What a Drag Event

What a Drag!

HAVEN’s HARRT group is one of the nonprofits who will receive proceeds from the event. We spoke with Debbie Soro, one of the founders of our HARRT program, about What a Drag.

Why HAVEN?

Two reasons. One is that Holly Grace Currie and I co-founded the H.A.A.R.T. youth group back in 2015 at Enoch’s High School with the help of HAVEN. It has always held an extremely important place in my heart because we could see immediately the difference that it made, not just for our HARRT kids, but for the people that they shared their message with. That first group of youth leaders went into health classes that first year as part of their advocacy project and taught their peers about what healthy relationships should look like. There is no better feeling than knowing that we provided a safe and supportive space to empower students and we were honored to see the fruits of our labor. Second, I pitched this idea to a few other organizations back in 2019. Haven was the only organization that was willing to take a chance on my idea and really embrace the concept of creating an event where people who normally might not occupy the same space would be brushing elbows with each other. Sadly, COVID quashed the first attempt at What A Drag, but luckily for me, my Kappa Epsilon sisters have been super supportive of bringing it to life this year. 

What is your vision for "What a Drag?" 

The vision is multi-layered. First, I want to be able to educate the community about what drag is and what it isn't. I want to correct the misinformation about drag and drag performers, especially considering today's political climate. I also want to educate folx about healthy relationships, LGBTQIA issues, and acceptance in general. This is why the Rainbow Resource Center and HARRT have been invited to participate at the event. Second, I want to bring the community together to celebrate local talent and support local, smaller nonprofits. I know this is cliche, but I want unity in the community. Third, I have a theater background and see things in terms of "ACTS" - for example this show has two ACTS. Each ACT has a good deal of entertainment, hopefully a subtle educational component, and a not-so-subtle message about love, empowerment, and acceptance. Like a musical, there will be an opening expert ensemble performance number, an entire cast ensemble closing number and a spectacular curtain call, in addition to drag and other performances. 

Are you planning on hosting other events?

In my head I am always planning events and/or having whacky ideas, LOL! Seriously, it is my secret desire that What A Drag will become an annual event with a rotating cast of performers/community leaders and rotating nonprofits who will be the beneficiaries of the money we raise. 

Join us!
June 17, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Tickets

Spotlight on StanState Students Donation Drive

HAVEN is fortunate to partner with some very amazing individuals. A group of Stan State students did a donation drive for us and we wanted to highlight their efforts.

There are many worthy non-profits in the area, why did you choose to support HAVEN?

While researching issues that are impacting Stanislaus County, our group agreed that domestic violence is an issue that requires more attention. Upon conducting a review of the surrounding agencies that help DV survivors, we realized that we could partner with the HAVEN Victim Advocate at CSU Stanislaus to carry out our project. In doing so, we were able to connect with the larger HAVEN organization and determine what their needs are so we can best help and advocate for DV survivors.

With the donation drive, you are supporting HAVEN at a micro level. What are you doing to support HAVEN at a macro level?

Our group will be creating a financial education brochure for the organization that they can disburse to survivors. While our group will not be able to expand on the information in the brochures due to time constraints and efforts to protect the confidentiality of survivors, we hope that it will serve as the foundation for future workshops centered around empowering survivors to pursue education and employment. We consulted with multiple HAVEN representatives and determined that more assistance was needed in helping survivors obtain basic financial literacy skills that will help them create a brighter future for themselves and their families after leaving their abusive environments. This brochure will educate survivors on how to open their own separate bank account and will provide a resource to help them build a budget. Lastly, we will be providing HAVEN with an extremely useful resource that they can utilize to help survivors
regain financial autonomy.

At HAVEN, we are huge on self-care. What do you do to take care of yourselves when you are feeling overwhelmed?

Lesly: When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I like to listen to my music at full blast and try to get
some fresh air by taking a walk or going for a drive. When I have more time, I try to clean and declutter my home (I’m a clean freak so cleaning helps me de-stress). As a future social worker, I take my mental health seriously, so I meet with my therapist about 2 to 3 times a month as well.

