News & Events
Meet Joy Henderson
Asked to tell you a bit about herself, Helpmate Intake Specialist and Case Manager Joy Henderson smiles broadly and says that she is a native Ashevillian, "One of the few." She has seen many changes in her 52 years, both in her home city and in the way domestic violence is handled in society.
Meet Katy Carris !
Katy Carris, Night Facility Coordinator for Helpmate, takes great pride in her work for the organization and in the experiences that brought her to this position.
Kudos to Helpmate's Art Program
Helpmate has been accepted as a partner for the Window Between Worlds program. A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using art to help end domestic violence.
Art - More Than Just A Picture
It has been well documented for many years that art therapy can be a valuable tool of discovery in helping adults and children deal with stress.
Special Community Event
SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT Private Violence Film Screening Thursday, November 8, 2012 6:00 – 6:30 pm Ticket sales and reception with hors d’oeuvres 6:30 – 6:45 pm Welcome and Opening Remarks 6:45 – 8:15 pm Film 8:15 – 8:30 pm Discussion $8.00 advance tickets available at the Fine Arts Theater 36 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 | www.fineartstheatre.com The feature-length documentary film, Private Violence, filmed primarily in Chatham County, NC, features personal stories from survivors, advocates, healthcare and legal professionals and abusers. Kit Gruelle, Executive Producer and Project Creator of the film, is the keynote speaker at the November 7, 2012 “Keeping Families Safe” Conference at MAHEC. Executive Producer Gloria Steinem calls Private Violence “the best film I’ve ever seen on domestic violence.” Special thanks to This collaborative community event is to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence in our region. A portion of the proceeds will go to support domestic and sexual violence programs in our community.
3rd Annual Women’s Health Conference
This conference will highlight how effective collaboration and coordination of care between healthcare and community providers can improve outcomes for people impacted by domestic and sexual violence. Though components of the conference will have a regional focus, a majority of the content is relevant for any healthcare or human services provider. Date: Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Time: Registration: 8:00 am - 8:30 am Program: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm Place: MAHEC Biltmore Campus Fee: $92.00 / $46.00 for students Group rate: $77.00 per person when a group of 5 or more from the same organization registers at the same time $77.00 special rate for staff from Mission Health, YWCA of Asheville, Helpmate, Our Voice, and other WNC anti-domestic violence agencies Have a question? Course Director: Linda Stanton, MHS, BSN, RN Associate Director of Nursing Education 828-257-4423 linda.stanton@mahec.net Registration Information: 828-257-4475 Want to register? Fax Registration: 828-257-4768 Online Registration: www.mahec.net Mail: MAHEC Registration 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803 Special Services: 828-257-4430
Helpmate’s Endowment and Legacy Society
A gift designated to Helpmate’s endowment will provide essential resources for our work year after year. Endowment gifts can support specific aspects of the work such as providing shelter, counseling or court advocacy, or they can support general operations or facilities.
Volunteer Spotlight - Elena Salisbury
Elena Salisbury is interning with Helpmate in order to complete her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Warren Wilson College and we are so grateful for her willingness to help with various types of service. Elena attended the Helpmate volunteer training in November 2011 and began her internship in mid-January.
Christina Maxwell & Friends Sing for Helpmate
Join us for an uplifting evening of sacred and Broadway favorites Friday, April 13 at 7.p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville Tickets are $10 with proceeds going to Helpmate Call 828.450.3082 or e-mail: reneemaxwell4@gmail.com for tickets
Volunteer Spotlight - Leslie Hawkins
Leslie Hawkins has been a volunteer with Helpmate since the spring of 2002. For the last 10 years, she has provided much-needed hotline advocacy support as well as fundraising assistance.
The Cafe String Quartet and Friends
The Echo Cooperative Presents: The Cafe String Quartet and Friends (chamber jazz) to benefit Helpmate, a domestic violence agency working with our community to eliminate abuse and fear.
Helpmate Welcomes New Staff Members
Helpmate has added two part time positions recently and welcomes Dayle Benedetti and Joanna Knowles to the staff.
