Welcome to our blog dedicated to the survivors of domestic violence at The Family Place. We want to share the voices of those who have overcome adversity, sharing their stories of strength, courage, and the journey towards brighter futures. By shedding light on the experiences of survivors, we hope to foster awareness, support, and empowerment for those navigating the paths of rebuilding their lives after and during their experience of domestic violence. Follow along with us as we share each month a story to inspire and uplift those who have triumphed over darkness. 

 

 

 

A Survivor's Story of Perserverance

Dr. Aaliyah Miranda overcame adversity, facing abuse, homelessness, and family separation at 16.

 

With The Family Place’s support, she earned a Ph.D. in Education, worked in public education and victim advocacy, and now leads our residential programs, empowering family violence survivors. Her story inspires resilience, particularly for children.

 

“Thanks to The Family Place, I found the courage to be where I am today. The Family Place showed me and my children that there are people who care without even knowing you. I will be forever grateful."

 

Born and raised in Mexico, Aaliyah immigrated to Dallas at 16. Her first son was born when she was 17. He suffered from gastroschisis, a birth defect in which an opening in the abdominal wall allows the stomach, small, and large intestines to extend outside the body.

 

Aaliyah married after high school, but the relationship quickly turned abusive. She stayed for eight years before finding the courage to reach out for help. Her mom had given her a phone number for The Family Place, and calling it changed her life. When she came to The Family Place Safe Campus emergency shelter in 2000, she had no money or job skills. Her boys were 6 years old and 12 months old at that time. They lived in the emergency shelter for 30 days and then moved into our transitional housing apartments for three months. There she began the journey of learning how to support her family. A year later, her ex-husband sued her and won custody of one of the boys. With one son living with her abuser, and her boys separated, she found herself destroyed, uneducated, hopeless, and desperate.

 

Aaliyah was still connected to The Family Place and was receiving counseling and support from our Southern Dallas Counseling Center. She decided to go back to school and fight for her children. From 2000 to 2005, we helped her acquire the necessary tools to get back on her feet.

Aaliyah took full advantage of every opportunity. After taking many ESL classes, she enrolled in college level classes. Working and studying at the same time meant a lot of sleepless nights, but she was determined to accomplish her goals.

Eventually, Aaliyah received an associate’s degree in Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice from Mountain View College. She later graduated cum laude from the University of Texas in Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and went on to get a Master’s of Education with dual language emphasis. There was truly no stopping her! She completed a 12-hour newcomer/ESL graduate program at Southern Methodist University, received a principal certification in 2010, a superintendent certification in 2016, and earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University Commerce in 2019. Her dissertation topic was something she truly understood: “Exploring the Beliefs, Values, and Experiences of Latina Principals and Their Resiliency to Overcome Struggles Faced During the Pathway to the Principalship.”

After much praying, Aaliyah also was able to reunite with her son after eight years of separation.

Her work path while she was pursing her higher education was varied. She worked at Parkland Hospital in the Victim Intervention Program/Rape Crisis Center as a client advocate where she was responsible for completing forensic documentation and photography. She worked for 18 years in public education, serving as a dual language teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She served as a member of the Family Place board of directors and was also a member of The Family Place’s Ladies of Leadership, a group of survivors-turned-advocates.

She worked as a program director at DCET/Believe in Yourself, Inc., a nonprofit that assists immigrants. She’ also became a member of Toastmasters International and held various leadership positions in the club. In 2020, she completed the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, the Toastmasters’ highest level of educational achievement.

At The Family Place, Aaliyah is sharing her journey and her knowledge to empower survivors of family violence by providing leadership, supervision, and program development for all our residential services.

“Thanks to the support I received from The Family Place, I found the courage to be where I am today,” Aaliyah says. “I used to be shy, had low self-esteem, and didn’t believe in myself. I am so grateful to The Family Place because I didn’t have to sleep on the streets. I promised myself never to be homeless again because of a man. To women who are currently recovering from an abusive relationship, I want to encourage them to keep moving forward, to not stop. We owe it to our children, but we especially owe it to ourselves.”

 

When Sylvester came to The Family Place Men’s Shelter, he was just expecting a place to stay. Like many survivors, he did not have a stable support system. He soon found that the support of The Family Place would be life changing.

Research shows that it is significantly more difficult for male victims to leave their abusers due to social expectations, fear of leaving children with their abusers, or feeling the legal system has minimized their abuse claims. Sylvester says when he first arrived at our Men’s Shelter, he felt emotional and mortified. He shut his door to everyone and thought he just needed a stable place to get away from the nightmare he was living.

But soon he learned that The Family Place was much more than a place to stay. He said the team at the shelter treated him like family. Even though he had a job, they encouraged him to pursue additional training and education.

