Thank you so much to these two amazing women's groups for putting together Birthday Boxes for the children at the Shelter.  You are ensuring that no matter what's going on in their home life, these kiddos will have amazing birthdays!!

Grace Avenue United Methodist Church


Cornerstone Community Church

For a lot of women, work is actually a great escape from home life.  There are no kids running around asking, "What's for lunch?"; there's no TV running a cartoon program; no dogs to feed and walk - you could even say that at work a lot of women get peace and quiet.

For women in a violent relationship, the workplace is just one more location that her abuser could harass or attack her.  It's one more place that she may feel she has to hide what is really going on in her life.

Did you know that 96% of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work due to their abuse or abuser?  74% of those report being harassed at work by their abuser.

Our Northern Neighbors in Canada recently passed a new amendment address domestic violence in the workplace.  Bill 168 will require that employers respond when aware of domestic violence that may expose a worker to physical injury in the workplace.

In the United States there are no federal laws that address domestic violence at work although a variety of legal issues are raised when it does enter the workplace.

We can't wait for you to meet this Magical Guy!!

Want to read all the latest scoop on the Mother's Day Luncheon?  Check out the July issue of D Magazine and turn to page 28.  July's D Scene is completely dedicated to the amazing sold out luncheon!

Yesterday we received several calls from the media, asking us to comment on the value of Protective Orders.

Domestic Violence was once again brought to the forefront of our attention as a victim in Rowlett spoke out about her abuser consistently violating her Protecive Order which ultimately ended with an attempt on her life and the abuser killing himself and burning down her home.

You can see the story and Executive Director Jan Langbein's comments here

So what exactly is a Protective Order?

A protective order legally requires that the abuser stay 500 feet away from the victim's home or work and prohibits him or her from stalking, assaulting, harassing, and threatening the victim for two years. Protective Orders may also be renewed. In order to apply, the abuser must be a spouse or ex-spouse, live in or ex-live in, a family member, related through marriage or have had a child with the victim.

At Genesis Women's Shelter we can help victims navigate the legal system and file for a Protective Order.  We know that most of the time Protective Orders do exactly what they are supposed to do - keep the abuser away from the victim.

If you or someone you know needs more information about how to stay safe, our hotline is answered 24 hours a day.  214-946-HELP.  We are here to offer safe shelter and counseling and are just a phone call away.

Ladies!  Grab your girlfriends for a night of fun and shopping at www.theultimateexchange.com!  Not only will you come away with some great deals on clothes but the event also benefits Genesis Women's Shelter.

 Local attorney Elisabeth Wilson is training for an Olympic-distance Triathlon to raise money for Genesis Women's Shelter! 

Through a non-profit organization called All Tri, Elisabeth is training to compete in the Capitol of Texas Triathlon on May 31st in Austin.  She will complete a 0.9 mile open water swim, 24.8 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run and has chosen Genesis as her charity of choice. She is facing the challenge of a grueling triathlon to support a cause that touches so many women's lives, regardless of socioeconomic status or level of education. 

Another way to show your support is through a raffle of a Fuji roubaix 1.0 bicycle worth $1,389!  Buy your raffle ticket online through All Tri's secure website and choose Elisabeth Wilson -- Genesis Women's Shelter as the triathlete and cause.  The drawing will be held on May 15th.

We are so grateful for Elisabeth's hard work and dedication to Geneis Women's Shelter.  THANK YOU!!!

A bright light went out at Genesis with the recent death of Gillis Thomas – one of our founding Board members.  Mr. Thomas’ dedication to Genesis and our sister agency Austin Street Centre lasted more than a quarter of a century. Serving as Board Treasurer for most of these years, Mr. Thomas shared his astute business acumen along with his complete commitment to this ministry. 

We will remember Mr. Thomas a man of integrity, a man of leadership, and a man of faith. He was a gifted businessman and community leader. We will miss the twinkle in his eye and his “ya-ya” vote which helped make Genesis Women's Shelter what it is today. In his memory we will strive to continue the dream for a safer world for women and children who are victims of family violence.   We are grateful for his vision and his support. We are grateful for the life of Gillis Thomas.

