SUMMER 2018

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#WEAREHERE

We are here to listen, not to work miracles.

We are here to help people discover what they are feeling, not to make the feelings go away.

We are here to help a person identify their options, not to decide for them what they should do.

We are here to discuss steps with a person,not to take the steps for them.

We are here to help a person discover their own strength, not to rescue them and leave them still vulnerable.

We are here to help a person discover they can help themselves, not to take responsibility for them.

We are here to help people learn to choose, not to make it unnecessary for them to make difficult choices.

We are here to provide support for change.

#WEAREHERE

DIRECTOR’S LETTERThis time of year reminds me of two important things - growth and resiliency. Not only in the natural environment which surrounds us, but in those we have the honor of working with each and every day. We recently celebrated over 1000 girls who crossed the finish line of the 2018 Girls on the Run 5k. We watched our incredible interns

graduate and launch into their new careers. And daily, we witness survivors who show growth and resiliency as they overcome insurmountable barriers and achieve their goals. This is also the time of year we see a growth in demand for our services. In just the last 3 months, our surrounding community experienced three domestic violence related homicides. Not only is this unacceptable, it is also preventable. You’ve heard us saying #WeAreHere loud and clear. Not only are we here for survivors and their children, but also for families and friends impacted by domestic violence. We also train employers so they are equipped to respond to domestic violence when it shows up in the workplace. We educate faith communities to not only recognize domestic violence but to also create a safe and confidential environment for individuals to disclose. We are here to help YOU feel better equipped to recognize and respond to domestic and sexual violence.

We are here because you are here walking alongside us. For that, we thank you.

In Solidarity,

Beth Larsen, Executive Director

The Center’s mission is to respond to, reduce, and prevent domestic and sexual violence. This mission will be achieved through education, collaboration, and advocacy, with crisis and supportive services to victims and survivors.

Email: mail@cwitmi.orgWebsite: www.cwitmi.org

Executive Director:Beth Larsen

Board of DirectorsPresident: Vicki RosenbergVice President: Jean Martin, Ph.D., RNSecretary & Treasurer: Sandra TrammellPast President: Diane YbarraTracy BrinksMichael BrownSue FlemingColleen HillMat NguyenPaul PruittCarol SarosikChristine WrightDiane Ybarra

The Center for Women in Transition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Find Us on Instagram!We recently established an agency Instagram

page, designed to keep you in the loop about

violence prevention activities (although you

might catch a couple photos from agency

celebrations in there too!). Find us at

www.instagram.com/wmi_cwit

Welcome new staff!Camelia Witt, BASW, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Camelia is the youngest of four girls. Growing up, she lived on a farm, meaning she’s not afraid of hard work and doing things outdoors. She considers herself a country girl at heart. But wherever the people she loves are is usually where she is happiest. The first question she often gets when people find out she’s from Hawaii; “why did you come to Michigan?” The well memorized answer is: Her oldest sister was doing youth ministry in Holland and when she visited, she fell in love with the area. The second question she’s always asked is if she surfs. The unfortunate answer is no, but she would go with her dad occasionally be-cause he’s always been a surfer boy. Camelia graduated from Hope College with a degree in Social Work. She volunteered at CWIT last summer and interned at the Ottawa County Children’s Advocacy Center this past year. We’re happy to have her on board!

SUMMER 2018

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Over the past year, Center for Women in Transition has embraced an entrepreneurial mindset by diversifying our services, and as a result, our revenue streams. This led to the Center for Women in Transition being named by MiBiz as a nominee for one of West Michigan’s Best-Managed Nonprofit organizations. Our inten-tion is to greatly build on our progress as we continue through 2018. We will increase our collaborative efforts throughout the Ottawa and Allegan communities and are strategically focused to enhance our work with other systems to comprehensively serve survivors in the most effective and holistic way possible.

In April, Grand Valley State University named Center for Women in Transition “Outstanding Internship Employer of the Year” in the nonprofit category. Last year, CWIT hosted a total of 8 interns from 4 differ-ent universities. Together, the interns completed over 2,500 hours of direct client service! Our interns greatly increase our ability to assist clients, and we are so thankful to receive this recognition.

