Spring 2019 Newsletter

From the Director

Endurance.  Dedication. Strength. Courage. Persistence.  Each of these words could be used to describe many times in our lives when we needed to push a little harder; to do things that make us uncomfortable; to keep going through adverse times.     During this past week, one of our own made these words part of her mantra to run 341.4 miles from Sault Sainte Marie to Dearborn.  Her mission was to raise awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Dani Filipek did just that.  What she also did was bring to the forefront what each survivor is capable of when the goal on the other side is survival. 

Each survivor’s journey is as different as their experiences are from each other.  We know from the Power and Control Wheel that intimate partner violence can take many forms.  It can look like intimidation by looks, actions, or gestures, such as destroying property, abusing pets, or displaying weapons.  Emotional abuse could appear as put downs, name-calling, humiliation, or feelings of guilt.  Sometimes victims are isolated from their families and friends.  The abuser controls who they talk to and what they say, what they read, attending functions, and using jealousy to justify actions.

When an abuser uses minimization, denying or blaming, this can put the victim in a position of wonder whether or not it even occurred.  This is also sometimes called “gaslighting.”  The abuser will make light of the abuse or deny that it even happened or they will shift the responsibility for abusive behavior.  They will say the victim caused the behavior from the abuser.

When children are in the family, the abuse can take the structure of pitting the kids against the victim, using the children to relay messages to the victim, or threatening to have the children taken away from them.  While the abuser may think that they are only affecting the victim, we know that the children who grow up in this type of environment are also victims of abuse.  Secondary trauma can and should be treated in those who witness the victimization on a regular basis. 

Economic abuse is sometimes the last thing victims think of as abuse but it is definitely abuse.  If the abuser controls the finances, how the money is spent, obtaining credit in the victim’s name and not paying on it to ruin her credit, or not allowing the victim to work outside the home can be a mitigating factor as to why some victims feel like they can’t leave.  If they are trying to flee with children, the victims may be worried about how they can care for their children and worry about them being removed from her care. 

Threats and coercion are tools of the abuser that keeps the victim feeling helpless that they can get out of their situation.  The abuser may make threats of harm to the victim or to themselves.  They may threaten to call Child Protective Services.  They threaten the victim to drop the charges against them or to get a Personal Protection Order lifted.  They may threaten suicide if the victim leaves them. 

All of these things are red flags and insights into an abusive relationship.  If you hear about a victim in court asking to get the PPO lifted so she can have contact with her abuser, it may not be about wanting the contact.  It may be because he is threatening harm to her or someone/something she loves.  It takes courage, strength, endurance, persistence, and dedication to themselves to live in an abusive relationship and to leave an abusive relationship.  It’s not just about physical violence.  It doesn’t start overnight.  For those doing this front line work, thank you for the patience that you exhibit while working with the survivors.  For those who support our work, thanks will never be enough.  We are humbled by your support.   - Executive Director, Betsy Huggett

 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2019 was a great success. There were so many things that were going on for this month. First, we had our coffee sleeve campaign that went for the whole month of April. All of the coffee shops in the Mackinac and Chippewa County had the SAAM theme, “I Ask for Consent” coffee sleeves. We ended up giving out over 8,000 coffee sleeves for the month of April. The amount of support we had from all the coffee shops was truly amazing. Then we had our internationally recognized guest speaker, author, and founder of the Date Safe Project; Mike Domitrz, come to the area. We had a busy schedule for him. Even with a 2 hour delay, we were able to get into three schools and have our community “Take Back the Night” event. Our first stop on April 12th was at the LaSalle High School in St. Ignace, the weather tried to stop us, but we prevailed, and after the two hour delay the school had, we gave our presentation to the High School students bringing the message of his work, “Can I Kiss You?”  We then went to Rudyard School, again tending to the High School students, and our final school was the Sault Area Middle School, which was fifth through eighth grade students. This was to teach the youth that when we see things going wrong that we need to intervene, that consent is everything, treating others with respect and not allowing our friends/family to dehumanize a population based on their gender, sexual orientation/ expression/ identity, or disability. The youth had some things to tell Mike through his interactive website. Many, if not all, have been taught that when you want to kiss someone that you are interested in that you,” just go for it.”  This was the quote that all of the students used to respond. What are we teaching our youth? Are we teaching them how to properly interact with each other by using communication or just prepping our kids to be future perpetrators by “just going for it”? Mike taught the youth that asking for consent for everything is the way to show respect - not just for the other person, but for your own self. Asking and open communication shows a level of confidence in oneself and concern for the other person that makes a relationship grow and be strong. Teaching our youth healthy relationships, consent, and sexual violence prevention will build confidence and self-esteem.

