San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force (SSDVTF)

2009-06-17T11:18:00.003-05:00

FREE TRAINING

JULY 14
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
SAN SABA CIVIC CENTER

TCLEOSE & CEUs

PROTECTIVE ORDERS, EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDERS, SEXUAL ASSAULT PROTECTIVE ORDERS
&
THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF TRAUMA

INSTRUCTORS:
WENDE HILSENROD (TAASA)
&
HEATHER BUSBY (TAP)

Sponsored by the San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force (SSDVTF) and City of San Saba Dove Project

June Meeting

2009-06-01T10:17:00.003-05:00

Please join us:

June 9
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
City Hall Council Chambers
303 South Clear Street
San Saba, Texas

May Minutes

2009-05-26T15:50:00.006-05:00

Minutes

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force

May 12, 2009

The TaskForce met at noon at the Dove Project. In attendance were Brenna Troncoso, Charles Carter, Danna Smith, Lexie Wiley, Sabrina Maultsby, Georgia Harris, Melissa Switzer, and Adella.

Minutes of the April meeting were read by Adella. Brenna made a motion to approve and Charles seconded.

Old Business – A brief discussion of the Community Plan and the involvement of the Task Force in future Planning meetings.

Georgia stated that she will be working on a short term housing grant to serve victims of domestic violence through the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs. She also stated the Dove Project was in a financial crisis right now. Sabrina’s position has not been funded for 6 months and Georgia’s funding ends on Jun 30. However, the Attorney General’s office through whom we receive VOCA funding has asked all DV Projects to extend their funding for 2 months and in exchange they would only pay for 40% of our expenses. Georgia and Sabrina will be meeting with Stan Weik, City Manager on Friday to determine whether the Dove Project will remain open until new funding is received. Regardless, Georgia stated that the Dove Project would try to maintain a volunteer base and some core services.

Discussion was had of the evolution of the Task Force toward a more inclusive, broader-based community approach to providing services to families. The idea of having a tri-county, quarterly interagency meeting was also discussed, either under the auspices of the SSDVTF or in some other form. It was generally agreed that this might be a good idea. Georgia noted that the Dove Project has been providing services predominately to domestic violence victims but that it is also mandated by the Governor’s Office Criminal Justice Division to provide a wholistic approach to restoring the victim to a full mental, emotional, and physical state, which implies services broader than those having to do directly with domestic violence.

Danna had contacted the school about a presentation about Teen Dating Violence. Georgia met with Ms. Pannell at the High School and a program will be presented on Monday morning at 8 a.m. in the new gymnasium.

A back to school Children’s Health and Safety Fair is planned for July 31 at the Civic Center. Georgia handed out a draft of a request for sponsors and booths. After discussion and input from Melissa and others, it was determined that we should look for and find a primary/main sponsor for the fair rather than set a specific amount for a number of smaller sponsors. Georgia will meet with the Chamber of Commerce first to get a list of potential supporters. Adella and Danna will work with Georgia in the planning of the fair. It was suggested that we also get out a notice to all service providers about having a booth and to students by May 28.

Future Meetings:

June:

Nancy Watson, Regional Director, Congressman K. Michael Conaway

July (11:00 AM - 1 PM, San Saba Civic Center):

Free Sexual Assault PO, EPO, PO, & Neurobiology of Trauma Training - TCLEOSE and CEU's available

August:

Legal Advocates Network training on legislative updates, etc.

The May meeting ran late and adjourned about 1:45 PM.

Save the Date - San Saba Health & Safety Fair

2009-05-14T10:50:00.003-05:00

Save the Date! San Saba Health & Safety Fair to be held July 31st, 10 AM - 2 PM. Details to follow.

April Minutes, May to Follow

2009-05-14T10:48:00.000-05:00

Minutes – April 14, 2009

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force

San Saba Senior Center

The meeting began at noon. In attendance were Penny Starks Williams, Danna Smith, Georgia Harris, Linda Mixon, and Melissa Switzer.

Old Business:

Georgia explained that she withdrew the federal grant she was working on for transitional housing. There were several reasons but the most motivating was that the Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs were getting ready to post a state grant that would be even more beneficial in that it would not only help families in the shelter get their rent and utilities paid for 3 months but it would allow clients whose abuser was in jail stay in their own homes by paying their rent and utilities.

Brenna has the proposed letter for a $10,000 grant to assist the Task Force ready but is waiting on 3 letters of support from San Saba to attach to it.

New Business:

The Central Texas Council of Governments has given the go ahead for each county in their COG to receive $67,000 for equipment for law enforcement. However, the Community Plan has to be amended to spell out specifically the need. Georgia stated that since the plan was going to be amended she also wanted to make sure that short term transitional housing money was included.

Georgia reported that plans are underway for a health fair to be held on a Friday, July 31, for a back-to-school health and safety fair. She will be sending out information and an invitation for other organizations to participate. The goal is to raise community awareness of programs available to children and their families and to provide school supplies at each booth that has an activity.

Next meeting is scheduled for May 12 from 11:30 – 1:00pm. We will meet at the Dove Project, 2005 West Wallace Suite 5.

FYI

2009-03-18T11:45:00.001-05:00

San Saba featured in Texas Hill Country Magazine, Winter 2008. Read article, here.

March Minutes

2009-03-18T10:57:00.004-05:00

March 10, 2009

SSDVTF

San Saba, Texas

Those present were Georgia Harris, Jennifer Fleming (CVC Coordinator), Danna Smith, Patricia Trichel, Melissa Pressley, Sabrina Maultsby, Melissa Switzer, Linda Mixon (guest speaker), Brenna Troncoso, and various Survivors.

Linda Mixon, Center Director for Hill Country Community Action Senior Center, spoke about programs and services (such as weatherization services) that could be offered and made available to victims and survivors of family violence, as well as to others who qualify. The motto is "Helping people, Changing Lives". Ms. Mixon said, for example, in addition to weatherization, they are able to assist clients with energy assistance (i.e., utility bills). She also invited the Task Force to have its meetings occasionally at the Senior Center, where lunch is served. Georgia Harris said she would poll members to see if we might want to have our next meeting there.

Jennifer Fleming, CVC Coordinator with the County Attorney's Office, also spoke briefly about her role and duties. Ideas were discussed for projects for National Crime Victims Week, April 26 - May 2. Nothing was decided. Patricia, however, volunteered to assist as needed.

Brenna has prepared the letter of interest for the Hope Grant that would give the Task Force up to $10,000. This is on hold until 3 letters of support can be obtained from member agencies. Information about the grant and letters of support can be found, here.

BT also reported on the Trafficking Training held on March 6 and recommended that the Dove Project and other interested agencies look into the Trafficking Coalition being formed in Waco. Sexual violence, particularly with links to organized crime, is becoming more prevalent in rural areas.

Georgia stated that she had talked to the school and reports that none of the gyms are available for the health fair on July 25th -- she will look into other options, such as the civic center.

