A Note from our Executive Director

Young people who run away from home are often fleeing an abusive situation.  It's hard when the street seems safer than your home.  April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, and Alternative House's staff understands the profound impact that abuse has on children and families.  One of the ways we work to prevent child abuse, not just address its aftermath, is by offering prevention programs.  Parenting classes are offered at our Culmore and Springfield Family Resource Centers in conjunction with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services' Partners in Prevention programs.

 

This month at our Springfield Family Resource Center, parents completed a parenting class called Parents Raising Safe Kids. The American Psychological Association developed this program that focuses on early intervention at home. Topics discussed in the classes include appropriate methods of discipline, anger management, modeling behavior, conflict resolution, and limiting children's exposure to media violence.

 

Alternative House helps parents gain the tools, skills and resources necessary to help prevent incidents of child abuse and neglect and promote healthy lifestyle habits for families and children.  I hope you'll take away a few things you can do to prevent child abuse in our community from this month's newsletter.

  

Judith Dittman
A Young Mother's Escape from Abuse

"Georgia" was in an abusive relationship and fled the home she and her daughter "April" shared with her abuser. The trauma not only affected Georgia, but April as well.  April began to hit other children mimicking behavior she'd seen too often but both Georgia and April found safety at our Assisting Young Mothers program. In the beginning, Georgia struggled at the Assisting Young Mothers program, but she worked very closely with her case manager to maintain employment, increase her parenting skills and further her education. Georgia now has an apartment of her own and April is in Early Head Start and doing very well.  She's learning to cope with her anger and better manage her behavior. Georgia is also excelling in school and employment, has obtained her driver's license and purchased a car which assists her in furthering her goal to be self-sufficient.

The rate of abuse among homeless youth is alarming. 46% reported leaving home because of physical abuse and another 17% left because of sexual abuse. These children are more likely to experience domestic violence as adults and have higher risks of disease, addiction and other health problems.

 

April is Child Abuse Prevention month. At Alternative House's Assisting Young Mothers for homeless pregnant or parenting young women 16-24 years old, the moms attend Life Skills classes where they learn about caring for their babies and child abuse prevention. 



What can you do to help?

Here are some tips:

 

-Show interest in a child's life.

­-Increase awareness.  Encourage neighbors and others to watch for signs of abuse.

-Donate items to alleviate the financial burdens and stresses of families in need.

-Become a proponent for children and families' advocacy issues. Show support for public policies and programs that help at-risk children and families.

-Volunteer. Be a positive role model. Read with children and teens, help them with their homework, and help them make positive choices.

 

For more information on volunteer opportunities at Alternative House, please contact admin_associate@thealternativehouse.org or call 703-506-9191.

 

**If you suspect child abuse, please call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child.
2014 Annual Report
Image from our Annual Report
Our brand new 2014 Annual Report is bright, colorful, clear, and best of all-- available for viewing! 

The Annual Report includes information on Alternative House's budget, programs, donations, volunteers and more.

Learn more about Alternative House by clicking this link and reading our 
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For more information about special arrangements, please contact Stephanie Barber at 703-506-9191 or stephanie_barber@thealternativehouse.org.
Volunteer Spotlight - Amee Vermilye

This month, our Volunteer Spotlight shines on Amee Vermilye! For eight years Amee has prepared and shared countless nutritious, delicious meals with the young people at Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers.

 

She points out how studies show that gathering at the dinner table is beneficial for children and families. Mealtime offers key opportunities to interact, have pleasant conversations, and establish meaningful connections. "One of the best things I can do is listen," Amee says.

 

Amee calls the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers "a wonderful resource." Instead of a temporary fix, Alternative House is committed to finding long term solutions and breaking cycles of poverty and violence which hold young people back. "I like their approach of bringing in families, counselors, and social services. The staff isn't just putting a Band-Aid on the problem."

 

When asked what she wants most for the teens at the Emergency Shelter, she responds, "I want them to feel special, noticed and valued."

 

In her spare time, Amee enjoys hiking and cooking.
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PO Box 694, Dunn Loring, VA 22027    703.506.9191  1.800.SAY.TEEN