February News & Updates

WRC News
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Dear Friends,

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), and it has me thinking a lot about how hard it is to start a conversation about dating violence and healthy relationships with the teens in my own life. Most of us never had these conversations as teenagers ourselves. We often feel at a loss at how to start the conversation, and anxiety about how to keep the conversation going. 

So I’ve set a challenge for myself, and I hope you will join me: this month, I’m going to engage a teen in my life in a conversation about dating violence and healthy relationships. If you want to do the same, this link has everything you need to get started. Be sure to let them know that help is available if they are in an unhealthy relationship.

These conversations are hard but critical. Together, we can help more young people get the support they need to navigate early relationships in healthy ways. 

In Solidarity,

Jessica Walsh

Executive Director

Please share this newsletter with your network and ask them to sign up to receive our updates directly here.

Continue reading February News & Updates from the Women’s Resource Center.

Valentine’s Fundraiser

Special Events, WRC News

The Women’s Resource Center is excited to announce our partnership with The Vanderbilt, for a delicious Valentine’s fundraiser!

Johnson and Wales Alumni chef Richard Gras created an exclusive to go menu just for us! Charcuterie style offerings of cheese, fruit and wine are now available to order by phone for pick up.

$45 per plate that includes 2 charcuteries (Nduja, Finocchiona), 2 cheeses (Three Sister Goat cheese and 5 spoke cheddar cheese) with honey, nuts, house-made preserves and crackers.

A portion of the proceeds from all to go items and in person dining on Monday February 14, 2022 will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center!

Call today 401-846-6200 to place your pick up order.

Schedule a reservation online for in person dining at https://aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt/dine/

January News & Updates

WRC News,
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Dear Friends,

As we prepare for what appears to be quite a winter storm, I am grateful for the safety and warmth of my home and family. I am looking forward to the days of post-storm playing in the snow with my snow-loving kid.

Thanks to your ongoing commitment to our mission, we are able to extend safety and warmth to those experiencing domestic violence in our community. These moments when we are reminded that having a safe roof over our head is not something to be taken for granted, we are deeply appreciative of all that you do to make our work possible.

I hope you enjoy the news from this month, and please stay safe out there.

In Solidarity,

Jessica Walsh

Executive Director

Continue reading January News & Updates. Please share this newsletter with your network and ask them to sign up to receive our updates directly here.

It’s time to take the next step!

Letter from, WRC in the News, WRC News

When it comes to ending domestic violence, each step forward is a victory.  The Women’s Resource Center helps victims on their personal journeys to safety and works to create a healthy community for all. Every donation to the Women’s Resource Center brings us one step closer to ending domestic violence. Last year alone, your generous support made possible:

  • 8,297 support sessions with 1,296 clients
  • 2,143 hotline calls answered
  • 11,711 shelter and transitional housing nights

Please, if you have not already donated, take the next step and make your contribution today. The demand for our services is increasing. Federal and state funding is uncertain. These challenging times challenge us all to do more. Your gift will help ensure we are there for all. 

Help us end domestic violence one life at a time, one step and a time. And remember, if you need help, call us. We are here for you. 

Thank you!

In Solidarity,
Jessica Walsh
Executive Director

Donate safely online or mail your tax deductible contribution to:

Women’s Resource Center
114 Touro Street
Newport, RI 02840

Thank you for taking the step to help end domestic violence!

 

Women’s Resource Center and Newport Mental Health Certified as BCBSRI LGBTQ Safe Zones

Special Events, WRC in the News, WRC News, WRC News

NEWPORT, R.I. (October 28, 2021)  – Newport Mental Health and Women’s Resource Center (WRC) have received designation as LGBTQ Safe Zones by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). These are the first two Newport County agencies to become part of the BCBSRI LGBTQ Safe Zone Program, which certifies providers and community-based organizations identifying themselves as supporters of the LGBTQ community.

“Every person deserves safe and healthy relationships,” WRC Executive Director Jessica Walsh said. “Domestic violence does not discriminate, and can impact anyone regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or social status – though the burden of domestic abuse is not shared equally. Domestic violence occurs in LGBTQ relationships at similar or higher rates than in heterosexual, cisgender relationships, and studies show gay men and bisexual women are at an increased risk for experiencing severe physical violence in intimate relationships.”