Meeting adjourned.

February Meeting & Minutes

2009-02-11T13:10:00.002-06:00

We had one of our best and most productive meetings yet in February. Thank you to all.

Minutes

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force

February 10, 2009

The monthly meeting of the task force was held at the Dove Project. Persons signing in were, as follows: Georgia Harris, Dove Project; Tonnie Robbins and Charles Carter, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas; Patricia Trichel; Survivors and Volunteers; Lindy Schulz, legal advocate/volunteer; Cathie Lehman, Universal Child Abuse Specialist, New Horizons; Danna Smith, DHHS- Children with special health-care needs; Brenna Troncoso, American Gateways; Tim Inman, San Saba County Attorney; and Dwayne Shaw, San Saba Police Department.

Introductions were followed by a reading of the minutes of the January 13, 2009 meeting by Brenna Troncoso. A motion to approve the minutes as read was made by Lindy and seconded by Danna.

Agency Updates:

Dove Project - The City Council did approve non-profit status and the task force helped with the food bank, which comes to town on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Legal Aid - Has had a slow down in the amount of services they've been able to provide due to the holidays and an audit. They are also without a CEO. They are still coming to San Saba once a month, however, to provide free legal clinics. They have identified a need to improve pro bono representation in San Saba.

Tim Inman - The new County Attorney for San Saba, was welcomed and stated that either he or the Crime Victim Coordinator would be attending the task force meetings. He stated that his goal is to have a zero tolerance for domestic violence in San Saba County. If, for example, a 911 call is made and law enforcement responds and someone is arrested, that person is going through the court system. People need to know the consequences of their actions and also need to know that a second conviction is a felony. The notion of "call and cancel" is no longer viable. The objective is to go forward on all cases. Georgia asked that he consider the model that other communities have adopted in that persons wishing to drop charges or wanting to move forward with an affidavit of non-prosecution would have to go through a class or some counseling on domestic violence and then it would be up to the County Attorney as to whether he will dismiss the case. Lindy felt this would be something she as a legal advocate could certainly assist with. Mr. Inman said that we really need an updated resource list to which city and county offices could refer.

Danna suggested a community resource guide.

Mr. Inman also offered that we need to focus on the victims, including secondary victims and not just on the abuser. The task force then had a good discussion on this topic and the community resource guide, suggesting amongst other things that parents need to be informed and aware (and not in denial) of how family violence affects their children. The notion was explored, with regard to juveniles, of making the parent(s) more accountable as well. For all of these ideas, we all need a better idea of the resources available in and to the county.

Discussion was also had on the state of law enforcement's handing out of family violence materials at the scene of a family violence incident, as discussed at the San Saba Community Planning meeting. There needs to be follow-up and follow-through with law enforcement on this, both City and County.

Legal Aid asked about the procedure for protective orders in San Saba and whether an arrest was needed. Answer: yes.

Mr. Inman stated that with regard to family violence the city and county were working well together.

Grants:

Georgia reported that the Rural Domestic Violence Grant to the Office of Violence against Women was submitted on February 4 and that if it was successful it would provide San Saba, Mills, McCulloch and Llano county law enforcement with the ability to put victims in hotels until a DV case worker or victim assistant could develop a safety plan for them. It would also provide persons in rural areas with telephone counseling with a licensed counselor when transportation was not available. It would also provide officers with laptops for their vehicles to access information more quickly regarding protective orders, etc.

Brenna has been working on a grant that would provide up to $10,000 for the work of the task force. The grant would be used for developing a Victim Assistance Team, training, and outreach. She stated that she would include development of a resource guide into the request for monies.

Georgia said that she has a grant proposal on her desk for a supervised visitation grant through the OVW that is due February 19. Mr. Inman felt this grant would be helpful especially given the new focus on zero tolerance for DV, which might generate a greater need for supervised visitation. Georgia said that the Dove Project is providing services to four families right now, and there is need for assistance with the supervised visits.

Danna asked the County Attorney whether visitation could be conditioned upon payment of child support. Answer: No. One cannot condition visitation on child support.

Tonnie said she would get information to Georgia regarding the "Meet in the Middle" program in San Angelo.

Statistics:

The Sheriff's Office was unable to provide statistics.

The Dove Project passed out their recent 6 month report showing that 153 victims, both primary and secondary had been served. The goal for the year was 175, and Georgia feels that number will soon be surpassed.

2009 Calendar of Events:

Dates for future events were discussed. It was determined that we would try to do something for Crime Victims week. Mr. Inman said his office would provide resources to work on that. He would like Jennifer Flemming, the Crime Victims Coordinator in his office, to work on this per her grant.

Georgia stated that school starts on the last Monday in August and that she would like to see a Health and Safety fair held that would encourage public and private agencies to have a booth with information about resources available and that perhaps we could incorporate a free school supply at each booth after the family had received information. Several present felt July 25 would be a good date.

Brenna said the date for a conference/training could be sometime in October, if that's what the task force wanted to do. She also stated the task force needed to decide 1) if it wanted to move forward on this or wait until grant funds came in and 2) whether it wanted the training to be a traditional training or whether San Saba wanted to establish an annual conference and policy-making event for the region.

Other topics:

Georgia stated that on Feb. 20 the Dove Project was going to be hosting their annual survivor's seminar/training. The theme for this year is "Taking Control of Your Future".

Meeting adjourned, 1:30 PM.

Reminder - Next Meeting

2009-02-04T08:01:00.004-06:00

Save the date. We have a lot of work to do and issues to address. The next meeting of the SSDVTF will be held:

Tuesday
February 10, 2009
12:00-1:00 PM
Bring your Lunch, 11:30 - noon
The Dove Project

Dove Project's Non-profit Status

2009-01-28T09:47:00.003-06:00

The bylaws and articles of incorporation for the Dove Project's 501(c)(3) status were approved by the City Council. Read the the article in the San Saba News & Star, here.

January Meeting

2009-01-28T09:21:00.002-06:00

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force
January 13, 2009

Persons in attendance were Sabrina Maultsby, Cathie Lehman, Missy King, Danna Smith, Brenna Troncoso, Georgia Harris, and Sheriff Allen Brown.

No minutes were available (at the time) for the November meeting. No meeting was held in December.

There was discussion of priorities for 2009 -- One of which was to ensure better data reporting for San Saba County, particularly with regard to stats on domestic violence cases as they happen. Sheriff Brown stated that he would provide monthly statistics and the Dove Project said they too would provide statistics to the task force. The Sheriff's Office also stated that it would keep abreast of making sure the actual paperwork and inputting of data takes place.

Another priority discussed was trainings, with discussion of the types of training and time frames for future training opportunities, particularly for law enforcement. Sheriff Brown said that he would like to be involved in determining those trainings and would work on scheduling. Missy King stressed the need to focus on and follow-through with goals and objectives and maintaining task force minutes. Brenna Troncoso seconded that and remarked on the need to continue with structure and organization on a broader, task force level if we are to be successful and long-lived: agendas, minutes, and proposals for all major projects. Brenna will work on a proposal for a conference later in the year.