Ana: For self-care, I like to go for walks alone to clear my mind and have a moment to myself. When I feel overwhelmed, I like to take a long shower or bath to help me relax. Spending time with my daughter and husband keeps me in a positive mental space.

Lauren: When I am feeling overwhelmed, I typically like to take a break from what I am doing. Some self-care that I always do is workout at least three times a week. Other activities I do are splurge into a good Netflix show, or hangout with friends and family.

Morgan: My favorite way to practice self-care is by just going outside and getting some fresh air and exercise, it can be as simple as going for a walk down the street. Spending quality time with my loved ones is also especially important to me. I also like to do a social media “cleanse” a few days a month for my mental health.

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Stanislaus State Advocacy

HAVEN partners with StanState to provide on-campus confidential support for students, staff and faculty impacted by interpersonal violence.

How our Trauma Response Team Supports Survivors

Trauma-Informed and Survivor-Centered Care

HAVEN’s team of Trauma Response Advocates are trained to be available to support survivors throughout the entire process of the criminal justice system, depending on what a client decides to move forward with and what the survivor feels they are needing support with.

With a particular focus on sexual assault survivors due to the nature of these services, we also provide the same support and services to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and incarcerated survivors of sexual violence.

Our 24/7 Trauma Response services include crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, and accompaniment throughout the medical, law enforcement, and court related processes that a survivor may experience. We provide this support with the mentality of meeting survivors where they need to be met, and not with any intentions of “saving” anyone or making decisions for them.

Continuous and explicit consent and communication with survivors throughout these processes are incredibly vital to the support that we offer.

We are not here to make any decisions for or pass any judgment towards survivors, as they are the ones who know what will work best for their life and current circumstances.

We focus on educating survivors and their loved ones on what their options are, and do so with a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach.

Survivors have the right to refuse HAVEN services and revoke their consent at any point in the Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Exam and Interview process. Survivors can also receive this medical forensic exam without speaking with law enforcement or filing a police report, if they choose.

In this case, the evidence and information collected during the medical forensic exam will be stored according to local law enforcement protocols and will be available if the survivor ever decided they would like to move forward in the criminal justice process at that time, per the current state and federal laws regarding this process.

However, if survivors complete the medical forensic exam and interview process, and they decide to move forward with filing a police report with law enforcement at that time, it will then be at the discretion of the local District Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal charges will be pressed against the perpetrator. Regardless of this decision, HAVEN advocates are available to provide continuous education and emotional support for survivors throughout this process.

Survivors also have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit and/or a restraining order against the perpetrator, either in the form of a domestic violence restraining order or a civil harassment order, depending on the relationship or connection between the survivor and the perpetrator.

Get Help Now

If you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault, human trafficking, or domestic violence, please call us 24/7 at (209) 577-5980 or our business line at (209) 524-4331.

Support HAVEN

If you are interested in donating, please call Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Ways to support our Trauma Response Program

What type of community support does the SART team need right now?

Currently, HAVEN’s SART and Trauma Response Program needs support from our community by means of donations for our “TRA bags,” which include the items that we provide for clients if they need a change of clothing and necessities once they have completed the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam process at the hospital.

Our program is also in need of funding support, for our on-call advocates to have the full capacity, tools, and resources they need to best serve our community on a 24-hour, 7 days a week basis.

Donations of electronic devices like tablets or Surface Pros would greatly benefit our program given the mobile, on-scene nature of the work we do.

Any support that can be provided with transportation passes and gift cards for clients would be greatly appreciated as well. Transportation, shelter, and meeting basic needs can be major barriers for some clients after they have concluded their time receiving support at the hospital.

Support Us With Donations

If you are interested in donating, please call Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Get Help Now

If you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault, human trafficking, or domestic violence, please call us 24/7 at (209) 577-5980 or our business line at (209) 524-4331.