This is something Sylvester had never considered doing for himself. He took advice from the shelter team and pursued certification as an X-ray technician. But he’s not stopping there. He’s continuing training to gain more skills and certifications as a medical assistant.

The Family Place Men’s Shelter is one of only a few shelters for male survivors of domestic violence in the Southwest. In 2022, it served 84 men, providing not only for their basic needs but also support, respect, and resources they deserve to live empowered, positive lives.

“The Family Place ended up changing me for the better,” Sylvester says. “Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Sylvester says his experience at The Family Place has led him to serve others that have gone through something similar.

“I want to pay it forward,” he says.

DONATE in honor of a survivor

 

Kimberly Johnson thought her abusive boyfriend would change when they got married, but as soon as she said “I do” the abuse became even worse.  She watched her sons become angry with her husband and knew she had to leave before the abuse started affecting them.

One night she saw a commercial for The Family Place. She wrote down the hotline number and called the next day. Our hotline counselor explained that if she came to the shelter, she would have to cut all ties with her husband, something she was not sure if she could do after trying and failing in the past.

Two days later, Kimberly called back, and we had an opening at the shelter, so she prepared to leave. When her husband left for work the next day, she and her children left for the shelter. Although leaving was difficult, when she saw the look of relief on her sons’ faces, she knew she had made the right decision. With The Family Place’s help, Kimberly got an apartment and never returned to her abuser.

“Through the counseling and other services provided at The Family Place, I learned that I am worthy of love without violence of any kind, and that I am enough,” Kimberly says.

This year, many years after coming to The Family Place as a client, Kimberly returned as an intern. She will receive a bachelor’s degree in Human Service in December of 2018.

“I came to The Family Place to give back what was so freely given to me,” she says. “I am extremely grateful for the services rendered to me because I would not have made it if this agency wasn’t here.”

 

 

 

As the calendar flips to October, a significant and critical event comes into focus—Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At The Family Place, we recognize the urgency of this issue and the imperative need for collective action. In Texas, where a staggering 1 in 3 individuals faces domestic violence, this has emerged as a pressing public health issue. This month, we invite you to join hands with us to amplify awareness, offer support to survivors, and strive towards Building Brighter Futures that are free from violence.

 

Domestic violence manifests in numerous forms—physical, verbal, financial, sexual, digital, and stalking—all contributing to the vicious cycle of abuse. Shockingly, in 2020, the City of Dallas reported a staggering 15,000 domestic violence-related offenses and tragically, 35 intimate partner and family violence fatalities in Dallas County.

 

Support for Survivors:

It's important to recognize the immense courage it takes for a victim to leave an abusive relationship. On average, it can take up to seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship. In 2022, The Family Place stood by the side of over 19,000 individuals, offering them a lifeline of vital services, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and more.

 

Domestic Abuse Knows No Boundaries:

Domestic abuse doesn't discriminate, regardless of age, gender, race, economic background, sexual orientation, or education level. Shockingly, 1 in 3 Texans will grapple with domestic violence, leading the CDC to declare intimate partner violence a grave public health concern in the U.S. Notably, even teenagers are not immune, as 1 in 3 teens will face the harrowing reality of dating violence.

 

Prevention Through Education:

The Be Project takes prevention education to schools, empowering youth to be safe, kind, courageous, and more. Education is a crucial component of preventing domestic violence. Encouraging youth to be a part of the solution to end relationship violence.

 

Ways to Make a Difference:

1. Donate in Honor of a Survivor: Consider making a heartfelt donation to support survivors, ensuring they have access to shelter, counseling, and essential resources. Dedicate your contribution to a survivor or someone you know to show your support. DONATE

 

2. Spread Awareness: Harness the power of your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness about domestic violence. Share compelling statistics, personal stories, and valuable resources to break the silence and stigma surrounding this issue.

 

Explore Our DVAM Toolkit: The Family Place has also created a TOOLKIT filled with valuable information on how you can shed light on domestic violence. This toolkit serves as a powerful resource for individuals and organizations looking to make a meaningful impact during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and beyond. Be sure to download it to access more information, resources, and guidance. TOOLKIT HERE

 

3. Attend Empowering Events:

Mark your calendar for October's dynamic lineup of events and workshops dedicated to educating about domestic violence. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to connect with passionate advocates and delve deeper into the heart of the issue.

 

• For the past three decades, Galleria Dallas and The Family Place have joined forces to champion the cause of ending domestic violence each October. This year, the Gallery Wall serves as a powerful canvas, showcasing vital information about fostering healthy relationships. It's a visual tribute available throughout the entire month of October. Don't miss the chance to stop by, capture the moment, and share with us your vision of love! Connect with us on social media [@thefamilyplace]. 

