Welcome to the 2024 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 volunteers! My name is Dawit Alemu. I recently joined the Department of Family Services in the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) division in May 2024 as a temporary youth media specialist, with my contract ending in August of this year.
In this position, I helped with advertising and marketing our Teen Advocacy Program, which focuses on ensuring teenagers are fully informed on the topic of healthy dating relationships.
I originate from the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Eight years ago, I made the life-changing decision to relocate to the United States, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future. This transition ignited my journey of adaptation, self-discovery, and pursuit of my passions. From a young age, I developed a deep appreciation for nature. Whether exploring the Ethiopian countryside or discovering the scenic landscapes of my new home in the U.S., I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. Hiking trails, camping trips, and moments spent by serene lakes are cherished experiences that rejuvenate my spirit and fuel my creativity.
Alongside my love for nature, I developed a keen interest in basketball, a sport that exceeds cultural boundaries. I avidly follow NBA games, admiring the skill and strategy of players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Watching basketball not only provides entertainment but also serves as a connection to my past and present, bridging the gap between my Ethiopian roots and American experiences.
Beyond my recreational pursuits, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in my community. Inspired by personal experiences and a passion for mental health advocacy, I aspire to open a private children's psychiatry practice in the future. My goal is to provide compassionate care and support to young minds, helping them navigate the complexities of mental health with empathy and expertise.
Our volunteers embody some of these same values. I find volunteering to be a powerful way to create positive change in both communities and individuals. By dedicating time and skills to helping others, volunteers not only support those in need but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. It fosters a sense of purpose, enhances social connections, and can even improve mental health. By bringing people together, we build stronger communities, grow empathy, and promote compassion.
My journey as an immigrant has shaped my perspective and strengthened my resolve to contribute positively to society. My ambition to combine my love for nature, basketball, and child psychiatry reflects my holistic approach to life and career. As I continue to embrace my dual identity—honoring my Ethiopian heritage while embracing the opportunities of my adopted home—I remain committed to my dreams and aspirations. Whether exploring the wilderness, cheering for the Boston Celtics, or envisioning my future practice, I find purpose and fulfillment in every step of my journey.
Alemu Dawit
Youth Media Specialist
Jotting down your thoughts first thing in the morning, a technique known as meditative writing, can help you set aside any worries, jitters, and preoccupations that stand between waking and getting your day started. These five steps can help you get going.
Parents and other caregivers are pivotal in helping the next generation of citizens develop healthy attitudes toward relationships. Being able to communicate openly about dating and relationships can empower youth to make informed decisions in their relationships and be on alert for warning signs. Learn more.
The end of a relationship can leave you in mourning—even if you initiated the breakup. Many DSVS clients wrestle with the loss of the life they envisioned having, the loss of the relationship, the loss of hope, support, etc. Grief is not a linear path and can take shape in many different ways. In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, Friday, Aug. 30, we invite you to check out “Grief After a Relationship Loss” on Elizabeth Fedrick’s Always Evolving podcast.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”–Seneca
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 a year old this month! Stay in the know with these biweekly discussions! And tune in this month for the start of Season 2!
Crisis Response Services Is the Emergency Room of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ Crisis Response Services team might best be compared to a triage unit as it handles many of the division’s essential core services, including the hotlines, the hospital accompaniment program, and on-call services. Volunteer Voices sat down with the program manager of CRS to talk about why this team is so critical to DSVS. This is what we learned.
The Duality of “Tell Them You Love Me”
Meet Chris Royer, Hospital Accompaniment Support Advocate
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It was a packed house for the summer session of Sexual Violence Tier 1, including DSVS volunteers who soaked up sexual violence-focused knowledge.