Helpmate Blog

What to give Mom for Mother's Day ?

Ann Flynn — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:12:56 -0400

There are three ways to donate - from our website at http://www.helpmateonline.org/donors , send a check to P.O. Box 2263, Asheville, NC 28802 ATTN: Mother's Day Donation or call Ann Flynn, Development Director at 828-254-2968 x11. Be sure to include your Mom's name and address so we can send her a card.

Thanks to the River Stump Dump

Ann Flynn — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:11:03 -0400

Thanks for your quick delivery, courteous driver, and for helping us keep our grounds well groomed.

Christina Maxwell Event Raises Over $7,500 for Helpmate!

Ann Flynn — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:07:49 -0400

Several hundred adoring fans enjoyed an uplifting evening of sacred music and Broadway favorites. The funds donated to Helpmate will provide services to battered women and their children.

World Book Night

Ann Flynn — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:59:47 -0400

World Book Night U.S. is an ambitious campaign to personally give out thousands of free, specially printed books across America. Volunteer book lovers will help promote reading by going into our communities and handing out free copies of a book we love to new or light readers, reaching them especially in underserved places. World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading.

Kudos to Helpmate's Art Program

Ann Flynn — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:50:17 -0400

The AWBW Windows Program is available to any agency or organization seeking to implement art as healing tool for survivors of domestic violence. Thanks to our very talented staff member who has been working with children and adults in our emergency shelter on various art projects for pursuing this partnership and making Helpmate’s art program “official”. This partnership will also provide a full scholarship to A Window Between Worlds training as well as a $450 award to purchase art supplies for the program.

Technology Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence

Ann Flynn — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0400

Technology Safety Planning with Survivors

Technology can be very helpful for victims of stalking, domestic and sexual violence. However technology can also be misused by perpetrators to abuse, monitor, stalk and impersonate victims. Here are some tips to consider if you or someone you know is in danger.

1. Trust your instincts. If you suspect an abusive person knows too much, it is possible that your phone, computer, email, location or activities are being monitored. Perpetrators can use incredibly persistent and creative tactics to maintain power and control.

2. Plan for safety. Navigating violence, abuse, and stalking is very difficult and dangerous. We suggest you contact domestic violence or rape crisis hotlines and support agencies to discuss risks and safety options.

3. Take precautions if you have a “techy” abuser. If computers and technology are a profession or hobby for the perpetrator, trust your instincts. If you think someone may be monitoring or tracking you, talk to the police or a family/sexual violence hotline or support worker.

4. Use a safer computer. If anyone abusive to you has access to your computer, he/she might be monitoring your computer activities. Try to use a safer computer when you look for help, a new place to live, etc. It maybe safer to use a computer at a public library, community center, or Internet café.

5. Create new email or IM accounts. If you suspect that an abusive person can access your email or instant messaging (IM), consider creating additional email/IM accounts on a safer computer. Do not create or check this new email/IM from a computer the abuser could access, in case it is monitored. Look for free web‐based email accounts, and strongly consider using no identifying name & account information. (example:bluecat@email.com not RealName@email.com )

6. Check your cell phone settings. If you’re using a cell phone provided by an abusive person, consider turning it off when not in use. When travelling secretly, you may also want to turn off any location services or settings. Many phones also let you “lock” the keys so the phone won’t automatically answer or call if bumped. Consider adding a password to your cell phone and voicemail to prevent unauthorized access. For more security, you can also turn off Bluetooth.

7. Change passwords & pin numbers. Some abusers misuse the victim’s email and other accounts to monitor or impersonate and cause harm. If anyone abusive to you knows or could guess your passwords, change them quickly and frequently. Think about any password protected accounts: online banking, voicemail, instant messaging, social networks, etc.

8. Minimize use of cordless phones or baby monitors. If you don’t want others to overhear your

conversations, consider turning off baby monitors and using corded phones during sensitive conversations.

9. Use a donated or new cell/mobile phone. When making or receiving private calls or arranging escape plans, try not to use a shared or family cell phone because cell phone billing records and phone logs might reveal your plans to an abuser. Contact your local or provincial/territorial hotline or crisis agency to learn about donation programs that provide new free cell phones and/or prepaid phone cards to victims of abuse and stalking.

10. Ask about your records and data. Some court systems, government agencies and organizations

publish records with personal information on the Internet. Ask agencies how they protect or publish

your records and request that court, government, post office and others seal or restrict access to your

files to protect your safety.

11. Get a private mailbox and don’t give out your real address. When asked by businesses, doctors, and others for your address, have a private mailbox address or a safer address to provide. Try to keep your true residential address out of databases.

12. Search for your name on the Internet. Major search engines such as “Google” or “Yahoo” may have links to your contact information. Search for your name in quotation marks: “Full Name”. Check phone directory pages because unlisted numbers might be listed if you gave your number to anyone.

Violence Against Women Act

Ann Flynn — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:36:14 -0400

Since its original passage almost 18 years ago, VAWA has transformed our nation’s response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. More victims are coming forward and receiving lifesaving services to help them move from crisis to stability, and the criminal justice system has improved its ability to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable. S.1925 would reauthorize VAWA for an additional five years while improving services for victims of violence in all communities.

We love our bizhub !

