Clackamas Women’s Services Cuts the Ribbon on The Village Emergency Shelter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 13, 2018
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, Director of Development and Communications
Phone:  (503) 557-5820; chrisw@cwsor.org

The Village Ribbon Cutting

[Oregon City, OR] Today Clackamas Women’s Services cut the ribbon on The Village, the historic emergency shelter for families fleeing domestic and sexual violence in Clackamas County. The 32-year shelter has been closed to survivors for over a year during the reconstruction and expansion of the building. Today stakeholders and community partners gathered to commemorate the opening of the much needed safe housing for escaping violence, funded by a $1.8 million capital campaign.

“We are all so grateful to now have a shelter house whose design truly reflects the Village Model of emergency shelter for survivors escaping domestic and sexual violence,” said Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at CWS. “This new building will allow the case managers at Clackamas Women’s Services to better integrate with participants, building that sense of community that breaks the isolation of abuse. And I am so inspired by the broader community of supporters, from households to foundations to local businesses, who made this possible.”

The CWS shelter first opened its doors to domestic violence survivors in 1986, and the original craftsman home provided safety and relief for numerous women and children in danger.  After many years of sheltering families, the program outgrew and outlived the existing structure. The new home, called The Village, continues the core services of the previous shelter while expanding services and space for families.

CWS and the Home Builders Foundation broke ground on the project in fall of 2016. Since then the home builder community and two jurisdictions have supported the project with nearly $1 million through in-kind support and donors to CWS have contributed $665,884 in a one-time special capital campaign. These funders include the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Oregon Community Fund, Mike and Kay Wells, The Silvey Family Foundation, PCC Structurals, Providence Health and Services, Benchmade Knife Company, The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation, and Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation among many others.

“Home Builders Foundation is proud of the amazing partnerships that made this project possible. From the great support of Clackamas County, to members of the Home Builders Association and others in the building community, to Home Builders Foundation (HBF)and Clackamas Women’s Services. It was definitely a team effort. Over seventy trade partners came together to donate or heavily discount labor and materials for the project. It is a beautiful, safe and dignified place for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse and HBF is proud to have been involved from the beginning of this project,” says Brenda Ketah, Executive Director of the Home Builders Foundation.

Each room of the new shelter was designed specifically with trauma survivors in mind.  Despite its size, the shelter feels like a cheery and welcoming home, with bright paint colors, hardwood floors and lots of natural light. The house is a mixture of private family rooms and communal kitchen and living room spaces designed to help build connection among survivors and break the isolation typically associated with domestic violence. The rebuild incorporates an expanded play room for children and a new room for teens, a multipurpose meeting space for support groups, art therapy, or yoga, and separate entrance for past shelter residents to return to the community they were part of after moving out to live on their own.

Shelter space for domestic and sexual violence survivors is much needed in Portland area and throughout the country, with domestic violence being the third largest cause of homelessness among women.  Without safe space for families to escape to, survivors are often left to choose between remaining with an abusive partner or leaving into homelessness. With three women killed each day in the U.S. by a current or former intimate partner, a safe space to land is imperative in keeping families and larger communities safe.

Survivors will be able to move into The Village as soon as tours for partnering agencies and the finishing touches on the space are complete. If an individual is experiencing domestic or sexual violence and in need of shelter, they can connect with a confidential CWS advocate at A Safe Place Family Justice Center, open M-F 8am-4pm.

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About Clackamas Women’s Services

Clackamas Women’s Services was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’s service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote self-determination. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly-trained staff with advanced expertise. The 24-hour crisis line is 1-888-654-2288. To learn more, please visit https://www.cwsor.org/.

About Home Builders Foundation

Home Builders Foundation, established in 1997, is the charity of choice for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. Their mission is to build transitional shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness through the Portland metro area. Visit BuildHopePDX.org for more info.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 9, 2018
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, Director of Development and Communications
Phone:  (503) 557-5820; chrisw@cwsor.org

Strangulation InstituteSan Diego, Calif., February  9, 2018 — In an effort to safeguard domestic violence survivors from homicide, Clackamas County victim service providers attended the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention this week. The Institute is a four-day training offered by the Alliance for HOPE International to prosecutors, advocates, doctors, and nurses from across America, preparing them to investigate and prosecute non-fatal strangulation cases and advocate for victims.

