Meet Kalie, our wonderful Children's Advocate at Transitional Housing Program!

Kalie is always consistent, reliable and is just overall great. The kids love her and her dedication to them is admirable. Not only has she helped us out with childcare for the past seven years, but she’s also helped us on field trips this past fall and summer. Our heartfelt thanks to Kalie! 
- THP Children's Advocates

NB: What do you do as a volunteer at New Beginnings?  What does a typical shift look like?

K: I do weekly childcare while the moms are in their support group. It's different every week! Sometimes we play board games, cars, or house. Other times its more quiet and we read or do an art project. My favorite groups are when we go to the park! The kids have so much fun playing on the toys or playing ball!

I also go on as many of the weekly summer field trips as I can! They are always fun, the zoo is usually a favorite for the kids!

NB: What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

K: I just finished school, and will be starting my externship soon! I'm a "big sister" with big brothers big sisters. I also love going to the beach and hiking with my dogs!

NB: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

K: My mom always told me, no matter what it looks like on the outside... you don't know what someone else is going through. So be gentle, patient, and understanding…It can make a real difference!

NB: Anything else you’d like to share with other volunteers?

K: It takes incredible courage for these women and children to escape the violence. We can all learn a lot from them!  Volunteering at New Beginnings for the last 7 years has been so rewarding! I get to work with great people and I love the families!





This is a picture of me and my brother, Karsten, at the 2012 New Beginnings Steps Against Domestic Violence walk!

Thank You to New Beginnings' Amazing Legal Clinic Volunteer Advocate, Laura Rejeske!

Laura Rejeske has been a phenomenal clinic volunteer.  She has gone above and beyond and driven well over an hour to cover volunteer shifts when needed, and regularly volunteers twice a month at clinic.  The clients at legal clinic enjoy working with her and she is great at training and supporting new volunteers.  

–Kim Morrill, Legal Advocate

What do you do as a volunteer at New Beginnings? What does a typical shift look like?

I volunteer as an advocate at the Neighborhood Legal Clinic, supporting clients and volunteer attorneys working through DV related legal issues. A typical evening begins by reviewing and preparing any necessary paperwork for the night's session, greeting clients and walking them through the client intake process - where we ensure they are best prepared to make the most of their appointment time with the volunteer attorney. Throughout the appointment, volunteer advocates may help locate necessary legal forms online, or provide other support the attorney needs. At the end of the attorney session, we'll go through an exit interview with the client, making sure they understand their next steps, have outstanding questions answered, and/or are aware of other resources available to them before escorting the client out.

How have you been challenged within your position?

I am happily challenged and rewarded within this position, there is always something new to learn - legal updates or news relevant to DV, local challenges and opportunities within the justice system, and so much that I learn from Kim, our legal advocate, and the other volunteers.

How did you come to want to volunteer for New Beginnings?

I have been interested in volunteering to support DV survivors and causes for many years, and came to know another volunteer who directed me to NB and Erin. I've been glad I did ever since!

What do you know now about domestic violence that you didn't know when you first started volunteering?

I continue to be amazed at how much awareness and understanding of DV issues needs to take place in our towns, society and the world - and how much difference sharing some of that information, even in small ways, can make in changing behaviors and views. We all need to do what's possible to effect change!

Is there a quote or sentence that helps guide you in life? Anything else you'd like to share with other volunteers?

Many - but the one that is taped to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder is "Awaken, and dance with your dreams," by the poet Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin.

Gary Fixes, Buffs, Repairs and Builds Beautiful Things At Shelter!

We are excited to feature Gary Nichols for our Volunteer Spotlight!  He is a great volunteer and has become a good friend.  His experience and wisdom is valued at shelter. I know I can count on Gary as my go-to guy if I’m ever stuck on how to approach a repair or want to take on a home improvement project at shelter! Gary has saved shelter a lot of money by sharing his experience and contacts.  Here are just a few of the countless repairs he’s helped with:  Diagnosed and repaired the oven, repaired the fence that blew over in the wind storm, built new storage area shelves, replaced lights, painted rooms, assisted in building an outdoor shelter, fixed the dryer, unclogged the washer, and of course helped refinish our now beautiful stairs at shelter. Gary has donated tools from home that make maintenance around shelter so much easier. In addition to his hard work, we love having him around! His personality and jokes keep staff smiling and he has worked his way into the hearts all those who have had the pleasure of working with him.  The photos show before and after pictures of our stair project that we have finally finished!   -Joseph Sigala, Shelter Facilities Coordinator

New Beginnings:  What do you do as a volunteer at New Beginnings?  What does a typical shift look like?

Gary: In short, fix things that are broken or are in need of maintenance. There really is no typical shift. Nearly every one is different unless we are working on an extended maintenance project.

New Beginnings: What’s your favorite part about volunteering at shelter?

Gary: I would have to say that my favorite part of volunteering at the shelter is being able to know and interact with the staff. People who have to deal with the realities of domestic violence day after day, are among the most understanding, kind and caring one could meet. They are a pleasure to know and work with.

New Beginnings: Why is Domestic Violence an important issue to you?

Gary: Domestic Violence is not something that I have had to live with personally, but I have known some who did. If for the victims (especially the children), I can help make their temporary living conditions just a little better, then I want to help do what I can.

