Welcome to the 2024 December 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! My name is Vanessa Cullers, and I’m a senior advocate on the Advocacy Services team. My career with the county began in 2004 with the Community Services Board at the Fairfax County Women’s Shelter, now known as Artemis House. I’ve been privileged to work in residential services (the best place to learn), on our Crisis Response Services Team (formerly Community Outreach and Education Services), and now Advocacy Services. In my role, I work directly with clients and provide crisis intervention and safety planning, assist with court-related services, inform about housing resources, and serve on several county workgroups.
Volunteers have played a critical role in supporting and expanding the work of DSVS. Volunteers provide support to our community through group facilitation, court accompaniment, administrative activities, hospital accompaniment, crisis intervention, and resource navigation via our 24-hour hotline, among many other valuable activities. We truly would not be able to do all we do in DSVS without volunteers who work alongside us, giving so generously of their time and talents.
In my free time, I enjoy walking nature trails, baking, reading, and planning trips to Walt Disney World. My happy place is somewhere on the beach in North Carolina with my family!
Vanessa Cullers
Senior Advocate, Advocacy Services
Social butterfly or wallflower? It doesn’t matter; we are all feeling a little more lonely these days. Too much time in isolation can lead to sleep difficulties, increased heart problems, memory issues, and elevated stress levels. While it’s true we’re more digitally connected than ever, endless scrolling doesn’t bridge the gap. Learn more about what can.
Debra Ranf, Crisis Response Services supervisor, received the Vanguard Award (presented to a retiring individual for their body of work supporting the community) at the Domestic and Sexual Violence Community Annual Meeting. Over the decades she has worked in Fairfax County, Deb has shown commitment and passion for survivors of interpersonal and intimate partner violence, as well as creating community-based programs and mentoring colleagues. And she has done this work with joy and an infectious laugh that makes her instantly recognizable. As she heads toward retirement, we look back at her career and salute her!
Violence in intimate relationships can lead to depression and anxiety in victims. The holiday season can be especially challenging for a survivor’s mental health. For many, the holidays trigger feelings of loneliness, grief, and seasonal depression. Those supporting victims and survivors often carry the weight of the traumatic experiences we’re exposed to while doing this work. It’s times like these when we need more reminders to refill the cups from which we pour. To that end, we invite you to take a look at these Ted Talks about self-care and connection: Self-Care: What It Really Is and Hacking Human Connection: 3 Secrets to Being More Connectable.
“Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch.” –Judy Blume
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 and Second Story Join Forces to Support Youth
Second Story, founded in 1972, has a longstanding history of youth services and support. Learn more about the work this organization does and how its partnership with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services adds a protective layer of specialized services.
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. This month, in addition to the total playlist, we’re focusing on two episodes: Relationship First Aid for the Holidays and How Do You Show Up to Do the Work When the Work Is Difficult. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to hear addressed on Unscripted, email them to DSVS’ communications specialist Kendra Lee.
“Nobody Wants This” Is the Cute Rom-Com Everybody Needs
Meet Suzan Osman, Hotline Volunteer-v2.png)
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DSVS’ volunteers are like the U.S. Postal Service—neither rain, nor sleet … or, in this case, chilly winds can keep them from their appointed rounds. Seth Woehrle, community engagement volunteer, and community ambassador Katrina Hush chat with outgoing Volunteer Manager Tanisha Cox at the 4th Annual Domestic Violence Toiletry Drive.