How Community Advocacy works in SnoCo

Deb Bordsen, CEO and Executive Director for Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Snohomish County joined us at a recent club meeting. DVS was established in 1976 and has played a valuable and essential supporting role in our community. It serves residents in our area who are battling abuse. Abuse comes in many forms and whether it is physical, emotional, mental, or sexual, it affects families in a cross section of ages, ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic status. Victims of abuse suffer from fear, depression, hopelessness, even from suicidal ideation.

DVS has an emergency shelter that has 32 beds, but at times the shelter serves many more, with the help of other agencies. Clients may stay in this safe, non-judgmental environment for three months if appropriate. During that time, advocates are available 24/7 to assist with personal care and paperwork, be it for protection orders, housing programs, financial situations, and more. Classes and training are available to shelter residents, helping them reintegrate into a sustainable and workable “new life.” While many workers at the shelter are qualified social workers and other important roles, they do not provide actual legal counsel or therapy support. Their job is to ensure a safe and stress-free environment for the residents. They also provide lists of resources (legal, therapy, etc) that clients may use if they choose.

A deeper and more complex piece of DVS’s mission and vision is prevention and training. One way they approach that, is by spending a significant amount of hours in the schools in Snohomish County. As Bordsen noted, “…abuse is a learned response. And you learn it from seeing or experiencing it.” Initially students in high schools participated in classes at school. But it became clear that middle school, even elementary aged students could benefit from prevention classes. So, all three age ranges currently have DVS staff providing these classes in the school system.

DVS has a thrift store called New and Again on Evergreen Way, that provides ongoing funding for the program. In addition, they receive grants and endowments to boost their bottom line. On March 8th, they will be hosting their largest annual fundraiser at Tulalip Casino: The 32nd Annual Chocolate and Wine Lovers’ Gala. Tickets are available: dvs-snoco.org.

For more information, visit their website (listed above).

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