Mar 8

Opening Doorways for Others: The Anna Barber Story

Women’s History Month celebrates the incredible impact that women have had on our collective history.  At Doorways for Women and Families, we know something about what can happen when strong women put their ambition into action.  Over 30 years ago, we were founded by a group of concerned citizens led by Anna Barber.  Anna, unfortunately, passed in 2007, but she left behind a legacy not soon forgotten and a clear demonstration of what is possible when citizens come together to enact social change.

To celebrate Anna, we want to share with you the story of our founding as told in our Winter 2005 Newsletter (page 3).  Just as a note, Doorways for Women and Families used to be called The Arlington Community Temporary Shelter (TACTS):

“Aren’t you afraid that you (and TACTS) will fail?” the county community worker asked TACTS founder Anna Barber 32 years ago. Anna laughed and said, “If I do, there are a lot of people who will come after me who will make sure it doesn’t!”

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Mar 6

Housing First

 

It all starts at home. From waking up safe in the morning to walking through the door after a particularly grueling day, it’s more than just a roof. It’s where children grow, where milestones are celebrated, where defeats are consoled- It’s the promise of security, warmth and love. Home is vital to the health of a family; it’s the ultimate remedy. Yet somehow, home frequently get taken for granted.

As of the 2010 census, there were over 600,000 people suffering from homelessness in America. For just shy of ten years, organizations all over the United States have been embracing a new methodology to respond to this growing crisis. The Housing First methodology provides first and foremost a secure residence for families in need. Housing First responds to the idea that families and individuals will respond to help and intervention better if they feel secure in their own space, rather than in emergency/temporary facilities.  Additionally, Housing First allows for strategic plans and assistance tailored to individual needs, meaning optimum results for the family. It’s a time limited relationship; families enter into a Housing First plan and after receiving the available services, learn to once again become independent at which point the tailored services stop.  Housing First offers long term stability and enables these families the ability to break the cycle of homelessness.

Without a residence it is more difficult to obtain and maintain jobs, to keep children in school, and to remain together as a family. Providing Housing First alleviates the stress of needing to provide shelter, allowing individuals the ability to focus on learning the skills necessary to both obtain and maintain a job.  Furthermore, even if an individual has a job, this does not ensure the ability to afford shelter. Housing First doesn’t simply give a family a place to live; it grants the opportunity to rebuild lives.

Here in Arlington, there is an emphasis on the Housing First approach as a practical, efficient and cost effective solution to homelessness. Arlington County opts for a combination of the Housing First methodology and Supportive Housing as a pragmatic way to help those suffering from homelessness regain not just shelter but also stability and independence.

Feb 28

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

With the verdict of the Huguely murder trial announced last Friday, we take a moment to reflect on the alarming prevalence of teen dating violence in our communities and the steps we can take towards preventing such tragedies.

In the News:

After the murder of her 19 year old daughter, a local mother speaks out and takes action against teen dating violence.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month serves as a heartbreaking reminder for two mothers. Virginia Nuñez and Maria Galvan call for action in our schools.

Healthy Relationship Resources:

Liz Claiborne, Inc., launched their Love is Not Abuse campaign in 1991. In 2011, Love is Not Abuse created LINA, a free iPhone app designed specifically for parents of teens. The app simulates “textual harassment” (harassment via text message) and provides parents with information on how to address dating violence with their teens.

Love is Respect offers a confidential text messaging service that provides education and assistance to teens experiencing or at risk for dating violence. By simply texting “loveis” to 77054, teens are put in touch with a trained peer advocate.

Td411 is a smartphone app designed to to bring awareness to the electronic component of teen dating violence.The app helps teens avoid dating abuse and assists in finding help when needed.

Think you or a friend may be in an unhealthy or violent relationship?  Take this confidential quiz and find out.
Learn how to be an advocate for a friend here

Feb 27

Column: We Each Have a Role in Ending Teen Dating Abuse

by Caroline Jones

The George Huguely trial in the alleged murder of Yeardley Love has captivated the attention not just of our region, but of the nation.  Love was 22 and a student at the University of Virginia when she became a victim of dating violence.  Appropriately, this February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.  The story surrounding Love and Huguely’s relationship reminds us that we each have a role to play in ending teen dating abuse and domestic violence in our community; the consequences are too real to be ignored.  But, there is hope as our community has already made impressive strides toward a future where our youth better understand how to create healthy relationships.