She continued, “At the Women’s Resource Center, we understand the critical need for trauma-informed support and affirming care for LGBTQIA+ survivors. All survivors deserve to be supported, believed and valued, especially those who face additional barriers including discrimination and differential treatment in their journey to safety and rebuilding their lives after abuse.”

“The Safe Zone certification goes far beyond gender neutral bathrooms, although that’s a good start,” said Newport Mental Health CEO and President Jamie Lehane. “Inclusion and equity are paramount, and we want to be sensitive and welcoming to all populations, cultures and ethnicities. For the Safe Zone Program, all of our staff, including receptionists, clinicians, finance and others, have undergone extensive training. We’ve modified our intake forms, emails, and other documentation. We want everyone who comes through our doors to know we are here for them and will do whatever it takes to help them in an affirming and positive way.”

BCBSRI launched its LGBTQ Safe Zone program in 2016. The program has now certified more than 40 Safe Zone providers in locations across Rhode Island representing a number of specialties, primary and dental health and behavioral health services. This program helps facilitate access to affirming care for this under-served community with specific healthcare needs, one that has historically struggled with healthcare interactions, and has often forgone necessary regular care due to feelings of alienation, stress, frustration and fear. Certified entities must meet a number of requirements reflecting policies, procedures, and physical space related to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ patients.

“Seeing the Safe Zone logo in the window helps members of the LGBTQ community know that they will receive culturally competent, inclusive and affirming care when they walk through that door,” said Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of corporate social responsibility. “We applaud Newport Mental Health and Women’s Resource Center for their tremendous commitment.”

“The Newport Health Equity Zone’s LGBTQ+ Health working group is thrilled to see these two Island agencies take the huge strides to achieve the BCBSRI Safe Zone designation,” said Rex LeBeau, strategy specialist at the Health Equity Zone. “It’s a great first step in the commitment to serve LGBTQIA+ clients. We hope that now more local LGBTQIA+ people will receive the healthcare and support that they need and will feel like their community sees them, cares about them, and will continue to adopt affirming care practices.”

The Women’s Resource Center provides programs and services for domestic violence victims and their families, including counseling supports, shelter and housing services and court and family advocacy. The 24/7 statewide confidential Helpline can be reached at 1-800-494-8100, or via online chat at www.ricadv.org.

Newport Mental Health, a federally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic offers evidence-based mental health services to the 82,000 residents of Newport County, regardless of ability to pay. On an annual basis, NMH serves over 1,450 high risk adults and children at its five locations.

To learn more about the BCBSRI LGBTQ Safe Zone Program, find certified providers or for providers interested in certification requirements, visit bcbsri.com/providers/safezone-program.

For more information:
Contact Sandy Oxx, Newport Mental Health Communication Manager
soxx@newportmh.org 401-846-1213 ext. 139
or Becky Knight, office manager, Women’s Resource Center
rknight@wrcnbc.org, 401-236-8365

Mayor of Newport Officially Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WRC in the News

On Tuesday October 5, 2021, Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The proclamation was announced in partnership with the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Newport and Bristol counties. 

Delivered on the steps of City Hall, the proclamation included a brief speaking program that involved Mayor Napolitano as well as Jessica Walsh, executive director of the WRC, and Ashley Bendiksen, a survivor and WRC board member. 

“It’s important that people know that this issue exists,” Napolitano said, urging others to be aware in order to lend a hand to neighbors and children who may be exposed to harm.

In 2020, the WRC served nearly 1,300 individuals from Newport and Bristol counties, and saw a 25% increase in demand for services over the course of the year. In addition, the agency provided housing for twice as many individuals and answered 50% more hotline calls compared to 2019.

“This proclamation is sending a message loud and clear saying domestic violence will not be tolerated in Newport – that all of us, as neighbors and as a community, will come together to prevent domestic violence for future generations,” Walsh said.

Bendiksen, who shared her story as a survivor of domestic violence, outlined the impact of abuse on a person’s life. She expressed the need to increase awareness about the dynamics of abuse and support agencies serving survivors like the WRC. “They help survivors to rebuild the pieces of their life, and make the transition from victim to someone who can once again thrive,” Bendiksen said.

The official proclamation is a commitment to building a safe community, free from domestic violence. It honors the work of the WRC, and it calls upon all citizens to pronounce their opposition to domestic violence, be cognizant, and participate in the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.

July News & Updates

WRC News

Dear friends,

This month we celebrate connection and community with a series of stories that highlight the power of connection to transform communities. 

