JULY 2017 INDEPENDENCE HOUSE NEWS

Executive Director, Lysetta Hurge-Putnam chats with CCB-Media News Director, Matt Pitta about domestic violence, shelter, and more... 
Lysetta Hurge Putnam, Executive Director of Independence House sat down with Matt Pitta, News Director at CapeCod.com to discuss Independence House, now in it's 38th year, during the news station's Sunday Journal segment on June 25.  Lysetta talks about the upcoming Independence House shelter program,  how the shelter system in Massachusetts works, and what this means for survivors of domestic and sexual violence seeking safety. 

(CLICK IMAGE AND LISTEN TO FULL PODCAST)









SHELTER PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES:

Independence House has assigned a shelter committee to help expedite the beautification, efficiency,  health and safety of the new shelter.   Major philanthropic opportunities exist for individuals and businesses to help provide an environment of new and fresh surroundings for survivors and their children. 

If you are interested in donor opportunities, please contact Donna Giberti, Director of Development and Marketing.  [email protected].

"Team Independence House" is ready to run and asks for your support.

"Team Independence House" will be running in this year's New Balance Falmouth Road
Race on Sunday, August 20th to support the free and confidential services that Independence House provides to members of our community in all 15 towns on Cape Cod. 

Please support one or more of our team runners by making a donation of your choice.  Your generosity will help these rock-star runners meet their goals, and your donation will be allocated to direct services and programs that assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence. 


We're giving away a chance to win 2 tickets to Martina McBride if you're a golfer in our tournament !
Martina McBride

Independence House is giving away 2 tickets to see Martina McBride for one lucky winner who is registered to golf in this year's Independence House Open Charity Golf Tournament. 
The Martina McBride concert takes place on August 20th, the evening before the Independence House Charity Open Golf Tournament.  All golfers who are registered to play by August 13th will have a chance to win. 
HOW DO I WIN? 
Register to golf in the Independence House Charity Open Golf Tournament by August 13th. 
(Scroll to next article for tournament details)
WHEN WILL THE WINNER BE PICKED? 
Independence House will pick a winner on Monday, August 14th and award 2 tickets to the Martina McBride concert.
WHEN IS THE CONCERT:
Martina McBride Concert: Sunday, August 20, 2017,  8:00pm. (Doors open at 7:00pm)
Cape Cod Melody Tent.  Note: This is the evening before the Independence House Golf Tournament. 
NEXT DAY AFTER CONCERT: 
Don't miss your check in at 12:00pm to golf with Independence House at the Hyannis Golf Club!
Special thanks to our friends at the Cape Cod Melody Tent for making this donation exciting and possible. 
CALLING ALL GOLFERS:  The 3rd Annual Independence House Open Charity Golf Tournament is open for registration.

Please join Independence House for the 3rd Annual Independence House Open Charity Golf Tournament to take place on Monday, August 21st at Hyannis Golf Course. 

Fundraising efforts from this tournament will help Independence House provide free and confidential services to members of our community on Cape Cod who have been affected by domestic or sexual violence. 

Sponsors are greatly needed and appreciated.  Please support our sponsors who have signed on to help make this tournament a success and support our mission.

CONTESTS:
Hole-in-one:  Win a car
Hole-in-one:  Win $10,000
Closest to the Pin (M/F)
Longest Yard (M/F)


2017 BLANKET OF HOPE SPONSORS




2017 HOLE SPONSORS















West Village Elementary School presents a lesson in kindness to help survivors of abuse heal
On June 15th, over 120 second grade students of West Villages Elementary School in Marstons Mills presented a project to Independence House that provided gifts and kind words to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.   
The project was part of a grant that evolved around kindness and was awarded to the school's class by the Barnstable Educators Foundation (BEF).
The second graders, led by their teacher Kelly Burdge and other educators,  titled the project "The Color of Kindness."  Each student hand-dyed a silk scarf and created their own message on a gift bag about what kindness meant to them.  The bags were bestowed to Independence House during a special presentation that consisted of the students singing songs of kindness and talking about the importance of being kind. 
Each of the gifts were given to survivors of domestic or sexual violence. 