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Feb 17

In the News

Local

National

Teen Dating Violence

  • President Obama proclaimed February to be National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. In the January 31st Presidential Proclamation Obama states that his administration hopes that National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is the fist step towards a future free of Teen Dating Violence.

Feb 13

“Yeardely Love’s story- and mine.”


Emotions run high in the Charlottesville courtroom where the Huguely Murder Trial has entered its second week. Today the jury was presented with further evidence against Huguely, including Love’s destroyed bedroom door, written correspondence between the two undergrads and DNA evidence.

As we continue to follow the trial, it is important that we recognize that many women find themselves in dangerous situations, unsure of how to escape. One woman, Emilie Karrick Surrusco, tells her story in the Washington Post.

Learn how to be an advocate for a friend in an unhealthy or violent relationship.

Feb 10

The George Huguely Trial Continues . . .

The trial of the murder of Yeardley Love, a UVA student who was found beaten to death in 2010, entered its third day today as the jury watched the videotaped statement the accused George Huguely made to police on the night of her death. Huguely claimed he did not touch her in any way that could have induced death, though her body was found severely bruised, including signs of traumatic injuries to the face and head.

In honor of the deceased, friends and family of Love showed up in pink clothing for jury selection, and in teal for the opening arguments and slate on Thursday.

 

Domestic violence affects millions of people every day. If you or someone you know may be in trouble, please call our 24 hour hotline at (703) 237-0881 or see how to help a friend who may be experiencing abuse by clicking here.

Feb 8

Almost two years after the death of UVA Lacrosse player, Yeardley Love, Huguely Trial begins

In May of 2010, UVa Women’s Lacrosse player, Yeardley Love, was found beaten to death in her Charlottesville apartment. This week her ex-boyfriend, George Huguely, is being tried for her murder. Huguely has pled not guilty to all the charges against him.

The jury selection process further revealed the alarming prevalence of domestic violence within our community, as potential jurors were ruled out due to an emotional tie to an individual effected by domestic violence. Love’s death inspired Glamour Magazine’s “Tell Somebody” Campaign.

We will continue to follow the trial here on our blog, on facebook and on twitter to shine a light on dating violence and advocate that we act as friends to those experiencing abuse.

Learn do to be an advocate for a friend in an unhealthy or violent relationship here.

Feb 6

In the News

Homelessness

Alexandria, Virginia’s HomeAid is recognized on WUSA9′s Hero Central. This non-profit partners with other organizations to provide the resources necessary to help the homeless rebuild their future.

Virginia’s political leaders met to address the growing problem of homelessness within the commonwealth.

In Fairfax County, officials begin to expand aid for the homeless.

Domestic Violence

Virginia’s new approach to restraining orders causes controversy. Is the new law too broad?

Two years after her death, George Huguely is put on trial for the murder of U.Va Lacrosse player, Yeardley Love.

New York Senator Charles Schumer pushes for stronger federal domestic violence laws.

Dec 30

A Desire to Give to their Children

One of our great donors tells why it was important for her to participate in this year’s Holiday Wishes program, where individual, organizations, corporations or community groups adopted families at Doorways to provide for the holiday and critical needs:

Our intern, Ugie, checks out all the great donations as part of our Holiday Wishes program

In anticipation of the holiday season and as I reflected on the past year, I couldn’t help but to feel overcome with gratitude for the many blessings in my life – my family the biggest one of all.

A little over a year ago, my husband and I welcomed our first child, a baby girl, for whom our love continues to grow in ways beyond our wildest comprehension.  I thought to myself not only how lucky we are to have a place to call home and sound employment,  but also how fortunate it is that we are able to provide for our daughter – from ongoing daycare costs to the (very quickly) accruing costs that come with simply raising a child, let alone all of the “extras” that we often love to provide to our children, especially during the holidays.

At the core of each and every parent is a desire to give to their children, to provide for them and to ensure they are well-cared for.  Unfortunately, for too many mothers in our area even the most basic provisions – a safe and stable home, one that is free of violence – is out of reach.  No child should be without a home or fearful to come home each day.  That’s simply not right.  There are so many things that each of us can do to ensure that the needs of Arlington families do not go unmet (or unnoticed).  For our family, participating in Doorways’ Holiday Wishes program was just one of those ways and we hope that it made a small difference to the family with whom we were matched.

Katie Pahner

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