Another priority discussed was funding (see below re non-profit status and OVW grant).

Next month we will discuss the calendar year and decide on potential dates for various events.

Georgia Harris stated that the Dove Project would like to be a part of a children's safety/health fair as part of a back to school activity before school starts. She felt that incorporating supplies into the fair would increase attendance and give many organizations an opportunity to do outreach to kids and their parents. The date for that will also be set at next month's meeting.

Another goal for the Dove Project was to do something regarding assisting the school with regard to teen dating violence. Missy King with the Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse asked where we were with that. We had a fledgling group of teens last year but due to some problems with leadership nothing more had been done. Danna Smith agreed to contact the high school superintendent about the possibility of meeting with the consumer sciences teacher and with the school counselor. Georgia and Cathie expressed an interest in being a part of that meeting.

Georgia gave an up-date on the status of the Dove Project seeking 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The resolution and the bylaws and articles of incorporation are ready to present to the City Council on January 19, authorizing the establishment of the Dove Project as a non-profit organization of the City of San Saba. The current board members will be Chief of Police Ray Riggs, Sheriff Allen Brown, victim advocate Lindy Schulz, Brenna Troncoso of American Gateways (formerly the Political Asylum Project of Austin), and Stan Weik, City Manager. Having non-profit status will broaden the Dove Project's ability to access money from private foundations.

Georgia stated that we need to revisit getting the grant for our task force from OVW. Brenna said she would work on that. Also, Georgia and Sabrina are working on a grant through OVW for Rural Domestic Violence Programs that is due Feb. 4.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2009. Meeting adjourned.

Minutes November 2008

2009-01-27T12:36:00.002-06:00

San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

November 10, 2009

The Taskforce met at the Dove Project. In attendance were Allen Brown, Danna Smith, Missy King, Georgia Harris, Brenna Troncoso, Lindy Shulz, Sabrina Maultsby, Tonnie Robbins, Charles Carter and Deborah Keith.

Agency updates were given by Deborah for the Children’s Advocacy Project and Brenna for PAPA. Brenna shared that Political Asylum Project has a new name “American Gateways.”

Allen Brown, the new sheriff-elect gave an overview of what his plans and goals were for the Sheriff’s department.

Georgia reported that the Dove Project failed to receive one of the two grants they get from the Governor’s office, Criminal Justice Division. She said that attorney Tommy Adams had offered to help with the paperwork of getting non-profit status for the Dove Project filed. She hopes to be able to get the city to agree to allow the Dove Project to be a non-profit agency within city government and that we would have our own board of directors. This would enable us to seek funding from private foundations that require 501c3 non-profit status.

Brenna and Lindy gave an update on the domestic violence conference in Dallas. They had received a full scholarship for the conference fee and hotel to attend.

The San Saba Community Plan is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2008 and items that we wanted to include were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned about 1pm. Next meeting will be scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday in December. However, with the holidays upon us the meeting may be changed.

December meeting - cancelled

2008-12-04T19:33:00.000-06:00

November Events

2008-11-14T19:36:00.009-06:00

Thus far, November has been eventful for the Task Force and its members:

-On November 14, 2008, the SSDVTF celebrated its One Year Anniversary;

-On November 14, 2008, members Sabrina Maultsby, Georgia Harris, Allen Brown, Missy King and others attended the San Saba County community planning meeting (photos below);

-On November 13, 2008, Brenna Troncoso, "graduated" from the Lockhart Police Department Victim Assistance Team (photo of graduation dinner below), the idea being to develop and implement a similar program in San Saba;

-On November 7, 2008 Task Force members, including Melissa Switzer and Lindy Shulz, attended the Cutting Edge conference in Dallas, Texas; and, last but not least,

-On November 4, 2008, Task Force member and San Saba police officer Allen Brown became the Sheriff elect of San Saba County, excerpt from the San Saba News & Star available here.

***Minutes from November meeting to follow.

Reminder - Community Plan

2008-11-13T13:45:00.002-06:00

The San Saba County community plan meeting will be held tomorrow, Friday, November 14, 10 AM - Noon at the San Saba courthouse.

Teen Dating Violence Task Force up and running!

2008-11-13T13:43:00.000-06:00

The Teen Dating Violence Task Force and Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse created a partnership for Red Ribbon Week. Pictured from left to right are Bonnie Stasey and Marsha McMillan pledging to be Tobacco- Free along with Krista St. John and Sarah Hedley, members of the Task Force. Approximately 120 students and staff members made this pledge.

SSDVTF Members to Attend Dallas Conference

2008-11-05T08:28:00.003-06:00

This Friday members of the SSDVTF will represent the Task Force at a conference sponsored by the Dallas County Domestic Violence Awareness Coalition and the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition. The conference, titled The Cutting Edge: Innovative Approaches to Family Violence, will be an excellent opportunity to network and highlight the work we're doing in San Saba. A conference schedule and list of speakers can be found here.

IMPORTANT - Mark your calendars

2008-10-28T12:30:00.004-05:00

We'll be having two very important meetings in November. Please mark your calendars.

-On Monday, November 10, 11:30-1 pm, we'll have our regular task force meeting, location TBA, the purpose of which will be to discuss and plan for the upcoming Community Planning meeting on Friday, November 14. In addition to our regular business, Georgia will give us a brief explanation of the importance of the Community Planning meeting, its purpose, and implications. This will be followed by a discussion by the task force as to our role in and vision for the community plan.

-Community Planning meeting, Friday, November 14, 10 am -noon, San Saba Courthouse, for interested agencies and individuals.

More information to follow.

2008 San Saba Pecan Bottom Run

2008-10-21T11:34:00.003-05:00

Keep San Saba fit!

Come down, Saturday, November 8, for the 2008 San Saba Pecan Bottom Run! If you are with the SSDVTF, wear your T-shirt! There will be a 10K, 5K, and 1 mile run/walk. Registration begins at 8:00 AM at Mill Pond Park.

Registration materials and information can be found, here. Or call the County Extension Office (325.372.5416).

San Saba County Health Fair

2008-10-21T11:18:00.002-05:00

Join members of the SSDVTF & other organizations at the San Saba County Health Fair. Contact the San Saba County Extension Office for more information (325.372.5416). Free to the public.

November 4, 2008
Civic Center, Mill Pond Park
11:00 am - 2 pm

Barbara Pearce - October Speaker

2008-10-16T11:26:00.004-05:00

The October meeting of the SSDVTF was a great success!

