Welcome to the 2025 July 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: Celebrate Yourself! TED Quotables  Program Spotlight: It’s All in a Name: DSVS’ Prevention, Education, and Coordination Team Is the Missing Link Join the Conversations!  A Day in the Life: Melody Vielbig	Reviews: Survivor Made Provides a Fresh Perspective Donor Spotlight VV FAQs Birthdays Fascinating Facts  Test Your Brain Events and Educational Resources Make a Note! Parting Shot

 

Caroline, our new volunteer manager, has been catching up with volunteer liaisons to learn more about how volunteers make DSVS services run. Caroline was so inspired by feedback from our program teams that she wanted to share what she heard; take a look!

“ADAPT simply wouldn't have achieved its level of success without the kind, empathetic, dedicated, compassionate, and wonderful work of our volunteers. As staff, we benefit not only from their contributions but also from their collaborative efforts, co-presenting, supporting, and encouraging participants to integrate and implement all the tools provided. It takes a special person to do this work voluntarily, giving back to the community in a meaningful and immeasurable way." – Irvin, ADAPT Volunteer Liaison

“DSVS Hotline volunteers play a crucial role in the domestic and sexual violence program, enabling us to maintain 24/7 hotline coverage. They are kind and dedicated individuals who provide empathetic, knowledgeable, and immediate assistance to those in crisis. I appreciate partnering with our hotline volunteers because they make it possible for us to deliver comprehensive support and drive meaningful change in the lives of those affected by domestic and sexual violence.” – Hewan, Hotline Volunteer Liaison

“I love our volunteers because they choose to spend their free time learning about domestic and sexual violence and how to support those affected. Their dedication truly makes a difference in the operations of our programs and in the lives of the clients they work with.” – Kendal, HASA Volunteer Liaison

 

We hope you have had time so far this summer to get into nature, enjoy local parks, and sit in the sunshine! A big part of self-care is finding community and connecting with others, which is a big reason so many of us choose to volunteer.

This month, take care of yourself by joining us at our Summer Volunteer Appreciation Picnic! We will enjoy good food and good company–and celebrate all you have accomplished through your hard work and dedication.

Keep an eye on your email inbox for more information about the event. But for now, Save the Date: Summer Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, Saturday, July 19.
 

July is Disability Pride Month! The term disability can mean so many different things, and advocates in this space fight for everything from accessibility in services to a paradigm shift when talking about disability. Take a look at some of these videos, which touch on confidence, healthy relationships, and how we think of the word disability:

• The Truth About Growing Up Disabled | Dylan Alcott | TEDxYouth@Sydney. Paralympian athlete Dylan Alcott talks about his childhood, his insecurities, and growing up with a disability.
• How much do you know about intellectual disabilities? | Matthew Williams | TEDxVancouver. Special Olympian athlete Matthew Williams talks about the erasure of individuals with intellectual disabilities and why providing opportunities to those with intellectual disabilities is important.
• Every body: glamour, dateability, sexuality & disability | Dr. Danielle Sheypuk | TEDxBarnardCollege. Dr. Danielle Sheypuk talks about sexuality, physical disabilities, inaccurate assumptions, representation, and modern dating.
• Sex Education actor George Robinson talks about sexuality and disability 1. Think about representation of healthy dating and relationships through the lens of Netflix’s popular show “Sex Education.” Actor George Robinson discusses how he worked with the cast, intimacy coordinator, and director to consider responsible representation of a healthy sex life for his character on the show.

 

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the worlds remains and is immortal." –Albert Pike

 

 

Two years ago, Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Countywide Coordination Team evolved into the Prevention, Education, and Coordination (PEC) team to strengthen the response to domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Recently, Volunteer Voices sat down with PEC Team Program Manager Stacy Ziebell to talk about why this change was necessary and how it’s going as it approaches its second anniversary. Find out what we learned.

 

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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.

 

 

 

Melody Vielbig, clinical services program manager, manages three programs that support Clinical Services: Counseling Services, ADAPT (Anger & Domestic Abuse Prevention & Treatment), and Quality Assurance. She has been part of DSVS for 2 years. “As the program manager for Clinical Services, each day is unique and filled with tasks that support our exceptional Clinical Services programs, which ultimately serve people in need,” she says. “A typical day involves meeting with staff--other leaders in DSVS and DFS--to enhance and improve our efforts. My daily schedule includes multiple meetings centered around grant funding, ensuring accurate data management, and supervising the dedicated supervisors within Clinical Services.

“One of the highlights of my role is learning more about the excellent work being done by ADAPT and Counseling Services. I take great satisfaction in supporting these teams as they continue to expand and deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services to individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking.”