A Day in the Life of a HAVEN Advocate on the Trauma Response Teams

The phone rings at 7:00 a.m. It’s the crisis line asking that a Trauma Response Advocate (TRA) go out to the local hospital to provide support to a client. The SART nurse initiated the call.

SART is an acronym for Sexual Assault Response Team. Our advocates (TRAs) go out on these calls 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Help and support are available

If you, or someone else you know, has experienced a sexual assault, call our 24-hour Crisis Line at (209) 577-5980 or our business line at (209) 524-4331.

Our client now must make the decision as to whether to allow an intrusive exam while reeling from the trauma of being assaulted. Their clothes are taken for evidence. They are offered medicine for STDs and HIV. They are asked intimate questions by strangers. There are pictures taken anywhere on their body that may hold a clue as to whether the assailant can be prosecuted. The act of taking these pictures exacerbates their trauma.

We are there if the client wants and needs this support.

We answer their questions, and we provide information about this process. Sometimes, the only thing we can do is stand shoulder to shoulder with them in silence while they process this life-altering event.

It can be (with consent of course) as simple as holding their hand or as complex as helping them navigate the societal guilt and shame that goes hand-in-hand with being a victim of sexual violence. This can be even more heartbreaking if the client does not have a support system.

This is not a television show, this is real life.

HAVEN advocates offer this support daily. We also provide many other services too.

We step into these situations with hearts and minds wide open, always sensitive to meeting our clients where they are at; not where society thinks they should be.

We need your help.

We need community support and donations to continue this work. Please help!

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Get Help

We offer supportive services for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking.

24-Hour Crisis Line: (209) 577-5980

Support HAVEN's Legal Department

What type of community support does the Legal Department need right now?

Our legal department needs donations and/or pro bono attorney support to achieve our goals.

Many abusers use the court system to control their victims, how do your legal advocates support clients in these cases?

Our legal advocates provide information to help clients navigate the court system. If we don't have the information for our clients, we reach out to partner agencies or refer our clients to local attorneys who can provide a free to low-cost consultation.

Do you have funding for an attorney if a client require this type of help?

Unfortunately, HAVEN currently doesn't have the funding to assist with attorney services.

What does your dream Legal Department look like? What type of community financial support would make this a reality?

A dream for HAVEN's legal department would be providing same day restraining order services for our clients. As of right now, HAVEN clients are placed on a wait list that they might wait up to two weeks. If we had the funding, we would have two legal advocates to dedicate their time for walk-in same day services for restraining orders OR have an attorney on staff to assist with restraining orders, child custody, economic orders, and divorce.

To learn more about ways to support HAVEN contact Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Spotlight on DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance

Interview with:
Curt Zimmerman, Vice President

Why HAVEN?

Haven as always had a special place in my heart that I really haven’t shared.

My mom was a victim of abuse from my father. They divorced when I was 5. He was a struggling Vietnam Veteran and Prisoner of War so I never really understood his temper and anger issues. My mother raised my older brother and I on her own and was able to provide a great foundation for us.

Curt Zimmerman
Vice President
Dibuduo & Defendis

I want to support single moms in their journey to provide a healthy, happy home for their children. Haven helps to support women who have been victims of domestic violence with counseling services and the support they need to build a foundation for their family.

What would be an unexpected, but delightful result of sponsoring our event?

Wouldn’t it be AMAZING if people were so moved with compassion to ALL contribute and provide a nice charitable donation to help the cause behind Haven? Imagine the outreach and support that your organization could provide in helping more members of the community. I would love to see that as a result of sponsoring your event.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a difficult day?

I’m a BIG family guy. For anyone that knows me, my wife and I are usually at one of our three kids’ sporting events. As they get older and phase out of playing competitive sports, we enjoy watching them mature as young, contributing adults. If I’m not watching them compete, you can find me on the golf range, listening to music and practicing my game.

Spotlight on Fastenal

Why HAVEN?

We'd like to build our relationship with helping present opportunities to those in need of work.

