Volunteers Needed for Domestic Violence Response Team

Domestic Violence (sometimes called Intimate Partner Violence) is a growing national concern. In fact, the Obama Administration recently created a new position for the first ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. Lynn Rosenthal, a former director of a women’s shelter and former Executive Director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, has been appointed to this role. Domestic Violence affects many households across the country. According to The National Organization for Women there were nearly 5 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes in 2006. Sadly, domestic violence is closely tied to the murder rate as homicides and homicide-suicides are often committed by intimate partners. It is estimated that 3 women each day are murdered by spouses or boyfriends. While less information is available on men who are victims of domestic abuse, we do know that abuse does not affect just women. Domestic abuse is an issue affecting the Plainfield community. Below is a press release from the Plainfield Police Department with information on one way we are addressing this need. If you have the time and passion, please consider volunteering.


Volunteers Needed for Domestic Violence Response Team

The Plainfield Police Department, in conjunction with YWCA of Eastern Union County, is looking for volunteers to assist victims of domestic abuse. Specially trained volunteer advocates will meet confidentially with victims of domestic abuse at police headquarters on an on-call basis. Volunteer advocates, who are members of the community, provide support, information and referrals to victims at police headquarters. These advocates are trained to empower victims to make decisions about their own lives.

Applicant requirements:
- Must be 18+ years of age
- Must have access to transportation
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must submit background check and fingerprinting

A 40 hour mandatory training course will be provided free of charge to successful applicants. YWCA-EUC will be conducting the training beginning in September. Classes are being held twice per week in the evenings in Cranford. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The Plainfield Police Department and YWCA-EUC are committed to culturally diverse teams to better serve the community Bi-lingual capability is a plus.

To request a DVRT application, please contact Divya Dodhia at 908-355-1500 ext. 18, ddodhia@ywcaeuc.org, Detective Thelma Williams at 908-226-8004 or Sgt. Francess Bennette at 908-226-2517.

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Michael Jackson 101

On Sunday afternoon I enjoyed a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, entitled, Michael Jackson 101. The production was a collaboration between M.PoWeR Performing Arts and H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Show Choir. M.PoWeR Performing Arts sponsored the very successful local production of Raisin in the Sun that ran at the YWCA earlier this year. H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E . Show Choir won first place at the 2009 McDonald’s Gospelfest (after winning in 2006 and 2008 as well). Both groups are based in Plainfield and the participants, largely children for this particular production, all hail from the Queen City.

The production was lively and fun and filled with best of MJ. The show captured the genius of Michael Jackson but also showcased the amazing talent that exists in our community. Enjoy my (very amateur) photos!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

M.PoWeR Performing Arts

Become a fan on facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/MPoWeR-Performing-Arts/129327633400)

H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Inc.

See website here - http://www.heritageprograms.org/

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