- Jessica Miles, Violence Prevention Educator

Annual Dolly & Me High Tea 2019

We would like to thank everyone who donated, participated, and sponsored our Annual Dolly and Me High Tea event this year! It was another great success!

Father Daughter Dance 2019

Dani's Journey

Our very own Sexual Assault Victim’s  Advocate, Danielle Filipek, journeyed all the way from Sault Ste. Marie,  MI, to Dearborn, MI, on foot to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She ran a total of 342 miles, and was able to raise $4,653.00 for Diane Peppler
Resource Center! She is truly an amazing person, inside and out. We got to follow her journey on our Facebook page, and on Dani’s Instagram account @rundanirun9.  Dani’s journey began on May 14th, 2019, and ended at the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) Conference in Dearborn, on May 22nd, 2019.  Her story was told by different news stations, including: Fox66, 9&10 News, as well as at WDIV ClickOnDetroit. We are so proud of you, Dani!

Taken from her crowdrise campaign:
“Persist,

In honor of those fighting the fight against domestic violence and sexual assualt.

I've loved every moment of my running career thus far.  In 2016, I was an Olympic Trials Qualifier with a 2:41:32 marathon, a U.S Champion in 2017 in the 50 Mile Trail distance, and have also been at a World Championship where the team took bronze! I have been apart of some pretty phenomenal experiences within the sport. Nothing has been more rewarding than missing runs to advocate and support survivors. I miss runs to hold hands with survivors of sexual assault into the late nights that turn into mornings. I miss runs to advocate, support, and provide resources to survivors.  Missing runs is more important to me than running, if I can help one survivor get through one day with support and compassion, than my run time is gratefully spent elsewhere.

Courage is something survivors face everyday. Whether it's standing against a perpetrator on the stand, going forward with their stories, or just living life everyday. I hope to mentally and physically endure for those who have endured.  I know that it will not come close to the feelings of what it means to be survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. 

… I appreciate your support and prayers, but most importantly, do those things for the 1 in 6 women sexually assaulted and 1 in 10 men sexually assaulted each year. I will be running for those
survivors, because chances are, someone you love has been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence.” 

For more information on Dani’s Journey, and all the amazing work she did, check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dprcenter/

Welcome New Staff!

Bailey, Crisis Counselor—  I have a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in substance abuse education, prevention, and intervention from Central Michigan University. I will be attending Michigan State University starting this fall for a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in combat veterans. I previously worked with substance abuse clients in a residential facility as a primary clinician and have experience as a home health aide. At Diane Peppler I hope to accomplish the ability to give clients an environment in which they can express themselves openly and honestly, and be able to effectively work through any trauma they may have. I have been in the military for the last four and a half years as a bridge engineer and enjoy time with my dog and family when I'm not working. 
Katie,  Volunteer Coordinator—  Hi! My name is Katie Barkley! I’m originally from Harbor Springs, MI but have found my home here in Sault Ste Marie after graduating from LSSU in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Corrections and Psychology. I am constantly looking for ways to get involved with the community and luckily my job helps me do that, as the Volunteer Coordinator here. I love meeting new people and sharing a desire to help others. Give me a jingle here at the shelter if you’re interested in volunteering. I’m sure I can find something for you.
Cyndie, Financial Manager— I joined Diane Peppler Resource Center in January, 2019, filling the position of Financial Manager.  After graduating Lake Superior State University, I took a job with Bay Mills Resort and Casino as an Accountant for over 17 years.  My goal is to bring my knowledge of governmental accounting with me to help DPRC excel and also to learn new skills in order to help in the community.  I have much to learn - and I am ready!  I truly feel blessed to find this position and the opportunities it brings.
Jacqueline,  Legal Advocate—I graduated from Lake Superior State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice– Homeland Security. I also have an associate’s degree in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security. During college, I was president of two clubs, both involving awareness of sexual assault. I am currently interning with Michigan State Police. My goal at DPRC is to be someone’s comfort. I want to help anyone who comes through the door. My long term goal is to work for Michigan State Police, and hopefully along with DPRC. I enjoy helping others who may not know how to help themselves. Everybody deserves someone to guide them through tough times. I hope to be that person. 

We Need Volunteers!

The month of April was National Volunteer Month and we took the time to celebrate our volunteers for their dedicated work in helping others through efforts both big and small. Here’s something you might not know however, volunteering can benefit the volunteer even more. As mentioned before, it does not have to be a huge act that takes years and years of your time, although that is appreciated. It can be just an hour of your time each week. Either way, you as the volunteer could experience the following benefits.

