace 
The Grateful Thread, SWIC’s weaving business, will participate in the “1st Annual Historical Society Holiday Marketplace” from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, November 13, at the Old Centre Street School House, Pottsville. The event will feature the making and selling of various historical arts. Come see handwoven rugs, mug rugs, purses, and more from The Grateful Thread, along with creations by other artisans as well. As always, at any time you can check out The Grateful Thread’s website and online store at www.gratefulthread.org . All proceeds benefit SWIC. Get a jump on your holiday shopping! |
Way Mart owner, Wayne Haas, and store employees are remembering the loss of their co-worker, Sandy Pucci, whose life was tragically ended by an ex-partner in Pottsville last October. Sandy’s co-workers are honoring her memory by encouraging community support for services for victims of domestic violence. Throughout October, shoppers at Way-Mart were provided the opportunity to help Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) through collection buckets placed at store checkouts. It’s important to mention that Way-Mart employees also participate through payroll deduction in supporting the Schuylkill United Way, and SWIC is a United Way member agency. We encourage readers to support the local United Way, whose drive is underway, which benefits SWIC and many other organizations that help so many Schuylkill County residents. Sarah “Sally” Casey, Executive Director of Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC), was surprised when the Pottsville Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) presented her with the prestigious Orchid Award on October 24. The award, presented during a tea luncheon at the Pottsville Club, is given annually to a woman who has made significant contributions to the community. Recipients have no prior knowledge of their selection for this award.  SWIC provides presentations with accurate and up-to-date information about domestic violence, safety planning, SWIC services, and how you can help. Many programs are planned for school settings or for other youth or teen groups, such as church youth groups, scouts, or other civic organizations. In addition, a SWIC staff person speaks to churches or church groups about building bridges between SWIC and the faith community to enhance safety and better serve survivors in our community (see attached article about ARISE). If interested in a presentation in any setting, please contact Mary Jo (swicmedadv@comcast.net) or Darla (swicgrantwriter@comcast.net) or call them at 570.622.3991 Check out SWIC’s presentations or resources at the following upcoming events: Thursday, November 4, 7-8 p.m. Next Volunteer Meeting. Tuesday & Wednesday, November 9 & 10 Schuylkill Medical Centers, South & East Norwegian, DV training for staff. Saturday, November 13 Schuylkill County Historical Society Holiday Marketplace Displaying and selling handwoven items from The Grateful Thread. (See separate article). Sunday, November 14, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Trinity UCC, Tower City. Special Notes For Volunteers: The NEXT VOLUNTEER MEETING is November 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. Please let Mary Jo know whether or not you will be able to attend. Also – please remember to EMAIL OR DROP OFF YOUR VOLUNTEER SLIPS AND HOURS to Mary Jo at the end of every month. This is VERY IMPORTANT!! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING at any of the events listed, please contact Mary Jo at 570.622.3991 or swicmedadv@comcast.net as soon as possible. 
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