Dear Friends of WSLB,
We're thrilled to introduce you to our new e-newsletter. We hope you'll take the time to read through this issue and forward to a friend or two who you think might want to join us in our mission to eliminate domestic violence through compassionate intervention, education and personal empowerment.
Thank you for your ongoing support of WSLB.
Sincerely,
TuLynn Smylie
Executive Director |
| Domestic Violence Funding at Risk
Lend Your Support by Signing the Save Our Shelters Petition |
 California State Senator Leland Yee is leading a petition effort to protect funding for domestic violence shelters and services. Won't you please help send a message to Sacramento that shelter services save lives?
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| Join the WSLB Auxiliary
Help Make a Difference in the Lives of DV Victims and their Children |
If you're ready to take a bigger role in helping WSLB end the cycle of domestic violence, consider joining the WomenShelter of Long Beach Auxiliary. This group of enthusiastic volunteers works with the the board and staff to plan the annual wine tasting event as well as other fundraising activities. It's a wonderful way to get to know the organization.
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| Volunteer Profile:
Retired Lawyer Lends Her Expertise to WSLB |
 Kristi Fischer, a life-long resident of Long Beach, has first-hand experience with domestic abuse having been in an unhealthy relationship as a young woman in the 70s. Fortunately, she left that relationship and later married her current husband, and they've shared 24 years of happiness. When Kristi decided to take an early retirement from her career as a lawyer at Mitsubishi, she wanted to find a volunteer opportunity that she could relate to, in an area she felt was important and interesting. "WSLB fit the bill," she shared. She was first introduced to WSLB in the 90s when she was the volunteer coordinator at Mitsubishi, and the company named the nonprofit as the beneficiary of their holiday charity program.
Since spring 2008, Kristi has been a volunteer legal advocate at WSLB. She works every Monday morning at the shelter doing legal assessments and helping clients with restraining orders and declarations. She also occasionally accompanies clients to court. Putting her legal expertise to good use, she is currently working on the finishing touches for a VAWA manual to assist clients in understanding how to gather the documents needed to successfully process a VAWA application. (VAWA - Violence Against Women Act - created special provisions in U.S. immigration law to protect battered noncitizens).
"Kristi is always smiling and has a warm, sincere heart," said Mariela Ayala, WSLB adult client advocate. "We are fortunate to have such a compassionate professional volunteering at our agency."
When she's not volunteering for WSLB, Kristi serves on the board of the Historical Society of Long Beach. She also enjoys spending time with her
husband and their three crazy cats.
When asked to name the single most rewarding aspect of volunteering for WSLB, Kristi responded, "Seeing our clients become empowered. I learn so much from these women...they are amazing!" |