Confidential Message/Chat expands hours and is now on two Independence House website platforms

Independence House confidential chat/messenger is now available on both the Independence House website at www.independencehouse.org  and the Independence House Teen website at www.IHteens.org  from Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm  and additionally Monday -Thursday in the evenings from 7:00-9:00pm.

A domestic and sexual violence counselor is available to assist with questions you may have about intimate partner relationships, relationships with family members, and any form of abuse you feel you or someone you know may be experiencing. 

If you question whether you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, have safety concerns or need resources, please reach out to us safely and confidentially through our websites.

If you have concerns and prefer to speak with a live person on the telephone, our 24-hour hotline is available at 800.439.6507.

Thanks to all who visited the new Independence House Orleans office 
June 21st was the launch of a new Independence House location in Orleans with an open house for the community. Thank you to all of the businesses, residents and professionals who stopped in to welcome us and chat with counselors. 


The new office, which is expanded in size to better meet the needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors in the Lower Cape region is open 5 days per week.  

Appointments can be made by calling 508-771-6507.  Walk-ins are also welcome. 

The office can be found at: 
5 Namskaket Road, Orleans, MA. 
Hours are:
Monday 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday 11:00am-7:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am, and afternoons by appointment
Thursday 11:00am-7:00pm
Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. 

Confidential survey for individuals ages 50 and older who experienced abuse as a child

Confidential Survey

Independence House is conducting a survey for individuals who are ages 50 and older and who experienced abuse as a child.  The survey is about how your childhood experiences may have affected the life choices that you made growing up.  

The survey is part of a process to gather information for a "Cape Cod Prevention of Violence" conference to be held by 2019.
 
Your participation in the survey is completely confidential and anonymous.  We will not know who is completing the survey and do not ask for identifying information.  

We understand this is a very personal and sensitive topic.  If during the survey you find that reading or answering any of the questions triggers bad memories and you would like to speak with someone in confidence, please call the Independence House hotline at 800-439-6507.


TAKE THE SURVEY: 


Enough Abuse Campaign dates and how it helped one family 

General Public is Invited to Attend Two Important Forums on Child Sexual Abuse

The Enough Abuse Campaign is inviting the general public and all community members concerned about child sexual abuse to attend one or both forums which will contain a dialogue focusing on creating a community that protects children from child sexual abuse and makes perpetrators accountable for their actions related to child sexual abuse. 

The scheduled forums are on:
* Wednesday, July 12th at 7:00pm in the Falmouth Library, 300 Main Street in Falmouth (tentative), and 
* Wednesday, August 16th at 7:00pm at Massachusetts Mentor, 40 North Street in Hyannis.

Child sexual abuse is a national epidemic that happens here on Cape Cod, and is a crime. It leaves children traumatized, terrorized, feeling isolated and confused. It leads children to question their self-worth, often making unhealthy choices as they grow up, which can lead to poor physical and unhealthy, abusive relationships.

We cannot be ashamed to talk about it! Please join us for the conversation.

The Enough Abuse Campaign is a community effort through education, to intervene and prevent Child Sexual Abuse. The Campaign is a collaboration of Independence House, Cape Cod Neighborhood Support Coalition, Sturgis West Charter Public School, Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment, Massachusetts MENTOR, and private citizens.


How the Enough Abuse Campaign helped one family
 
A community member contacted us just a few weeks after she attended a training workshop about the Enough Abuse Campaign.  Mary (not her real name) shared with us that she had been talking on the phone to her sister, who lived out of state.  Her sister mentioned that her son came home from camp with a note from his counselor stating he would like to stay in touch with him.  Mary responded to her sister that she felt the request from the counselor was inappropriate and suggested she contact the director of the camp to let him know about the counselor's note.
 
Mary told us that it took a few phone calls to her sister to convince her to follow up about the note and that her sister did finally call the director of the camp, who confirmed the counselor's request was very inappropriate. 
 
We do not know what the counselor's intentions were.  What we do know is that that the counselor's action was a possible concern for the safety of her nephew.  Mary used the tools she learned in the Enough Abuse Campaign's Training Workshop and she was able to share those tools and education with her sister who effectively communicated with the camp director.
 
The Enough Abuse Campaign's goal is to educate the community, encourage communication, advocate for children's safety, and empower children to say "no" to unwanted attention of any kind.  For more information, contact Chris Morin at  [email protected] or call 508.771.6507.

The Listening Project
While Independence House serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence, we are also charged with its prevention.  Ending violence requires a multi-discipline approach to address the complexities and the need for solutions.

Throughout 2017, we are conducting the "Listening Project," an idea taken from the work of The Rural Southern Voice for Peace/The Listening Project.  This project will consist of a year-long process of interviews with people of all experiences, disciplines, ethnicities, sexual orientations and ages who have experienced, or know someone who has experienced, domestic or sexual violence.  We are listening, and want your thoughts on how the Cape Cod community can play a role in helping to prevent domestic and sexual violence. There will also be opportunities to be part of a focus group for this project.  By 2019, Independence House will be presenting a Violence Prevention Conference where the results from this year-long project will map out a plan to help stop domestic and sexual violence.

Participation in the Listening Project does not require you to be a client, former client, or have a relationship with Independence House. If you are interested in assisting us with an individual interview or being part of a focus group, please contact Chris Morin at [email protected] or call 508.771.6507 x230 for further information.  Confidentiality is assured.

Independence House in the Community
  • On May 5th, Independence House took part in Church Women United's Kindling Fires of Love event at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. 
  • In May, Independence House participated in Women's Health Week at Cape Cod Hospital by tabling and engaging with hospital staff and visitors. 
  • On May 10th, the Independence House Coordinator of Upper Cape Domestic and Sexual Violence Services facilitated a trauma informed mental health response training for law enforcement from across Cape Cod, which was held at the Dennis Police Department.
  • On May 11th, Independence House took part in the Truro Health Fair. 
  • On May 17, we had an important dialogue with clergy to discuss how to keep churches and synagogues safe for victims of domestic and sexual violence.  The successful event was co-sponsored by Independence House, St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Cape Cod Council of Churches and the Nauset Interfaith Association. 
  • On May 18, Independence House co-facilitated along with Behavioral Heath Innovators at the Youth Wellness Summit which took place at Cape Cod Community College. 
  • On June 9th, members of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) groups from nine Cape Cod High Schools wrapped up with an end-of-the-year celebration together with pizza and bowling at Ryan's Family Amusement. 
  • On June 15th, Independence House took part in the Kennedy Donovan Center Health Fair.
  • On June 15th, during Elder Abuse Awareness Day,  Independence House as member of the Cape Cod Elder Abuse Coalition helped co-host an event with the Yarmouth Senior Center that included a panel discussion about elder abuse.  The Cape Cod Elder Abuse Coalition also includes Bayada Home Health, The Yarmouth Senior Center, Emerald Physicians, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, Barnstable County Sheriff's Office and the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office. 
  • On June 16th, Independence House presented and displayed the Clothesline Project at the Mashpee Senior Center. 
  • On June 21st, Independence House facilitated a trauma informed training at the Hyannis Center for Title 9 Officers of Cape Cod Community College.
  • On June 22nd, Independence House hosted a social at the Truro Council on Aging. 
  • On June 28th, Independence House presented a program about The Enough Abuse Campaign to the Latham Center staff.
COMING UP:
  • On July 15th, Independence House will take part in the Cape Verdean Festival at Brooks Park in Harwich from 2:00-4:00pm. 
  • On July 22nd, Independence House will take part in the Mashpee Wampanoag's Tribal Health Fair at the Tribal Council office in Mashpee from 12:00-2:00pm.  The fair is to educate, promote and support mental health awareness.
  • From July 17th-23rd, Independence House will be set up in the Community Tent at the Barnstable Fair.  Children's face painting and other activities will be on hand as well as resources and give-aways. 