“It is imperative that we prevent the life threatening and life altering effects of strangulation and hold our society’s most dangerous criminals accountable. I am honored to be part of a multi-disciplinary effort of caring and committed partners here in Clackamas County who understand the critical nature of this issue,” said Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director of Clackamas Women’s Services. “Strangulation assault results in serious injuries to the victim and shows up frequently in the actions of mass shooters and people who murder police officers- this is a crime against society.”

The Clackamas County delegation is led by A Safe Place Family Justice Center and includes representatives from Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Health Housing and Human Services, Lake Oswego Police Department and Clackamas Women’s Services. Their attendance at the Institute is the beginning of a larger effort to develop a multi-disciplinary strangulation prevention and response protocol for Clackamas County. The delegation intends to bring the information learned at the Institute back to Clackamas County to improve identification and response to domestic and sexual violence survivors who have been strangled, and hold offenders accountable. Strangulation is one of the leading predictors of domestic violence homicide.

“Across America, more than 50% of all high risk domestic violence victims are strangled by their partners.  Most survive but many suffer brain injuries and other major long-term health impacts and don’t even know it,” said Gael Strack, CEO of Alliance for HOPE International. “The lack of external injuries and the lack of medical training for domestic violence and sexual assault professionals has minimized the focus on this type of violence.”

Many states still do not adequately address this violence in their criminal statutes, policies, or responses. Currently in Oregon, strangulation is classified as a misdemeanor unless witnessed by a child, the victim is known to be pregnant, the offender has prior convictions, or if a weapon is used, which raises the crime to a felony.

The delegation is advocating for the passage of SB 1562, introduced this legislative session by Senator Kathleen Taylor, which would reclassify strangulation in domestic violence cases to a felony, thereby providing longer-term safety for survivors.

Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts took to Twitter this week to express his reaction to the proposed policy changes.

Strangulation is recognized as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. Survivors who experience non-fatal strangulation at the hands of an intimate partner are 6 times more likely to be victims of attempted homicide. The terror survivors experience often keeps them from reaching out to support services, law enforcement, or receiving medical treatment. Strangulation is used as a powerful form of control and can have a devastating psychological effect on victims in addition to the potentially fatal outcome, including suicide.

“Most domestic violence offenders who strangle their partners want them to know they can kill them at any moment so victims will live with the knowledge of their partner’s lethality day and night,” stated Casey Gwinn, President of Alliance for HOPE International. “Once a woman is strangled, she is 750% more likely to later be killed by her partner.  Now, we can help hold these violent abusers accountable before they kill,” said Gwinn.

For more information about the Institute, please visit www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com.   To set up an interview with former San Diego City Attorney Casey Gwinn Esq. or the Institute’s founder Gael Strack, Esq. please contact Alliance for HOPE’s Michael Burke at Michael@allianceforhope.com or (619) 573-4345.

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Incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s only shelter for women and children escaping family violence, Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) is still Clackamas County’s primary community based provider of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In addition to emergency shelter, CWS operates a 24/7 crisis line and wrap-around comprehensive services including safety planning,  referral and advocacy for accessing housing, legal and other services, counseling and support groups, youth prevention education, and community education. CWS employs 44 full and, and engages about 80 volunteers.

Position: Returning Camp Counselor – Volunteer (small stipend provided during camp)

Length of Position: 1 year (intermittent activities and events)

Reports to: Camp HOPE Coordinator

A Safe Place Family Justice Center is looking for individuals to fill the role of Camp Counselor at Camp HOPE America – Oregon. Camp HOPE America – Oregon is a week-long camp for children and youth who have experienced domestic violence. During the summer of 2018, Camp HOPE will hold two sessions of camp. Session 1 will be for ages 7-11 and Session 2 will be for ages, 11-15. This position will also include activities and events throughout the year before and after camp. We are searching for dedicated individuals to be positive role models and build relationships with our campers, as well as assist in creating a safe space for the campers to have fun!