Helpmate Statistical Information - Fiscal Year July 1, 2010- June 30, 2011
Helpmate has seen and continues to see a significant increase in requests for services. As with most of the country, battered women in Buncombe County continue to be impacted by the slow economic recovery and lack of employment opportunities. This past fiscal year Helpmate has seen the average shelter stay increase by 210% and the number of women staying more than 28 days increase by 59%. In addition, from FY 09/10 through FY 10/11 we saw a 149% increase in the number of women to which we provided food and a 63% increase in the number of clients to which we provided transportation.
Volunteer Spotlight - JENNA SKARDA-HIGGINS
Jenna Skarda-Higgins began volunteering with Helpmate in August 2010 and assisted with reception work and statistical data entry at first. In November of that year, she attended the hotline advocacy training and began taking regular hotline shifts in December.
Domestic Violence Vigil - Honoring and Remembering
Thanks to everyone who attended the vigil at the YWCA on October 26 in honor of victims and survivors of domestic violence and in memory of the 56 individuals who have died in North Carolina so far this year as a result of domestic violence.
Volunteer Spotlight - JERI SENOR
Jeri Senor participated in an individual domestic violence orientation and began providing Reception Assistance in May 2011. She then went on to attend the July 2011 volunteer training to pursue Hotline and Court Advocacy service.
Men Who Care Event to be held Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We are excited about Helpmate’s upcoming Men Who Care event, which will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. This event, which takes place every other year, is our major fundraiser this year and proceeds will fund services to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Vigil - Oct. 26
There will be a Domestic Violence Vigil at the YWCA this Wednesday, October 26. From 5-5:30, you can view the Silent Witness Exhibit (a traveling memorial to women/children who have lost their lives in NC), the Clothesline Project (t-shirts made by survivors of various forms of violence), and artwork that was made by children living in Helpmate’s emergency shelter. We will have food and beverages available as well, so please come between 5-5:30 to check out these powerful exhibits!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month !
October is Domestic Violence Awarness Month and there are many events planned including a vigil on October 26 to honor and memorialize victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Volunteer Spotlight - Norene Barrett
Norene Barrett has been volunteering with Helpmate since 2003 and has become an integral part of our team over the years.
Volunteer Spotlight - Linda Kavanaugh
Volunteer Linda Kavanaugh supports residents with her care and concern
Meet Brenda Mills - Incoming President of Helpmate !
The old saying goes, "If you need someone to do a job, ask a busy person." And so, Brenda G. Mills will become President of Helpmate's Board of Directors for fiscal year 2012-13.
Day of Caring at Helpmate
The United Way’s Day of Caring was held on Thursday, September 1, 2011. This is an annual event that is coordinated by Hands On Asheville Buncombe, a program of the United Way.
Volunteer Spotlight - Linda Ganz
Linda Ganz began volunteering with Helpmate in April 2010 and has been a terrific help to us since she went through an initial reception orientation. Linda is a retired Family Therapist and was exposed to some domestic violence situations through her work.
Helpmate Elects New Board Officers and Members!
The Board of Directors of Helpmate has elected new Board officers for 2011-12, and appointed two new Board members.
Volunteer Spotlight - Susan Denne
Susan Denne attended Helpmate’s volunteer training in March 2009 and immediately began assisting with our Court Advocacy program. Over the last two years she has supported many of our clients who were navigating the court system in order to hold their abusers accountable for their behavior.
Shelter gets decorated for Easter
On Saturday 23, the staff of the Mediation Center brought Easter cheer to Helpmate residents.
Volunteer Spotlight: Maria Zuniga
Maria Zuniga went through Helpmate’s volunteer training in September 2007 which was the first advocate training we held in our new emergency shelter. She immediately began helping with childcare at our Monday night support group and started training to become a hotline advocate as well.
Volunteer Spotlight: Sabra Ball
Sabra Ball became involved with Helpmate in January 2009 when she began her Masters-level Internship for Western Carolina University’s Social Work Program.
Eat at Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian on Wednesday, November 7th.
Treat yourself to dinner out and help a victim of domestic violence at the same time. On Wednesday, Nov. 7th, Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian will give a percentage of their profits to Helpmate. So, go treat yourself to Chicken Parmesan, Sausage and Peppers, Veal Marsala, Linguini and Clams or anything else on their generous menu. Vinnie’s is located at 641 Merrimon Avenue. 253-1077. www.vinniesitalian.com
The Gospel According to Jerry
Long-time supporter Jerry Sternberg offers essay compilation to support Helpmate
Shop for a Cause - SAVE THE DATE!