Examples in the media that perpetuate violence against women frames domestic violence as a woman’s issue, however, the roots of this problem are much deeper. Domestic violence and sexual assault are often tied to toxic masculinity and the societal demand to sustain a dominant male status quo. Toxic masculinity refers to the socially-constructed attitudes that describe the masculine gender role as violent, unemotional, and aggressive. Starting as young boys, children are taught to “man up” or make offensive remarks to prove their

toughness. Toxic masculinity is dangerous to all, not just women, and addressing it is essential in the fight against violence.

Seth Mika, Call to Action Team Leader at Center for Women in Transition, is attempting to break the cycle of toxic masculinity. Seth works with local schools to engage young men in conversations about consent, understanding sexual assault or harassment, and what healthy relationships should look like. Through the Engaging Boys into Men program, Seth has spread

this message to over 250 high-school age boys. He has visited college fraternities to put an end to age-old traditions that demean and objectify women.

There is real change happening. The male culture is beginning to shift. More and more men are willing to have conversations about what consent is and how they can make issues such as domestic and sexual violence a top priority in their lives, and you can too. It doesn’t take much to speak out or get involved. Domestic violence is not a woman’s issue, it’s everyone’s issue.

So, how can you help? Seth has fronted a Call to Action Team, compiled of men from the West Michigan community who see the need for male voices in this discus-sion. As a team, they are working together to create training materials and events with advice on how to use male privilege and masculinity in a positive way. To get involved or learn more about the program, contact Seth at 616-494-1748 or sethm@cwitmi.org. Together, we can create a future without violence.

TOXIC MASCULINITY AND ENGAGING MEN AS ALLIES

CENTER FOR WOMEN IN TRANSITION NAMED ONE OF WEST MICHIGAN’S BEST-MANAGED NONPROFITS AND

OUTSTANDING INTERNSHIP EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR!

forREACHTHE STARSgala

CENTER FOR WOMEN IN TRANSITION

We hope our attendees had a great time at our Reach for the Stars 26th Annual Gala! Our program featured short videos that encompass our services

and programs through the lens of CWIT staff members, as well as a remarkable testimonial by

former client, Della Marie. Della is a self-taught writer who utilized poetry as a tool to heal from

unspeakable abuse. She is the author of A Scarlet Rain: A Survivor’s Healing Journey.

Many attendees went home with amazing auction items, ranging from restaurant certificates to battery-powered mini Tesla cars. One of the most

noteworthy moments of the evening was our Paddle Call. This year’s Paddle Call raised funds for needed

playground upgrades at our emergency shelter. With a generous $10,000 match from Jasmine and Patrick

Irish, we were able to exceed our goal of $41,000 and raised $44,800! Thank you for helping us ensure

our clients and their children will have a safe and secure home during this difficult time in their lives.

Photos: Michael Overbeek

THANK YOU SPONSORSHoward Miller

Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc.

Herman Miller Cares

Metal Flow

Ottawa Kent Insurance

Request Foods, Inc.

DeNooyer Chevrolet

GDK Construction Co.

Barber Ford

Landscape Design Services

Gentex Corporation

Inn Dwelling

Lighthouse Insurance Group

Trans-Matic

Worksighted

Vicki Rosenberg & Associates

The Felt Estate

Hope College

MKS Wealth Advisors of Raymond James

SPECIAL THANKSJasmine and Patrick Irish

Michael Overbeek

Reach for the Stars Planning

Committee, table hosts, and

event volunteers

Andy Rent

Della Marie

Fenn Valley Winery

Creative Dining Services

Rev. Linda Knieriemen

Saugatuck Brewing Company

Schreur Printing

Tim Scarpino

Drake Evans

Girls on the Run

Adams Elementary

Jen Boodt

Dr. Barb DePree

Karen VanDeusen

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SUMMER 2018

On June 1 and 2, our Girls on the Run of Ottawa and Allegan Counties closed out their season with two 5k events, held on the campus of Coopersville Public Schools. 1,050 girls and 360 coaches came together to celebrate their program completion.

Girls on the Run is an international program dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. Meeting twice a week, life skills are taught through interactive lessons and running games. The curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.

Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. Important social, psychological, and physical skills and abilities are developed and reinforced throughout the program. At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5K running event which gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The result—making the seemingly impossible, possible, and teaching girls that they can.

To volunteer or get your school involved, contact Shyla at (616) 494-1719.

