Welcome to the 2021 February issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.
In this Issue:
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Hello DSVS Volunteers,
My name is Harleen Kaur Jassal and I began working as a Crisis Line Specialist with the DSVS Community Engagement Services Team in March 2020. I feel honored to take part in the phenomenal work by DSVS. It has always been a deep-rooted passion of mine to work with survivors and be a part of the movement to dismantle the cycles of abuse and trauma.
What I find awe inspiring about this work is seeing the power of empathy, compassion and active listening to bring out innate resiliency and empowerment in the populations we serve. My favorite part of being a Crisis Line Specialist is experiencing those moments of alignment and connectedness with the caller that has everything to do with us both sharing the human experience. These moments give me hope and act as the sun rays that illuminate cloudy skies. As a member of DSVS, I want to continue deepening my understanding of trauma-informed work and eagerly learn from those around me–volunteers, coworkers and experts alike.
I am a creative individual with a love for learning and feminism, a hankering for social justice, with a foundation based in spirituality. Every day I celebrate my distinct external identity, which showcases my Punjabi heritage and commitment to the Sikh faith. As a Sikh, Punjabi and South Asian born and raised in America, I exist in multiple cultural frameworks simultaneously. This experience, although isolating at times, has given me the desire to work with marginalized communities whose experiences I intimately understand. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and the beauty of this natural world.
I would like to share my humble gratitude to all of you volunteers. Your commitment to supporting those impacted by domestic and sexual violence is commendable. Your initiative to contribute your time, energy and skills to uplift our community is essential in how we combat trauma and violence. Thank you for all that you do.
I look forward to meeting (more of) you and continuing this work together!
Warmly,
Harleen
Crisis Line Specialist
Give These 9 Sleep Hacks a Try
You’ve heard all about good sleep hygiene (go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, evening weekends; avoid screens and alcohol before bed; and keep your room dark and cool), but there are several other little things you can do to rest easy.
Though none of these sleep hacks will solve world peace, trying them to help ease you into a good night is just what the self-care doctor ordered! Check out these nine sleep hacks.
What is Race?
DSVS is committed to infusing philosophies and concepts of racial and social equity into our practices, policies and services. One way we are fulfilling this commitment is by including an equity feature in Volunteer Voices, which will help us (volunteers and staff) engage in discussions about racial and social equity, apply an equity focus in all that we do and create, and become more knowledgeable about mitigating inequity so DSVS resources and services are fair and just for everyone, regardless of identities and circumstances. In accordance with One Fairfax, “we all do better when we all do better.” Learn more about What is Race?
“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.”
—Terri Gulliemets
Black History Month in the United States typically marks the time of year when we celebrate some of the most notable figures of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
Although we honor these individuals’ efforts to promote equality, the legacy of resistance embodied by the creation of Black History Month is often lost or blatantly disregarded in our retellings of this history.
It is important we acknowledge that the origins of Black History Month are deeply rooted in a steadfast fight for racial justice and the contributions of countless individuals. Check out the full article.
Though Fairfax County’s office buildings currently are closed to the public, DSVS volunteers can still help answer the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline. We are also still providing hospital accompaniment via the phone. If you have questions about your role during the pandemic, contact Lynne Rowson or Ara Jo (Hotline) and Angela Acosta (Hospital Accompaniment).
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.
Fairfax County’s domestic violence intervention program, Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment program (also known as ADAPT), is an 18-week, compassion-focused program that teaches emotional regulation skills to adult residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abusive to a spouse, partner, child, parent or other family member. Learn more about this program, and check out the County Conversation podcast where host Jim Person chatted with Gretchen Soto, program manager in Domestic and Sexual Violence Services about what makes ADAPT so unique.
"Cracked Up"
“Cracked Up” is a documentary that follows the story of Darrell Hammond, the comedian made famous on “Saturday Night Live” for his ability to deliver spot on impressions. “Cracked Up” reveals Hammond’s struggles behind the scenes and off screen, struggles that would surprise many loyal viewers.
Hammond experienced unimaginable childhood adversity, and his story demonstrates how many people try to manage life after such horrific experiences. Hammond’s experiences with drugs, alcohol, flashbacks and other lingering effects of his trauma demonstrate the universality of trauma: No one is immune from its effects no matter how famous they become or how much money they earn.
“Cracked Up” follows Hammond on his journey to creating a life for himself that is rooted in the present moment while having made sense of how his childhood trauma impacted him. The documentary also gives viewers insight to the changes that occur in someone’s brain and body because of trauma, and the power a person feels once they realize they engage in certain behaviors for a reason. Behaviors such as drug use or excessive drinking are re-cast as coping mechanisms and things people do to manage the aftermath of overwhelming fear without the presence of supportive caregivers.
“Cracked Up” will leave you with a sense of hope that no trauma is so big it cannot be overcome with the help of support and connection to others. —Brittany Vera
Norma Williamson, ADAPT Facilitator Volunteer
“It is a joy to work with terrific staff members on a program that makes a huge difference in people’s lives. I will never forget the time, many years ago, when my husband and I ran into a former client near our home; respecting confidentiality, we did not say anything to him. But first he blurted out: 'You are the ones who saved my marriage.’ That made our day!” said Norma Williamson, long-time ADAPT facilitator.
Learn more about why Norma volunteers with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services.
Lisa Payne-Chesley, 1
Claudia Valenzuela, 3
Allison Lowry, 8
Richard Shullaw, 11
Lauren Wilson, 16
Francisca Faundez Rojas, 17
David Banks, 20
Alison Antonowics, 21
Hannah Martin, 27
Active DSVS volunteers may sign up for training. If you are interested in a training and not currently volunteering with DSVS, please contact Debra Ranf or visit the VOICES web page for current volunteer opportunities.
WEBINARS
Orientation for Prospective DSVS Volunteers (multiple dates and times)
Introduction to DSVS, the services it provides and the population it serves; a description of the opportunities for volunteers to contribute to the agency's mission; and a summary of the application process and the requirements necessary to become a candidate. Registration is required to receive Zoom link.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021
Noon-1 p.m.
QUARTERLY TRAININGS
There are no quarterly trainings this month.
Please take a moment to log on to your Volunteer Management System (VMS) account and log your hours for the month of January. Please also log any time you spent on training under “volunteer training.” If you do not see this selection under your opportunities, please email Debra Ranf, and she will log on to add it to your account.
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Please enter your hours for each day you volunteered and not as a lump sum.
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If you need to log hours for a previous month, please send email Debra to let her know so she can be aware of the entry and expedite the approval process.
Check out past issues of Volunteer Voices.