by terry | Feb 23, 2024 | volunteer opportunities
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent communication and organizational skills; cultural competence and ability to interact with various publics; excellent interpersonal skills; must demonstrate professionalism with sound judgment and a high degree of responsibility, particularly as it relates to confidentiality. A reliable automobile with insurance and a valid driver’s license is required.
REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault. Provide personal advocacy, safety planning, and follow-up services to victims as needed.
2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members including law enforcement, health department, and forensic nurse examiners.
3. Provide on-call coverage as needed during non-business, holiday and weekend hours.
4. Respond to crisis calls at hospitals and law enforcement centers.
5. Provide monthly and quarterly reports and statistics required for grant to supervisor.
6. Adhere to the organization’s code of ethics, policies and procedures, code of conduct and confidentiality, and agency-wide employee standards.
7. Understand and support the mission and purpose of Women and Children’s Horizons, Inc.
8. Participate in supervision, meetings, training, and workshops as necessary.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
by terry | Feb 11, 2024 | main marketing message, News
Thanks to everyone who attended our Unmasked Mardi Gras Ball. We had an amazing night with vibrant costumes, lively music, and unforgettable memories. Your support and presence made this event a remarkable success, and we are grateful for your continued support in our mission to empower and uplift women and children in Kenosha. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to make a difference. Women & Children’s Horizons of Kenosha – Empowering Change, Nurturing Hope.
Let’s Roam offers a diverse range of scavenger hunt experiences to suit every occasion and interest. Choose from city exploration, bar crawls, ghost tours, art walks, date night packages, and more. We’re always adding new adventures to keep your curiosity ignited.
Check out LetsRoam.com to start your adventure here Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam
by terry | Jan 10, 2024 | main marketing message, News
Join us for a night of revelry and excitement at the Vault At Historic 625 in Kenosha, WI, USA. Get ready to let loose and celebrate Mardi Gras like never before! This in-person event promises an unforgettable experience filled with incredible auction items, music, dancing, and delicious food. Put on your most extravagant mask and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned partygoer or new to the Mardi Gras spirit, this gala is the perfect opportunity to have a blast with friends and make new memories. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night! All proceeds benefit Women and Children’s Horizons.
Let’s Roam offers a diverse range of scavenger hunt experiences to suit every occasion and interest. Choose from city exploration, bar crawls, ghost tours, art walks, date night packages, and more. We’re always adding new adventures to keep your curiosity ignited.
Check out LetsRoam.com to start your adventure here Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam
by terry | Sep 28, 2023 | main marketing message
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by terry | Jul 27, 2023 | main marketing message
by terry | Jul 21, 2023 | News
Congratulations! Your student graduated! Before you know it, you’ll be moving your student to campus with twin XL sheets, shower caddies, and mini-fridges in tow. There are many important conversations to have with your student this summer – and consent needs to be one of them.
Sexual assault is prevalent right here in Kenosha. Over a million people statewide were affected last year, according to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. In Kenosha County, 17.7% of women reported being the victim of rape, while 41.3% of women and 23.7% of men reported being victims of other forms of unwanted sexual contact. That means, almost one-quarter of men and almost one-half of women in our county have experienced some form of sexual assault.
According to a study by Dr. Campbell at Michigan State University, survivors are unlikely to report. And 80% were unlikely to report at all after their first negative interaction –whether with family or friends, law enforcement, or campus staff – because they felt blamed, depressed, anxious, or “not heard.” The Neurobiology of Sexual Assault (2005, rev 2018).
Of everthing you’ll tell your student this summer, these two are musts:
1. You have a right to consent, and to withdraw your consent, at any time.
Do not ask questions like—But what were you wearing? Did you say NO? What did you do to lead her on? Why were you out so late at night? Why didn’t you take a friend to that party? Why did you let him buy you a drink? And so on. These questions shift blame for an assault on what the survivor did, rather than the perpetrator’s decision to act intentionally. And the fact is, sexual assault is an intentional act – it is no one’s fault but the perpetrator’s.
2. If you were assaulted, there are free resources to help you.
Federal law requires your campus to provide you services. These include a thorough, fair investigation, a right to report, and a neutral advocate to advise you. WCH provides these services for free on and off campus for survivors year-round.
Encourage the student to seek professional support from agencies like WCH, which operates a 24/7 crisis line and provides free services irrespective of income.
Keep the blame on the perpetrator by reassuring the survivor that nothing the survivor did – not the clothing worn, not the place of a date, not what the survivor said, or ate, or drank – caused the perpetrator to act.
Practice what you preach –actively promote healthy relationship boundaries for your student to model.
Finally, educate yourself. There are several free resources available online with WCASA, MSU, and our agency, to help you.
If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault, contact us for free, confidential support 24/7 at 262-652-9900.
by terry | Jul 17, 2023 | main marketing message
by terry | Jul 12, 2023 | News
The Kenosha Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $56,600 to 18 nonprofit organizations conducting programming in Kenosha County.
The awards ranged between $1,000-$4,500 and derive from an investment pool reserved for unrestricted grantmaking. Successful proposals reflected responsive educational, arts and nature-based programming, to “bricks and mortar” building repairs.