 

“The staggering statistics reveal that one in three Texans experiences domestic violence, and the Dallas Police Department receives approximately 15,000 family violence calls every year,” CEO of The Family Place, Mimi Sterling, said. “The prominence of the Gallery Wall at Galleria Dallas allows us to effectively engage and educate thousands of young people with vital information about how to build healthy relationships based on respect that will lead to brighter futures.”

• October 5, 11am: Texas Town Hall will gather officials and Texans to discuss statistics and stories behind domestic violence fatalities, with a focus on working towards a safer tomorrow.

 

• October 17, 6:30pm: Join us at the Illuminate Irving event at Millennium Park, where lanterns will glow with the names of loved ones in remembrance of victims and survivors of domestic violence.

 

• October 19: Purple Thursday - Join the world in wearing PURPLE on October 19 to demonstrate your commitment to ending domestic violence. Share your solidarity on social media with us by tagging @thefamilyplace.

 

This October, let's come together in a collective effort to support survivors, raise awareness, and work towards a world free from violence. By donating, spreading awareness, attending events, and wearing purple on October 19th, you can play a crucial role in this important cause. Together, we help shed light on domestic violence and we hope you join our mission to help survivors thrive!

 

DONATE TODAY

 

 

 

Resources:

Texas Council of Family Violence

CDC

 

When Sylvester came to The Family Place Men’s Shelter, he was just expecting a place to stay. Like many survivors, he did not have a stable support system. He soon found that the support of The Family Place would be life changing.

Research shows that it is significantly more difficult for male victims to leave their abusers due to social expectations, fear of leaving children with their abusers, or feeling the legal system has minimized their abuse claims. Sylvester says when he first arrived at our Men’s Shelter, he felt emotional and mortified. He shut his door to everyone and thought he just needed a stable place to get away from the nightmare he was living.

But soon he learned that The Family Place was much more than a place to stay. He said the team at the shelter treated him like family. Even though he had a job, they encouraged him to pursue additional training and education.

This is something Sylvester had never considered doing for himself. He took advice from the shelter team and pursued certification as an X-ray technician. But he’s not stopping there. He’s continuing training to gain more skills and certifications as a medical assistant.

The Family Place Men’s Shelter is one of only a few shelters for male survivors of domestic violence in the Southwest. In 2022, it served 84 men, providing not only for their basic needs but also support, respect, and resources they deserve to live empowered, positive lives.

“The Family Place ended up changing me for the better,” Sylvester says. “Now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Sylvester says his experience at The Family Place has led him to serve others that have gone through something similar.

“I want to pay it forward,” he says.

DONATE in honor of a survivor

 

At the 2023 Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon, we’ll be recognizing the many dedicated individuals who championed Texas House Bill 5202 with the Texas Trailblazer Legislative Impact Award. Conceived by Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia and authored by State Representative Victoria Neave Criado, House Bill 5202 passed in the 88th Legislative Session and was signed into law on June 11, 2023.

The bill creates a free, centralized website containing information on individuals who have repeatedly committed felony intimate partner violence. While this information is publicly available through various background check websites, it can be expensive, creating a substantial barrier to getting this critical information. House Bill 5202 provides information about repeat, violent offenders so that individuals can make better-informed decisions about their relationships. 

Family violence advocates were included in the design and implementation of the database. Dallas’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Advisory Council identified improved data on offenders and creating more robust education in schools as critical to reducing the incidents of violence. HB 5202 increases accountability with better data for police, educators, and partners in the work to break the cycle of violence.

The database will contain information regarding offenders who on two or more occasions have been convicted of any of the following offenses:

• Assault, sexual assault, aggravated assault, or aggravated sexual assault for which an affirmative finding of family violence was made
• Continuous violence against the family or stalking
• Any combination of such offenses

The database will contain the following information, to the extent it is available:

• The person’s full name, each alias used by the person, and the person’s date of birth
• A physical description and recent photograph of the person
• A list of the applicable offenses of which the person was convicted, the date of conviction of each offense, and the punishment prescribed for each offense
• An indication as to whether the person was discharged, placed on community supervision, or released on parole or to mandatory supervision following conviction of each offense

LEARN MORE:  https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/analysis/html/HB05202E.htm

Taya Bookhart
Hotline Counselor
Taya was an intern at The Family Place in nonresidential services at our Central Dallas Counseling Center and Emergency Shelter Services at Ann Moody Place before she joined our hotline team on January 9, 2023. Taya strives to serve the community through resolving conflicts and providing guidance for those in need. She has a diverse background working with children and adults in psychiatric hospital settings and crisis intervention. Taya is working on her master’s degree in Social Work at Delaware University and received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Delaware State University as well.