Thank you to all who attended.

additional photos of October meeting

2008-10-16T11:20:00.002-05:00

October Meeting - Speaker

2008-10-06T11:27:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends:

Please make a special effort to attend our October meeting. We have an excellent and dynamic speaker -- Barbara Pearce -- set to speak at the Civic Center. I've told Barbara all about the task force and San Saba and the wonderful place that it is, and I'd like for her to be able to meet and speak to each of you about the work you are doing in San Saba. We'll be doing a family style potluck from 11:30-noon, so come hungry. Also, please feel free to invite others you think may be interested.

Details:

Barbara Pearce
Tuesday, October 14
San Saba Civic Center
Lunch: 11:30 am
Presentation: noon - 1 p.m.

Here's some background information on The Georgetown Project and on the Georgetown Community Resource Center.

And about Barbara and her talk:

Please join us in welcoming Barbara Pearce, former Executive Director of The Georgetown Project, Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at the San Saba Civic Center. Lunch will begin at 11:30, the presentation at noon.

Founded in 1997, The Georgetown Project is a highly successful partnership including business, government, education, health and religious communities focused on improving and strengthening community development, particularly with regard to the lives of children and youth. Ms. Pearce will speak to the balance of embracing economic growth and development while holding onto community values. Using the Georgetown example, she will discuss how community asset development provides the lifeblood necessary for healthy communities and for the development of children into healthy, caring and capable adults. This is designed to be an interactive meeting with ample Q & A, so attendees should feel free to come discuss the great things that are being done and can be done in San Saba.

A nurse by training, Ms. Pearce is a lifelong community advocate. She has served on the Williamson County Child Welfare Board, the Georgetown City Planning and Zoning Commission, has served two terms on the Georgetown City Council, and is a member of the Georgetown Healthcare Foundation Board. She has worked with the Georgetown Independent School District, 1990-1996, with The Georgetown Project, 1996-2006, and currently works as a consultant with the Georgetown Community Resource Center. She has presented at numerous state, regional, and national conferences and has received numerous awards and honors, but says she is most proud, by far, of being a native West Texan, grandmother, and voice for young people.

For additional information, please check the San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force (SSDVTF) web page, www.sansabadomesticviolencetaskforce.blogspot.com, or call the City of San Saba Dove Project, 325.372.4357.

You can always email me as well, brennat@papais.org.

Domestic Violence: Myths and Misconceptions

2008-09-11T14:57:00.004-05:00

Registration is now open for the Seventh Annual Community and Professional Education Conference on Family Violence, Domestic Violence: Myths and Misconceptions.

October 17, 2008
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
First Lockhart Baptist Church
318 W. Prairie Lea
Lockhart, Texas 78644

Early registration deadline, October 1, 2008, cost $30.00 (includes lunch and snacks; CEUs and TCLEOSE available).

Topics and speakers include:

*Texas Laws Affecting Victims of Domestic Violence (Kelly Knight, Attorney),
*Law Enforcement Strategies for Successful Prosecution of Domestic Violence (Chief Harold Q. Thomas, Hutto Police Department),
*Teens and the Law (Bronwyn Blake, Director of the Teen Justice Initiative),
*Recognizing the Link Between Family Violence and Animal Abuse (Sgt. Robert Rodriguez, Cameron County Sheriff's Office), and
*Advocacy and Social Change (Karen Wilson, Director of Community Education for SafePlace, Austin)

Contact Brenna Troncoso (brennatATpapais.org) for registration information or the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center (512.396.3404; www.hcwc.org). All are encouraged to attend.

Self-Defense Training

2008-09-11T14:22:00.003-05:00

After the business portion of our meeting, Officer Brown provided attendees with a preview of one of his self-defense programs. Trainings can be tailored to meet the needs of any particular group, including victims of family violence or sexual assault as a way to re-build confidence. More details on this particular program and how to request a training for your community or agency to follow. Contact Officer Brown at the San Saba Police Department for more information.

September Minutes

2008-09-11T14:01:00.003-05:00

SSDVTF
San Saba Civic Center
September 9, 2008

ACTION ITEMS:

ALL: Those who can, please attend the HOPE NOT DOPE program in Llano, Sept. 16, 7 pm, Llano High School. Contact, AB.

BT: Proceed with VAT design, contact media re October speaker, send reminder re lunch on 24th

GH: Schedule time to discuss options for getting more attorney volunteers with TR

TR: Forward San Angelo Crisis Response Team contact info to BT

Those in attendance were Donna Webb, Danna Smith, Allen Brown, Penny Starks, Lynda Valdez, Melissa Switzer, Betty Lovelle, Lindy Schulz, Tonnie Robbins, Charles Carter, Georgia Harris, and Brenna Troncoso. Chief Ray Riggs was in attendance for the latter half of the LE training.

The meeting was called to order at noon.

Old Business:

-Hard copies of LegalFront distributed.
-GH reported on school supplies and the food pantry.

Agency Up-dates:

-AB will be doing a HOPE NOT DOPE program, sponsored by LADI, at the Llano High School, Tuesday night, Sept. 16, 7 pm. The program is open to students and the community at large. We are hoping to have at least 50 people from San Saba attend.

-Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (TR & CC) report that we desperately need more volunteer attorneys in the area. GH & TR will discuss possible options: Meeting with local attorneys, perhaps contacting the local chapter of the Bar, exploring option for pro se clinics, etc. Also, please make a note of a new legal tool, www.TexasLawHelp.org, which provides free online legal resources to low-income Texans.

-DS, with DSHS, reports that she and others may be called to Austin to help with the critical incident stress management team and hurricane evacuees, particularly children with special needs.

New Business:

-The Teen Dating Task Force , and will have its inaugural meeting Sept. 16, 2008, 430 pm, at the Dove Project. Representatives from Cherokee, Richland Springs, and San Saba will be present. Contact, GH.

-A Visioneering up-date was given with regard to the VAT, SSDVTF Conference, and future speakers:

*The green light was given to proceed with the VAT. BT will do ground work in conjunction with LE. Will meet with president of Lockhart VAT, Mary Beth Nickel, and founder, Judge Jim Gillis. The Lockhart VAT was designated one of the most successful VAT teams in the US. BT has also arranged to speak to Williamson County representatives -- from Georgetown and Round Rock PDs, and others. TR will forward contact info for San Angelo Crisis Response Team. DS, has suggested speaker on grief and suicide, once training schedule is established.

*Conference Committee will meet for lunch, 1 pm, Sept. 24, in San Saba -- location TBA.

*Speaker for October will be Barbara Pearce, former Executive Director of The Georgetown Project. We will announce her talk in the San Saba News & Star and, if possible, on the radio.

-GH reports the Legal Advocacy Network liked our SSDVTF t-shirts and has requested that she order some for the TCFV conference. The SSDVTF will get $1 of every t-shirt sold.

-The business portion of our meeting was followed by a presentation by Officer Brown on the programs he and the SSPD can offer the public re self-defense. The hope is to provide these trainings to victims and others in the area. Special thanks to Legal Aid for serving as both physical and visual aids!

