Wednesday April 14, 2010Hope Grows Through Alexandra House
We recently had a conversation with Amanda Vickstrom-Development and Communications Director of Alexandra House- a 2010 Grant Recipient. April is sexual assault awareness month and Amanda shares with us Alexandra House’s mission to empower victims, create hope and impact social change.
What is unique with how Alexandra House approaches domestic violence in our community?
Alexandra House is more that a “shelter. At Alexandra House, we realize social change happens from the ground up. We build relationships, find out how things work across our communities and become involved in committees that influence policy and social change.
One of our most valuable relationships is with police departments in Anoka County. Now when domestic violence occurs, Alexandra House is contacted so we can follow up with the victim, follow the court case and make sure the woman is safe and understands the services and options available to her.
What should we all understand about the issue of domestic violence?
Domestic violence occurs across our community in all social economic classes and ethnic groups. Domestic violence is not a private family matter - it is a community problem. Since 2008, 30 women in Minnesota were murdered by their partners or exes. This is a problem we all need to address. Our success is directly connected to working with members of the community.
Tell us about your message of HOPE.
One message we want our clients to know is there is always HOPE. Alexandra House can help provide the HOPE through our programs. We are always there to walk with them on their journey to a positive end result where good things can happen in their lives.
HOPE is the theme of our community awareness events. We recently hosted the HOPE Gala fundraising event where the community joined to support the work and future programs of Alexandra House. October is Domestic Violence month, so leading up to that we will sponsor the HOPE Walk on September 25th. This event brings attention to domestic violence, recognizes victims and brings HOPE and choices to people for a better life they can have today.
What is the vision for Alexandra House?
To end domestic and sexual violence because sexual violence is part of domestic violence.
How is Alexandra House pursuing this goal?
With the support of the WIN Giving Circle we were able to expand our Choose Respect program to additional middle schools in the Anoka - Hennepin school district. The hard fact is that sexting and assaults are occurring even at younger ages and we have to teach children they have the right to say “no”. We teach youth how to have a healthy relationship and to choose RESPECT in their relationships. Despite participation in this program being voluntary, we see growth in attendance and 30%-50% of participants are boys.
Are there other events or ways for our members to get involved?
On April 20th, Alexandra House will sponsor “Take Back the Night” - an event to end sexual violence. This will be held at Ramsey Community College.
Volunteers are always welcome at Alexandra House. Visit our web site for more details.
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WIN Giving Circle Calendar of Events
May 12, 2010
Quarterly Membership meeting
Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley
1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400
Minneapolis
Time: 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
June 17, 2010
Members only Salon
Time: 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Host: Lynne Hardey
Location: 620 Wesley Commons Dr. #32
Golden Valley
Directions: From 169 take Highway 55 East to Winnetka Ave. (stop light) go North (L) 1 block to Golden Valley Road, go West (L) one block to Wesley Commons Dr.
From 100 take Highway 55 West to Winnetka Ave. (stop light) go North R) 1 block to Golden Valley Road, go West (L) one block to Wesley Commons Dr. Go Right on Wesley Commons Dr. to the far end of the block. Unit #32 is the last upstairs unit in building on the right.
August 11, 2010
Quarterly Membership meeting
Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley
1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400
Minneapolis
Time: 5:30pm-8:00 pm
September 2010
Site visits begin for potential grant recipients
October 14, 2010
Quarterly Membership meeting
Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley
1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400
Minneapolis
Time: 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
November 2010
Membership meeting for vote on grantees
Date: TBA
Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley
1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400
Minneapolis
Time: 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
December 2010
Annual Gala Event
Date: TBA
Location: Padilla Speer Beardsley
1101 West River Parkway, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Time: 5:30 pm-8:00 pm
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