 

Edwin Bustamante
Battering Intervention and Prevention Program Facilitator
Edwin has been facilitating psychoeducational groups in our Battering Intervention and Prevention Program and working with offenders since 2018. He joined our program full time on January 9, 2023. Edwin believes working with offenders is primarily about helping their survivors and families by providing tools and practices of accountability. He’s passionate about ending domestic violence and working with the team at The Family Place.

 

John Box
Ann Moody Place Operations Director
John joined The Family Place on January 17, 2023, to work with clients living in our Men’s Shelter on the logistics of starting new lives free from violence. His background is in manufacturing and management with 20+ years of experience in operations, 10 of which was in a director position focused on time management, scheduling, and cost saving. John is energetic about transferring this knowledge to his team and clients.

 

Keiarra Tolbert
Faith and Liberty’s Place Family Center Supervised Visitation Monitor
Keiarra originally joined The Family Place as a supervised visitation monitor in July 2021 and departed in August 2022. We’re excited that she returned on January 1, 2023, to her previous role helping families court ordered to supervised visitation enjoy safe and meaningful time together. Keiarra completed her undergraduate work at Grambling State University and pursued her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. Keiarra has eight years of experience in social services. We’re excited to have her back at The Family Place!

 

Terrence Coleman
Warehouse Staff
Terrence joined our warehouse team on February 21, 2023, helping to house, organize, and distribute donations we receive from the community. He previously worked for Amazon and other major warehouse operations. We’re happy to have his expertise to keep our warehouse running smoothly.

 

Melanie Martinez
Emergency Shelter Services Bilingual Case Manager at Ann Moody Place
Melanie joined the Ann Moody Place team on February 21, 2023, to provide case management services to our Spanish-speaking clients. She has a background in crisis intervention and mental health with experience in de-escalation, working with children, and providing mental health assessments. Melanie graduated in 2019 from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

 

Paulette Reid-Jones
People Services Coordinator
Paulette joined The Family Place People Services team as a temp on January 17, 2023. We were immediately impressed with her energy and dedication and hired her as a full-time member of the team on February 27, 2023. Paulette has been in payroll and human resources for more than nine years.

 

Myla Cashaw
Resale Shop Assistant Manager
Myla joined our Resale Shop team on March 1, 2023, as an accomplished leader who enjoys using her retail skills to contribute to the success of the Resale Shop. Myla has worked in various roles in retail management from the spa world to big box retail. We’re already benefiting from her perspective making our Resale Shop more inviting to shoppers, which increases proceeds for our client programs.

 

Maritza Ruiz, MSW, MHP
Bilingual Case Manager at Southern Dallas
Maritza joined The Family Place on March 6, 2023, bringing her background in mental health and case management to the Southern Dallas team. She is a Mental Health Professional and recently passed her Association of Social Work boards exam to become a Licensed Master Social Worker. She plans to continue her work in the mental health field and become a therapist. Maritza is dedicated to learning and advancement in evidenced-based interventions. She has a passion for helping the Spanish-speaking community that has less access to resources due to language barriers. Maritza graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2021 with a master’s degree in Social Work.

 

Maria Castro, LMSW
Bilingual Case Manager at Collin County Counseling Center
Maria joined the team at our counseling center in McKinney on March 6, 2023. Born in México City, she moved to the DFW area in 2000. And graduated from Texas A&M University Commerce with a master’s degree in Social Work. She became a Licensed Master Social Worker in 2019. Prior to joining The Family Place, Maria worked at Hope's Door New Beginning. She is eager to use her skills to help those in need.

 

Shanitta Baree-Busby
Supportive Living Program Resident Advocate
Shanitta joined The Family Place Supportive Living Program team on March 6, 2023. She was a childcare investigator for Child Protective Services for more than six years with significant experience working with families, assessing them for safety, and helping advocate for their needs. She was also a mental health technician for Hickory Trail Hospital in Desoto, Texas. Shanitta has a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies from Texas Woman’s University.

 

Melanie Lewis
Emergency Shelter Services Resident Advocate at Sally’s House
Melanie joined The Family Place Emergency Shelter Services team on March 20, 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of New Orleans and is currently working on a master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. Melanie has worked in social services for more than 18 years. She brings valuable expertise to our team and will be an asset serving survivors of domestic violence. 

 

Angelita Howard, LPC (pending state approval)
Central Dallas Counseling Center Counselor
Angelita joined our counseling team at Ann Moody Place on March 20, 2023. She brings a proven success record leading cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, right brain therapy, and group counseling. Previously she was a counseling intern with Nexus Recovery Center, where she gained experience helping patients with substance abuse disorders, anxiety, and mood and personality disorders. Angelita also has more than a decade of experience as a dance educator. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Delaware State University and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Tech University.

