WSSC ChangeMaker April 2020
The Stay-at-Home Order Presents Unique Challenges to Victims of Domestic Violence During this pandemic, we are frequently asked, “Are you seeing an increase in cases?” While we have observed an increase in crisis calls from victims of non-partner “household-member” violence, such as by a sibling, parent, child, or other member of the household, we have not noticed a significant change in the number of "intimate-partner" violence calls.
This greatly concerns us because ISOLATION is a tactic an abuser will often use to maintain power and control over the victim. The stay-at-home order can pose an even greater threat to the safety of victims. The expression, “Sometimes home is where the hurt is” has never been more true than it is now. When victims are forced to shelter in place with their abusive partners, they lose the ability to call for help because the abuser is always there, and their usual outlets are no longer available – They can’t go to a friend’s house, a support group, church, counseling office, or any of the other places where they might be able to access in-person support.
Even though our life-saving services are only a phone call away, reaching out for help is much more complicated now. This is why it is so important to check on your friends and family. If you have a friend that is struggling, give us a call. Our skilled advocates can discuss creative ways to access resources and are available 24-hours-a-day. We can be reached via phone, Facebook or through our website.
We are grateful for your help. Thank you for SAVING LIVES, RESTORING HOPE, and CHANGING FUTURES.
Respectfully, Artyce Thomas Executive Director Women's' Shelter and Support Center
Volunteer Appreciation Month Spotlight 
Jeanene Green
Jeanene began her volunteer career at the Women’s Shelter and Support Center in October 2004. Initially providing office assistance to staff, Jeanene worked on a variety of projects before stepping into the next phase of her volunteer career, joining the Lutheran Social Service Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program on April 2, 2007. Since that day, Jeanene has been sharing her gentle kindness with children at the shelter, impacting their lives through her compassion and genuine caring. Ashley Lushinsky, Program Coordinator at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, states "Jeanene Green has provided tutoring and educational support to children at the Women’s Shelter and Support Center as a Foster Grandparent through Lutheran Social Service for the past 13 years. Foster Grandparent volunteers provide one-on-one support, mentoring and tutoring to children in communities throughout the US. In 2018, 100% of children who worked with Jeanene meet or exceeded their goal for the year. Jeanene has provided over 11,440 hours of service over the last 13 years at the Women’s Shelter and Support Center. Along with her dedication to the children at the shelter, Jeanene supports the mothers by modeling healthy parenting skills. Over the past few years, Jeanene has expanded her skills to include educating others about domestic violence through community awareness booths and support groups.
Jeanene’s compassion for those who are struggling through domestic violence situations drives her dedication to be a consistent and supportive person in the lives of mothers and children who come to the shelter to rebuild their lives. She attends to the small details that includes holiday decorating, games and activities for the children. Jeanene also accompanies children on field trips and excursions that allow the children to be able to participate in community activities, just like any other child. Jeanene works alongside the child advocate to plan and carry out behavior support as well as reward programs for the children. Her presence at the dining room table is the first comforting moment of the day, as she will help the children with breakfast before school. Jeanene’s gentle presence and warm lap is the comfort the children seek as they heal from the trauma they’ve experienced. Her impact is immeasurable, and she has left a positive mark on all of the children she has worked with over the last 13 years.”
Jeanene, we are honored to have you as a dedicated and ongoing support to every life you touch. Thank you for choosing to share your Volunteer Career with all of us at the Women’s Shelter & Support Center.
Advocates Corner Advocates do so much more than crisis intervention. They work hard to meet immediate safety needs for clients, but also provide resources and support to encourage self-sufficiency going forward. "M" shared that a client she was working with was having difficulty in finding employment - She had a poor job record because her abuser constantly showed up at her places of employment and even assaulted her coworkers! While at the shelter, "M" encouraged her to work with Workforce Development, and her first meeting with them was a success! She said she felt like they really listened to her, and she she finally feels optimistic about her future and starting a life away from her abuser.
Needs 
FACE MASKS and SANITIZER
Thank you to our friends who generously donated much-needed masks and hand sanitizer!
For a list of current needs, click here.
GIFT CARDS AND DONATIONS
Gift cards and monetary donations are more important than ever.
Send to: WSSC PO Box 457 Rochester, MN 55903
Mission Providing temporary shelter and services to abused women, individuals, and families while transforming our communities through education and leadership for social change.
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