The Boyfriends project includes a companion Web site at www.BoyfriendsWeb.com which features profiles of the girls in the documentary and resources developed by Dr. Susan Sugerman, president and co-founder of Girls to Women Health and Wellness. Dr. Sugerman was part of our Lecture Series last year. 

These materials have a discussion guide for parents and facilitators, a guide for parents on how to talk to their children about healthy relationships and a guide for teens about positive and negative relationships.

If you are a teen or a parent of teen, check out the www.BoyfriendsWeb.com website for more information on healthy relationships.

Genesis Women's Shelter says a BIG thank you to the students of Raul Quintanilla Middle School for selecting our shelter as beneficiary of the 2010 Common Cents collection.

Common Cents is a student-driven educational program offered through the Dallas ISD to teach philanthropy by enabling students to play an active role in raising money for their communities.  The program provides a forum for students to identify community needs, plan and organize fundraising activities, then review and fund grant applications from non-profits.  The forum is conducted in a round-table format comprised of a teacher sponsor and up to six students. 

Begun in 1998, participating Dallas schools have raised over $415,000. This years 40 schools participated and raised $49,233 for Dallas area charities. By taking part in Common Cents, students learn philanthropy, fundraising, and leadership skills, which enriches their lives and better prepares them for the future.   

Reports show that of the students of Dallas ISD, 87% are considered to be economically disadvantaged. And while Common Cents teaches life lessons to the students, it certainly teaches the entire community what can be done when you collect “Pennies from the Heart”. THANK YOU QUINTANILLA MIDDLE SCHOOL

Thank you Alpha Chi Couture!  We love our Valentines!

Wow!  We just got news that the Dallas Morning News Charities has raised $1.2 Million dollars this year! This is over and above last year's total of almost $928,000.

Genesis Women's Shelter is honored to be one of twenty-four beneficiaries of this amazing program that not only raises dollars but also awareness about the agencies in Dallas who provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and job skills.

Thank you to all who participated this year!

Great article from Lynn Rosenthal, the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, who brings us up-to-date on how the White House is committed to ending Domestic Violence.

Although Genesis Women's Shelter does not receive government or United Way grants, we definitely support these efforts.

When I was in elementary school I remember a poster that hung in a teacher's classroom.  It said "The 4 R's of School:  Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic and aRt".  You may have guessed this poster was in the Art Teacher's Studio. 

Decades later, I still remember that elementary art studio - the smell of the charcoals, clay and paper; the amazing student drawn and painted pieces on the wall; and most importantly the life lessons learned there:  mainly that problems can have more than one solution.  Say I started off drawing a house but my line wasn't straight - I could erase it or I could start to create something new.  Art definitely opened my eyes, my heart and my mind to the possibility that there can be multiple perspectives on life. 

At Genesis we are so fortunate to not only have an on-site school for the children in our Shelter but also to have amazing, qualified and passionate volunteers who give their time to teaching the "extras" to our students.  These "extras" - beyond the reading, writing and arithmetic - truly make an impact that we know will last for decades.

This past week an artist came to the school and helped the students create clay sculpture figures.  Each student sculpted themselves doing something they loved - a skateboarder, an artist, a reader, a soccer player, and a karate man.  We know that the kiddos enjoyed this activity and learned that

Here's a peek at some of their hard work:

We join the world in thinking of Haiti as the country recovers from last week's and this morning's devastating earthquakes.

We particularly think of Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan, founders of three of the Haiti's most important advocacy organizations working on behalf of women and girls who have been confirmed dead.

Help our clients stay warm & snuggly this winter!

A Blanket Drive at Chill Bubble Tea is going on through December 14th.  Feel free to drop off new blankets, hats, gloves at Chill Bubble Tea.

Aren't moms the greatest?  It seems they can do everything and the MOMS Club of South West Fort Worth epitomize that.  Not only are they busy moms with families, careers and homes to run but they are also putting on a fundraiser on Saturday, Dec.12th.  Genesis is honored to be the benefactor of their fundraiser this Saturday night at the Bouncin Bonanza in Crowley.

The $7 admission for children ($4 if they are under 3) gets them tons of jumping time in the bounce houses, crafts, a DJ & more.  Pizza will be available for purchase (and what kid doesn't love pizza?).