 

Patricia Sterling
Supportive Living Program Resident Advocate
Patricia joined The Family Place Supportive Living Program team on March 20, 2023. Her background is in education. She has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and has taught in public, private, and charter schools for more than 25 years. Patricia is an author and a service-oriented professional in the areas of domestic violence, advocacy, life coaching, speaker engagement, and group training. She serves on The Family Place African American Domestic Violence Council. Patricia always looks for opportunities to gain experience and growth.

 

Alexis Cokes, BSW
Emergency Shelter Services Resident Advocate at Ann Moody Place
Alexis joined The Family Place on March 20, 2023, as a weekend resident advocate. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently working on her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Alexis sees herself as a mental health advocate. During the week, she is a special education inclusion teacher in Dallas ISD working with middle school students. Her vision is to be an agent for social change creating a safe space, building connections, and helping find solutions.

 

Michael Edwards
Child Development Center Lead Teacher
Michael joined the Child Development Center team on March 20, 2023. With a background in teaching, coaching, and mentoring, he is a communications professional with a passion for youth development and sports. Michael is a creative and collaborative problem solver with success in content creation. He is proud to be a graduate of a historically black college having received his bachelor’s degree in Communications from Paul Quinn College in Dallas. He brings experience in mentoring and child development to the Child Development Center team.

 

Syamoria Williams
Hotline Shelter Advocate
Sy joined The Family Place team on March 20, 2023. She was previously a court coordinator for the State of Texas and a legal technician and child support officer for the Texas Attorney General’s office in Dallas, Tarrant, and Johnson counties. She worked for The Texas Attorney General’s office more than a decade gaining extensive experience with domestic violence cases, restraining orders, and visitation concerns. Sy has associate’s degrees in Management and Liberal Science and a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development.

 

Q1 PROMOTIONS

 

Kayla Landry
Faith and Liberty’s Place Family Center Program Director
Kayla joined The Family Place team in October 2021 and was promoted to her current role on January 15, 2023. She has a background in social services and retail management. For five years prior to joining our team, she worked with adult and child family violence survivors and with offenders. She is passionate about providing quality care and safety to the clients we serve. Kayla has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work.

 

Theresa Little
Men’s Shelter Program Director
In her more than 22 years at The Family Place, Theresa has developed many areas of expertise. She has served in a variety of positions within the agency from program director to Community Counseling outreach specialist. She took on her current role at the Men’s Shelter on January 16, 2023. Theresa is a sought-after speaker about domestic violence in the community. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for work including the 2020 I Change Nations Award from the Grand Prairie Police Department and the 2021 Genesis Women’s Shelter Miriam Award for her community advocacy work. In addition to her role at the Men’s Shelter, Theresa is a liaison for The Family Place African American Domestic Violence Council.

 

Edith Walker
Director of the Children’s Educational Department
Edith joined The Family Place in 2000 and has been in the childcare field for 38 years. She was promoted to her current role on February 1, 2023. Edith is a supportive resource for families at our Safe Campus. She has a director’s license, National Accreditation certificate, and an associate’s degree in Business Administration. She will graduate in May 2023 with an Early Childhood Education in Administration degree from Eastfield College.

 

Britanny Roddy
Resale Shop Key Holder
Brittany joined The Family Place in April 2022 as a sales employee bringing 15 years of customer service experience to the Resale Shop team. She was promoted to her current role on February 3, 2023. Brittany brings a positive attitude and exceptional creativity to her work at the Resale Shop and values helping customers and associates achieve the Resale Shop’s goal of funding programs for our clients.

 

Terri Garner
Program Administrative Assistant at Ann Moody Place
Terri has been with The Family Place for 16 years. For years she was part of the glue that held together our Emergency Shelter Services at Sally’s House. She began her career with The Family Place in February 2007 at Sally's House as the administrative assistant. She was later promoted to administrative assistant at our Southern Dallas Counseling Center. On February 16, 2023, Terri transferred to her current role at Ann Moody Place.

 

Nikisha Anderson, MSW, QMHP
Emergency Shelter Services Case Manager at Ann Moody Place
Nikisha joined our Ann Moody Place team in October of 2018 as a resident advocate and was promoted to her current role on February 16, 2023. Nikisha has a bachelor's degree in Business from Northwood University and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She brings many years of experience working with domestic violence survivors and children and families experiencing abuse and neglect. She has extensive training in anger management, illness management and recovery, the Satori alternatives to managing aggression, seeking safety, and adult needs and strengths assessment.

 

Trish Turrentine
Resale Shop Shift Supervisor
Trish joined The Family Place in September 2019 as the Resale Shop social media associate focusing on social media, online sales, and consignment. She was promoted to her current role on February 16, 2023. She previously worked in retail management and buying for a major retailer. Trish is currently focused on working with the Resale Shop team to build our better sportswear and consignment business.