On Saturday, December 1, 2012 enjoy food, spirits, music & friends while you shop for a cause! Six great artists will be donating 15% of their sales Dec. 1 to Helpmate. Artist includes The Potter’s Mark, Nancy Silver, Christine Dougherty, Bruce Brennan, John Mac Kah and Calycay Design. This is easy holiday shopping without the crowds and with free parking and live music by Hart Dahlhauser. Many thanks to Christine Calaycay for putting this event together. Cotton Mills Studio, 122 Riverside Drive. Contact info@calaycaydesign.com. http://www.cottonmillstudionc.com
Volunteer Spotlight: Vilary LaRue
Volunteer Villary LaRue lends her gifts to supporting shelter upkeep
High Tea Fundraiser Hosted by Community Leaders
Co-Chairs and Hostesses lead community of women toward support of domestic violence services in Asheville
Teens and Domestic Violence - Know the Warning Signs !
Statistics/warning signs teen dating violence
Spread the Word...About Preventive Education
Spread the word...about Helpmate's Preventive Education Program
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED BUILDING AND GROUNDS HELP
On Saturday, April 30, a group of eight volunteers assisted with various building and grounds projects at our emergency shelter. Some of these volunteers are employed by TRANE Air Solutions and one volunteer is employed by Mikes Heating and Cooling. This volunteer group was led by Leah McCurley, a Helpmate volunteer.
Volunteer Spotlight: Rebecca Croft
In February 2010, I received a call from an A-B Tech student named Rebecca Croft. She was interested in volunteering with Helpmate and expressed that she had a deep concern for the issue of domestic violence. She attended the volunteer training that took place in March 2010 in order to pursue hotline advocacy and other opportunities. During the training, she told some of her story related to her own personal experience with domestic abuse and it was then that we began to realize that Rebecca would become a positive force within our organization. The strength and determination she exhibited to get herself and her three sons out of the abusive situation was remarkable. In addition to her motivation to help victims and their children, it did not take long for our staff to recognize that Rebecca possesses an extraordinary optimistic outlook on life. Despite all she has been through, it is evident that she is grateful for every second of every day.
Domestic Violence Counts ‘12 North Carolina Summary
On September 12, 2012, 50 out of 91, or 55%, of identified local domestic violence programs in North Carolina participated in the 2012 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The following figures represent the information reported by the 50 participating programs about services provided during the 24-hour survey period.
Volunteer Spotlight - Kenton Bell
In February 2012, several students from the UNC-Asheville Amnesty International organization came to our emergency shelter to assist with some building projects. Kenton Bell was one of the members of this group and it did not take him long to decide that he wanted to volunteer more regularly with Helpmate. It is clear that Kenton is dedicated to supporting organizations that focus on ending violence against women and he strives to help these agencies in any way that he can.
Ultimate Ice Cream and Helpmate’s Flavor of the Month
Eat ice cream and eat it often during November. Ultimate Ice Cream has chosen Helpmate as the “flavor of the month” non profit during November and the flavor is Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. So, have a scoop or two of Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Ultimate will donate to Helpmate.
Shop for a Cause - SAVE THE DATE!
On Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 11am to 6pm enjoy food, spirits, music & friends while you shop for a cause! Six great artists will be donating 15% of their sales Dec. 1 to Helpmate. Artist includes The Potter’s Mark, Nancy Silver, Christine Dougherty, Bruce Brennan, John Mac Kah and Calycay Design. This is easy holiday shopping without the crowds with free parking and live music by Hart Dahlhauser. Many thanks to Christine Calaycay for putting this event together. Cotton Mills Studio, 122 Riverside Drive. Contact info@calaycaydesign.com. http://www.cottonmillstudionc.com
Domestic Violence Vigil
There will be a Domestic Violence Vigil at the YWCA this Wednesday, October 26. From 5-5:30, you can view the Silent Witness Exhibit (a traveling memorial to women/children who have lost their lives in NC), the Clothesline Project (t-shirts made by survivors of various forms of violence), and artwork that was made by children living in Helpmate’s emergency shelter. We will have food and beverages available as well, so please come between 5-5:30 to check out these powerful exhibits!
