The Houston Area Women's Center e-Catalyst

                  

August, 2012
In This Issue
Kevin's Story
Allstate Grant
Back to School Needs
Astros Wives Gala
Leadership Campaign
CEO Chat
Four Songs success!
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Survivor Voices: Kevin
Kevin's mom described Kevin as a silly, happy-go-lucky, tech-savvy kid. At 10 years old, Kevin could navigate websites, social media and anything digital. With a big smile and always full of jokes, Kevin was an all around great kid. However, when Kevin's teacher told Kevin's mom that his grades were declining and he was starting fights at school, Kevin's mom instantly knew the cause. Kevin's mom had been in an abusive marriage with Kevin's dad for 15 years. She knew it was time to leave. One night, while her husband was at work, Kevin's mom grabbed a few necessities and she and Kevin fled their home. They came to live at our shelter. Almost immediately, Kevin resented being away from home and began exhibiting behavior problems. He bullied the other kids and refused to speak to his mother.Read more of Kevin's Story.

Shelter's Career Development Program is Awarded $20,000 Allstate Foundation Grant 

 

The Houston Area Women's Center is grateful to The Allstate Foundation for awarding the agency a $20,000 grant to support and enhance services provided by our Career Development Program for the second year. The program offers our shelter clients, often survivors of domestic violence, access to the necessary tools and resources for achieving economic freedom. For many women, this program helps them plan and create a financial foundation from which they can build a safe and economically independent future for themselves, and oftentimes, their children. 

 

The goal of the Career Development program is to help each participant create an individualized plan for financial stability. Clients attend classes that teach the fundamentals of budgeting, credit repair, saving for the future and accessing mainstream assistance. Another factor in the Allstate developed curriculum is teaching participants how to develop the knowledge and life skills necessary for managing resources. Throughout the program, clients are also taught how to obtain employment, enhance their job skills and further their education. 

 

With the support and resources provided by The Allstate Foundation, clients of the Houston Area Women's Center have a better chance at a brighter future for themselves and their children.  

Successful Back to School Project

Thanks to all who jumped on

board and made our back to school project another great success! Volunteers and staff  helped distribute backpacks and supplies to over 1,000 children.

 

A very special thanks to the interns at Marathon for collecting more than $4,500 in cash and supplies.

View more volunteer photos of the project here

 

Another home run for the

Astros Wives Gala!

The 2012 Houston Astros Wives Gala "Black Ties and Baseball Caps" benefitting the Houston Area Women's Center hit another home run! On August 16th the Houston Astros celebrated their 50th Golden Anniversary at the 23rd annual gala on the field at Minute Maid Park. Thanks to the Astros Wives Organization and to the new Astros ownership for supporting survivors and helping us in our fight to end domestic and sexual violence! Click here to view more photos from the night. 

Add Your Name to Our
Leadership Campaign

 

Add your name to the growing list of corporate and community leaders supporting the Houston Area Women's Center's 2012 Leadership Campaign! Participants in the Leadership Campaign join voices to publicly call for an end to domestic violence in a two-page signature ad in the Houston Chronicle during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Funds raised as part of the 2012 Leadership Campaign will be dedicated to the Women's Center Emergency Shelter and will provide a safe place to sleep, counseling, career development, early childhood education, an onsite HISD school, parenting classes, nutritious meals, and access to a wide-range of resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.

 

Your influence and voice will make a real difference to victims of abuse. Join those who have signed today!

 

 CEO Chat with Rebecca White

Rebecca White_NEW Headshot 

1. Four Songs in the Key of Love showcased on August 4th at the Wortham Theater. What did you enjoy most about the play? 

 

2.The Astros Wives Gala took place on August 16! What was most memorable about the event?

 

3.What are the benefits of law enforcement agencies; educators; university students; faith-based leaders; and medical, mental health and legal professionals receiving training from our educators here at the Center?

 

4. Given the recent media attention of the Sandusky case, it became clear that even adult survivors of abuse have a difficult time testifying in court. How does the Women's Center's Children's Court Services program help young victims of crime prepare to testify in court?

 

5. It's Restaurant Month in Houston! Are there any restaurants you highly recommend and enjoy going to during this month?  

Four Songs in the Key of Love a Success!
Performance Night
Four Songs in the Key of Love was a huge success!
On Saturday, August 4th, audience members were treated to this engaging play showcased exclusively for the Women's Center at the Wortham Theater. We would like to deeply THANK the director Thomas Meloncon, the entire cast and crew of Four Songs in the Key of Love, all our community sponsors, the Emcee Carolyn Campbell, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, and the Houston Area Women's Center staff and friends.

Thank you to all who made it possible to send clients from the Houston Area Women's Center, Star of Hope and the AIDS Foundation to watch this incredible performance. It was a night not only to remember but to provoke inspiration to all survivors of breast cancer, domestic and sexual violence, and AIDS in their efforts to move their lives forward.  To view  photos of the night click here.
 
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Houston Area Women's Center | 1010 Waugh Drive | Houston, Texas 77019 | 713-528-6798