Support Group: A safe place for parents to heal
“I am carrying that gentleness into today,” Nathalie said in her email to Safe Shores.
Nathalie participates in Safe Shores’ support group for parents and caregivers.
On a September evening, the group basked in aromatherapy, hand massages, hand scrubs, breathing exercises, and even bear hugs with a stuffed bear.
“Caring for a child affected by abuse can be traumatic and life-changing for a parent,” says Safe Shores’ Ashley
Harrell. “We want to help parents process their emotions and affirm their value in this difficult moment and for the journey ahead.”
The support group meets twice a month.
More people to serve. More people to serve them.
The staff at Safe Shores has grown as Safe Shores responds to a growing need for services. With a full-time staff now numbering 22, Safe Shores recently hired Maria Velasco Bertero to be our MDT Coordinator, a new position designed to facilitate communications amongst the multi-disciplinary team and ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families. In addition to this new position, Safe Shores hired two new Family Advocates, Kalphria Wilson, MSW, LGSW and Jenny Mancino, AM, LGSW, and a new Program Associate, Brittney Young. Staff member Ashley Harrell transitioned her role to be a Prevention Specialist, adding an additional member to Safe Shores’ Prevention team.
Michele Booth Cole is honored as one of DC’s “Women Who Mean Business”
Safe Shores’ Executive Director Michele Booth Cole was honored by Washington Business Journal as an awardee of their 2016 Women Who Mean Business award. Michele said in her recipient interview with Washington Business Journal, “I want to help make an organization that stands the test of time, and that can’t depend on one person, so I have been working to foster an organization that will continue to get better when I am not here — because the work will still need to be done.” The full interview can be watched here. Congrats, Michele!
A great training for our team
Safe Shores’ multi-disciplinary team participated in a great joint training facilitated by Julie Kenniston, MSW, LICSW, an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Professor Kenniston is an expert forensic interviewer with 25 years of experience in the field of child protection who facilitated a vibrant dialogue about talking to kids. It was a super knowledgeable and engaging day for Safe Shores and our partners!
Safe Shores on air!
Safe Shores’ supporter and #SantaCause founder Maurice McClanahan and Safe Shores ED Michele Booth Cole joined on air at WJLA 7’s Good Morning, Washington to discuss signs of child abuse, talking to children, and how to get involved in #SantaCause, an online giving campaign. The full interview can be viewed here.
Michele also joined the team at WHUR 96.3’s Daily Drum to talk about child safety, back to school tips, and protecting children from predators and abusers in school. The full interview can be found here.
Thank You!
Thanks to your help with our Back to School Drive, Safe Shores was able to donate over 150 backpacks, each stuffed with grade-appropriate school supplies, to children affected by physical and sexual abuse in DC. Thank you!