Of course, Santa will be there to take pictures with all the kiddos!

Don't Miss Out!

MOMS Club of SW Ft. Worth
Saturday, December 12, 6:00pm
Bouncin' Bonanza
430 E. Main St.
Crowley, Texas
www.bouncinbonanza.net
817-297-4334

For more information about this event or the MOMS Club of SW Fort Worth, contact Roxanne Zomper, 817-996-2634 or Annette Jacobs, 817-995-2917.

Genesis Women's Shelter is an amazing place of hope and healing - this could not be done without our community partners, friends, donors and volunteers who help us create a comfortable and safe home for women and children who have fled a crisis situation.  We give thanks for them each and every day.

You are never too young (or old!) to learn about how to be safe in your own home. 
Recently, Genesis had the privilege of being the recipient of a service project by the 4th Grade Girl Scouts from Armstrong Elementary.

These young ladies collected can foods through a food drive and also made blankets for the women and children at the Shelter.  We loved giving them a tour and teaching them about what Domestic Violence is and how to recognize and help end it. 

Stay connected with Genesis Women's Shelter via Facebook and Twitter.  Become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/GenesisWomensShelter or follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/GenesisShelter.

By becoming a fan you will get the latest and greatest news about Genesis Women's Shelter including events, volunteer opportunities and more!  Interact with us on Twitter by following us and re-tweating our news - @GenesisShelter.

If you're a fan of the hit dance contest show So You Think You Can Dance on Fox then you know Mary Murphy as the vivacious judge with a ballroom dance background.

This month, Mary has bravely spoken about the abuse she experienced for 9 years at the hands of her ex-husband.  

"Abuse, it just survives and thrives in silence," Murphy said in an interview to CNN's Larry King.

These resounding words are all too true.  If you or someone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence - Speak Up!  There are resources out there, start right here at www.genesisshelter.org for educational information and as always our advocates are answering the Hotline 24/7.  You can always reach us at (214) 946-HELP (4356).

Professors at Perkins School of Theology, part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, will be giving programs in October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness month and our own Jan Langbein and Kristen Howell will be featured speakers.

Jan will speak to Dr. Elaine A. Heath's classroom and the following week, on Thursday, October 22, Dr. Dobbs-Wiggins has invited Kristen  to address her "Mental Health Skills for Clergy" class on appropriate strategies for pastoral response to domestic violence. Members of the community are welcomed to audit the class, which meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in 201 Prothro Hall.

Source

Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.

 - President Obama, October 1, 2009

If you missed out on the 19th Annual Genesis Golf Classic, then you really missed out!  Not only was a competitive tournament played but over 100 players turned out to give their support to the fight against Domestic Violence.

Amazingly, 80% of men in Texas prisons grew up in a home where domestic violence was present.  Eighty percent!  Domestic Violence is not a women’s issue or merely a family issue, it is a community issue.  If you were able to make the tournament this year, thank you so much for joining us in our battle to solve this community problem. 

If you missed out, there is always next year, where we will celebrate 20 years of Driving Away Domestic Violence!

A special thank you to the dynamic duo of our Chairmen, Dawn and David Rejebian.  Not only have they put on a fabulous tournament for the last 5 years, they continually seek out ways to help Genesis Women's Shelter.  From volunteering at Annie's House to serving on the Alliance Board to just swinging by the office and making sure everyone is okay - You two are amazing and we are grateful!

First Place - Team #1 from BuzzPrint:
Brian Webb, Clint Smith, Doug Lemaster and Paul Foley


Second Place - The Capgemini/Preferred Restaurant Services Team:
Peter Mason, Joe Sanchez, Dean McSherry and Tom Fleming


Third Place - Team #2 from BuzzPrint:
Amy Berry, Trey Berry, Ralph Burns, T. Ahearn

At Genesis, we are so fortunate to have many wonderful community friends and partners that support our critical programs and services.  The Captain Hope's Kids organization has been incredibly generous to the Genesis Children's Program for many years, providing children with essentials such as diapers, formula, school supplies, uniforms, birthday boxes, baby items and other necessities for our Shelter families.  They also make sure that children get to experience the joys of just being a kid by putting together amazing outside activities and recreational events like the annual Turkey Dunk with the Dallas Mavericks, Group Trips to Rangers Games, and LOTS of holiday fun.  Thank you to all our community supporters for all you do, and thank you to Captain Hope's Kids for helping to create a better today and a brighter tomorrow for countless children each year!

