Taking Flight: June 2020

The BeaLine (YouTube video)

Bea Black, Executive Director

I have to admit that I’m feeling a little conflicted as we enter June. There are so many things we should be celebrating now, but across the country people are hurting. The death of another Black human being at the hands of law enforcement has evoked so much pain–and I share that pain.

The WCA is here to serve everyone who needs help with domestic abuse or sexual assault services. We may not be doing the best job at sharing that message. Please help us spread the word that we are here for everyone—inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races and ethnicities.

We need compassion now more than ever. Please share compassion with each other.

Thank you,

Bea

WCA Client Success Story

“I wanted to thank you for allowing us to stay here. Thank you for what you do here on a daily basis–for the care and consideration you have shown. I appreciate that we have been welcomed here and that we have had a safe place to grow and heal.

I was lost and I didn’t have the tools to care for myself let alone my daughter. I was crippled if not paralyzed by the tapes that played in my head. I didn’t understand how to be good to myself and was in no position to teach my child how to take good care of herself. I was teaching her what not to do but in no way was able to be the example I desired to be. I feel rescued. We have been rescued. First you gave me permission to have wings and then from day to day you taught me to fly.

More…

Our Doors Are Open

You Are Not Alone. 

Home is not a safe place for everyone.

Over the past weeks, we’ve tried our best to keep the community updated with any changes to our operations or services. You may have seen the weekly email updates from Executive Director, Bea Black. These are an excellent way to stay informed!

The most important thing to know is that our doors are open. If you or someone you know is in an unsafe domestic situation, especially now that they may have even more limited access to outside resources, please call our hotline at (208) 343-7025. If it is not safe to make a call, our Crisis Center at 720 W. Washington Street is still open Monday-Friday 8:30-4 p.m.

To read more about our response to COVID-19 and executive director, Bea’s latest messages, click here.

Idaho Youth Ranch Collaboration

We are excited to be strengthening our collaboration with Idaho Youth Ranch to provide further skills-based job training to WCA clients!

“Like many of the clients of the WCA, the youth served by Idaho Youth Ranch often have experienced multiple traumatic experiences in their young lives that are driving their behavior, their self-worth and stealing their futures. The therapeutic services provided by Idaho Youth Ranch use proven treatment models to help youth find hope, healing and resilience. The amazing capacity these kids have to heal when they receive timely therapy stands in stark contrast to the dangerous paths that their past traumatic experiences have placed them on. We serve youth and families across Idaho through a variety of treatment models– including equine therapy and our recently launched telemental health therapy.”

-Rich Cline, Idaho Youth Ranch, Vice-President of Social Enterprise

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Thank you to Chandlers!

We are so appreciative to our Corporate Pillar, Chandlers Prime Steakhouse, for  its generosity on Mother’s Day. Chandlers staff chose to donate all of the gratuities from the day on behalf of its staff and customer contributors, totaling $10,839 to the WCA. On this special day Chandlers also donated 75 meals to the residents of Boise City Lights and served 400 take-out meals to its customers.

Owner Rex Chandler, his wife Mary Beth and his staff have been longtime supporters of the WCA’s clients. “No woman, child or man ever asks to be neglected, abused or mistreated.  During this challenging time of social distancing, and covid-19 restrictions, Chandlers celebrated Mother’s Day with an astounding response from our gracious community, serving over 400 take-out meals. Our staff was so moved by the increased needs in protecting the most vulnerable.”

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Poster Print-outs Available!

To reach the people who most need help from our services and programs, we have to be creative in the ways we get our mission and message to them.

You may be familiar with our shoe cards that were developed so that a person experiencing domestic abuse or sexual assault could have much of the vital information they need on a handout small enough to hide in their shoe if necessary.

Another way we reach vulnerable people is through posters that can be displayed in public bathrooms. We recently heard from Albertson’s corporate offices that they have these posters displayed in their women’s and men’s restrooms to reach people who may need our services.

Click here for a link to print posters if you know of somewhere that could benefit!

SueB 5K 10K on October 4: Virtually and In-Person!

The WCA is committed to hosting the 11th annual SueB memorial 5K 10K race VIRTUALLY on Sunday, October 4, 2020. This event honors Susan “SueB” Newby and promotes healthy relationships while raising money for our Endowment Fund.

Our virtual event will still include all the usual festivities such as participating in our virtual warm up, wearing a bib number and receiving a T-shirt and finisher certificate to share with your friends and family digitally.

We are hopeful that an IN-PERSON option will also be available, and we continue to monitor responses to COVID-19 in our community. We are excited about the opportunities a virtual race opens up and hope you will share in our excitement! Our goal is to have  a meaningful, safe and healthy event.

Register HERE for only $25 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K.

Email Jennifer Spencer, Volunteer and Events Coordinator, for questions or more information.

Pay it Forward

Some weeks ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous Treasure Valley-based organizations came together for the “Pay it Forward” campaign. This campaign aimed to show gratitude for those who help keep our community connected, safe and inspired.
As part of this campaign the WCA was lucky enough to receive $20,000 from Idaho Power and Blue Cross of Idaho. This was in recognition of the work we continue to do to provide safety, healing, and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault during this challenging time. Our hardworking staff were also recognized, receiving gift cards for Albertson’s and Shell gas.

We are grateful for Idaho Power and Blue Cross of Idaho continued support!

Wish List

At this time, we are only able to accept in-kind donations through our Amazon Wish List. We are currently not accepting in-person donation drop-offs.

However, gift cards for grocery and gas can be still purchased online and emailed to [email protected]