FSB July 2024: Empowering Families Through Community Support
Welcome to the July 2024 edition of our newsletter. We have been making significant strides this year, reaching more families through our four programs: In-Home Safety and Reunification Services, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Prevention, Families Forward Parenting Groups, and the Safe Connection Program. These programs are essential to fulfilling our mission of preventing child abuse, neglect, and family violence. This year, we’ve also made important technology upgrades to enhance our outreach and better serve our community. Thank you for your continued support in making a difference in the lives of families throughout the Portland Metro area!
FAMILY PEACE CENTER TOUR WITH CONGRESSWOMAN SUZANNE BONAMICI
Dezarae and Adam had the opportunity to tour the Family Peace Center of Washington County alongside community partners and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. This upcoming facility will soon begin construction and is designed to house partner agencies like Family SkillBuilders. At the Family Peace Center, you’ll find a comprehensive range of services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, including crisis intervention, legal support, and advocacy. With Family SkillBuilders as part of this collaborative effort, our community is working together to provide a unified support system. A huge thank you to Rachael Schutz for her leadership in ending family trauma and to Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for her unwavering support!
DID YOU KNOW?
Harm caused by child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence is long-lasting and costly. We are sharing these statistics to show the severe impact childhood trauma throughout a victim’s life.
Impact on Child Witnesses of Domestic Violence:
6x more likely to complete suicide
50% more likely to use drugs and alcohol
74% more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system
1600x more likely to experience child abuse
Make up 4 out of 5 inmates nationwide
Our four areas of direct service work to prevent these devastating outcomes, reducing the long-term harm caused by child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
FAMILIES FORWARD PARENTING GROUPS PROGRAM EXPANSION
Welcome to your spotlight on our Families Forward Parenting Groups Program, which has a new location to provide more opportunities for families to access community resources, including support for those experiencing domestic violence. The versatile visiting room is designed for all ages, with a secure playground for outdoor activities. This program includes a nutritious meal and is facilitated by a conveniently located meal prep area. The new building is easily accessible, just a block away from a MAX station and bus stop, making it ideal for parents using public transit. You can support our Families Forward Parenting Groups and help our community thrive by making a donation.
WHY FAMILY SKILLBUILDERS?
“I needed to find somewhere to have supervised visits with my son that met the requirements of the court ordered custody agreement. I was worried I wouldn’t find a facility that I could afford. It has provided a calm, safe environment for my son and I to reunite. The facilitators do everything they can to help.”
Please follow this link to access our referral form to begin working with a Family Support Specialist.
BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: MIRIAM WON
You’ll be inspired by board member Miriam Won, who recently returned from a transformative trip to Kenya with KIZIMANI, the organization she founded to empower communities through sustainable development. During her time there, a medical team provided care to nearly 1,500 patients, and volunteers helped build essential infrastructure for families. Miriam’s dedication is bringing hope and change to communities, and her leadership on our board is essential and making a lasting impact.
Miriam is committed to the work Family SkillBuilders does with children who find themselves in challenging situations through no fault of their own. She is equally delighted that Family SkillBuilders can provide the necessary parenting skills and support to parents involved in the child welfare system as they work at being healthy physically and mentally so they may care for their children.
FSB is looking to add members to our incredible board. If you are interested or know of someone who may be a good fit for us, please contact Dezarae at dezaraeb@familyskillbuilders.org.
PASTA WORKSHOP AT MORCHELLA
Thank you for attending our pasta-making workshop fundraiser! Because of your support, the event was a success and raised critical funds to help families in need. You made this possible, and we look forward to having you at more skill-sharing events in the future. Special thanks to Cameron Dunlap for sharing his pasta-making expertise and preparing a delicious meal with homemade pasta and focaccia!
A NEW WEBSITE!
Exciting news! You’ll soon see a brand new Family SkillBuilders website, thanks to Chris Collins and his team at Progressio. The new site is being designed with you in mind—whether you’re a family in need of services, a community partner looking to strengthen our network, or a supporter eager to find ways to give and engage. Stay tuned for the launch!
❤️ SAVE THE DATE ❤️
WE’RE HAVING A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AND YOU’RE INVITED!
The “Show Up and Shine for Kids” annual gala is your chance to be part of our most anticipated event of the year.
Your participation helps prevent domestic violence, protect children from abuse, and guide families toward safety, stability, and empowerment.
Join others in the community and help us reach our fundraising goal by becoming a Family SkillBuilders gala sponsor:
FOSTERING UNITY ❤️ $500
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE ❤️ $1,500
BUILDING AWARENESS $3,000 ❤️ (3)
INSPIRING GROWTH $5,000 ❤️ (2)
ENACTING CHANGE $10,000 ❤️ (1)
Contact Dezarae or Adam today!
MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR SUPPORTIVE PARENTING TIPS, ORGANIZATION UPDATES, AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED.
Our Contact Information
Family SkillBuilders Services
P.O. Box 80524
Portland, OR 97280
5038419524
http://familyskillbuilders.org