With the temperature outside still over 100 degrees, we simply can’t believe it’s almost time for kids to head back to school.  In a few short weeks, children all around the country will load up their backpacks, pick out clothes for their first day, and venture off to meet their new teachers and classmates with those back to school butterflies in their stomachs.

But for children of domestic violence, back to school has an entirely different meaning.  For some it’s a relief to leave homes filled with terror and trauma for the refuge of school, and for others, school is a place where their family differences are highlighted and their sense of isolation is only increased.  At Genesis Women's Shelter, the smallest victims of domestic violence can attend our On-Site School - a safe educational environment where they can learn and play without fear of judgment, where behavioral problems can be addressed immediately by an expert therapist, and where they feel comfortable and relaxed enough to just be themselves.

The doors to our On-Site School have been open for almost a full year now, and after an amazing Summer Enrichment Program, the children of our Shelter are getting ready to kick off their 2009-2010 School Year.  This school was a dream at Genesis for such a long time, and we are absolutely amazed at the dramatic results we have seen in just one year.  Test results have significantly improved across the board, and dozens of children continue to flourish and truly come out of their shells.  We are so excited to see what this next year brings as we help more children realize that when they believe in themselves, they can achieve success beyond their wildest dreams!

Our On-Site School is always in need of new school supplies. Please contact our Donations Coordinator, Priscilla Cadena, at 214.389.7700 or pcadena@genesisshelter.org for a complete list of items needed this year.

Although our name is Genesis Women’s Shelter, the majority of our clients are children who accompany their moms as flee abuse.

Science Week at the Shelter for the Kids!
They learned about chemical reactions - how fun is that?!?!
 

Forty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson declared the 3rd Sunday of June a   Federal Holiday that honored all fathers.  The first official observance was in Spokane WA in 1910.  Each June we buy cards and neckties and have backyard Bar-B-Q’s to say “Thank You” to the fathers who have been role models and mentors and who work hard to create a better world for the children of this world.  

We know the realities of violence against women and children - as witnesses and victims, as friends and companions of those who have suffered. That’s why we, men from all walks of life, have committed to turn our private concern into public action.

So THIS Father’s Day at Genesis we say “Thank You” to the men on our Board of Directors, to men on our staff, to men who volunteer, to men who support this issue by organizing and playing golf in our tournament, to the men of our Shareholders, to men throughout this community who provide financial support of our life-saving programs.  Thank you for having the conviction to say “Enough is Enough” to violence against women and children.  You are truly our hero’s!

                 Jan Langbein                
                 Executive Director

The all-new www.genesisshelter.org has recently been recognized by nonprofit website builder Blackbaud as one of the best!

Blackbaud's NetCommunity Grow is ideal for nonprofits that need flexible payment and deployment options and Genesis Women's Shelter is proud to partner with them!

More on how we launched a new website in less than a month here and here.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009  10:00 a.m.  
Washington, DC

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the first of several congressional hearings on the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

It's Memorial Day, the time when we remember the brave men and women who died while in military service.  We know that their deaths were not in vain, as they have fought to keep our country safe.  We are grateful for all who serve in the military.

Your family might be celebrating this special weekend by gathering together with BBQ and friends.   Bring along this fabulous and easy dessert from our Creating Comfort Cookbook - you won't be disappointed.  Don't have a Creating Comfort Cookbook?  Purchase one (or more!) here.

Pink Lemonade Pie
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (6 ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed and lightly whipped
1 (9 inch) graham cracker pie shell

Combine the sweetened condensed milk, lemonade concentrate and whipped topping in a bowl and mix well. Pour into the pie shell.
Chill, covered, until read to serve. You may add 3 drops of red food coloring to the filling to tint it pink. Serves 8 to 10.

http://playingforchange.com - From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is a cover of the Ben E. King classic by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe.

Keep checking back to the GWS Blog for behind the scenes updates or add us to your RSS feeder for updates as they happen.