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  Alternative House
   April 2014
   
42 years of providing a better tomorrow for today's youth.
 

April is "Child Abuse Prevention Month": Some Important Facts 

  • A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
  • More than four children die every day as a result of child abuse.
  • More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way. 
  • Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines.
  • About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
     
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    A Note from our Executive Director

    April is Child Abuse Awareness month and this issue of our newsletter highlights the problem and provides some thoughts on things we can all do to protect children.  Part of the vision statement of Alternative House is that children deserve nurturing parents or caregivers and the opportunity to grow and thrive.   Sadly, many of the young people in our programs have not had this positive environment.  Many of them have experienced child abuse and neglect at some time in their lives.  Our programs work to give them the support they need to begin to heal from their traumatic experiences.  Even when a young person hasn't been abused, telling them that they are important and valuable and that we believe in them can have a huge impact.  I hope you will join me in providing this encouragement to the young people you know. 

     


                                           - Judith Dittman, Executive Director
    Multicultural School Fair in Falls Church showcasing Alternative House's Community-Based Services
    The Bailey's Elementary School in Falls Church held their Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 5 in the Culmore area. Alternative House participated by educating the fair attendees on our community-based services and outreach programs. Children in the area had a wonderful time and attendance was very high.  
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Employee Spotlight: Susie Guido, Licensed Professional Counselor

    Susie Guido is a licensed professional counselor and has been with Alternative House since 2005. Her passion for her job and the experience she brings with her makes her our Employee Spotlight for the month of April.

     

    She began as a Master's intern and when a position became available with Alternative House in March of 2006, Susie's "life long dream" became a reality. Before Alternative House, Susie worked for a Northern Virginia group home that served 13 to 17 year old girls. What she discovered working at the group home was her real passion, which was on the clinical side. Susie received her Master's Degree (MEd) in community counseling from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her Bachelor's Degree (BS) in human services counseling from Old Dominion University.  In 2009, Susie received her license as a professional counselor. "If you are passionate and enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life," says Susie. She believes she is living that motto.
     

    At Alternative House, she works with our Assisting Young Mothers (AYM) Program and the Emergency Shelter where she facilitates group, individual, and family counseling sessions. She has also helped grow the Master's Intern Program that now has 5 to 7 students per year. When asked what she enjoys about her job she responded with, "All of it. I like all facets of my job." 

      

    When speaking to Susie about "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and asking what her advice would be for an average person who has either witnessed child abuse or who believes that child abuse is happening her answer was, "Don't ignore it. Do something by calling Child Protective Services. They are in every jurisdiction and all calls are anonymous, which allows you to say something."

      

    In her spare time, Susie loves to read and enjoys bird watching.

     

    Volunteer Spotlight: Christina Lamarca

    For the month of April, Alternative House would like to spotlight Emergency Teen Shelter volunteer, Christina Lamarca. When interviewed she began very kindly saying, "I wish I had a better story of how I found Alternative House, but I found the organization on-line because I was looking for a different volunteer opportunity that was more hands-on." She has been with Alternative House for almost a year and is at the shelter every Thursday night to perform duties ranging from cleaning, to answering the phones, to assisting with group counseling. 

     

    When asked what a great moment has been for her at the shelter she says, "Being a listener. When the kids open up, I feel it has been worth every minute of my time to be there." Christina also added, "The kids. They are great and keep me coming back."

     

    Christina grew up in Burke, Virginia, and attended James Madison University where she received her degree in international business and finance. When she is not at Alternative House, Christina spends her time working for Freddie Mac, enjoys working out, and being with her family. 


    A Quote About Child Abuse:
     
    "Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul."
     
    - Dave Pelzer, author of the book
    A Child Called "It"
     


    Our administrative offices have MOVED from the Emergency Teen Shelter to an office .6 miles away. 

    New address:
    8221 Old Courthouse Road
    Suite 207
    Vienna, VA 22182

    The administrative office telephone number is remaining the same:
    703-506-9191

    Like us on Facebook 
     
    "Like" our page and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Alternative House!  You will find information about volunteer opportunities, donation needs, events, and learn how others are  partnering up with us to make a difference in the lives of young  people.
     

    Follow us on Twitter 
    Follow us on Twitter by going to this LINK! It is another way to communicate with Alternative House and to find more information about volunteer opportunities, donation needs, events, and to engage in conversation.
    We Need Ambassadors!

    Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who help invite ten people to our Open Door Information Sessions within a three-month time frame.  These sessions are held every second Tuesday of the month at 10 am3 pm, and 6 pm, and provide a great opportunity to tour Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers, learn about our programs, and hear about the successes of our young people. 

    Next two Open Door Information Session dates are:
    May 13th
    June 10th

    For more information, please contact Jade Leedham at
    [email protected] or (703) 506-9191 x 2008.
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    Open Door Information Session

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    2100 Gallows Road, Vienna, VA  22182  *  703.506.9191 * 1.800.SAY.TEEN