Reminder

2008-09-08T08:17:00.005-05:00

Our next meeting will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the San Saba Civic Center 11:30 - 1pm, followed by a law enforcement training, 1pm - 230/3pm.

To be confirmed.

San Saba featured in LegalFront

2008-09-04T14:58:00.004-05:00

Read about San Saba and the SSDVTF in the latest edition of the State Bar of Texas publication, LegalFront, pages 13 and 14.

The webpage may take some time to load, but it's there. Hard copies will be available at the next task force meeting on September 9th. Hope to see you all there.

Member Up-dates

2008-08-28T09:58:00.003-05:00

-Georgia Harris and Brenna Troncoso attended the TCFV Legal Advocacy Network retreat and business meeting in Midlothian, August 15 & 16.
-Brenna Troncoso attended 5th Annual Conference on Human Trafficking, held in Austin, August 25 & 26. Particularly helpful were sessions on reactive and proactive investigations, victim outreach, and links to organized crime.
-And, Lindy Schulz, JoAnn San Miguel & BT have submitted scholarship applications to attend the Cutting Edge: Innovative Approaches to Family Violence conference in Dallas in November. We should know something by October 1.

August meeting & photo

2008-08-18T21:38:00.005-05:00

As a result of change of venue, our August meeting was held at the Dove Project -- space was limited, but we made do. A lot was accomplished, particularly with regard to signature events. Minutes below.

(And here is our one and only photo from the August meeting! Danna being a good sport in her kinder-chair.)

August 12, 2008 Minutes

2008-08-18T10:25:00.001-05:00

Minutes
SSDVTF
August 12, 2008

Brenna Troncoso, Allen Brown, Tonnie Roberts, Lindy Schulz, Donna Webb, Georgia Harris, Danna Smith, Charles Carter, Missy King, Sabrina Maultsby and Dee St. John were present for the August visioneering meeting of the SSDVTF.

Motion made by AB to accept minutes of July meeting.

Motion seconded by BT.

Old Business/Announcements:

-Trafficking Conference in Austin August 25, 26^th – online registration (BT to forward to those interested)

-LAN (Legal Advocacy Network) retreat and business meeting to be held August 15-17, GH & BT to attend

-GH invited to participate in 2 day TCFV summit in Dallas in September on “rural projects”

New Business/Announcements:

-AB has done a security evaluation of the DP, will submit it with request for donated security system.

-Training Oct. 21 on Alzheimers for Region 6 – 2 options, 4 hours in the morning or 4 in the afternoon. Contact: AB.

-GH reported that she had about $600 towards money to give for school supplies, with priority given to children who are victims of domestic violence. She hopes to be able to raise about $2,000.

Agency Announcements:

-Legal Aid: Has seen increased case numbers and calls for assistance.

-SSPD: Lots of calls for service, with rise in heat and gas prices seeing more violent episodes, lots of DV. Also problems with undocumented population and clusters of illegal activity, rise in weapons, violence, drinking, drug use – all ties into DV.

-BT will be taking on VAWA and U Visa cases at PAPA.

Visioneering:

Members read over evaluation results. Followed by general discussion of:

-Work on signature events & projects: Conference, network of regional shelters, VAT team

-Conference

-Need for structure and organization for SSDVTF: Develop committees.

-Conference Committee (AB, BT, GH, MK, LS)

-Fundraising (GH, LS, BT)

-Will canvass members again re committees

-Speakers – need to flesh out ideas, perhaps Barbara Pearce for October, Dr. Calvin Streeter (UT School of Sociology) and Commander Penny Dunn (San Marcos PD).

-Programs & Fundraising, AB wants to do programs to educate and where applicable, fundraise. This is our first in-house demonstration on Law & Self Defense, Sept. 9, by invitation only. It will be held at the Civic Center if AB can get us a room, immediately following the Taskforce meeting.

-Help get Teen Dating Task Force off the ground w/ SSDVTF serving as mentor organization, DS.J, as contact, will attempt to get formal recognition of project through the SS ISD, with assistance of MK, GH, & AB.

-Agreed need for follow-through and for quality over quantity with regard to all SSDVTF activities.

REMINDER

2008-08-11T08:21:00.002-05:00

Next meeting tomorrow!
August 12, 2008
City Hall Council Chambers
11:30 - 1 pm

We'll be discussing the future of the task force! Hope to see you there.

How children exposed to domestic violence affect others

2008-08-01T13:55:00.003-05:00

Interesting article in the New York Times on a study about children exposed to domestic violence:

"Externalities in the Classroom: How Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Affect Everyone's Kids"

Read the actual study, by professors Scott Carrell and Mark Hoekstra, of U.C. Davis and University of Pittsburgh respectively, here.

Article in San Saba News & Star

2008-07-28T22:18:00.002-05:00

Read the article on the Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary and health fair in the latest (July 24) edition of the San Saba News & Star, here.

Next Meeting

2008-07-28T21:55:00.003-05:00

Please be sure to come to the next SSDVTF meeting:

August 12, 2008
City Hall Council Chambers
303 S. Clear Street
11:30 - 1 PM
(bring your own lunch)

Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary and Health Fair

2008-07-25T08:08:00.002-05:00

10 Year Anniversary and Health Fair

2008-07-25T08:05:00.003-05:00

Photos from 10 year Anniversary & Health Fair

2008-07-25T07:54:00.002-05:00

Minutes of July meeting

2008-07-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

Minutes

SSDVTF, July 8, 2008

VeeB’s Restaurant, San Saba, TX

Call to order – Noon

Those present were: Georgia Harris, Donna Webb, Missy King, Cathie Lehman, Brenna Troncoso, Lindy Schulz, Tonnie Robbins, Charles Carter, Danna Smith, Dee St. John, and Melissa Switzer

A presentation of a beautiful plaque was made by Cathie Lehman to Georgia Harris: FIRST ANNUAL SSDVTF AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP with the wording “In honor of a bold spirit and 10 years of dedicated leadership to the people of San Saba in the fight against domestic violence.”

Cathie had to leave early for another meeting.

Minutes read and approved

Agency Announcements

-Legal Aid of Northwest Texas – They are back on board after being very busy with the FLDS custody cases in San Angelo. Also, Tonnie had a death in her family and had been unable to attend last month’s meeting. Legal Aid intends to continue to see clients the 2^nd Tuesday of each month.

-CTCADA – Missy King will be going to annual training, hopes to get viable statistics on correlation between dv and drug abuse.

-Melissa Switzer – BIPP Program has picked up, also Brownwood dv group starts this week and the anger management group in San Saba has evolved to a domestic violence taskforce group.

Dove Project 10Year Anniversary – Georgia reported that the City of San Saba, Economic Development had given $500 towards a media campaign to put on the Fun Fair/Health Fair to be held in conjunction with the 10 year celebration on July 16, 2008. She reported that with the media money we were able to get $850 in sponsorship from the Central Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, City National Bank, Custom Services, Doner Pecan, Everett’s Pharmacy, Everett’s Furniture, Hamrick’s Automotive, State Farm Insurance, and The Taylor Clinic. This will be all the money we will need to pay for a giant waterslide, the Dr. Pepper drink trailer, food, and tote bags to hand out.