Ann Flynn — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:04:45 -0500

Christina Maxwell & Friends Sing for Helpmate

Ann Flynn — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:20:34 -0500

Christina Maxwell is a senior at AC Reynolds High School in Asheville. She has played numerous lead roles in school, university and community musicals including Christine in AC Reynolds' production of Phantom of the Opera, Sarah in Asheville Community Theatre's Guys & Dolls and Yonah in Oklahoma City University's Children of Eden. Recently named the Distinguished Young Woman of North Carolina, Christina performs and speaks at numerous events across the state to encourage young people to be their best selves in all areas of their lives. Christina will be joined by friends and performers Haley McGuinn, Alicia Russell and Buck Hinman in an uplifting musical concert that will include Broadway, sacred and other musical favorites.

Volunteer Spotlight - Leslie Hawkins

Ann Flynn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:42:04 -0500

Leslie is the owner of Spellbound Children’s Bookshop, a local bookstore that focuses specifically on kids of all ages. This delightful bookshop has just moved from Wall Street into ZaPow, a new comics and illustration art gallery at 21 Battery Park Avenue. Despite the busy schedule she keeps to run her business, she has dedicated two to three nights a month to taking calls on our 24-hour hotline! In April 2010, Leslie also initiated a benefit for Helpmate called emPower Shopping. Several Wall Street businesses and restaurants donated a portion of their proceeds to Helpmate and this fundraiser was a huge success. Leslie’s obvious passion for helping victims of domestic violence has impressed our staff and we are so grateful for her willingness to aid those that are struggling with abuse. It is remarkable that she has contributed so much time and energy to assisting our organization for an entire decade. During this long time, she has donated 2,077 volunteer service hours to Helpmate! Thank you Leslie for your continued support of our staff and your sincere compassion for our clients!

Helpmate Welcomes New Staff Members

Ann Flynn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:53:26 -0500

Dayle has been employed as the Bilingual Counselor and her primary responsibilities are to provide support, counseling, case management, advocacy and referrals to bilingual clients in crisis seeking Helpmate’s services. Joanna will work as the Intensive Case Manager, which includes supporting facility coverage and providing case management services to those clients who have the highest level barriers to meeting their therapeutic goals.

Art - More Than Just A Picture

Ann Flynn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:50:51 -0500

While Helpmate does not have an “official” art therapy program, we have a very talented staff member and volunteers who have been working with children and adults in our emergency shelter on various art projects. Adults and children have created some great works of art including paper mache masks, splatter paint projects, painted flowerpots and other wonderfully creative objects. Thank you to the many community members who have donated art supplies for this project. A recent donation of Craoyla Wonder Paint will enable even the youngest artist in our shelter to express their feelings and demonstrate their “inner Picasso”.

Donate Your Old Cell Phone and Help a Battered Woman

Ann Flynn — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:55:55 -0500

If you would like to put a collection box in your business or donate a phone, please contact Ann Flynn, Development Director at aflynn@helpmateonline.org or 828-254-2968 x11.

Domestic Violence Vigil - Honoring and Remembering

Ann Flynn — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:53:39 -0400

Attendees viewed the Silent Witness Exhibit, a traveling memorial to women/children who have lost their lives in NC, and the Clothesline Project, tee shirts made by survivors of various forms of violence. Artwork made by children living in Helpmate’s emergency shelter was on exhibit and attendees heard a powerful story of domestic violence by survivor Rebecca Croft, who is also a devoted volunteer with Helpmate. This event was the result of a partnership between Helpmate and The YWCA Motherlove Program, which provides adult mentors for pregnant and parenting teenagers. Special thanks go to the following people: Tangela Ballard-Bowman (Motherlove Director), Holly Gillespie (Motherlove Coordinator), Motherlove participants, Jazmine Gayle (Helpmate intern), Elena Salisbury (future Helpmate intern), and Rebecca Croft (Helpmate volunteer). Each of these individuals worked hard to make this event a success.

Helpmate Statistical Information Fiscal Year July 1, 2010- June 30, 2011

Ann Flynn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:33:22 -0400

Helpmate, Inc. is a non-profit, United Way agency providing free services to survivors of domestic violence.

Mission Statement:

· Helpmate: a domestic violence agency working with our community to eliminate abuse and fear.

Our Services Include:

· 24 Hour Hotline

(254-0516)

· Individual Crisis Counseling by Appointment

· Domestic Violence Education and Support Groups

· Temporary Emergency Shelter

· Court Advocacy

· Child & Family Advocacy

· Case Management

· Referrals

· Community Education

· Professional Trainings

Helpmate Volunteer Opportunities:

· Hotline Advocacy

· Childcare Assistance

· Community Education

· Administrative Assistance

· Reception Assistance

· Language Interpretation

· Special Projects/Events

· Court Advocacy

· Building and Grounds Helper

Helpmate Statistical Information (Fiscal Year July 1, 2010- June 30, 2011):

Total clients served: 1938 for 7264 units of service (1550 clients seen in person)
Total number of person's sheltered: ( 112 Women and 72 Children for a total of 184 individuals)
Nights of emergency shelter provided: 5671 safe nights.
Support group attendance: 179 women for 456 units of attendance
Crisis calls: 835
Counseling appointments: 306 clients for 761 appointments
Court advocacy contacts: 1182 individuals in civil court for 3460 units of court advocacy; 353 clients in criminal court for 748 units of court advocacy