I want to take a moment to celebrate a personal celebration that emerged from connections made at the WRC. This month marks my one year anniversary of donating a kidney to this amazing woman, Amanda Minor. We met through a mutual friend (also connected to the WRC) and over the course of our friendship she joined the team of counselors at the WRC. When it became clear that she was in need of a kidney transplant, I readily agreed to complete the screening and many, many tests later was cleared. We weren’t a direct match, so we went through the National Kidney Registry and became part of a swap donation. Through the miracles of science (and coordination) Amanda now has a kidney from California and a school teacher in Virginia has one of mine. 

It was a humbling experience to realize that I could help a friend in this way. I believe that most people– faced with the reality of failing health of a dear friend or family member– would consider doing the same. We have decided to tell our story more publicly because living donation saves lives, and we think that more people might consider donation if they hear real stories of real people they may know personally.

Both Amanda and I are committed to equity, the transformative power of community, and ending domestic violence. Thanks to living organ donation, Amanda will be here– healthy and strong– to continue to fight for justice, educate future counselors, and support survivors of domestic violence.

In Solidarity,
Jessica Walsh
Executive Director

Link to July Newsletter

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19, WRC in the News

June 25, 2021

Women’s Resource Center
Serving: Barrington, Warren, Bristol, Little Compton, Tiverton, Portsmouth, Middletown, East Providence, Newport and Jamestown.

  • Staff is communicating at this time via phone, text and video to continue to deliver core services and meet client needs.
  • We are holding phone and video conference meetings with managers, caseworkers, support staff, team members and board members to keep the lines of communication open and manage our operations.
  • Our website and social media platforms have the support and hotline phone numbers prominently displayed and communicated, and direct anyone in danger to call 911.
  • We are working with law enforcement and social services in our area to ensure our referral phone numbers and other ways to contact our key staff members are known.
  • We are monitoring the wellbeing of families living in our shelters to ensure their counseling and support needs are being met.
  • Our Newport office has resumed in-person services. Procedures are as follows:
    • Advocates are available 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
    • We ask all drop-in and restraining order clients to call first to schedule an appointment so staff is able conduct a health screening prior to entering the office. Same day appointments are likely available. All appointments will be 45 minutes long to allow time afterward to clean and disinfect areas.
    • Our waiting areas are not open at this time. We require all visitors to wear face masks and utilize our hand sanitizer before entering the building. An advocate will direct you to our meeting room where there is a plexiglass shield for your safety.
    • If you do not feel comfortable entering the office, we have advocates available for resources, support and safety planning over the phone. Additionally, our advocates can assist with filling out restraining order paperwork over the phone. 

Current services being offered are:

  • Hotline: 401-846-5263 
  • Court advocacy
  • Law enforcement advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Support group
  • Shelter
  • Transitional housing
  • Family Violence Option Advocacy Program (FVOAP)
  • Prevention services

If you are unable to talk on the phone, email us at info@wrcnbc.org, or reach out using the Contact Us form on our website and someone will be in touch.

Take Action! Advocate for Domestic Violence supports @ your workplace

WRC News

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and each week we will be sharing one way you can take action to support those experiencing abuse in our community.

This week, we encourage you to advocate for domestic violence supports at your workplace. This email includes facts, suggested action steps, and links to resources to share with your human resources department or other decision-makers in your organization. 

COVID-19 continues to be a traumatic event for us all. Some workers face the impossible task of caretaking, or homeschooling, while trying to manage a 40-plus hour work week. At the same time, some workers are experiencing increased threats of violence in their homes. During this crisis, employers can play a key role in supporting survivors of domestic violence in their workforce. 

IMPACTS ON EMPLOYEES

One in four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and nearly 75% of survivors of domestic violence cite economic insecurity as the main reason they stayed with their abuser. We spend most of our waking hours at work, and yet most workplaces are not prepared to support employees who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking.

Consider these facts:

  • 60% of survivors in one study reported losing their jobs as a result of domestic violence
  • 96% of survivors indicated that their job performance suffered as a result of the abuse
  • More than 50% of stalking victims report being stalked at work

IMPACTS ON WORKPLACES

In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that domestic violence cost $8.3 billion dollars a year in direct health care costs and lost productivity. These issues hurt a business’ bottom line, and it’s in an employer’s best interest to proactively address them.