-A special thanks to Lindy Schulz for getting many of those sponsors.

-Task Force members were asked to wear their shirts and for those who could to arrive at 9:00 am to set up. Tables will be provided for those who need them and agencies were encouraged to bring brochures, etc.

-A Proclamation will be signed by the Mayor at City Council meeting, declaring; July 16, 2008 Mayor will be there along with others to read it on the 16^th around noon.

-Many agencies have said they would be participating and we are anticipating representatives from the Texas Council on Family Violence.

-Brenna suggested we need to do some Spanish language outreach. Georgia and Brenna will work on getting the flyer translated into Spanish.

Outreach Efforts

-Brenna did a live radio interview with KBAL Radio on July 8, regarding PAPA, Dove Project and SSDVTF.

-Georgia and Dr. Taylor of the Taylor Clinic will do live interview next week on Tuesday and Wednesday of the 10 Year Anniversary.

Status of Grants

No Word as yet regarding any grant notices.

Other Business:

-SSDVTF plan for the future – Brenna encouraged us to not just be a social club but that the Task Force needs to schedule a strategic planning meeting and invite speakers (e.g., Barbara Pearce of the Georgetown Project and Commander Dunn of San Marcos PD/Family Justice Center) to discuss what the task force might accomplish and how to leverage its position in San Saba. In fact, Barbara Pearce had indicated she could come to one of our Fall meetings and Georgia asked City Manager, Stan Weik about her addressing the City Council that night.

-Data collection

-TCFV – Legal Advocacy Network Conference will be held August 15-17, 2008. Lindy, Georgia, and Brenna plan to attend the conference in Midlothian, TX

-Trafficking Conference, FREE, Austin 25-26 (CEUs & TCLEOSE)

Sabrina Maultsby was unable to break loose from the Dove Project for the task force meeting, so a lovely post-meeting presentation – led by Missy King – was had at the Dove Project to present Sabrina with her 1^st ANNUAL SSDVTF AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP.

Consensus was that we would hold our next meeting at City Hall Council Chambers and make it a brown bag luncheon. It would be quieter and we would have more privacy. Georgia said she would secure the building for the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 1 pm.

Photos of July Meeting

2008-07-09T09:54:00.006-05:00

The July meeting was a success. It was also an opportunity to present the inaugural SSDVTF award in Community Service and Leadership to Georgia Harris and Sabrina Maultsby, both of the City of San Saba, Dove Project.

Congratulations!!!

Cathie Lehman and Missy King presented. Thanks to both of them as well. Minutes of the meeting to follow.

Reminder - July Meeting - Tomorrow

2008-07-07T08:40:00.002-05:00

Next meeting, tomorrow, July 8, 11:30, VBee's Restaurant.

Save the Date - Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary

2008-06-23T10:00:00.003-05:00

The Dove Project will be having a 10 year anniversary celebration and fair, July 16th, 10 am - 2 pm! Details to follow.

Save the date!

June meeting - Adult Protective Services

2008-06-16T11:01:00.004-05:00

Georgie Nolan of APS spoke at our June meeting. She gave an excellent presentation and answered a number of questions which had come up in previous meetings. Thanks, Georgie.

For information about Adult Protective Services and the services offered, click here.

MINUTES

SAN SABA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TASKFORCE

JUNE 9, 2008

The meeting was called to order to order at 12 noon. In attendance were: Brenna Troncoso, Donna Webb, Missy King, Lindy Schulz, Georgie Nolan, Danna Smith, Georgia Harris, Allen Brown, Dee Vickery, Dee St. John, Krista St. John, Danci Barrett, Melissa Switzer, Bryan Maultsby, and Cody Maultsby.

The minutes were read and approved.

Brenna gave an update on the Research Associate Program application and Georgia hoped we would know something by the next meeting regarding the HHS Region VI Office on Women’s Health that would support the development of a teen taskforce in the various schools.

Georgia reported that while we had a lot of fun at the first fundraiser held on the courthouse square we did not raise any funds. She handed out a report of the expenses and income and there was a deficit of nearly $5.00. However, we do have some leftovers that we could possibly use for the 10^th anniversary celebration of the Dove Project and have a nice banner for the task force and a few more shirts were printed for volunteers.

Georgia encouraged Task Force members to wear their SSDVTF t-shirts for the upcoming Food Mobile Distribution with the Capital Area Food Bank. The last time the Task Force assisted we made front page of the San Saba News.

Trainings: Georgia stated that if we still wanted to do the training for law enforcement dealing with Alzheimers/dementia clients, the month of October was still available. Allen said he would see what he could do about working on that, but that Doug Clancy with the Sheriff’s Department would no longer be able to help with it. Allen still wants to try to do a self-defense program for Women and teens and spoke with Melissa about doing a group at the Family Services Center in Brownwood.

Two teens were present for the meeting, Danci and Krista, and had expressed an interest in possibly doing a float or something for the Stars and Stripes Parade on July 5. Georgia and Dee were going to look into what would be involved.

Special speaker, Georgiana “Georgie’” Nolan with Adult Protective Services addressed those present about what the law requires of us in serving people who are perpetrators as well as victims who also have mental health problems. She stated that most cases referred to her are examples of self-neglect. There was a time for questions and answers.

Dee Vickery said that she would like to address the issue of male victims at another time, since we had run over a little bit. The meeting adjourned at 1:10pm

REMINDER - NEXT MEETING

2008-06-09T09:19:00.003-05:00

Next meeting:

Tomorrow
10 June 2008
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
VeeB's Restaurant

In addition to our regular meeting, Georgie Nolan from APS (Adult Protective Services) will be on hand for a brief presentation and Q&A.

Central Texas Trade Days - SSDVTF Fundraiser

2008-06-06T10:57:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, June 7, 8 am - 2 pm, San Saba will hold its Central Texas Trade Days.

The SSDVTF will be there bright and early with lots of wonderful food.

On the menu:

-Hot dogs with fixings, chips, and a cupcake
-Sausage on a stick or in a wrap
-Super nachos

This is our first major fundraiser, so please help make it a success by eating lots and lots of food! Questions? Call the Dove Project at 325.372.4357.

Save the Date - 5th Annual Human Trafficking Conference

2008-06-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

The Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking has opened registration for its annual Austin conference. Conference schedule and online registration, here.

Details:

Registration FREE (max. 200)

TCLEOSE & CEUs available

August 25 & 26, 2008, Austin, Texas

Radisson Hotel & Suites - Town Lake

Excellent article on why DV task forces are essential

2008-06-03T10:46:00.002-05:00

See the 7 March 2008 issue of the Texas Observer. In particular the article by David Mann, The Safe Place.

