June Highlights at MSP: Enhancing Our Programs & Services

June 2024 Newsletter

Friends,

June has brought a whirlwind of activity to MSP! We're thrilled to share that MSP is expanding our corporate giving program, soaking up fresh insights from the Coalition's DVACT training, and diving headfirst into community activities.

Enhancing Our Corporate Giving Program

We are profoundly grateful for this year's corporate and group sponsors, whose generous support sustains our core programming and enables us to expand our wrap-around services to survivors of domestic violence.

View Our Partners

Committed partnerships allows MSP to further enhance our comprehensive supports, such as building our in-house Workforce Development Program, giving cash assistance to families through our Fresh Start Fund, and providing personalized financial education for clients.

Learn more about our current Corporate Giving Program partners and how you can join our program at https://www.mysistersplacedc.org/corporate-giving/

DVACT

This month, several MSP advocates and administrative staff members attended the Domestic Violence Advocate Core Competency Training (DVACT) hosted by the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV). This intensive 40-hour training spanned one month and granted Advocate Privilege to those attending all sessions, a requirement for all MSP staff. The sessions significantly enhanced MSP's capabilities as a service provider by building staff advocacy skills, raising awareness of current challenges facing service providers, and resource-sharing with partner organizations to cover service delivery gaps in the field.

Staff comments:

"Attending the Domestic Violence Advocate Core Competency Training (DVACT) was an invaluable experience. I now feel better equipped to support survivors and assist survivor-facing employees in navigating their roles effectively. I am grateful that MSP prioritizes professional development, enabling us all to make a greater impact." -Amanda

"DVACT was a great opportunity to network with other service providers in the local community. The information staff received on changes to DV laws, best practices, and community resources will help MSP continue to build on our current programming and provide a higher level of service to our clients." -Krista

"I thoroughly enjoyed the DVACT training, especially the session on Serving Deaf & HOH Survivors and understanding what domestic violence awareness and advocacy look like in their communities. It was incredibly insightful and broadened my perspective on these communities' unique challenges and needs." -Angela

World Bank

We were delighted to join the World Bank at their Volunteer Awareness Expo, where MSP connected with over 30 community nonprofit partners, including DASH (District Alliance for Safe Housing).

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our services and engage with attendees passionate about empowering survivors.

What does success look like at MSP?

An Advocate's Experience

Reflecting on her work at MSP, our Children's Program Manager, Cris, shared a touching story from one of her clients. Rita* arrived in critical condition at our shelter and faced repeated rejections from lawyers unwilling to take her immigration case. Because of Cris's persistent advocacy in finding her representation despite the odds, Rita's journey swiftly progressed from critical condition to having both legal support and housing for the next two years! Rita expressed to Cris that her mental and emotional support were invaluable while waiting for answers. Cris emphasized,

“I always give {my client} hope even in moments when we only hear a "No," and I would stay positive. I am going home happy knowing she is supported."

Cris’s positive dedication continues to inspire us all. At MSP, success means making a real difference in the lives of those we serve, even in the face of adversity.

*Names changed for survivor confidentiality.