Teen Health Fair

Volume III                              April-May-June   2001                                   Number 2
Volume III                              July-August-September                                   Number 3
Volume III                              October-November-December                       Number 4

TEENS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Being A Youth Task Force Member
by  a teen making a difference

I remember thinking, "How can I ever make a difference? Me, some teenage girl who knows nothing about the true horrors of domestic violence. I remember also thinking, "What am I doing here?"

At our training, we learned a lot about the serious occurrences that happen in our community. We learned the meaning of domestic violence and how close it really is to all of us. I never thought I could make a difference. But I think I've realized that it's not about making a difference - that, just by being in this program, I have shown how much I care, and I think that is enough.

On my first day of volunteering, I walked into the church, down the hall and into the small room where we have group for the children on Thursdays. I wasn't really sure what to

expect. But whatever I did expect, it wasn't what I got. I was, and still am, amazed at the children who have visited the Lighthouse. They are bright, loving and extremely intelligent. But what's more, they have made it through emotional roller-coasters that I couldn't imagine, and still they endure. I walked in there that day thinking I would be the one helping them, but actually, they are the ones who have made a difference in my life. Whatever teenage pedestal I had put myself on before I became a member of the Youth Task Force doesn't exist anymore.

I have been humbled and in awe of the women and children in this program. I have been humbled by their undying strength and perseverance. I have watched people like the Children's Advocate and Sexual Assault Specialist and I know how much difference they make in the lives of people they touch. They have made me want to become more active in my community.

expect. But whatever I did expect, it wasn't what I got. I was, and still am, amazed at the children who have visited the Lighthouse. They are bright, loving and extremely intelligent. But what's more, they have made it through emotional roller-coasters that I couldn't imagine, and still they endure. I walked in there that day thinking I would be the one helping them, but actually, they are the ones who have made a difference in my life. Whatever teenage pedestal I had put myself on before I became a member of the Youth Task Force doesn't exist anymore.

I have been humbled and in awe of the women and children in this program. I have been humbled by their undying strength and perseverance. I have watched people like the Children's Advocate and Sexual Assault Specialist and I know how much difference they make in the lives of people they touch. They have made me want to become more active in my community.

Volunteer Spotlight

This quarter's volunteer spotlight features one of our our Youth Task Force members, a senior at Daphne High. She has been volunteering for the Lighthouse over the last four years. She has done many wonderful things to help us in our efforts to prevent violence against women and children. During her first year here, she co-founded one of Alabama's first task forces for teens to combat dating violence, and continues to serve as a member

One of her early accomplishments with the Youth Task Force was the creation of our Dating Violence Safety Plan brochure that is distributed in high schools throughout the county. She also started "Operation Valentine" at Daphne High, a week-long drive done in conjunction with The National Honor Society to collect items that are needed for women and children. She recently wrote and illustrated a coloring book, Color Me Happy, for the children of the Lighthouse. These will be handed out as children enter the shelter to help them adjust to changes in their lives

These are just a few of the many things that she has done to support the Lighthouse. We take this opportunity to extend a sincere THANK YOU to her for all she has done.

Youth Task Force Members for 2000-2001 school year

STAFF UPDATE 

     We warmly welcome our new court advocate, Jenny. Jenny is a former resident of Baldwin County, who returned after a lengthy absence. She graduated from the College of Notre Dame in California with a human services degree, and then worked as a caseworker and a nanny. Most recently, she resided in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she worked for a family service agency as a court advocate and in the children's programs. 
     She is quickly becoming known in the courts around Baldwin County as she advocates for victims of domestic violence and works with our court advocate volunteers, as well as recruiting new ones. 
     Jenny and her husband reside in Fairhope with their beautiful daughter.

Remember...

Everyone has a right
to be safe!

"OPERATION VALENTINE"

In 1997, OPERATION VALENTINE began at Daphne High School. It is a drive sponsored through the Lighthouse Youth Task Force and the National Honor Society. In its first year, more than 1,000 personal items were collected, and each year, participation has increased. Pictured below left are some of the many items collected for the Lighthouse by OPERATION VALENTINE! and at right, the Bulletin Board at Daphne High School for Operation Valentine; it states: "A RELATIONSHIP FULL OF CONTROL IS REALLY OUT OF CONTROL" .