New Beginnings: What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

Gary: Outside of volunteering at New Beginnings, I am a volunteer tutor for Catholic Community Services' Youth Tutoring Program. I mainly tutor high school students in math subjects along with some science subjects.  I enjoy studying math and science and enjoy passing along whatever I can to the kids. It is gratifying to see students that I have tutored, sometimes starting in middle school, graduate from high school and go on to college.

New Beginnings:  Anything else you would like to share or tell new volunteers?

Gary: For new volunteers I would say that for just about any skills you might have, New Beginnings will be able to utilize them. And you can pick whatever hours and days that fit your schedule to volunteer.

Featuring Our Wonderful Volunteer, Christina Mason!

 

Christina is our saving grace at Shelter!  During Monday night house meetings she provides childcare and/or answers the crisis line when staff are busy facilitating.  And she is a problem solver! When she notices a gap in services she is determined to find a solution. She is always on the phone with other agencies and providers asking questions about their services so that we can add that information to our resource lists for participants. She is warm, thoughtful, and kind – so she is a delight to work with for

participants and staff alike.

 



What do you do as a volunteer at New Beginnings?  What does a typical shift look like?

I’m a Women’s Advocate Assistant at the shelter on Monday evenings. I do childcare so moms can attend the weekly house meeting, answer Helpline calls, take residents to the clothing closet and food pantry and support residents by providing information about community resources and a listening ear.

How have you been challenged within your position?

It is difficult to have to turn away Helpline callers in need of confidential DV shelter on nights when the shelter is at capacity. For me, this experience has really driven home the need for more DV services and shelter beds in our community. It makes me realize what a vital and lifesaving service New Beginnings provides.   

How did you come to want to volunteer for New Beginnings?

I have worked in social services for many years and knew that many clients I worked with had been touched by domestic violence. Yet I had very little understanding of intimate partner violence – the resources available, ways to help support survivors, etc. I was hoping this experience would make me a more knowledgeable and skilled social worker in terms of recognizing and responding to DV.   

What do you know now about domestic violence that you didn’t know when you first started volunteering?

I’ve gained a more nuanced appreciation for just how deeply it can impact every aspect of a survivor’s life and their children’s lives – being able to maintain employment, to stay connected with friends and family who the abuser knows, the kids’ ability to go to school. Being at the shelter, it is also truly apparent there is no one “typical” survivor profile, that domestic violence impacts people regardless of age, education level, race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health, and socioeconomic status. I’ve met survivors from so many different backgrounds.          

Is there a quote or sentence that helps guide you in life?

I really like how the Dalai Lama stresses the importance of kindness above all else, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”     

Anything else you’d like to share with other volunteers? 

Initially, I did not realize the incredible flexibility in possible volunteer shifts and times. Since the shelter is a 24/7 facility, it can accommodate most schedules. I’ve found volunteering in the evenings to sometimes have a light-hearted and fun side I did not expect – hanging out with the residents and their kids as they are donning PJs, checking out movies from the video library, telling stories and unwinding from the day.  

 

The Volunteer Spotlight is on Carly Von Hoffmann!

Carly has been volunteering in childcare at THP since 2010, during which time she has been a calming, fun-loving presence in the children’s lives. She is equally at home playing on the floor with toddlers, and having a serious conversation with one of our teens. She has also taken time out of her weekends to take family portraits for the families, many of which haven’t ever had one before. Thanks to Carly for being so reliable, and for bringing such warmth to THP childcare!

 

 

 

 

What do you do as a volunteer at New Beginnings and what do you like most? 

Primarily I work as a childcare volunteer at the Transitional Housing Program.  Occasionally I also take family portraits for the residents at THP. 

The best part of volunteering has been simple, but it is being in the moment with the children.  I frequently spend time with children outside of New Beginnings, but when I volunteer, I don’t have an agenda other than being present and enjoying the lively, inspirational young people.

When I take family portraits, it is often a great moment when I am able to give the prints back to the families and watch their faces light up, especially the children, in their recognition of themselves.  I’m grateful that I have the ability to give the families a small gift that they may keep for years to come.  It is also a gift that they may not be able to do for themselves.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen at your volunteer site?

I can’t think of an interesting occurrence off hand, but I have felt grateful to witness children experiencing their feelings.  When I have seen children upset for various reasons, for at least a brief moment I was able to acknowledge their emotions and normalize their experience. Feelings are not always safe to express in domestic violence environments.

What do you do when you’re not volunteering?

When I’m not volunteering, I work as an Art Therapist, and Marriage and Family Therapist.  I’m currently back in school to further my ability to help people through different healing modalities.  Other than that, I enjoy attending UW football and basketball games, going to musicals, and traveling.  I also engage in art-making and practice yoga. 

What do you know now about domestic violence that you didn’t know when you first started volunteering?

Domestic violence can be an insidious and disorienting process.  Although intellectually I have a grasp of the patterns and signs of domestic violence, it can look different depending on the individuals or families it is affecting.  Therefore being exposed to families who have been through domestic violence is continually a learning experience. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Honestly, I can’t think of a piece of advice that significantly stands out enough for me to pinpoint it.  However the word I keep with me is “faith.”  That word could be applicable in many contexts, but typically I believe that remembering faith is believing that things will work themselves out, and that in time, we will be guided on the path that was made for us.  For example, when I did the volunteer training at New Beginnings I wasn’t even planning on volunteering (I was taking the training to supplement my internship).  Nonetheless three years later I’m still thankfully involved with New Beginnings.