Responsibilities of returning Camp Counselor at Camp HOPE Oregon:
  • Attend 16 hours of pre-camp training (provided by A Safe Place staff)
  • Lead activities for pre- and post-camp events, as well as assist with set up/take down of events
  • Attend Leadership Retreat
  • Serve as mentor to new Camp Counselors
  • Supervise youth, ages 7-15 during two, week-long camps
  • Model healthy boundaries with youth and other staff
  • Create a fun, enthusiastic atmosphere for youth
  • Encourage youth-involvement in activities and events
  • Utilize healthy relationship skills, such as clear communication or boundary setting, to build positive rapport with youth
Qualifications
  • 18 years or older
  • Experience working with youth, ages 7-16
  • Able to commit to 1-year mentoring/volunteering role (intermittent events/activities)
  • Able to pass background check
  • Prior Camp HOPE Counselor experience
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish) encouraged to apply

Training and Event Dates

  • Training: June 2nd and 3rd (all day)
  • Pre-Camp Meeting: July 1st (daytime)
  • Leadership Retreat/Training: July 26th-29th
  • Camp Week 1: July 29th– August 3rd
  • Camp Week 2: August 7th–12th
  • Post-Camp Reunion: Early September (Date TBD)

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Clackamas Women’s Services
Position Description

Position: Camp HOPE Intern – Programming Lead Track
Status: Internship Credits/Volunteer
Hours: Primarily weekdays; some evenings or weekends
Responsible to: Camp HOPE Coordinator/Children’s Program Manager
Position Length: January 2018 – September 2018

About Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS)

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Our vision is to live in a society that no longer tolerates domestic and sexual violence, but rather thrives on mutual respect.

CWS offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, the sex industry, and elder abuse. Through our confidential emergency shelter, our rural outreach office and A Safe Place Family Justice Center, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff.

 

Scope of Duties:

Camp HOPE offers a camping and mentoring experience for children exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault and/or child abuse. The Camp HOPE Intern position is responsible for assisting in organizing the project, conducting outreach, and implementation of the Camp HOPE summer program and mentoring events. This position will be part of the Camp HOPE Team that consists of CWS employees and representatives from partner agencies at A Safe Place Family Justice Center.

Specific Responsibilities:
  1. Represent the mission, values, and philosophy of A Safe Place, CWS, and Camp HOPE to program participants, employees, and community partners
  2. Assist in logistical planning for Camp HOPE programming such as researching camp-related needs (activities, supplies, locations, offsite vendors, etc.)
  3. Assist with HOPE survey data collection
  4. Provide Camp HOPE Team with assistance including, but not limited to, filing, scheduling, correspondence—reminder calls and thank you letters, general document copying and distribution
  5. Work with Camp HOPE Team to design creative, fun and age appropriate program components that align with Camp HOPE America Model
  6. Participate in Programming Committee and Fundraising Committee
  7. Work onsite at the FJC at least one day a week—approximately 8 hours; with possible additional hours at home
  8. Serve as onsite Programming Co-Lead at Leadership Training and Summer Camp weeks
  9. Provide exceptional customer service to parents and all participants in our programs
  10. Maintain excellent communication and boundaries with campers, parents, and staff
  11. Serve as a role model for campers and Camp Counselors by modeling appropriate behavior, language, attitudes during all activities
  12. Ensure staff have safe and appropriate equipment and supplies
  13. Interact with community partners in a professional and respectful manner
  14. Coordinate with internal and external community partners for smooth provision of services
  15. Perform other duties, functions, special projects, and responsibilities as assigned and deemed necessary by the Camp HOPE Team
  16. Meet regularly with supervisor to plan and prioritize projects
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Willingness to complete advocacy training to meet DHS mandated requirements (free)
  • Ability to work with databases and basic computer programs
  • Bi-cultural, bi-lingual individuals encouraged to apply
  • Previous camp experience preferred
  • Possess the ability to work non-judgmentally with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to work independently and have strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Clackamas Women’s Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to CampHOPEOregon@cwsor.org

Clackamas Women’s Services
Position Description

Position: Camp HOPE Intern – Camp Counselor Lead Track
Status: Internship Credits/Volunteer
Hours: Primarily weekdays; some evenings or weekends
Responsible to: Camp HOPE Coordinator/Children’s Program Manager
Position Length: January 2018 – September 2018

About Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS)

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Our vision is to live in a society that no longer tolerates domestic and sexual violence, but rather thrives on mutual respect.

CWS offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, the sex industry, and elder abuse. Through our confidential emergency shelter, our rural outreach office and A Safe Place Family Justice Center, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff.

Scope of Duties:

Camp HOPE offers a camping and mentoring experience for children exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault and/or child abuse. The Camp HOPE Intern position is responsible for assisting in organizing the project, conducting outreach, and implementation of the Camp HOPE summer program and mentoring events. This position will be part of the Camp HOPE Team that consists of CWS employees and representatives from partner agencies at A Safe Place Family Justice Center.