What would be an unexpected, but delightful result of sponsoring our event?

We make an impact by helping individuals get into the workforce.

Why do you think that Fastenal and HAVEN have in common and what makes this a good partnership?

Fastenal is an Equal Opportunity Employer to minorities, females, veterans, disabled, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We believe in supporting our community.

Spotlight on Health Plan of San Joaquin

Health Plan of San Joaquin recognizes the tremendous effort that HAVEN invests in the Stanislaus community.

The services that HAVEN provides are greatly needed and we support their continuation.

Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) is has sponsored the “In Their Shoes” event in the past and we believe it is a great way to promote a healthy environment for those who need services – many who are HPSJ members – and to improve overall health in Stanislaus County.

Like HPSJ, HAVEN is a much-needed voice in the community that provides support to some of our most vulnerable residents and populations.

By sponsoring this event, HPSJ hopes to promote HAVEN as a beacon of light to those that suffer in silence, which we hope results in more men, women and youth coming forward to get the help they need and deserve.

From one not-for-profit to another, we wish HAVEN success in raising funds to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking for years to come.

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Join us at our annual fundraiser walk “In Their Shoes” on April 1, 2023

For sponsorship questions contact
Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.  

For event specific questions contact
Brandy at (209) 284-4539 or bvanhorn@havenstan.org.  

Advocacy for Survivors in Turlock

Our Turlock office provides services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking living in southern Stanislaus County.

Turlock is the second largest city in Stanislaus County. HAVEN established an office in Turlock in 2013 to make supportive services accessible to residents in the southern part of the County.

Although it has been years since we expanded our services from Modesto to Turlock, we are always working to bring awareness of our presence to surrounding communities.

Our Turlock Office is home to HAVEN’s Human Trafficking Department, Housing Department and Clothes Closet.

Contact Us

301 Starr Ave.
Turlock, CA, 95380
(209) 524-4331

Open Monday-Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

24-Hour Crisis Line:
(209) 577-5980

HAVEN’s Clothes Closet is a small store filled with gently used clothing items and hygiene products available for our clients.

Clients utilize our Clothes Closet services for a variety of reasons. Our clients flee a dangerous environment and leave with nothing. Many of our clients may be experiencing homelessness/unemployment. Clients may be in need of emergency clothing, formal clothing for a job interview, and/or clothing for themselves and their children. Clothing can be crucial in reconstructing a person’s power and self-esteem.

The Clothes Closet is in critical need of:

• New and unused undergarments such as underwear, bras, sports bras, and socks.

• Comfortable clothing such as casual pants and shorts

• Sweaters

• Jackets

• Formal attire

• T shirts

• Tank tops

• Shoes

Donations are accepted on Tuesdays at our Turlock office during our hours of operation. For more information, please call our business line (209) 524-4331.

Support HAVEN

To learn more about additional ways to support HAVEN contact Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or by email at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

Survivors Need Safe Shelter

There are multiple needs of a survivor who makes the difficult decision to leave an abusive relationship. 

Often, the highest barrier survivors have is the need for safe shelter.  In many cases, HAVEN’s Emergency Shelter program is a vital resource for victims of abuse who are actively fleeing a dangerous living situation.  It is an imperative part of the services offered by HAVEN as many victims find themselves unable to escape without this resource.

HAVEN’s shelter program provides a 4-week stay and gives survivors a safe space in an undisclosed location with advocates who are available 24 hours a day for crisis intervention and safety planning. 

The screening process requires the survivor to contact HAVEN’s crisis line and request to be screened for shelter.  Survivors will answer a series of questions that allow the advocate to determine their highest needs and barriers.  When the shelter program is full, depending on funding availability, our SafeNight program can provides a 3-night stay in a partnering hotel.  When both programs are full, the Crisis Response Specialist staff will provide referrals to community resources and victim providers in neighboring counties.