 

Brielle Salley
Emergency Shelter Services Case Manager at Sally’s House
Brielle became a part of the Sally’s House family in the fall of 2022 and took on her new role on March 16, 2023.  She connects clients to resources and provided support in encouraging ways to both colleagues and clients. Brielle has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin University and is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Amberton University.

Having a safety plan in place is critical for anyone experiencing domestic violence. The Family Place’s 24-hour crisis hotline—214-941-1991—provides safety planning services to callers in crisis. Our goal is to ensure that 100% of callers are given a safety plan to help them act quickly to protect themselves from danger.

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps individuals anticipate and prepare for dangerous situations. It outlines steps to take if violence occurs, such as identifying safe places to go or people to call for help. Safety plans can also include information about legal resources, counseling, and other support services that can assist survivors in the aftermath of domestic violence.

Having a safety plan in place can mean the difference between life and death for survivors of domestic violence. It provides a sense of control and empowers individuals to take action to protect themselves and their children. Our crisis hotline is just one resource at The Family Place that provides safety planning services and connects survivors to other support services that can help them on their journey to safety and healing.

Safety Planning for Adults

• Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.
• Back your car into parking places in case you need to leave quickly.
• Memorize emergency numbers, such as 911, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), or The Family Place Hotline (214-941-1991).
• Identify escape routes in your home and practice using them.
• Keep important documents, such as identification and financial records, in a safe place or with a trusted friend or family member.
• Have a “go bag” prepared with essentials, such as clothing, medication, and cash.
• Make a plan for where you can go and whom you can contact for help, such as a friend, family member, or domestic violence shelter.
• Share your situation with a trusted friend or family member who can support you and offer a safe place to stay if needed.
• Consider seeking legal assistance or obtaining a restraining order to protect yourself.
  

Safety Planning for Kids:

• Identify a safe place in the home where they can go if they feel scared or unsafe, such as a neighbor’s house or a specific room.
• Know emergency numbers, such as 911 or a trusted adult’s phone number, and how to use a phone to call for help.
• Understand that violence is never their fault and that they have the right to be safe.
• Practice staying calm and quiet during violent incidents.
• Have a “go bag” prepared with essentials, such as clothing, medication, and comfort items.
• Talk to a trusted adult about their situation and how they can stay safe, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, or family member.

One of the key components of our work to end family violence is our court-ordered programs that help abusers change their behavior and become better parents and future partners. We work closely with Dallas family and criminal courts to provide these services. These programs, Faith & Liberty’s Place and the Battering Intervention & Prevention Program (BIPP), provide a comprehensive approach that teaches abusers how to change their behaviors positively in all relationships. The programs now occupy opposite sides of a new facility that’s the first to combine these services in one location. The programs do not share entrances and exits, ensuring the safety and privacy of all participants, but a common employee space for shared gathering.

Faith and Liberty’s Place named for Faith and Liberty Battaglia who were murdered by their father during an unsupervised visitation, provides supervised visitation and monitored exchanges for noncustodial parents to interact with their children in a safe and supportive environment. Referrals come from family courts, primarily from child custody cases where there is a history of family violence.

Our 24-week program for batterers is a crucial part of ending family violence. Through this program, participants learn how to identify and change abusive behaviors, as well as how to have healthy relationships. By providing this program alongside Faith & Liberty’s Place, which also offers parenting classes, we are providing a comprehensive solution to the problem of family violence. Participants in both programs also have access to a range of resources and support at The Family Place, including counseling, legal aid, and case management services.

With more than 10 years of experience in teaching, Desiree Moore brings skills from various teaching genres and overseeing and directing schools with high-quality curriculums to her role as program director of our Child Development Center. Desiree has a passion for innovative thinking and creativity and works with a team of teachers and educational psychologists to make sure our Child Development Center provides high-quality care and education. Her dedication to innovation ensures that the center stays in line with the latest trends and practices in child development.

Desiree leads a team of teachers and staff members in implementing child development programs, ensuring that each child’s needs are met while maintaining compliance with all state regulations. Desiree is also responsible for developing policies and procedures that promote the highest level of care and education for our children.

Prior to this role, Desiree was the director of education at The Family Place, which allowed her to provide strategic leadership in all our education programs ensuring that they align with our mission and values. Prior to joining The Family Place, she held various leadership positions, including at The Goddard School and Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers. She has also worked with Texas A&M on implementing programs in early childhood to create a healthy, fun way of learning for children who lack in other areas of life, such as food and shelter.

Desiree’s educational background includes a master’s of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce as well as a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and an associate’s degree in Teaching from Blinn College. Desiree’s commitment to her work and passion for children’s education and well-being have made her an invaluable member of The Family Place team. She has elevated the center’s operations, and her leadership has provided a rich environment for children to learn and grow

The Family Place’s Resale Shop is a vital part of our mission to support survivors of domestic violence. The shop accepts donations of clothing, household items, and furniture from the community, which are then provided free of charge to clients in need. The store is staffed primarily by volunteers, and all excess inventory is sold to the general public to raise funds for our programs. Our exciting, seasonally appropriate merchandise is also sold to the general public.