Being an active volunteer, you will connect with others in your community. You can strengthen existing friendships and relationships and build new ones by sharing common interests. You can meet new people and increase your social and relationship skills by consistently meeting with others and broadening your network.

Being an active volunteer can be beneficial for your mind and body. Giving back to the community can help relieve stress, increase connections, and increase well-being. Volunteering helps combat anxiety and depression by keeping you in contact with a support system or working with animals. Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and happiness. By doing good things for others or the community, one is filled with a sense of accomplishment and positivity.

Being an active volunteer can help you move forward in your career. Volunteering can provide you with experience you might not get anywhere else. It offers skills to learn such as organization, communication and team work.

Being an active volunteer can bring joy and exploration to your life. It is a way to separate from your mundane daily routine. Volunteering can be fun and exciting when it leads you to find new hobbies, creativity, and motivation.

Volunteer opportunities vary throughout each city, but there is one for everyone, whether you like pets, people, plants or everything in between.  Try to visit different organizations and find the one that will be the perfect fit for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, have an open mind and enjoy yourself.

Here at DPRC, we have endless volunteer opportunities, a few of which include crisis line coverage, shelter coverage and cleaning, night monitor coverage, and much more.  All positions include free training and all of the benefits listed above! Feel free to contact Katie at 906-635-0566 to find out which volunteer position would be most beneficial to you and DPRC.

 

Don't Miss Out!

We Appreciate You!

Volunteers Spring 2019

Don Corbiere
Jennifer DeVisser
Nicholas Towns
Trina Augustine
Donna Compton
Alpha Kappa Chi
Mark Allen
Barton Nanney
Camrin Stokely
Aaron Borg
Tim Darly
Pam Manns
Onnalee Blackledge
Cindy McKee
Whitney McKenzie
Katie Whitworth
Lisha Slater
Travis Gree
Jennifer Dibble
Lillian McKee
Karly McLean
Cynthia Brown
Megan Hall
Jacqueline Homrocky
Payton Beck

Donors Spring 2019

Family Dollar
Rotary Club
Albert Heating and Cooling
Cindy Hyder
Charleen Scott 
Lisa Graver
Kinross Correctional Facilty
Jessica Miles
Network for Good
Waneta A. Graham
Shane Skeans
Barish’s
Mindy & Carl McCreedy
Happy Hound Dog Walking Services
Laurie Patterson
Jessica Hemphill
Michael Lounds
Jean Killips
Debra Carroll
Barb Green
Lynn Guy
Kathy Lambert
Joyce Cross
Sault Area High School
Les Cheneaux Ambulance Auxiliary
Sault Ste. Marie City Hall
Maureen Sillers
Keri Raaf
Soo Co-Op Credit Union
Bruce Huggett
Denise & Butch
Goldade Ida
Kraft Julie Smith
Heidi Flower
Don Corbiere
Ally Vanderley
Amanda Mudloff
Sharon Mustonenn
Greg McQuiggin
Janice Kessler
Alpha Kappa Chi
Roberta Profit
Jocelyn Hay
Sugar Island Township
Misty Sibbald Photography
Julia Riker
Sara Hill
Marilyn Myers
Susan Stephens
John & Rose Marie Frost
Ginna Hoben
Kathy Smithers
Phat Boutique
Cathy Smitherson
Bethel Church
Kay Boyne
Richard & Amanda Shields
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
Naubinwe Parish
Sault Ste Marie Armory
Sue & Randy Pavlat
Jenna Hoben
Mary Hoben
The Mole Hole
Parker’s ACE Hardware
After All This Time
Seder’s Pizza
Fernelius Soo Motors
Maloney’s Alley
Amber McLean
LSSU Bookstore

 

 

Huge shout out to the U.S. Coast Guard for helping us clean out our garage every Tuesday in April!

 

Executive Director, Betsy Huggett, receiving a generous donation provided by Jennifer Reattoir from the Mole Hole. Thank you for collecting donations for us, and thank you to all of those who donated to our cause!

Also a big thank you to the Mackinaw Woman's Club who donated at Christmas time, as well as Marshall's Fudge and Candy and Alice's Kandy and Korn!

Donate Today!

Amazon Smile

You can shop online at smile.amazon.com to make those same exact purchases and they will make a donation to the Diane Peppler Resource Center every time that you purchase from their website!

Click the picture to get started shopping today!

Paypal

You can donate to our shelter using the PayPal! Click on the picture to follow the link to pay directly to us. All donations are greatly appreciated, and a huge help to keep the shelter running smoothly!

Diane Peppler Resource Center

PO Box 698, Sault Ste. Marie
United States

MailerLite