Get Help

Call (209) 577-5980 If you need emergency shelter to flee a domestic violence situation

The emergent needs of the Emergency Shelter are:

• Funding for SafeNight

• Gas Cards

• Phones w/ Phone Card

• Walmart Gift Cards

• Donated Automobile Repair Services

• Shoes Size 6-12

• Pajamas All Sizes

• Tote Supplies 

• New Twin Sheet

• Blanket

• Towel

• Pillows

• 15-gallon Tote

• Toiletry Items

• Full Size Shampoo and Conditioner

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste

• Shavers

• Full Size Body Wash 

Support HAVEN

To learn more about additional ways to support HAVEN contact Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or by email at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

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Join us at our annual fundraiser walk “In Their Shoes” on April 1, 2023

For sponsorship questions contact
Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.  

For event specific questions contact
Brandy at (209) 284-4539 or bvanhorn@havenstan.org.  

Survivors Need Safe Housing

What if you were one paycheck away from being unhoused?

Many clients fleeing violent households leave with only the clothes on their backs. Clients often find themselves in a financial bind due to financial abuse their batterer has put them through and at times are one paycheck away from being unhoused.

HAVEN helps clients find safe housing

Our Housing Department provides financial support to clients in desperate need of a safe environment for themselves and their children. Clients are able to secure a safe location and procure essentials like clothing, food, and gas cards. Clients are also assigned a Case Manager to work alongside them for support and empowerment on their healing journey. For more information call (209) 524-4331 or toll free 1-888-45-HAVEN. If you need immediate assistance call our 24 Hour Crisis Line (209) 577-5980.

Funding changes pose a risk

The Housing Department began in 2016 with only one Housing Advocate collaborating with other agencies and providing direct services to clients. Since then the department has grown drastically, hiring a Director, Program Manager, and five housing advocates over the last few years. However, in December 2022 the department received notice that two of its largest grants were not selected for continued funding. Unfortunately, the department needed to reduce personnel and service delivery. The department worked very hard to transition clients with families or into their own homes.  

HAVEN needs more financial support to continue safely housing clients

The funding we receive through grants helps alleviate some of the financial barriers that clients are often challenged with. The Housing Department continues to search for other grant opportunities and funding sources to support new and returning clients with relocation assistance, moving expenses, rental assistance, or gift cards.   

We need your support

Please consider participating in our annual fundraiser walk “In Their Shoes walk” on April 1, 2023.  Register, sponsor or donate online at havenstan.org/InTheir Shoes

For sponsorship questions contact Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.  

For event specific questions contact Brandy at (209) 284-4539 or bvanhorn@havenstan.org.  

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Help HAVEN end sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking in our community

Walk With Us “In Their Shoes” on April 1

HAVEN’s annual fundraiser, In Their Shoes, is happening on April 1, 2023. 

This event was previously known as “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”  HAVEN supports ALL survivors of sexual abuse and the name change is inclusive of all the shoes they wear.  Red shoes are optional, but we encourage you to support our clients whatever your choice of footwear.

Visit havenstan.org/intheirshoes for event details.

Your Support Is Vital

As an agency, HAVEN receives grants to assist in providing services.  However, grants leave intentional spaces in funding that make spaces for vital community support. Participating in this event allows us to continue to assist our clients now and in the future.  Your support is vital for HAVEN and our community.  Our clients need us, and your generosity is the cornerstone of our mission in ending sexual violence in all its forms.

We Provide Essential Services

Our staff is dedicated and devoted to providing crucial assistance to our clients.  We need your help to continue providing these essential services. HAVEN aids with emergency shelter, support groups, youth education and support, restraining orders, a 24-hour crisis line for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.  With your help we can provide support to all survivors of sexual violence. 

Ways to Contribute

Please consider sponsoring, participating, or donating to this event. You can register, sponsor, or donate online at havenstan.org/intheirshoes. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kathleen at (209) 284-4732 or by email at krowe-glendon@havenstan.org.

For event-specific questions, please contact Brandy Van Horn, Event Coordinator at (209) 284-4539 or by email at bvanhorn@havenstan.org.