Located at 11722 Marsh Lane, Suite 354, at the southeast corner of the Park Forest Shopping Center, donations are accepted Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Furniture donations are only accepted on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To ensure that donations meet the shop’s guidelines, items must be in closed containers or sealed garbage bags. Items that cannot be accepted include mattresses, office furniture, large appliances, and baby gear.

The store is open to shoppers Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Our Resale Shop is known for carrying high-quality brands such as Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Lululemon, making it a popular destination for thrifty shoppers.

By donating and shopping at the Resale Shop, community members are supporting our vital work while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Come shop with us!

For more information, call the Resale Shop at 214-358-0381.

Our leadership and staff recently traveled to Austin to participate in Domestic Violence Advocacy Day. CEO Mimi Sterling and other representatives from the organization met with legislators to discuss the importance of continued support for survivors of domestic violence.

During the meetings, The Family Place representatives highlighted funding priorities and policy initiatives for the legislative session. These included $88M in funding for family violence program services, $5M for offender accountability, and $600,000 for lethality risk reduction. We also advocated for updating survivor service provisions, codifying virtual hearings for protective orders, increasing access to justice for stalking survivors, and reducing lethality due to firearms.

Domestic violence affects a staggering number of Texans, with 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men experiencing family violence. The lifesaving services provided by organizations like The Family Place are crucial to supporting survivors and ensuring their needs are met. Without funding from the state, local, and federal governments, these services would not be possible.

The Family Place operates three shelters across Dallas County, providing survivors with safety, food, clothing, transportation, legal services, counseling, and case management. The demand for these emergency services continues to increase as the community grows, making funding and support from the government more critical than ever.

Our representatives urged legislators to prioritize the safety of survivors of domestic violence and to hold offenders accountable for their actions. Our efforts at Domestic Violence Advocacy Day show our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and our dedication to ensuring the continued support and funding necessary to provide lifesaving services to those in need.

It’s a big year at The Family Place—our 45^th anniversary—and we’re celebrating all year long with the theme of Building Brighter Futures. In this newsletter, we’ll be sharing stories about the many ways we’re doing that. Just look for the “45 Ways” heart icon to count along and learn how we’re making a difference together.

The Family Place was one of the first family violence agencies and is now one of the largest in the country. As we focus on the future, we’ve identified six priorities to keep us growing in the right direction.

The first focus is a big one—our budget for 2023 is $17 million. We have our work cut out for us to raise that much money—the largest budget in our history. To meet the needs of our clients takes a collective effort of our community coming together with their time, talent, and treasure.

Our second focus area is Program Outcomes and Enhancements. We’re transitioning our service delivery model to work more in depth with clients resulting in even more impressive outcomes. Our chief client services officer has been hard at work auditing each program. Through these evaluations, we are making changes to better serve our clients. One of those changes is through our hotline where we have increased our answer rate from 65% to over 94% in a 12-month period.

Since I joined The Family Place 18 months ago, I’ve worked to Invest in Talent & Infrastructure, which is our third 2023 focus area. We’re continuing to develop our high-performance workforce to improve our infrastructure, including a new safety alert system for the organization. In addition, we need to continue to attract and retain top talent to grow our team. In this newsletter you can read about some of the great jobs we have open, so please pass those on to candidates in your circle.

We’re continuing to Invest in Our Culture through trust, transparency, communication, fun, and better benefits. We’re also enhancing our employee value proposition to make The Family Place a premier employer of choice.

The Family Place Board of Directors has always been one of our greatest assets. In 2023, we’re working to increase board/client mentoring relationships to fully utilize the important resources we have on our side.

Finally, we’re Refreshing Our Brand with input from a diverse committee of stakeholders. The Family Place has a strong and recognizable brand, but even the best brands need a polish every once in a while!

Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives throughout the year, and, as always, thank you for your support!

With gratitude,

 

 

 

 

Mimi Sterling

CEO

Highland Dallas Foundation Has Awarded Over $2 Million to The Family Place Since 2015 

Dallas, TX (October 13, 2021) – The Family Place is pleased to announce a $1 million grant from the Highland Dallas Foundation in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is the second $1 million grant issued by the Highland Dallas Foundation to The Family Place since 2015. The grant will be used in part to fund the ongoing rebuilding and restoration of full services to emergency shelter facilities damaged by Winter Storm Uri, which devastated North Texas in February.

