Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 6:00pm

 

The Go! Youth Program is committed to promoting awareness and the prevention of dating violence by hosting our first annual teen dating violence awareness 5K "Color Madness" Walk/Run, to call attention to the growing problem of teen dating violence. Participants will enter four different color zones during the course of the 3.1 mile Fun Run!!!  The route has been established to encourage FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

     

This event is FREE and t-shirts are available  

while supplies last.  

 

That's not all...a FREE BBQ will be provided following the event. With the COLOR MADNESS Fun Run we plan to establish a relationship with the youth of Amador County and leave an everlasting impression. For more questions, information, or to sign up contact 209.223.2897.

 

 

  

February is  National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  

 

Amador's Got Talent!

Get your tickets now!

Operation Care received a call on the Crisis Line about a woman who was left on the side of the road. Her abuser had hit her, multiple times, on the side of her head and then left her in the middle of nowhere to fend for herself. She walked for miles before finding help. After receiving the call, two Operation Care advocates picked her up, brought her back to the office, and called for an officer to respond and take her report.

Once the Sheriff's report was completed, Operation Care advocates accompanied her to the hospital, at which time she divulged that she was also suicidal. The advocates stayed with her at the hospital and once she was cleared for release, took her to safe shelter until the following day, when she came to our safe house. Here, she received valuable resources to look for employment, mental health services, and housing. She now a good job and affordable housing. She still receives services through our agency, as she attends one-to-one peer counseling sessions, domestic violence group, and our Rural Economic Empowerment Program.

Without the support of our contributors and grantors, and the caring hearts of our advocates, this story could have ended in tragedy, but this individual was able to take the personal steps necessary to become strong and healthy, and to build a life of her own, free from abuse.

If you or someone you know needs help, call our 24-hour hotline at 209-223-2600 or 1-800-675-3392. Help is always available. 

Dezi Valadez - Prevention/Outreach Specialist

 

Dezi was hired at Operation Care as an Administration Assistant in March 2008, shortly thereafter, she received her AA from Heald Business College with a major in Criminal Justice. While juggling a full-time job and family, she enrolled in the University of Phoenix and graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice with the goal to become a probation officer. "It didn't take long to find my passion with Operation Care", said Dezi. "It is rewarding to be a part of an  organization that provides so  much to the people of Amador County. I take pride in my job and it fills me with hope, knowing I am helping to support others."   

 

In her current position as Prevention/Outreach Specialist, Dezi is involved in the Go! Program and works with the youth of Amador County to help build healthy friendships and dating relationships. She works on outreach, education programs, and awareness campaigns throughout the year. Dezi brings a ray of sunshine to the office every day with her energetic smile and fresh outlook. 

 

Thanks for the great work, Dezi! 

If you or someone you know needs help, dial 911 or call the 24-hour crisis line at 209-223-2600 or (800) 675-3392. Operation Care provides safe shelter for women, men, and children, as well as counseling, support services, crisis intervention, education, and referrals. For more information, to make a contribution, to volunteer your services, please call 209-223-2897.    

 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 

 

More about Domestic Violence:

 

Operation Care

Mary Kay Foundation

Blue Shield Against Violence

Avon Foundation Speak Out Against Violence  

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: