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Coalition Connection
Your Weekly Source of News, Training Opportunities, and Events
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Through a collective voice, the WCADVSA is committed to provide leadership, education, and systems advocacy to advance social change and end violence. | |
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Welcome to your weekly edition of the Coalition Connection!
Are you having difficulty viewing this e-mail or do you feel like you are missing some of the information in the Connection? If so, click here for help.
We will highlight important information in this section each week in red that requires your action or attention. This week's highlights include:
Opportunity
- WCADVSA Staff Attorney Position (Fort Washakie)
- WCADVSA Staff Attorney Position (Casper)
Our Work
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Register for the Winter WCADVSA Membership Meetings - February 23 - 25, 2022.
- Save the Date - Spring WCADVSA Membership Meeting - May 11- 13, 2022.
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Program Support Calls resume February 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
- WCADVSA Laramie Office Hours Reminder
- 2022 ERAP Updates
- 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
- Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
Policy Updates
- WY Division of Victim Services Request for Proposals
Training and Events
- Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
- Virtual "Weekend" of Recovery for Survivors - January 22 & 29
- PREA 101 - Spring 2022 Applications Open! Apply by February 11, 2022.
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OVC Materials for Trafficked Youth – A Journey Through (And Beyond) the Legal System, January 24, 2022
- QPR training for students
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Q&A Session: Understanding and Communicating with Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking, January 27, 2022
- Don’t Forget the Pets Virtual Workshop, January 31 – February 1, 2022
Resources
- Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
- Brave Conversations: Immigration Guide and Toolkit
Spotlight: January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month!
- Governor Gordon Signs Proclamation
- Look inside the Nation Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
- Read Heyrick Research's latest article on how impact data effects deterrents for sex buying
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WCADVSA Membership Meeting
Register for our Winter Meeting
Please join us for the Winter Membership Meeting February 23 - 25, 2022 via Zoom. We truly regret that we cannot meet in person. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the risk of infection and spread, restrictions from grant funders, and finding facilities with staff and capacity to accommodate our group.
Proposed Agenda
Wednesday, February 23, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 24, 8:45 - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, February 25, 8:45 -12:30 p.m.
Click here to register for the Winter Membership Meeting.
Save the Date for our Spring Meeting
Please join us for the Spring Membership Meeting May 11-13, 2022 at the Ramkota in Casper, WY. This in person meeting with follow the Division of Victim Services mandatory meeting May 10 - 11, 2022. Agenda and registration information coming soon.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org.
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WCADVSA Program Support Calls
Held first Tuesday of every month
at 1:00 pm via Zoom
Program Support Calls are an opportunity for DVSA program directors (or their designee) to connect with other programs and WCADVSA staff. Calls will resume on February 1, 2022 and Jason Petry from DVS will join to answer questions about the Request for Proposals for SFY 2023 & 2024.
Click Zoom link to join (it will be emailed directly to member program directors). Contact Kristen at kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org with any questions or problems connecting.
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WCADVSA Office Hours Reminder
WCASVSA Laramie Office is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you are unable to reach WCADVSA staff at (307) 755-5481, please let Kristen at kschwartz@wyomingdvsa.org or Tiffany at te-m@wyomingdvsa.org know. The majority of staff are in office full time, and some work a hybrid schedule splitting time between home and office to reduce the risk of full office exposure, quarantine and/or closure.
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2022 Emergency Rental Assistance Funding (ERAP) Updates
WCADVSA received ERAP funding from the WY Department of Family Services designated for providing housing stability services to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. The U.S. Treasury defines housing stability services as those services which "enable eligible households to maintain or obtain housing” and recognizes that survivors of domestic abuse or human trafficking may require specialized services to support their ability to access and maintain housing. The goals of this grant opportunity are to provide eligible households with every opportunity to successfully remain safely in their homes, support communities to maintain and build capacity to assist eligible households and keep eligible households safely and stably housed.
Funding Update
ERAP has reallocated $1M of to the Northern Arapaho Tribal Housing Program.
As of January 14, ERAP has approved a total of 6,507 applications, paying a total of $16.5M in assistance. Of the rental payments, $12.9M went to landlords, $2.5M went to renters and $1M to utilities. To see county specific information, click here to see the map.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides legal aid services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Call 307-755-0992 or visit wyomingdvsa.org/legal-program.
ERAP Housing Stability Services - Request for Applications
The Department of Family Services is seeking qualified Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide both Housing Stability Services and Application Assistance/Case Management Services to eligible households to maintain or obtain housing through ERAP. DFS shall accept applications from any nonprofit or branch of local government only. Applications must be received on or before January 31, 2022.
Please contact Karla McClaren at karla.mcclaren@wyo.gov for technical assistance or questions regarding this proposal.
ERAP Resources
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Online: Learn more about ERAP online at dfs.wyo.gov/erap.
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In Person: If you need assistance with an application, there are community based organizations set up in each county to provide help. (Click here for an updated list)
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Via Phone: The call center is open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday. The toll-free number is 1-877-WYO-ERAP (1-877-996-3727).
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Flyer: Download the ERAP flyer to learn more about the program and to share with those who may be interested in the program. Download here
If you have any questions or would like more immediate information, contact Angie at afessler@wyomingdvsa.org.
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2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program
The WCADVSA Transitional Housing Assistance Program is purposed to increase housing options, support service resources, and address barriers relevant to the delivery of transitional housing services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking
in Wyoming rural communities and within the Wind River Indian Reservation.
This program will primarily focus on supporting the needs of survivors who are Native American, older people, persons with disabilities, persons who are Limited-English-Proficient, persons who are immigrants, and/or survivors within extreme rural areas.
For more information about program requirements, working with participants and providing services, and accessing and utilizing this assistance please review the 2020-2023 Transitional Housing Assistance Program Policy.
Funds for the 2020-2023 grant cycle have all been pledged.
Contact Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist for technical assistance.
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Funds to Reduce Education, Employment, and Job Training Barriers for Survivors
With support from The Allstate Foundation, the WCADVSA has funds to support education, employment, and job training barriers for survivors. These funds can be used to help support survivors in obtaining G.E.D.s, job skills training, certifications, licenses, continuing education, education/job-related supplies such as uniforms, tools, and/or other equipment, transportation-related support, etc.
If your program is offering training on the Allstate Moving Ahead Curriculum or other economic empowerment training, you may request funds to support and encourage survivor participation such as offering food and/or childcare during economic empowerment events or gas gift cards for survivors to get to the training.
Member programs may also inquire about offering scholarships to help support survivor participation in job training programs such as CLIMB Wyoming.
Funds must be spent by June 30, 2022. We have approximately $11,581 remaining. Remaining funds will be pledged on a first come first serve basis. To request funds, please submit an Allstate Barrier Reduction Request Form. Once your request has been approved, your program will pay expenses upfront and then you can request reimbursement by submitting an Allstate Barrier Reduction Reimbursement Form.
While it is not required for participants to utilize the Allstate Moving Ahead curriculum to access these funds, financial planning and management is a life-long process and this online curriculum is designed for domestic violence survivors and can help provide the guidance and tools needed to make important financial decisions and work toward gaining long-term financial security.
If you have any questions, please connect with Trish Worley
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WYOMING OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
DIVISION OF VICTIM SERVICES Request for Proposals
for SFY 2023 & 2024
All proposals must be submitted to the Division of Victim Services no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
The Wyoming Division of Victim Services (DVS) is soliciting proposals for state fiscal years 2023 (7/1/22 – 6/30/23) & 2024 (7/1/23 – 6/30/24) from public and private non-profit agencies and organizations that serve victims of crime in Wyoming. Proposals will be funded through the Violence Against Women Act, the Victims of Crime Act, the Family Violence Prevention Services Act, and state general funds for the purpose of providing services to victims of crime in Wyoming.
More information regarding the application process including eligibility, allowable expenses, and reporting requirements can be found in the DVS Subgrantee Administrator’s Guide Book, located on the DVS website at https://dvs.wyo.gov/home, on the Funding page.
For more information contact DVS at 307-777-7200.
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Wyoming Webinars, Training and Events | |
Transitional Housing Voluntary Services Training E-Learning
The NNEDV Voluntary Services Training in 2021 will be completed through an e-learning module. MOU partners (WCADVSA member programs) are encouraged to participate in the e-learning module if they are providing direct services. There is no limit on the number of staff who can take this e-learning course. But at least one person needs to complete the courses for the agency.
There are 8 lessons available. In total, you'll need to view 6 lessons to complete the training requirement. There are 5 mandatory lessons in Track A and 3 elective lessons in Track B. At least 1 lesson from Track B must be completed to meet the minimum lesson requirement.
Click this link to find the registration page. When you register, you will automatically be registered for both Tracks A and B and you will have access to all eight lessons. When you register, you'll be asked to create a username and password that is unique for you. Each person, who wants to take the course, should enroll separately. That way the certificate generates with your name on it.
The e-learning platform will track your progress. You can start, pause, and restart all of the lessons. Once you've viewed all of the lessons in Track A, and the lesson(s) you want to view in Track B, you'll need to complete the Course Completion Certification to obtain a certificate. In that quiz, you'll note the lesson(s) you viewed, and then click the "Print Your Certificate" button.
Please email a copy of your certificate to Trish Worley, Economic Justice Specialist
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National Webinars, Training and Events | |
Virtual "Weekend" of Recovery for Survivors January 22 & 29
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, please join us January 22 and January 29 for Two, dynamic consecutive sessions for women and non-binary survivors.
With music, movement, art and small group process, these Virtual Workshops will offer participants an opportunity to learn new tools to become more mindful and feel safer in their bodies. They will be heard with respect and compassion, and explore how to communicate about the changes they make in their lives and in their process of recovery. But most importantly, they will have the opportunity to feel safe in the company of other survivors and within themselves as they discover the power of community in healing.
Click here for more information and to register. Scholarships are available.
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Applications for the Spring 2022 delivery of PREA 101 are open!
PREA 101 is a FREE 15-week online training opportunity scheduled to begin on Monday, April 4, 2022 and will end on Fiday, July 22, 2022. PREA 101 is designed to train and guide participants to understand and implement the PREA Standards. This online training opportunity is designed to help PREA professionals prepare their facilities for a PREA audit and carry out long-term implementation of the PREA Standards. PREA 101 is best suited for those whose work focuses directly on ensuring sexual safety in a corrections or detention facility or agency.
The course requires approximately 4 engagement hours each week from the participant, including both self-paced and scheduled engagement.
The competitive application for this training closes on Friday, February 11, 2022. Please visit the PREA Academy page on the PRC website to learn more about this training opportunity and to apply.
For more information about PREA 101 and the key features, learning objectives, course requirements, and schedule please click here.
To apply to the PREA 101 course, complete the application found here.
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OVC Materials for Trafficked Youth – A Journey Through (And Beyond) the Legal System January 24
On Monday, January 24, 2022, as part of our commemoration of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, join Offices for Victims of Crime (OVC) for a virtual release of three graphic novels to support youth who have experienced human trafficking as they navigate the justice system.
Register now to hear from OVC staff, the project team from the Center of Court Innovation, a lived experience expert, and a professional who has used the materials. They’ll discuss how these graphic novels could be helpful to young victims of trafficking, as they often present in and interact with the judicial system in unique ways.
Date: Monday, January 24, 2022
Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.MT)
Click here for more information and to register.
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Wyoming QPR Initiative
Question.Persuade.Refer.
Three Steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.
The Department of Health has pre-purchased specialized QPR training for any Wyoming resident!
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. The Wyoming QPR Initiative provides quality education to empower all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
Please email Megan Selheim, megan.selheim@wyo.gov if you have questions.
Click here to register. To see which courses are available click here.
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Q&A Session Understanding and Communicating with
Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking
Date: January 27, 2022
Time: 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time
Learn how to implement practices that will allow you to better understand and communicate with youth survivors of sex trafficking through this live question-and-answer session. Judge Romero and Toni McKinley will discuss how judges and court staff can enhance their practice of Understanding and Communicating with Youth Survivors of Sex Trafficking.
Click here to register.
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Don’t Forget the Pets Virtual Workshop
Date: January 31st and February 1st
Time: Both days are 12 PM - 4 PM (EST)
Location: Zoom Video Communications
RedRover and Greater Good Charities are hosting a FREE 2 half-day online training, exploring ways to create and sustain pet-friendly programs at shelters.
The training is geared for domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and animal shelters interested in collaborating to support people in crisis and pet-friendly programs.
During this training explore:
- Ways to create and sustain pet-friendly programs
- How to apply for funds from Greater Good Charities and RedRover
- How to design your pet-friendly program
- The importance of the human-animal bond on recovery, child welfare, and PTSD sustainability
There are only 25 available spots for this training, so don't wait, register today!
Click here to learn more and register.
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Click here to view a variety of upcoming webinars, national training, and conferences. | | | |
Brave Conversations: Immigration Guide and Toolkit
Families Belong Together put together a "Brave Conversations" guide to encourage and support folks in having hard but necessary conversations about immigration.
The guide covers tips on engaging with conflict productively, examples of how to respond to common problematic ideas about immigrants/immigration, and helpful facts to pull from. We also have a social toolkit (with great GIFs!) to use for distribution.
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Introducing the Student Survivor Toolkit
We are excited to announce that we have launched the Equal Rights Advocates Student Survivor Toolkit last week as a new resource for student survivors, advocates, and allies. It is available on our website here as a PDF.
The Toolkit is a comprehensive 70 page guide written by student survivors, Title IX experts, attorneys, restorative justice practitioners, and community organizers. It includes guides to the Title IX process, survivor-centered self-care practices, advice for Muslim and LGBTQ+ survivors, and more.
We are reaching out to you, our trusted colleagues, collaborators, and student ambassadors, to share Equal Rights Advocates’ Student Survivor Toolkit and utilize and share it as a resource for continued student survivor advocacy. From its inception, the Toolkit has been a project for survivors by survivors. It has grown into a powerful body of work that we are thrilled to share with you.
If you or someone you know wants to know more about their rights and options, please schedule an appointment to speak with a legal advocate at Equal Rights Advocates. Please email advice@equalrights.org or fill out our online form here.
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We are excited to share with you a new data collection system -- Vela!
Our Coalition has partnered with Element 74 in using Coalition Manager, and they recently worked with advocates to create a new data collection system to meet local organizations unique needs.
With Vela you are able to track hotline calls, services, activities, generate true one-click data reports for major funders automatically generate your timesheet, and so much more. Vela is offered as a HUD comparable database, and meets or exceeds confidentiality standards.
Vela is worth looking into if you're considering adopting a new platform.
Click here to schedule a demo: https://calendly.com/veladirect/demo
Click here to view more information: www.veladirect.com
Please connect with Katie at Katie@veladirect.com with any questions!
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January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month!
On January 9, 2022, Governor Gordon signed a proclamation declaring January Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month. Director Cara Boyle Chambers and many members of the Division of Victims Services attended this historic day. To view the proclamation, click here.
Governor Gordon said in a Facebook post later that day, "It’s important to recognize that [human trafficking] is occurring in Wyoming and that victims and survivors come from all backgrounds. I want to thank both those who have had the courage to speak up and bring this forward, and our community partners throughout the state that are raising awareness and providing prevention education.”
On December 3rd, the Biden Administration updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. Originally released in 2020, the Plan has been revised to integrate the Administration’s commitments to gender and racial equity, workers’ rights, fair trade, and support for underserved communities.
To learn more about the National Action Plan please review the following resources:
Heyrick Research has come out with a new article about how the lack of impact data hinders efforts to deter sex buying. They review existing deterrents for sex buying and what has been tried already, and give examples of essential research questions to quantifiably measure the impact of deterrent initiatives.
Click here to read the article.
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