The Family Place is a nonprofit organization that empowers victims of family violence by providing safe housing, counseling and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence. Winter Storm Uri left 123 of The Family Place’s clients displaced after pipes in one of the agency’s three residential facilities burst, causing significant structural damage. Approximately $500,000 of the Highland Dallas Foundation’s grant will provide funding for repairs to The Family Place’s Safe Campus Emergency Shelter. The remaining funds will support The Family Place’s Enduring Promise Foundation Campaign and will help provide long-term funding for on-site medical staff who provide essential medical services to clients in two on-site clinics.

“The Family Place would like to thank the Highland Dallas Foundation for being an important part of the solution to ending family violence in our community with its long-standing support of our organization,” said Mimi Sterling, CEO of The Family Place. “Prior to this grant, the Highland Dallas Foundation provided critical funding to help build our emergency shelter medical and dental clinics, which provide vital medical and dental care to our clients. This latest grant helps ensure The Family Place can continue to serve the Dallas community for years to come helping victims become strong survivors.” 

“The support we’ve received from the Highland Dallas Foundation goes beyond these generous grants. When we asked donors to participate in our ‘Adopt A Family’ program, the Highland Dallas Foundation stepped up to adopt all the families in need, providing holiday gifts for every resident in our emergency shelter, who were so grateful to receive such an unexpected surprise. This impromptu gesture highlights the level of care and commitment for the Dallas community that drives Highland Dallas Foundation’s philanthropy. We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration between the Highland Dallas Foundation and The Family Place, which has been instrumental in providing needed services and promoting awareness of domestic violence in our community.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals.”

About The Family Place
In 1978, a group of community volunteers organized The Family Place as one of the first family violence shelters in the state. Today, The Family Place is the largest family violence service provider in Texas, with three emergency shelters providing 177 shelter beds each night, including the state’s only shelter for men and children, and three counseling centers. The Family Place served 11,933 clients in 2020 providing 62,118 days of emergency shelter, 36,015 days of transitional housing, 18,526 hours of counseling to nonresidential clients, and 8,758 hours of counseling to batterers. All The Family Place’s services are in Spanish and in English. For more information on The Family Place, call 214.559.2170 or visit familyplace.org. 

About The Highland Dallas Foundation
The Highland Dallas Foundation was established in 2011 for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. The Highland Dallas Foundation is a supporting organization of The Dallas Foundation, the oldest community foundation in Texas. Since its inception, the Highland Dallas Foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes focusing on the following issue areas: education; support for military, veterans, and first responders; health and medical research; economic and community development initiatives; and youth and family. This charitable giving has made a tangible impact on improving the lives of Dallas residents. 

This month  Mimi Crume Sterling joined The Family Place as CEO upon the retirement of CEO Paige Flink, who has served the organization for 30 years. Paige will work closely with Mimi over the next few months to take The Family Place into the next chapter.

Mimi was most recently Vice President of Environmental Social Governance and Belonging at Neiman Marcus Group. She relocated her family to Dallas in 2014 after 15 years of working in luxury fashion and lifestyle PR, branding, and marketing in New York City. Mimi joined Neiman Marcus Group originally as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations. After five years in that role, she led Corporate Culture and Philanthropy as a part of the Neiman Marcus Group transformation team.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mimi to lead the incredible team at The Family Place and continue the impactful legacy that Paige created,” said Harold Ginsburg, Chairman of the Board of The Family Place. “Paige has played a crucial role informing and influencing public perception of family violence and the North Texas community’s response to it. It is with great confidence that we welcome Mimi to continue to carry out our mission.”

“Mimi’s philanthropic spirit and diverse background make her the ideal fit for this role,” Paige said. “I look forward to working closely with her in the coming months as she transitions to lead an organization I love. I truly couldn’t be leaving The Family Place in better hands.”

Mimi has raised her family with a focus on service and exploration of diverse cultures.  She says philanthropy was a part of her life from a young age, starting with shadowing her mother who was active within the Indianapolis Children’s Museum Guild throughout the 1970s and 1980s. As a curious and energetic life-learner who has traveled to more than 40 countries and lived on three continents, Mimi meaningfully connects with people from many walks of life. Her happiest place is creating—building communities, solutions, and bright futures. 

“It’s with great honor and gratitude that I take the reins as the new CEO of The Family Place,” Mimi said. “I could not be more privileged to join such a critical and impactful organization, and I’m dedicated to continuing to execute and implement the laser-focused mission of The Family Place. We want to ensure bright futures for every victim of family violence, empowering them to lead lives free from abuse for generations to come.”

West can't wait for Partners Card to start so she can save at some of her favorite places! She plans on scoring some new fitness clothes to teach Session Pilates classes in from Bandier and shopping for fun everyday clothes from Favor the Kind. She's also going to use her Partners Card to snag gifts & home decor at Madison, and then pick up some clean beauty products from Follain!