Consider these facts:

  • 24% of workplace violence is a related to interpersonal relationships, situations where an individual gains access to a workplace and commit a crime against an employee or customer who is a current or former intimate partner. 
  • 35% of Vermont domestic violence perpetrators surveyed had contacted their partners in an abusive manner during the workday and used work resources to do so, including work phones, work vehicles, work computers, internet, or email.

To learn more about how domestic violence impacts workplaces, check out this fact sheet.

TAKE ACTION: HOW YOU CAN HELP

Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence is a National Resource Center committed to creating workplaces free from domestic violence, sexual harassment and violence, and stalking. No matter what your role is at your workplace, you will find resources at Workplaces Respond to help you advocate for a work environment that is supportive to domestic violence victims and survivors.

Consider taking one of these action steps:

  1. Advocate for a domestic violence policy at your workplace. Share this model policy with your human resources department or other decision-makers in your organization.
  2. Encourage supervisors to watch this training video or review this guide. Supervisors can play a critical role in both preventing and appropriately responding to the impacts of domestic on the workplace. 
  3. Learn to recognize the signs of domestic violence in the workplace. If you suspect that an employee or co-worker is experiencing domestic violence, there are things you can do to help.
  4. Know the local resources available. The Women’s Resource Center provides services in Newport and Bristol Counties. Together, the members of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence serve the entire state of Rhode Island. 

Whether you are an employer, survivor or co-worker, or concerned specifically about supporting colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are resources available to help you create a more supportive work environment for victims of domestic violence.

HOW WILL YOU TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK?

Jessica Walsh Named Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center of Newport & Bristol Counties

WRC News

Members of the press: Please utilize the FULL PRESS RELEASE which contains contact information and a high-resolution photo.

Jessica Walsh

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) of Newport & Bristol Counties is pleased to announce the promotion of Jessica Walsh as its Executive Director. Previously, Walsh served as Interim Executive Director following the retirement of former Executive Director Lori DiPersio in July 2019. She also held the title of Director of Prevention, spearheading the efforts of the Newport Health Equity Zone (HEZ). Having conducted a national search and considered numerous candidates, Walsh was determined to be the right person to lead the organization.

As Executive Director, Walsh will provide comprehensive oversight of the WRC’s wide range of domestic violence programs and services. This includes counseling supports, shelter and housing services, court and family advocacy, and the operation of a 24-Hour Helpline. Additionally, the WRC drives domestic violence prevention through education, awareness, and key initiatives within the community.

Walsh’s capacity to lead is supported by her 17-year record of excellence serving the WRC. Under her leadership with HEZ, the WRC has become a nationally recognized leader in evidence-informed prevention practices, a defining value of Walsh’s approach to her work. Prioritizing health equity as a prevention strategy, Walsh has successfully led local efforts improving transportation, food access, education, innovation and economic opportunity, green space and parks, arts and culture, and physical and emotional health. By improving the well-being of a community, social determinants for violence can thus be reduced.

As a result, Walsh co-facilitates a national Community of Practice related to health equity, working with experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and supporting project officers and evaluators from ten states. She has developed curriculum and facilitated trainings for domestic violence professionals in other states, and she has been widely published. This includes a 2017 research feature in the Prevention Institute, a national publication, as well as local and state publications to include the Newport Health Equity Zone Needs Assessment Report (2016) and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Our Future Depends on Preventing Domestic Violence (2016).

Board President Mary Johnstone says, “Since assuming the interim position, Jessica has met every challenge with clarity and determination. She has proven herself to be one of the greatest assets the WRC has. Through her leadership, she has successfully raised the overall culture of the staff environment, empowering them with autonomy and accountability. She has shown herself to be an excellent communicator, both internally and externally, and as the lead grant writer for the WRC has continued to successfully obtain much-needed grants for the organization. Additionally, she has earned the respect and trust of the Board. Jessica has a distinct vision for where to take the WRC moving forward. She will continue to lead the organization’s strong domestic violence programs and services, while identifying new ways to strengthen the position of the WRC as a leader in social justice, racial equity, and community well-being.”

“I’m feeling excited to start this next phase of my journey with the WRC,” Walsh says. “Put simply, I love this organization and I’m honored to be leading it. We have an amazing team of staff and board, and I’m quite confident that together we are going to really push the WRC to a new level. My commitment to social justice and racial equity is integral to who I am and how I lead. I look forward to integrating an equity lens into our analysis of programs and services.”