GIRLS ON THE RUN OF OTTAWA ANDALLEGAN COUNTIES CELEBRATES WITH 5K!

PROGRAM SPONSORSPerrigoUnited WayHuntington BankMagna MirrorsNorth Ottawa Community Health SystemsMacatawa BankLugars Family FoundationHolland Junior Welfare LeagueBoar’s HeadNorth Bank Communities Fund through Grand Haven Area Community FoundationMortgage 1, Inc.

IN-KIND SPONSORSGazelle SportsHome DepotSpectrum Health

fALL 2013

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Thank youThe following individuals and organizations have recently partnered with our agency.

• PEO Educational Fund

• MACH 1

• Two Men and a Truck

• First United Methodist Church

• David & Carol Myers Foundation

• Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective

• Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars

• First Presbyterian Church of Holland

• On the Path Yoga

• Haven Christian Reformed Church

• Haworth Inn & Conference Center

• Congregational United Church of Christ

• Fellowship Reformed Church

• Larry & Karen Mulder Foundation

• United Methodist Church of the Dunes

• National Christian FoundationWest Michigan

• Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church

• Samuel L. Westerman Foundation

• Haworth, Inc.

• Mead Johnson Nutrition

WINTER 2017SUMMER 2018

Our annual wine tasting event,

Le Style De Vie, will take place on

September 15, 2018!

Featuring wine & craft beer tasting,

a style show, and plenty of time to socialize,

this event is a must to celebrate the

end of summer!

Save the date!

What is Legacy Giving?Simply put, legacy giving or planned giving is the transfer of assets to a nonprofit organization during a lifetime as part of an estate plan. It is a forward-thinking approach to giving because it involves the gifting of assists that are often not liquid, have tax consequences, and are generally transferred via a will or other written means.

What is the CWIT Legacy Society?The Society is comprised of individuals who have indicated they have made a permanent gift to CWIT in their will or trust. Their forward-thinking gift provides a legacy of leadership for the future of CWIT. Some members have chosen to remain anonymous. Other members allow CWIT to list their names in printed materials, which encourages others to consider joining the Society. Society members are invited to special gatherings and will receive updates throughout the year.

What is Your Legacy?As you consider your philanthropic legacy, we invite you to support women, men and children in our lakeshore communities. The call to end domestic violence and sexual assault in Ottawa and Allegan counties is loud and clear, but the problem itself is complex.

The good news is that we are the experts at this. With our 40-year history of helping victims and preventing violence, we know what needs to be done and how to do it right. We also know rebuilding lives is a long, complex process. Your legacy gift will have lasting impact on thousands of individuals in the Ottawa and Allegan county area.

FIND OUT MORETo find out more about on how to choose Center for Women in Transition as your preferred nonprofit, contact the Development office at (616) 494-1756.!

Tenacity. Resilience. Perseverance. Courage.

These are some of the strengths that participants in the

first Survivor Advisory Council Meeting identified within

themselves. The fifteen survivors sitting around the table on

Tuesday, June 5th, shared their remarkable stories of living

through emotional, financial, physical, and sexual abuse.

Although each person’s healing journey is unique, the one

thing that the all the women in the room share is the desire

to give back in some way. The Survivor Advisory Council is

a forum for feedback and ideas that will be shared with

our Board of Directors. The goal is to amplify the voices of

survivors so we can improve our programs and services.

Interested in getting involved? Call or email Holly:

616-494-1759 hollys@cwitmi.org

Lakeshore Reserve is a distinguished group of local men and women committed to helping families in our community heal from abuse.

Become a member of the 2018 Reserve

Group through a tax-deductible donation

of $350 and receive:

• Four event tickets in addition to

recognition in printed materials

• 2018 engraved Le Style de Vie

corkscrew and a complimentary

entry in the evening’s raffles

To join Lakeshore Reserve, contact

the Development office at 616-494-1756.

SURVIVOR ADVISORY COUNCIL

411 Butternut Drive

Holland, MI 49424

WHAT’S INSIDE

#WeAreHere

Engaging Men as Allies

2018 Reach for the Stars Recap

Legacy Society

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE

PAIDHOLLAND, MI 49424

PERMIT #169

Save the Date!Le Style De Vie

Saturday, September 15, 20185PM–8PM behind Butch’s Dry Dock

Tickets available at cwitmi.org/events