Welcome to the 2026 August 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!
I recently joined the DSVS team as the clinical services coordinator and have felt very welcome since coming aboard. I have over a decade of experience supporting survivors and working with individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence.
Before joining DSVS, I worked at a domestic violence shelter, where I gained invaluable experience supporting survivors through different stages of their journey. From helping clients plan their safety to connecting them with transitional housing, rental assistance, and everything in between, I had the privilege of walking alongside them as they worked toward safety and stability. I also had the honor of witnessing clients overcome challenges and accomplish their goals while in shelter, and that made it all worthwhile.
When I am not supporting individuals impacted by DV/SV, I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether on a walk or a hike. I feel very lucky to call Virginia home and appreciate all the beauty it has to offer. From amazing restaurants to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I love it all! Additionally, I enjoy creating art in my free time and often find inspiration while exploring nature or wandering through the city.
I look forward to doing great work together!
Katia A. Vega
Clinical Services Coordinator
7 Ways to Use Self-Care to Be Kind to Yourself
Kindness starts with how we treat ourselves. Check out these seven small ways that can help you reset and recharge.
August is National Wellness Month to encourage people to focus on their own well-being, prioritize self-care, and think about their physical, mental, and social health. This is a very important topic for DSVS Volunteers. Our volunteers engage in very demanding roles supporting people in crisis, and it is so important that we all take care of ourselves to continue supporting others. Watch The Missing Ingredient in Self-Care by Portia Jackson-Preston about her journey to developing her self-care plan and the importance of community in individual self-care.
"Don't spend your precious time asking, ‘Why isn't the world a better place?’... The question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?” –Leo Buscaglia
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.
As the volunteer manager, two of my favorite days at work were our summer and winter volunteer socials! In June, we hosted our Summer Volunteer Picnic to show our appreciation for our volunteers, celebrate their achievements, and provide an opportunity for volunteers to connect.
There is a lot of planning that goes into these events. To start, I meet with the wonderful volunteer liaisons for a brainstorming session. This year to go along with the outdoor picnic theme, we wanted to have lots of activities where people could enjoy the outdoors–like cornhole! We were excited to invite volunteers and their friends and family to join us. After the brainstorming session, there is a lot of work to order food and supplies, promote the event with volunteers, and create decorations and activities.
On the day of the event, I packed my car with snacks, drinks, and games, and the volunteer liaisons picked up catering orders and helped set up for the event. We arrived at Providence Park in Fairfax, put on some music, and started decorating! As the event was all set to go and the volunteers started to arrive, DSVS staff and I had the opportunity to enjoy the event and visit with our volunteers! Stacy Ziebell, our Prevention, Education, and Coordination Team program manager, shared a speech about the hard work our volunteers do and how appreciative we are. It was a wonderful day, and I always love the opportunity to spend time with our volunteer team! Thanks to everyone who joined us at the event, and I hope to see many of you at our next event this winter!