BT

Minutes from May meeting

2008-05-29T15:34:00.000-05:00

Minutes

San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

May 13, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 12 noon. In attendance were: Brenna Troncoso, Georgia Harris, Donna Webb, Lindy Schulz, Deborah Keith, Mary Ann Dale, Penny Starks, Doug Clancey, Allen Brown, Danna Smith, Loretta J. Villa, Dee St. John, Krista St. John, Melissa Switzer, and Sabrina Maultsby.

The minutes were read by Brenna and a motion was made by Allen Brown to approve, with a second by Deborah Keith.

Brenna reported that the article for Legal Front, a magazine that is distributed by the Texas Bar Association, had been submitted and would be coming out sometime in July. Brenna read the article as submitted.

Georgia reported that she has bought the supplies but as of yet has not updated the poster at the courthouse.

New Business:

Law Enforcement updates/ trainings – Georgia asked if anyone would be interested in a free training to be put on by our local Council of Governments training grant on Alzheimer’s and law enforcement. It would be a 3-hour training with 3 TCLEOSE hours. The Alzheimer’s foundation would provide free breakfast and lunch. Officer Allen Brown and Deputy Doug Clancy said they would see what they could do to generate interest in it and Georgia will let them know the dates available as soon as possible.

Allen stated that he would like to provide a free training to women and high school teens on how to protect themselves through fight and flight, using simple tools and techniques. He would like to do it before June.

Brenna presented t-shirts for the Taskforce members present. The royal blue shirt had imprinted on the back “Freedom from Abuse, Justice in the Courts” in Yellow and White. Across the bottom were the words San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce and on the front right hand side was SSDVTF, San Saba, TX. Appreciation for the shirts was felt by all.

After the shirts were given out, Georgia spoke of an opportunity for task force members to wear their shirts on May 28, 2008 as the SSDVTF and Hill Country Community Action will be volunteering to assist with the Mobile Food Pantry brought in by the Capital Area Food Bank.

Also, the shirts can be worn for an upcoming fundraiser the Taskforce will have on June 7 on the courthouse square for the Central Texas Trade Days (formerly Peddler’s Day). The money will be used to support efforts by the Taskforce. One such effort that Georgia said she would like to see is some money allocated for a 10^th anniversary celebration of the Dove Project, which would be July 16, 2008.

Persons who volunteered to serve on the Fundraising Committee were: Lindy Schulz, Donna Webb, Allen Brown and Georgia Harris. The committee would decide after the meeting on what day to meet.

Georgia indicated that she would be trying to apply for a grant through the Region VI Health and Human Services

The meeting adjourned at 1 pm.

The Cool Kids

2008-05-28T19:02:00.001-05:00

SSDVTF & Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

2008-05-28T18:40:00.002-05:00

Task force members & staff of the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas take a moment to pose for a photo after a morning well spent.

The Food Bank will be coming to San Saba twice a month - contact the Dove Project for more information.

T-shirts are in!

2008-05-19T10:00:00.003-05:00

SSDVTF T-shirts are in! And, lovely! Drop by the Dove Project and - for a small donation :) - get yours! Or, call 325.372.4357 for more information.

San Saba Sheriff's Department Honored

2008-05-15T21:46:00.003-05:00

A representative of the San Saba Sheriff's Department is honored for outstanding service on behalf of victims of crime at the May SSDVTF meeting.

REMINDER - MEETING TOMORROW

2008-05-12T09:56:00.001-05:00

Read about the SSDVTF in the San Saba News & Star

2008-04-29T08:04:00.001-05:00

Excellent article by Donna Webb, here.

Next Meeting

2008-04-29T07:58:00.004-05:00

Tuesday

May 13, 2008

11:30, lunch

12-1, business meeting

VeeB's Restaurant, Hwy 16 North

San Saba, Texas

April Minutes

2008-04-15T13:04:00.001-05:00

Minutes from San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

April 8, 2008

VeeB’s Restaurant, San Saba, TEXAS

The meeting was called to order at 12 noon. Eighteen persons were in attendance as follows: Byron Theodosis, Dee St. John, Sabrina Maultsby, Dora Miller, L. Allen Brown, Kathy Dixon, Leslie Dawson, Dee Vickery, Danna Smith, Brenna Troncoso, Lora Llenado, Charles Carter, Tonnie Robbins, Ross Cox, Sr., Donna Webb, Cathie Lehman, Andrea Moore and Georgia Harris.

After introductions were made, Ross Cox, Sr. read the minutes from March 12. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Ross Cox and seconded by Brenna. Old business discussed was a report from Brenna about going to the library to leave some literature about helping victims of domestic violence and information for immigrant victims of violence.

New business: Georgia told about a Criminal Justice Response Training that would be offered in Brownwood in May for free to anyone wishing to attend with TCLOSE hours and CEU’s. Brochures regarding training were handed out.

Georgia said that we had got permission from staff at the courthouse to change the poster near the Justice of the Peace’s Office. She invited anyone wishing to assist with that by way of suggestions for content to let her know. We hoped to be able to change it several times a year.

Brenna has agreed to co-author an article about the taskforce for the Legal Front, a magazine that comes out quarterly.

Cathie Lehman introduced special speaker, Andrea Moore. Mrs. Moore shared her story of her daughter, Rebecca who was killed at the hands of her husband 3 ½ years ago. Mrs. Moore shared a picture of her daughter and son and told how Rebecca had tried to help her husband, who was bi-polar and had mental health issues. He shot himself afterward. Mrs. Moore and her husband have adopted the little boy. After giving her moving story, the audience gave her a standing ovation.

Judge Theodosis read the proclamation declaring April 13-19 as Crime Victim Awareness Week.

Georgia handed out certificates to legal advocates, crime victim coordinators, law enforcement, county and district attorneys, and victim advocates honoring them for their outstanding service on behalf of victims of crime.

The meeting adjourned at 1:10pm.

Photos of April Meeting

2008-04-10T10:14:00.003-05:00

In order of appearance:

Georgia Harris, welcoming remarks, business portion of meeting;
Cathie Lehman introducing our speaker;
Our speaker, Andrea; Judge Byron Theodosis issuing the proclamation.

Next meeting

2008-03-26T11:00:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Lunch, 11:30

Business Meeting, Noon to 1:00 pm

VeeB's Restaurant

San Saba, Texas

TASK FORCE: Same Time, New Day, New Place

2008-03-26T10:46:00.007-05:00

Dear All:

The Task Force has changed the date and venue for its meetings.

From now on it will be the SECOND TUESDAY of every month, 11:30 am (for lunch), with the business portion of the meeting held from 12 to 1 pm, in the meeting room at VeeB's Restuarant on Hwy. 16 North, which is a couple blocks north of the railroad underpass (for you out-of-towners).

