By Tonya Netters | Program Manager
SHOES ANYONE?
Fresh Spirit Wellness For Women, Inc. (FSWW), loves going above and beyond its client service model when the opportunity presents itself. This Mother’s Day, FSWW did just that. Prior to Mother’s Day 2023, the call came in with an amazing donation of 200+ pairs of shoes for women and children. Team FSWW sprang into action to organize its first ever “impromptu pop-up Mother’s Day Shoe Fair.”
The donation consisted of designer brand boots, flats, heels, tennis shoes etc., of many colors and styles. Our long-time community partner, Nikki Jones, CEO of LIPS-Living In Pure Silence, Domestic Violence Organization, joined forces with FSWW offering their location and lunch for our anticipated guests.
With many of our clients freshly removed from their abusive situations, FSWW's Mother's Day Shoe Fair offered them a gift of acknowledgement and validation most have never received. For those escaping with only the clothes on their backs, this event gave them an opportunity to replace a basic need. For those battling with lack of self-worth and loneliness, the event was a ray of sunshine. Thus, restoration of something perceived as simple to others was able to provide a segue of hope to build on for our clients. The Shoe Fair was a great success and lifted the spirits of all who attended.
STAFF EMPOWERMENT DAY!
FSWW’s mantra is “Where hurt turns to healing” therefore it is our priority to be conduits of encouragement, education and resources for each client along their recovery journey. To ensure our capacity to provide services that offer a conducive environment of this healing and wholeness, FSWW hosted its “Annual All-day Staff Training.” Training highlighted the history of the organization, its mission, our client service model, policies and procedures and more.
As domestic violence/intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) continues to increase, the empowerment , suitability and the well-being of the boots on the ground is ever more critical. As front line staff is often the first point of contact into seeking DV services, FSWW works diligently to implement best practices in equipping its staff to provide caring and culturally competent services.
Emotionally and mentally, review of FSWW'S mission and history, which was birthed out of Dr. Conte Terrell, Founder & CEO's, own DV/IPV experience, relays the compassion and understanding needed to effectively assist our clients. Overview and discussion of our client service model in conjunction with our policies and procedures keeps our team abreast of the demands and continuously evolving needs that require enhanced services for each client.
Ultimately, our All-day Staff Training ensures that each FSWW Staff Member is on one accord operating in a spirit of excellence.
FSWW’S QUARTERLY STATS:
167 unduplicated clients receiving 1039 services inclusive of case management services (food, clothing, storage rental, relocation assistance, baby and household items, emergency shelter in our Safe Night Hotel Stay Program, and housing assistance), social services accompaniments, legal advocacy and court accompaniments. 92 crisis counseling/therapy clients receiving 470 hours of counseling and 18 support groups with 83 attendees.
FSWW is eternally grateful for the support received through our GlobalGiving partner, as we acknowledge that our organization would not be able to provide the array of services to our DV/IPV clients and their families without financial support.
This year, FSWW is endeavoring to expand our services by acquiring additional funding particularly to address the growing need for emergency housing assistance for domestic violence victims/survivors and their families. FSWW has received an astronomical number of requests for housing, as our clients have escaped abusive situations with no place to go with their children. Due to overcrowded shelters in the Houston-Harris County Metropolitan Area and surrounding counties, we are seeking partnerships with housing developers, builders, housing programs, and other funders to provide our clients with safe housing and a place to build a new life for them and their children.
Due to the confidentiality and safety of our clients, photos are limited.
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