 

Specific Responsibilities:
  1. Represent the mission, values, and philosophy of A Safe Place, CWS, and Camp HOPE to program participants, employees, and community partners
  2. Assist in the planning and implementation of Camp Counselor recruitment and training
  3. Assist with HOPE survey data collection
  4. Participate in Camp Counselor Committee and Family and Camper Engagement Committee
  5. Provide Camp HOPE Team with assistance including, but not limited to, filing, scheduling, correspondence—reminder calls & thank you letters, general document copying and distribution
  6. Work onsite at the FJC at least one day a week—approximately 8 hours; with possible additional hours at home
  7. Serve as onsite Camp Counselor Co-Lead at Leadership Training and Summer Camp weeks
  8. Serve as a role model for Campers and Camp Counselors by modeling appropriate behavior, language, attitudes during all activities
  9. Provide exceptional customer service to parents and all participants in our programs
  10. Maintain excellent communication and boundaries with campers, parents, and staff
  11. Coordinate with internal and external community partners for smooth provision of services
  12. Perform other duties, functions, special projects, and responsibilities as assigned and deemed necessary by the Camp HOPE Team
  13. Meet regularly with supervisor to plan and prioritize projects

 

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Willingness to complete advocacy training to meet DHS mandated requirements (free)
  • Ability to work with databases and basic computer programs
  • Bi-cultural, bi-lingual individuals encouraged to apply
  • Previous camp experience preferred
  • Possess the ability to work non-judgmentally with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to work independently and have strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Clackamas Women’s Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to CampHOPEOregon@cwsor.org

Once again, we are working through sadness and grief over the most recent mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.  We hope the people of Sutherland Springs get the support and love they need to heal from this tragedy and the resulting trauma now and years into the future. We also hope this community and communities across the country respond with action to prevent violence like this from happening in the future.

For many of us doing domestic violence response work, the question we ask after incidents of mass shooting like these is never ”if” family violence was involved, but “how?”

Is it that the perpetrator had a history of domestic violence, other charges of violence against women, and escalating behavior like James Hodgkinson, Robert Dear, or Omar Mateen (responsible for the congressional baseball, Planned Parenthood, and Pulse Nightclub shootings, respectively)?  Was it that the perpetrator was a victim of family violence or child abuse years ago that went unreported? Or, as is the case in Sutherland Springs, is it that the incident started with domestic violence that expanded to the larger community?

As news once again surfaces of this shooter’s verbal or psychological aggression, we must remember that these behavioral warning signs are not to be dismissed or taken likely. Responding quickly and effectively to people who commit domestic violence, including emotional abuse, is an effective strategy to prevent tragedies like this from happening.

While mass shootings that receive lots of media attention are those with high body counts, mass shootings are defined as 4 or more victims. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 57 % of mass shootings incidences involved a current of former partner or spouse among the victims.

Historically, domestic violence has been treated as a “family” issue–something that takes place behind closed doors to be dealt with quietly at home.  Instances like this, however, are an unfortunate reminder of how much domestic violence remains a community issue–one that we all have the responsibility to respond to in ways that create safety for survivors and their children, but ultimately our larger community as well.

Believing women and their children’s experiences of violence and holding perpetrators accountable for that violence is one of the most proactive steps we can take to keep our communities safe.

This October, gather with other champions of CWS’ lifesaving work, enjoy a delicious dinner,
and bid on exciting auction packages!

Together, we help break the isolation of domestic and sexual violence.

Event LogoWhat: CWS Pathways Gala & Auction
When: Thursday, October 12, 2017
5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Abernethy Center
606 15th St, Oregon City, OR 97045

Please RSVP by September 28 to secure your seat.
You can also respond by calling 503-557-5828.

The first 25 RSVPs to be returned will be entered into a drawing for a one-night stay for six adults (children are free) in the luxurious Chalet accommodations at Collins Lake Resort on Mount Hood. (restrictions apply)

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Photo courtesy of the Women's Foundation of Oregon

Photo courtesy of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon

This year, CWS is pioneering the Promotoras community outreach model in Clackamas County. Through this model, CWS will train members of the Latinx community to become paraprofessionals, called Promotoras, to increase the accessibility of domestic and sexual violence services to communities that historically have been denied adequate and equitable access to services.

