VOCA

I just got back from a fundraiser luncheon for Jewish Family and Children Services, specifically to benefit Shelter Without Walls program. While munching on some tasty food, I learned about a major funding cut from the Federal government's VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) fund as of this year forward, which affected Shelter Without Walls as well as many other organizations that help victims of violence crime in many areas. I won't go into all the details of the funding cuts, but you can read about them here.

VOCA money comes from Federal criminal fines rather than tax payer dollars and it was very easy to find thousands of websites complaining about the cut, but not many explaining the reason for decrease. At first I thought, "Hey, maybe there are finally less criminals!" and I got all excited, but then thought, "Wait, maybe they just aren't paying their fines...they are criminals after all. Could the judicial system be prosecuting less?" But then an ugly thought entered my head,"Uh-oh, perhaps the money is going somewhere else".

Based on claims I've found online, the money is being used to offset deficit spending, which seems to be a generic term that can mean pretty much anything at this historical period in time. Across the virtual country, alarms are going off that VOCA money, promised to victims of violent crime, won't be available anymore to current programs as of 2010. Personally, I think the set up of VOCA for its correct purpose is brilliant and the loss of funds is morally wrong; however, there is always a silver lining if you look hard enough.

Not to be a Pollyanna, but first, I really don't think our government is that heartless to leave victims without resources and I doubt the public would stand for it. Second, we are fortunate enough to live in a country with freedom to create and direct what and where our programs are going and how they are funded. A return to grassroots efforts and sizing down could be a good thing to stimulate passions for a cause, run things more efficiently, and think outside the box for fundraising and operations. For instance: some nonprofits are so massive, they are middle-management between organizations and the public. (Yes you should always check to see how much of your hard earned donations are actually going to the people who need the services) Sounds a little corporate, yes? Another example: some organizations are pretty top heavy in management and could use a bit o' weight loss. From my own experience, running a nonprofit is still running a business and it takes money to operate, staff, and expand. I wouldn't know much as I have worked and saved to fund Bravery Project, but now that I am looking for external funding sources, I can see how frustrating this money problem can become.

I feel tremendously for those organizations who scrape by on Federal matches and grants that are slowly dwindling to dust. Obtaining donations is difficult too because everyone is suffering economically right now, but there is a business model that is working brilliantly for one organization. I'll tell you about in a later post. Here's a hint: Free Enterprise.

VOCA
Shelter Without Walls
Rueters:President Bush Requests Funding Cuts That Endanger Domestic Violence Victims

Reception and Updates

For those of you who made it last week to the Bravery Reception at Fresh Start, thank you! It was a very long day of hanging artwork, preparing food, setup, and nerves. Overall, a great success in my book with one exception: Due to running the event, I didn't get to spend much time with the visitors, especially the Bravery survivors. Now that I have experience behind the scenes at these events, the next time will certainly be easier and better.

The people who volunteered to help me were absolutely wonderful. The speakers, Faustine Chan and Lisa Kim, did great and Maria Elena Ochoa is a warm and very nice individual with an amazing track record for helping the underpriviledged groups of the community. I was so honored to have her there. She even presented Bravery with a proclamation signed by Governor Janet Napolitano, testifying that our elected officials do pay attention to our efforts to help others. It may not seem like it sometimes, but everything we do makes a difference and especially when we try to make work easier by taking action in the community.

If you didn't make it to the reception and want to see the artwork, 20 pieces will be on display until the 24th of October and 9 pieces are in the MCC Library lobby until the 31st of Oct.

Updates

We are slowly getting in some donations, but not much. We are less than 20% of our donation goal unfortunately, but the state of the economy is working against all fundraising efforts everywhere. A little something is better than nothing.

You may have noticed that the online auction items have dwindled off in part due to companies backing out of donations at this time and due to Ebay policies on gift certificates. Currently, one item is a portrait of yourself for a fraction of what it would normally cost. Next week will conclude the final listing, so take a look.

There are some very exciting projects coming down the pike that you are sure to enjoy, so please stay with me as I resume this blog and continue to think and work creatively.

DV Awareness Activities

There are lots of events happening now that Domestic Violence Awareness has begun.

One event that I must mention was the Herberger showing of Domestic Violence...the Musical? Since working with John and Linda King, I was very excited to see the performance on Sept. 22nd and it was awesome. Please take a look at the website and the photos from that show. I strongly encourage you to bring this one hour enlightenment to your community. It's one of the most powerful ways to teach people "why she doesn't just leave".



A very fun event that Bravery had the opportunity to participate in was the Girls Night Out at Dolce Salon and Spa, Arrowhead location in Peoria. What a fun night that was. Little did I know that we would be hosted at a three story building with a live band on top with wine and food, musician at the first floor with spa services, and a Bravery gallery on the second floor. It was a wonderful evening with a program featuring Ali Vincent, the first female winner, of the hit TV show The Biggest Loser.

Although the evening sports lots of girly activity, GNO is important because it raises money for programs that provide shelter and services to victims. So far there are 12 of them happening this month around the country. Way to Go!

Coming up next Monday is the Mesa Community College Domestic Violence Awareness Conference that you all should definitely visit. Visit the webpage that features the program with all the workshops and keynote. This is going to be a knockout experience. It's a community event open to the everyone and I guarantee you will learn something new and interesting about domestic violence. Additionally, 9 of the original portraits from Bravery are on display in the lobby of the Paul Elsner Library throughout October.


I have decided to add a little more to my plate and participate in the Purple Ribbon Study Circles that was created by the Purple Ribbon Councel. This is a pilot program in which community and industry people come together for one meeting a week for one month and discuss the issues about domestic violence and how to help solve them. YES! It takes only a couple of hours a week and refreshments are provided. I will write about this more in upcoming posts as it's an important tool for problem solving. If you are interested in more information about it and want to participate, please email Sowmya Ayyer.

Speaking of which, stay tuned because after the events are over, I will be sharing a lot of new useful information gleaned from all of these activities. In the meantime, I hope to see you.