New services that the DVC will provide include a separate 24-hour sexual assault helpline, counseling for victims of child abuse, and a hospital accompaniment program for victims of sexual assault.

In addition, we will continue to provide domestic violence services including a 24-hour helpline, emergency and long-term shelter, legal assistance, counseling services, New Behaviors abuser intervention program, Pet Safe program, and continued outreach to the Howard County community. The Howard County Department of Citizen Services has awarded the DVC a Community Service Partnerships grant of $232,964 to make these new services possible.

Grassroots will help the DVC manage the new sexual assault helpline, while counselors from The Family Tree will work with the DVC counseling department to assist victims of child abuse. The DVC will be the lead provider of these services, and all information and referrals can be done by contacting the agency.

Grassroots specializes in providing 24-hour crisis intervention hotlines, walk-in counseling for anyone in need of immediate assistance, the Howard County Mobile Crisis Team, and county shelter programs for homeless families and individuals. The Family Tree is dedicated to educating the community about child abuse and prevention.

Learn more about Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center and The Family Tree.

Please contact the Center with any questions about our new services.

The Board of Directors has established a Transition Committee and  is currently identifying a number of available resources to assist in the search for her replacement.  Ms. Finkelstein will continue to work closely with the Board, community, and the staff to ensure a seamless transition to the new leadership.

Ms. Finkelstein has served the DVC, the community, and our clients with confidence and compassion throughout her tenure.  The Board and staff greatly appreciate all of her tireless hard work, leadership, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

For more information about the  Executive Director position please follow this link to the employment section of our site.

DVC Staff & Executive Director Jodi Finkelstein (left) accepts $23,000 from Verizon Foundation Assistant Vice President of External Affairs Briana Gowing (right)

“The DVC is truly thankful and appreciative of all the support Verizon has given us over the years,” said Jodi Finkelstein, DVC executive director.  “Without the company we would not be able to help our clients and make it through the recession somewhat unscathed.  We have had a wonderful relationship with Verizon, whose support has helped make the work we do possible.”

The DVC residential program is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. When clients are admitted into the residential program, they may stay in the 45-day emergency Safehouse and/or in one of the long-term transitional homes for up to one year.  During their stay, clients and their children receive case management, ongoing support from staff within the homes, and a safe place to live free of abuse.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain power and control over his/her partner through physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, and/or economic abuse.  Partners may be married, unmarried, heterosexual, gay or lesbian, living together, separated, or dating.  Each year thousands of women, children, and men find themselves in abusive situations regardless of age, race, educational, or economic backgrounds.

“Raising awareness about domestic violence and aiding in its prevention is one of Verizon’s key goals,” said Briana Gowing, Verizon’s assistant vice president of external affairs.  “Domestic violence touches every segment of society.  And, while the problem is universal, the solutions are not.  Verizon is proud to partner once again with the DVC and support the good work it does.”

For more information on the Verizon Foundation visit, www.verizonfoundation.org.

There are unforgettable women who touch our lives everyday who are forever embedded on our hearts. The client above represents one of the thousands of women with whom we work with every year who has touched our hearts with her ability to see hope for a future for herself and child. It is our hope that you recognize and tell the women in your life how valuable and important they are to you.

This year instead of buying flowers, jewelry, or other tangible items honor your mom by making a donation in her name to the DVC.  Every dollar we receive makes a difference for the clients we serve; all donations in honor of someone will be recognized on our website for the months of May and June. You can donate online and make sure to mention the name of the special person in the “comments” section of the online donation page.

Your gift will help us continue providing women with the services they need to break the cycle of violence and move toward a life of happiness and hope. On behalf of our clients, we truly thank you for your kindness.

Our helpline could not function without the support of community members.  Even if you do not have a background in crisis work or counseling, the DVC will provide volunteers with trainings on how to help someone in an abusive situation. “This work has been the most rewarding work I have ever done, it is only second to raising my sons,” said one Helpline Volunteer.

In fiscal year 2009, the DVC answered 1,488 helpline calls, and it is our hope that we can continue to answer these calls with the support of our current and future helpline volunteers.  Please visit our volunteer section of the site if you are interested in becoming a Helpline Volunteer or want to learn more about our other volunteer opportunities.