The Youth Task Force

Nearly 30% of teenagers experience it. Once it happens, it is likely to happen again. In most cases it escalates over time, spreading like a bad disease. What is it? Not smoking. Not substance abuse, for it is far worse. 
It isn't a choice. It is DATING VIOLENCE. Two simple words reveal a world of betrayed trust and broken promises. Ranging from physical to emotional to sexual, dating abuse is real. It affects people; it affects my friends. Whether or not an individual has experienced dating violence, statistics emphasize that at least one of her friends will.

As leader and cofounder of the Lighthouse Youth Task Force, I lead the fight against dating violence. Armed with knowledge, the group and I make pamphlets and go out to the high schools across the county. We talk to elementary schools about violence and we put up bulletin boards proclaiming "Your Rights. The task force is in the newspapers, on the televisions, and in the schools. As our motto goes, we are teens making a difference .
                                           -Youth Task Force Leader

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The Sexual Assault Program was very busy during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Many activities were planned to promote awareness of our program to the community. A billboard was placed on Highway 59 in Summerdale, advertising the Sexual Assault Program as a resource to victims and survivors. The staff conducted radio interviews at WHEP in Foley, and Sunny 105.7 in Orange Beach, and contributed to newspaper articles about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Staff also took baskets of food and other goodies to the emergency room staffs at Thomas Hospital, South Baldwin and North Baldwin Hospitals as a "thank you for all their support to victims of sexual assault.

Thanks to the local Police Departments who allowed our staff to do ride-a-longs to promote awareness of our program to law enforcement. Bulletin boards at several local high schools presented information about date and acquaintance rape to inform students about the crime of sexual assault. Our staff and volunteers also wore ribbons of teal and purple throughout the month in honor of victims and survivors of this violent crime. Purple signifies the violence of the attack and teal represents the healing journey of the survivor.

A quilt was donated by the Loxley Quilt Club to be raffled during the month. Thanks to them, and to all the other volunteers and businesses that participated in selling (and buying!) tickets for the quilt raffle. Our goal was topped, with over $1,100 raised on the raffle. Congratulations to the winner of the lovely quilt.

The day of April 28th was proclaimed Sexual Assault Awareness Day by the Robertsdale City Council and the County Commission, and staffers of the Sexual Assault Program planned a day of awareness, activities and free lunch at Garrett Park in Robertsdale. The volunteer chefs,  employees of Thomas Hospital, did a fabulous job for our Sexual Assault Awareness Day in the park. (Thanks, guys!) The event was a huge success, with close to 100 people in attendance. Thanks to all who donated their time and services to make this day possible.

Quilt winner displays the lovely quilt she won in the Sexual Assault Awareness Raffle

Volunteer Chefs Joey (left,) and Basil (right) on the  job for the Lighthouse

The Robertsdale VFD, (above) always there to lend a hand, put on a great demonstration for the kids. Thanks, firefighters, for all your time and support of the Lighthouse!

Employee of the Quarter

Pictured are our Children's Program Coordinator (left) and our Counselor Coordinator (right)

The Lighthouse has a new honor that is bestowed on top-notch employees. The Lighthouse's Counselor Coordinator, Rhyon, received this honor during the first quarter of 2001. It includes a $50.00 gift certificate and a denim shirt embroidered with the Lighthouse logo. Rhyon has been with the Lighthouse since October, 1994, and currently is in the position of Counselor Coordinator. She not only counsels with residents of the shelter, but does individual and group counseling with clients outside the shelter, and has supervisory duties. At home, she administers a family of three: her husband and her two sons. Congratulations, Rhyon!

Jacki was awarded this honor in the second quarter of the year 2001. Jacki is our Children's Program Coordinator and has worked with the Lighthouse since October, 1998. She works with moms and children at the shelter and coordinates a children's group on Thursday nights. Jacki also teaches classes at elementary schools on safety issues and in high schools on dating violence. She works with our youth task force in area high schools. Jacki is also a volunteer on our sexual assault program. She is currently engaged to be married. Great work, .Jacki!

The Beacon is published quarterly by The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is a United Way Partner and benefits directly from your support to United Way.