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Volunteer Voice November 2021

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 208.343.7025 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 208.345.7273 (RAPE)

“Caring for ourselves can—and should—be done together.” – Shelly Tygielski 

 

I am currently reading Sit Down to Rise Up by Shelly Tygielski, and it has been such an eye-opening experience. In this book, she talks about this idea of communities of care—a group of people coming together asking what can you do for me AND what can I do for you?

For example, I’m writing this article, but before it gets to you, it’s edited by someone, put into a newsletter by another person and put on our website by a number of other people. After you read it, you too can play a part in the process by spreading this information to your community. 

Our number one priority is confidentiality, which, at times, can make it difficult for volunteers to feel like they are directly involved in helping victims and survivors during their journey to safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. However, truly, any support that volunteers provide is impactful. You may think, “why do I want to rake leaves—I’m not doing much,” but actually you are making a difference in the appearance of our building and creating a comfortable and clean environment for clients when they come to appointments at the WCA. Or maybe you’re thinking, “organizing a storage space doesn’t seem like it’s doing anything to really help,” but this allows staff to seamlessly get items to complete tasks efficiently. What we learned from 2020 is that volunteers can help us in so many other ways that speak volumes in regards to how we can continue to provide the help that is needed for our clients. 

This idea of communities of care truly encapsulates how a volunteer program works. Many hands are needed to help make a place successful. Everyone involved in our volunteer program is here to give back; you give your time, efforts and donations to help the WCA continue to provide free services to our clients. Without our wonderful volunteers, we would not be able to do the work we do in our community. One of the questions we ask in all of our volunteer interviews is “what kind of support do you need to feel fulfilled while you volunteer with us?” You are MY community of care – you help me and all of my WCA coworkers do the important work we do – and we want to be sure that we are providing the same respect and help to you that you give to us.  

With gratitude,

Lupe

EVENTS

Sep 29

2023

Domestic Violence Awareness Month – 2023

Domestic Violence Awareness Month October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the WCA will be holding a joint press conference on September 29 at the Idaho Peace Officers’ Memorial at 10am. The WCA and other Domestic Violence service providers will be on site with information and awareness raising materials for our community members. Elected officials […]

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Oct 01

2023

Sue B Stroll and 5K October 1, 2023

Join us for the 14th annual SueB 5k  and  3k  Urban  stroll  for  Every-Body Continuing to honor the memory of Susan “SueB” Newby, the 14th annual SueB 5K Fun Run will kick off on Sunday, October 1st at 12 noon at Julia Davis Park. You can sign up to participate here with 5K registration starting at $25. […]

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Oct 01

2023

SueB 5k and Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt October 1, 2023

Join us for the 14th annual SueB 5k and 3k Family Friendly Scavenger Hunt for EveryBODY! The 14th annual SueB 5k and 3k Scavenger Hunt will be on October 1, 2023 and we hope you can join us! We invite you to join us to raise awareness about domestic abuse, while memorializing the life of […]

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Oct 18

2023

Witches Night Out at the Village

Mark your calendars for Witches Night Out on October 18, 2023 from 6 – 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 we will be celebrating Witches Night Out at The Village at Meridian, hosted by Meridian’s Centercal Properties and its marvelous merchants. Several sponsors help make the evening a resounding success, raising funds for the WCA’ clients’ […]

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Dec 14

2023

Concert for Cause

Mark you calendars for 2023 Concert for Cause – December 14th Thursday, December 14th 94.9 The River is excited to present headlining artist Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness with Michigander and Arlie for their 2023 Concert for Cause benefitting the WCA! Join us at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Bodo for an evening of […]

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