Time to Be Thankful
We would like to take a moment to say, "thank you" to everyone who helps us create a community that is free of domestic violence and fear. We have often heard that "it takes a village."
Community forum discussing Amendment One
The Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council (ABCRC) and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville (UUCA) will host a community forum discussing Amendment One, Tuesday, March 27th from 7:30-9:30pm at the UUCA at 1 Edwin Place, Asheville.
Helpmate's Art Program !
As we shared last month, Helpmate has been accepted as a partner for the Window Between Worlds program. A Window Between Worlds (AWBW) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using art to help end domestic violence.
Sponsors of Helpmate’s High Tea - September 19, 2012
Thanks to our wonderful business and individual sponsors!
Volunteer Spotlight !
Marie McKinley attended our domestic violence orientation in July 2011 in order to assist us with reception work at the front desk of our emergency shelter.
Proceeds From Talk to Benefit Helpmate
Dr. Deb Barnett has just notified us that proceeds from her talk at Jubilee on Tuesday, Sept. 11th will benefit Helpmate. She is speaking on how to deepen emotional intimacy with your current or future partner. Thank you Dr. Barnett.
Meet Joe Fishleigh – Helpmate Board Member
Joe Fishleigh is one of the newest member of the Helpmate Board of Directors, having begun his board-service in the spring of this year.
Helpmate’s Afternoon Tea Is a Huge Success!
Over 200 women from the Asheville community enjoyed an afternoon tea from 4- 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at the Crest Center Pavilion in support of Helpmate. Sponsorships, donations and pledges raised over $40,000 to provide services to battered women and their children.
2012 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS
Stay tuned for more information about other October Awareness Month events and displays that are still in the works! CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK TO STAY UPDATED ON WHAT HELPMATE IS DOING IN THE COMMUNITY!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Helpmate and the community at large will honor victims and survivors of domestic violence throughout October.
Loaves & Fishes Alternative Gifts Market” Sunday, December 2 (9:00AM – 1:00PM)
Church Street neighbors Trinity Episcopal and First Presbyterian churches are sponsoring the annual “Loaves & Fishes Alternative Gift Market” on Sunday, December 2 (9:00AM-1:00 PM). The event will be hosted at Trinity Episcopal Church’s Tuton Hall (60 Church Street).
THE ACTOR'S LAB HOLIDAY PARTY FOR CHARITY
WHEN: SATURDAY DECEMBER 15TH @ 7PM WHERE: NOURISH AND FLOURISH 347 DEPOT STREET IN THE HEART OF THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT The Actor's Lab is happy to be in Asheville and to show their appreciation and they are throwing a party to give back. They will have a raffle for some fantastic prizes, including one month free classes at The Actor's Lab Asheville, tickets to a Magnetic Field show, "The 30th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular", Cd's from local artists, free dinners, wine and beer and so much more. All proceeds go to HELPMATE.Musical guests include Kellin Watson, Aaron Price and many more. NO COVER CHARGE. Join them and make a $5 donation OR bring some can goods to enter the raffle.
Speak Your Peace !
Introducing, Speak Your Peace, a socially conscious clothing company whose vision is to give back to our community by donating 10% of proceeds to local organizations who are making a difference in our world. Their first shirt, the rEVOLVEr, will support Helpmate by giving $2.50 per shirt sale to our organization. The shirts are 100% recycled using recycled cotton and recycled plastic bottles. Each business quarter they will send Helpmate a check from 10% of shirt sales to support survivors of domestic violence and their families through Helpmate’s services. You can find them online at speakyourpeaceclothing.com or on Facebook at Speak Your Peace (please “like” their page). Give a gift that gives back this Holiday Season.
A Benefit for Helpmate - WNC Green Ladies “Love your Mom” Afternoon.
This year’s event will be held at the new Metro Wines shop at 169 Charlotte St., Asheville, North Carolina 28801. Food & Wine Tasting begins at 1p.m. and ends at 4p.m. on Saturday, May 11th. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/MetroWinesAsheville. To purchase tickets please contact Lyndon Smith at sourgrapes.lyndon@gmail.com or stop in at Metro Wines. Advance tickets are $5 or $7 the day of.
