Welcome to the 2025 September issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.

In this Issue:

Table of Contents
Notes from the Staff Self-Care Corner: Fall into Self-Care Ted Talk: Labor in Our Context: Labor Day and Human Trafficking  Hispanic Heritage Month Quotables  Partner Spotlight: HACAN Join the Conversations!	Reviews: Hulu’s Call Me Alex VV FAQs Birthdays Fascinating Facts  Test Your Brain Events and Educational Resources Make a Note! Parting Shot

 

Hi everyone!

My name is Margarita Hernandez and I am a clinical counselor on the Anger and Domestic Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) team. I recently obtained my master’s in social work from George Mason University. During graduate school, I completed two internships with the Department of Family Services—one with Child Protective Services and the other with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).

Both experiences played a key role in my development as a clinician. I came into graduate school with experience as a rapid re-housing case manager for individuals fleeing domestic and sexual violence, and my internships helped deepen my knowledge and expand my skillset. They gave me meaningful opportunities to serve the community in new and impactful ways.

Interning with DSVS was truly an enriching experience. The team was not only kind and generous but also genuinely empowering. From the beginning, they made me feel like a valued part of the team and actively invited my input on various topics—including thoughtful conversations about redefining the mission statement and developing goals for the program. As an intern, I hadn’t expected to be included in those kinds of discussions, so being part of them was both surprising and deeply rewarding.

I encourage you, as volunteers, to seek opportunities to connect with employees in the departments that interest you. We’re here to support you and help you grow both personally and professionally. Your goals and ideas matter to us. If you have any suggestions or see ways the county can improve, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. We want to hear from you!

With gratitude,
Margarita

Ah, fall—that season where you have permission to slow down and indulge yourself. The shorter, cooler days give way to cozy rituals that focus on pampering you. And September invites opportunity for realignment and growth. This can include setting new intentions for the season, preparing for the upcoming holidays, reconnecting with your daily routine, and building different daily habits. Check out these 10 activities to prioritize emotional well-being as the seasons change.

 

 

 

The first Monday in September is Labor Day, which became a federal holiday in 1894 during the Industrial Revolution. A time of huge technological advances, the Industrial Revolution was also a time of significant worker exploitation. Workers, including children, were often forced to work 12-hour days at incredibly low wages. Unions came together and fought for labor rights. This movement is what we have to thank for the modern five-day workweek and standard weekend, minimum wage, and protections for children in the workplace. 

Unfortunately, not all of us are able to experience our full right to work without fear of exploitation or coercion. While the Labor Movement’s achievements have been enshrined in law, there are still many people whose labor is exploited through human trafficking, including in our own community. To hear from those who have experienced human trafficking and those who work in the field, take a look at these TED Talks: 

• Noy Thrupkaew: A journalist who has researched and covered human trafficking
• Markie Dell: Human Trafficking Survivor

 

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate the histories, culture, achievements, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This time period encompasses the Independence Day celebrations of multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. It also includes Día de la Raza on October 12, a holiday celebrating the combining of Spanish and indigenous culture in Latin America. Hispanic and Latin communities are incredibly diverse in cultural background, experiences, and needs, and assessing the impact of domestic and sexual violence on such a wide group can be difficult to encompass. Learn more about how Hispanic Heritage Month and interpersonal violence intersect.

“Selfless giving is the art of living.” – Frederic Lenz

 

 

 

DSVS and HACAN Join Forces to Support Immigrant Families

HACAN was founded in 1985 by Carmen Fernandez, an advocate for Hispanic immigrant families. In its 40-year existence, HACAN has expanded to become a nonprofit educational and advocacy organization that nurtures resilience and unity in families through education, advocacy, and support. Volunteer Voices recently sat down with Nathan Aguirre, HACAN board member, to talk about the organization’s partnership with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Read more.

 

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Each newsletter will include this section to help share reviews, spotlight the people who support Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, recognize birthdays and list upcoming trainings and meetings.

 

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ podcast, Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, is real talk on tough topics! Stay in the know with these biweekly discussions. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to hear addressed on Unscripted, email them to DSVS’ communications specialist Kendra Lee.