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HomeMy WebLinkAboutChristine Ann_CC BrochureNext Step CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: GROWING OUR CAPACITY TO HEAL 2 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese proverb - We took our first step to supporting survivors in 1984. Since then, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. (CADASI) has expanded our programs, services, and geographic reach to meet the increasingly complex needs of individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. We must do more. We’re taking our next step so survivors can take theirs and asking you walk along with us. Everything we do is rooted in empowerment and self-determination. We believe empowerment means educating on all available resources specific to a survivor’s needs, helping them navigate through options and supporting them in their decision as to what’s best for their own journey. When individuals and families come to us seeking shelter, they are in crisis. They have summoned the strength to take the first step to safety and healing. They deserve an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. Our current facility is inflexible and often at maximum capacity. The older building poses security and accessibility challenges. Communal living creates tension for clients already in distress. 4 Our Work Today Christine Ann currently operates a 37-bed emergency shelter for individuals and families needing safety from an abusive situation. While the shelter and 24-hour help line are essential we recognize that our outreach services for those not living in the shelter along with our youth programs and community education truly fulfill our mission. The overall, ongoing stress from the pandemic—loss, grief, financial strain, mental health issues, etc.—means that one more change might feel like too much. Even if the situation at home is abusive, some survivors choose to stay or not seek help because they can’t cope with one more change. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. A Growing Need 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year. Wisconsin is seeing an increase of lethal violence—including strangulation—and record high domestic homicide rates in 2020 and in 2021. Isolation, one of the most common tactics used by abusers, was amplified during lockdown. This allowed violence to escalate and made accessing services even more difficult since survivors had little to no contact with anyone outside their home. As we look to continue to meet the growing needs of adults and children in our shelter or those who seek our services while not in shelter, our facility must take the next step to improve our ability to provide trauma-informed services to our clients, helping survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment. We are the only agency providing comprehensive domestic violence programs and services to communities in Winnebago and Green Lake Counties. 6 Our Next Step: A New Facility Understanding our current facility challenges, we know it is time to take our next step. We were presented the opportunity to purchase the Beach Building, a 3-story, almost turn-key building next door to the existing facility. The property offers first floor offices and meeting rooms and 2nd and 3rd floor finished apartments. After significant evaluation, it was determined that this is the best decision for the long-term vision for Christine Ann and our clients. Purchasing this facility offers more flexibility, increases our ability to meet specific community needs, and offers opportunities for growth. In addition, it is a more cost-effective solution, allowing us to be the best stewards of contributed support. We plan to move forward with the purchase and light renovation of the Beach Building, using the proceeds of the sale of the existing property and a capital campaign to fund the purchase. The first floor of the Beach Building will provide additional offices for our trained staff to offer advocacy, empowerment and supportive services. These sensitive conversations deserve the respect of comfortable, private spaces where clients can receive emotional support, safety planning, domestic abuse education, legal advocacy, parenting support, self-care education, and connections to community resources. The first floor will also provide counseling rooms where we offer emotional support, educational workshops, coping skills, and build self confidence in survivors and children who have witnessed or experienced abuse. We serve 2-3x more survivors in the empowerment program than in shelter: over 600 each year! Emergency Shelter: The first step to healing The second and third floor has 22 housing units that are a mix of 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom with den, and studio apartments—increasing our capacity to 60 beds. These units will provide both the needed updates and privacy for adults and families who seek shelter. Each unit has private kitchen and bath, allowing for those in crisis to not be in communal living, which can often cause more stress. It will also provide the option to work or attend school from home which is a growing need in our community. “When someone finds the courage and strength to leave an abusive situation, we must provide the safest, most supportive environment for them to be ready for their next step. We knew it was time to do more. This new building will create tremendous opportunities for healing and empowerment for these brave survivors.” Sarah Freiburger, CADASI Board President We serve people of all backgrounds, genders, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities. All are welcome here. Advocacy, Education and Empowerment: A step toward self-sufficiency 8 Transitional Living: A big step to a bright future The largest barriers to leaving an abusive situation is loss of financial stability and the lack of safe and affordable housing. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and their children. There is a huge gap between the need for and the availability of transitional housing in our community. One of the most significant benefits of this new facility is the ability to offer an on- site transitional housing program—something that has been in our strategic plan, but has been out of reach until now. The third floor will allow us to offer 11 short- and mid-term transitional housing units that are a critical piece in the lasting success of those who are ready for an independent next step. Many survivors experience financial abuse, meaning they have not had access to family finances, have not been allowed to work or, because of the abuser’s tactics, have lost their job, or had their credit scores destroyed by abusive partners. They often see their only option to avoiding homelessness is to continue to live with the abuse. These transitional living units will be transformational to those who are taking the next big step to live independently and free from violence and abuse. “I’ve only always lived in crisis and didn’t realize that wasn’t “normal”. I lost my identity and didn’t even know my role in life. At first, it was paralyzing to have to make decisions on my own, but Christine Ann supported me to find my independence. I’m actually in charge of the direction of my life. I had time to process some of my trauma and identify important mental health needs (because I felt safe enough to do so) and came to a better understanding about managing a household as a single parent. Christine Ann gave me the opportunity to have a voice, learn to speak for myself and express my feelings and helped me see I’m not a victim; I am a survivor!” 10 Your next step supports their next step. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. - Martin Luther King - Will you join us to provide the foundation that makes each step count? We are counting on generous and caring people like you to help us provide opportunities so survivors from all walks of life can take their next step to something better. In their greatest time of need, they need to know that—even though they might not know what is beyond their next step or if they feel unsteady—they have a community of support who believes they matter and empowers them to take the next step. 12 206 Algoma Blvd Oshkosh, WI 54901 www.christineann.net 920.235.5998 Canine Advocate Ross offers comfort, support and helps calm anxiety and fears for the adults and children who seek support from Christine Ann. He’s a very good boy. Mission Empower individuals and families through education, safety and support, and lead our community to reduce the incidents and the effects of domestic abuse and dating violence.