Groups and Counseling in the Community
SUMMER GROUP OFFERINGS:
  • Sexual Assault Support Group, Wednesday evenings, in Hyannis: This is an ongoing group providing a safe space for female adults who have been affected by sexual violence at any age. The group combines creative and relaxing activities allowing survivors to share their thoughts and feelings. Education and information is shared during the group, as well as, safe coping skills that can be easily utilized outside the group.  Interest in attendance: Contact Annie at [email protected]. 
  • Seeking Safety Group, Thursday afternoons, beginning July 20th, in Hyannis:  An 8 week group that is designed to continually integrate attention to trauma and substance abuse simultaneously to promote the most successful recovery possible. The curriculum used in this group was developed by Lisa Najavits and is used world-wide. Interest in attendance: Contact Liz at [email protected]. 
  • Empowerment by Language, Monday evenings, beginning July 10th, in Hyannis: This group is designed to assist individuals in gaining confidence as they navigate the various systems and resources in the community that assist with their needs and feel more empowered as they learn English as a second language during their healing from domestic or sexual violence. Interest in attendance: Contact Katia at [email protected]. 
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FALL: 

Independence House will be offering additional groups in the fall. Some examples of our groups include a Domestic Violence Support Group; Healthy Relationships for Children and Teens; Homicide Survivor Support Group; and Male Survivor Support Group. If you are interested in attending a group this fall, contact Nanci at [email protected]. 

ONGOING GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING AT LOCATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY: 
  • Independence House counselors provide weekly individualized counseling for those requesting services and are residents of Gosnold's Emerson House. 
  • An Independence House counselor is available at the following locations once a month to speak confidentially and in a private setting about any form of abuse they might be experiencing and to receive information and resources. 
       * Mashpee Senior Center, 2nd Friday of every month from 10:00am-12:00pm. 
       * Health Imperatives, 4th Thursday of every month from 1:00-3:00pm.
  • Independence House counselors provide weekly individualized counseling for those requesting services and are residents at The Village at Cataumet.
INDEPENDENCE HOUSE, INC.    
24-HOUR HOTLINE: 800-439-6507 

For appointments, please call Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm:
508-771-6507

MAIN OFFICE, HYANNIS:  160 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9am-5pm.  Walk-ins welcome. 

Other locations: 
FALMOUTH: 220 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Falmouth, MA 02540 
(Mon 9am-7pm, Tue 9am-5pm, Wed 9-11am or by appointment, Thu 9am-6pm,   Fri 9am-5pm, walk ins welcome)
ORLEANS: 5 Namskaket Rd. Unit 1, Orleans, MA 02653
(Mon 9am-5pm, Tue 11am-7pm, Wed 9-11am and afternoons by appointment, Thu 11am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm)
PROVINCETOWN: 2 Mayflower Ct., Provincetown, MA 02657 (Thursday by appointment)
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To assist with 209A abuse prevention orders and 258E harassment prevention orders, Independence House Court Advocates are available in ALL Cape Cod District and Probate Court Houses during normal court business hours. 
FALMOUTH DISTRICT COURT: 161 Jones Ave, Falmouth
ORLEANS DISTRICT COURT: 237 Rock Harbor Rd., Orleans
BARNSTABLE DISTRICT AND PROBATE COURT: 3195 Main (Court Complex), Barnstable
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Independence House Domestic Violence Advocates are available at the  following police departments:
YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Tues & Fri 9am-12pm 508-775-0445 x2181
FALMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Mon, Tues & Fri 8am-4pm 774-255-4527 x4550

Independence House is a long standing
member of  Jane Doe, Inc.

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