According to Executive Director, Amy Greil, “This year’s 25 grant applications made for a rigorously competitive grant cycle. We extend ‘thanks’ to the diverse applicants for sharing information and insights into current day needs and priorities. Likewise, the KCF grants committee merits special appreciation for the extensive time commitment required to arrive at these determinations. Fortunately, some of KCF’s legacy donors had the foresight to direct their financial gifts toward unrestricted endowment funds—the fund “type” most desirable—so that KCF has this perpetual source of funds for competitive grantmaking. I am confident that the 2023 grant awards will leave outsized impacts, cutting across all segments of our community.
To learn more about the 2023 Unrestricted Funds grants awards or if interested in making a contribution to the pool of grant funds available for distribution, visit the KCF website or reach out to office staff.
The Kenosha Community Foundation, organized in 1926 as a tax-exempt public charity, actively manages permanent endowments established by individuals, families, and business organizations. The Community Foundation manages over $14 million in endowment funds and awarded over $750,000 in grants, scholarships, sponsorships, and gifts to Kenosha area not-for-profit organizations and students in 2020.
by terry | Apr 12, 2023 | News
But what were you wearing? This question, and many like it, haunt us every April. Did you say NO? What did you do to lead her on? Why were you out so late at night? Why didn’t you take a friend to that blind date? Why did you let him buy you a drink? And so on. They shift blame for an assault on what the survivor did, rather than the perpetrator’s decision to act intentionally.
Sexual assault is an intentional act. It does not matter what the survivor did. Period.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year is SAAM’s 22nd anniversary. SAAM’s goals are to raise awareness about the prevelance of sexual assault, educate communities, workplaces, and college campuses on proactive steps to stop assaults before they happen, and promote support for survivors.
In Kenosha County, our statistics are staggering. Sexual violence impacts nearly a million people in Wisconsin annually, according to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. In Kenosha County, 17.7% of women reported being the victim of rape in the last reporting period, while 41.3% of women and 23.7% of men reported being the victim of other forms of unwanted sexual contact. That means, almost one quarter of men and almost one half of women in our county have experienced some form of sexual assault.
According to a study by Dr. Campbell at Michigan State University, survivors are unlikely to report. In the study, 80% of survivors were unlikely to report their assault after one negative interaction –whether it was with family or friends, law enforcement, or the courts – because they felt blamed, depressed, anxious, or “not heard.” That means, only 20% felt likely to move forward with a report after their assault – and even less actually followed through. The Neurobiology of Sexual Assault (2005, rev 2018).
What can you do? First, encourage the survivor to seek professional support from agencies like Women and Children’s Horizons, which operates a 24/7 crisis line and provides free services irrespective of income. Second, speak with the survivor supportively, such as by asking what you can do to make the survivor feel safe and how you can help the survivor seek professional support. Third, keep the blame on the perpetrator by reassuring the survivor that nothing the survivor did – not the clothing worn, not the place of a date, not what the survivor said, or ate, or drank – caused the perpetrator to act. Fourth, practice what you preach –actively promote healthy relationship boundaries. Finally, educate yourself. There are several free resources available online with SAAM, WCASA, and MSU, and our agency, to help you.
SAAM’s goal is to change behaviors and promote respect – and that starts with you. The more we support our survivors, the more likely survivors are to report to law enforcement and perpetrators are to be held accountable.
If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault, contact us for free, confidential support 24/7 at 262-652-9900.
by terry | Apr 12, 2023 | News
You or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Right here in Kenosha County.
This isn’t a pleasant topic to discuss. Or a family-friendly one. Because domestic violence isn’t.
But, it’s a necessary one.
Nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime.
Locally, our rates rose sharply, too. According to the Violence Policy Center’s November 2022 report, Wisconsin ranks the 8th highest state in the country for domestic violence related homicides. And according to the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Homicide Report from September 2022, Kenosha County saw the second highest increase in one year –250%.
What do you do about it?
Women and Children’s Horizons is the oldest domestic violence services provider in Wisconsin. We have served the community since 1976. We provide shelter, crisis support, legal and personal advocacy, and a host of financial help to victims, training to agencies, and outreach, all free. We are out in the community and on social media spreading awareness about our mission daily.
Every. Single. Day.
Because if we don’t unmask domestic violence, we can’t confront it. Or stop it.
There are several things you can do, too – starting now:
1. Volunteer – if you are a lawyer, a therapist, a financial planner, a doctor, a childcare provider, a contractor, even someone willing to lend a supporting hand, we have clients who need you.
2. Attend and promote events -the bigger the crowd, the better the reach of our mission.
3. Hold abusers accountable – without accountability, consequences are drastic. 85% of women will be revictimized after age 44. The rates for men are similar. The Department of Labor reports that victims of domestic violence lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the U.S., resulting in a $1.8 billion loss in productivity for employers.
So, don’t mask it as a “family problem.” It isn’t. It’s everyone’s.
WCH also hosts several events that are family-friendly. In February is our first Mardi Gras gala in person since the pandemic. “Unmask Abuse” starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, February 25th, at St. Joseph Catholic School in Kenosha. You can sponsor, donate, or, best of all, join us for drinks, dinner, games, and fancy-dressing as we have fun and raise funds for this mission.
For more information and to purchase tickets, see the events page at www.wchkenosha.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call us 24/7 for free, confidential help at 262 652 9900.