The Women’s Foundation of Oregon is a statewide member-supported foundation. The foundation selected four finalists for its grants and the members voted to determine the size of the grants. CWS’ proposal for our new Promotoras project tied for second place for a grant of $20,000! This generous grant from the Women’s Foundation of Oregon helps to launch Promotoras in Oregon.

More about Promotoras: The way CWS will accomplish the goal of Promotoras is by connecting survivors to their local service providers, developing and supporting Latinx women leaders in Clackamas County, and allowing Latinx communities to self-identify their priority needs. Promotoras will also allow CWS to raise awareness in the Latinx community about domestic and sexual violence.

By focusing on women leaders, the Promotoras model will raise up the voices of Latinx women within their own communities, as well as in systems where their voices have traditionally not been included. Until more women are represented in leadership roles, women and girls will remain marginalized, voiceless, and second-class citizens. Diversity in leadership nurtures innovation and better reflects the makeup and reality of our communities. Having women perform leadership roles can transform perspectives and processes, drive change, break down barriers, and release the constraint of choices that are available to women. Women leaders will act as role models in their communities, helping to shift gender stereotypes and roles.

About CWS:

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for women and children escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Our vision is to live in a society that no longer tolerates domestic and sexual violence, but rather thrives on mutual respect.

CWS offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, the sex industry, and elder abuse. Through our confidential emergency shelter, our rural outreach office and A Safe Place Family Justice Center, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff.

Please search Mac’sList and Craigslist for available jobs at CWS.

Mac’s List Job Openings

Craigslist Job Openings

CWS is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, genetic characteristics, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital, veteran status, current or future military status or any other classifications protected by law.

CWS does not discriminate against any applicant or employee in hiring or in the terms, conditions, and privileges of employment based upon pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. CWS will make reasonable accommodation for religious beliefs. All employment requirements mandated by State and Federal regulations will be observed. This policy of nondiscrimination will prevail throughout every aspect of the employment relationship, up to and including recruitment, selection, compensation, promotion, transfer, layoff, recall, termination and dispute resolution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 26, 2017
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, (503) 557-5820, chrisw@cwsor.org

Regarding the Domestic Violence Homicide of Valerie Johnson in SE Portland, Statement from Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at Clackamas Women’s Services

“We are truly heartbroken to learn about another senseless death in our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community of Valerie Johnson. Valerie’s death marks the twentieth life lost to domestic violence in Oregon this calendar year. The murder of Valerie Johnson on Friday in SE Portland reminds us how important it is to work towards a society which is free of domestic violence.

“What we know about this case is that Valerie was a victim of strangulation. Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence and sexual assault. In fact, it is one of the best predictors for the subsequent homicide of victims of domestic violence. Using strangulation to silence their victims, abusers impose power and control which has devastating psychological effects on victims, in addition to the potentially fatal outcome. Because strangulation is often overlooked and minimized, victims are exposed to potential serious health impacts, further violence, and even death. To learn more about strangulation and domestic violence, please visit the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention’s website at https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/

“Fortunately, Clackamas County has taken a coordinated approach to dealing with high risk domestic violence cases, including those that involve strangulation. In partnership with Clackamas Women’s Services, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office follows the evidence-based Maryland Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP). When responding to a domestic dispute, officers from all law enforcement jurisdictions in Clackamas County call the CWS crisis line on behalf of a victim, and act as a liaison to the CWS Advocate. The LAP screening tool is a series of questions that help determine if the situation is potentially lethal, including the use of strangulation.

“It can be hard to know how to support someone in an abusive and dangerous relationship. But non-judgmental love and respect from friends and family can be life-saving. Learn more at www.thehotline.org/help/help-for-friends-and-family. And help is available in the Portland Metro Area. In Clackamas County, Clackamas Women’s Services offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. The 24-hour crisis line is 888-654-2288. Call to Safety offers 24-hour phone assistance throughout the metro area in English at 503-235-5333 and El Program Hispano CatĂłlico offers the LinĂ©a UNICA, a 24-hour Spanish-language crisis line at 503-232-4448. A Safe Place Family Justice Center in Clackamas County and The Gateway Center in Portland provide drop-in support Monday-Friday. In Vancouver, YWCA Clark County’s Safe Choice program provides 24-hour assistance at 360-695-0501.”

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