At our next meeting -- on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 -- we will be taking photos for the paper of Judge Theodosis signing the proclamation declaring April 13-19 as Crime Victims Awareness Week, and we may also have a special guest from Brownwood who will tell her own story.

Don't miss this meeting. It will make it very clear to you why we do the work we do.

Trip to Abilene - Noah Project

2008-03-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

Members of the SSDVTF are planning a trip to Abilene to meet with representatives of the Noah Project to brainstorm and take stock of developments and trends there and in nearby communities, and to discuss the work our task force is doing in San Saba. The trip is tentatively scheduled for early April. More to follow. Any task force member interested in coming should speak to either Brenna or Georgia. Or, if you are unable to join us but would like to have a topic addressed or discussed on behalf of you or your agency, let us know and we'll make sure it gets addressed.

More Photos of March Meeting

2008-03-15T11:55:00.005-05:00

Left, general photo. Right, Donna Webb and Cathie Lehman.

SSDVTF - March meeting

2008-03-14T14:57:00.005-05:00

The March meeting was a great success. Definitive plans have been made for April activities. Read the minutes below.

(Pictured from far left around the table are: Tonnie Robbins, Georgia Harris, Ross Cox, Charles Carter, Rick Daniels, Cathie Lehman, Donna Webb, and Kathy Dixon; not pictured, Brenna Troncoso)

Minutes - March 12, 2008

2008-03-14T14:50:00.000-05:00

Minutes

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force

March 12, 2008

Ma & Pa’s Restaurant

The meeting was called to order at 12 noon. In attendance were: Tonni Robbins, Kathy Dixon, Donna Webb, Cathie Lehman, Charles Carter, Rick Daniels, Ross Cox, Sr., Brenna Troncoso, and Georgia Harris.

The minutes were read by GH and a motion to accept the minutes as read were made by T.R. and seconded by BT.

GH read a note from the teens who presented at last months meeting, thanking us for “letting us present our program to your committee. A special thanks for providing bags, t-shirts, pamphlets, and the cards for our project. We also appreciate your inviting us to be on a Teen Dating Violence Task Force.” Signed by Selleca Robles and Jennifer Anaya

GH reported that the two girls had placed 3^rd in regional competition and would be going to state competition in a few weeks. Mrs. Carter, their teacher, has requested that we help the girls to present between now and state competition at any function by contacting anyone we know.

There were not any police or sheriff’s department updates as Allen Brown with the Police Department was ill and unable to attend and no representative for the Sheriff’s department was present.

Protocols were discussed and it was the consensus that we would continue to work to fine tune the protocols and possibly plan an official signing in conjunction with a training or the 10^th anniversary of the Dove Project (in July)

BT handed out a training manual to those wishing a copy of the Criminal Justice System Response Training that she attended in Bastrop. There was discussion of bringing the training to San Saba County. A copy of the materials should now be available at the Rylander Public Library (some one please check). BT also stated that she would be contacting the library about placing additional literature there about domestic violence and the Political Asylum Project or any other organization dealing with DV/FV. She also suggested we discuss the possibility of developing a SSDVTF Mentor program for high school students interested in career development and education.

The SSDVTF then discussed the calendar for the year. Activities for the SSDVTF will try to focus on at least one event per month.

For April the focus will be two pronged - on National Crime Victims Week April 13-19 and on Child Abuse Awareness Month.

For Crime Victims Week, KD suggested we get hold of the packet put out by Crime Victims and get the sample proclamation. KL stated that she had a friend whose child was a victim of crime 2 years ago and felt she would be willing to talk about it. DW offered to write a human interest story about a victim of crime to run concurrently with the proclamation to be published in the newspaper.
As for Child Abuse Awareness month, CL is coming to San Saba next week and will meet with GH about strategies for the month and possible psa’s that could be run on the radio. The Task Force will plan some sort of public event and/or announcement for EACH WEEK OF APRIL. PSAs, radio interviews, newspaper stories, etc. Each effort will reference either directly or indirectly the SSDVTF.

With regard to development & funding either by grants or fundraising for the purpose of paying for food for future trainings or to purchase literature :

DW is going to look into a grant proposal from OVW (Office of Violence against Women) to support coalition and grassroots efforts. DW will see if we need to have non-profit status and is wanting to see if she can do it as part of a work project for her Masters in Nursing school.

GH suggested that we consider selling Roses for Mother’s Day with the proceeds going to the SSDVTF. This had been successful in Brownwood. She will get more information on that.

Due to several members having to leave, the discussion about a 5 year plan and 10 year plan was tabled until a future meeting.

NOTICE: The Family Services Center of Brownwood wishes to be a part of the taskforce but Wednesday is not possible. FSC will start coming to the Dove Project on Tuesdays to provide am AA/NA class and support group at the Dove Project. They have asked if the taskforce could be changed to Tuesdays. GH will send out a memo to task force members and ask for input. If most are in agreement, the task force will meet on Tuesday.

Minutes by Georgia Harris

Next Meeting

2008-02-19T09:26:00.002-06:00

Next meeting March 12, 2008.

February 13th Meeting - Love is Not Abuse

2008-02-14T13:42:00.003-06:00

We were honored at our Feb. 13th meeting to have two students from the San Saba High School FCCLA (Family Career Community Leaders of America) Program, under the supervision of Jane Carter, present their power point LOVE IS NOT ABUSE, which they will take to state competition later this year.

The presentation was excellent, the girls talented, and the SSDVTF wishes them the very best of luck in the competition.

As a result, the formal portion of our meeting was quite short. Minutes of last meeting were read. Motion to approve, BT; seconded by GH.

In attendance were Georgia Harris, City of San Saba Dove Project; Brenna Troncoso, Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA); Sabrina Maults, City of San Saba Dove Project; Jo Ann San Miguel, of the Jo Ann San Miguel Law Office; and Tonnie Robbins, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

Action items:

ALL: By next meeting please review draft of protocol and/or bring modifications, or submit them to GH via email.

ALL: Think about how to take task force to next level.

BT: Mail Tonnie revised Legal Service Providers draft

GH: Put notice in paper for next meeting.

Agency Up-dates:

GH reports that she had meet with the SS ISD re the state mandate to provide eduction about family violence in schools. GH said the possibility of organizing a teen task force was discussed and on the table. Inviting the FCCLA to present at this meeting, is -- hopefully -- a step in that direction.

BT met with KD re PAPA programs and services; also working with Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) out of Bastrop, Lee, Fayette, and Colorado.

Next meeting: MARCH 12, 2008.

February Meeting - Reminder

2008-02-12T13:50:00.000-06:00

See you all tomorrow (Feb. 13, 2008)!

Some things we need to discuss:

-How to take the Task Force to the next level
-Protocol up-date
-2008 Project?

Law Enforcement Workshop & Protocol

2008-02-08T22:42:00.001-06:00

Members of the SSDVTF met on Feb. 6, 2008 at City Council Chambers for a Law Enforcement workshop led by Officer Allen Brown of the San Saba Police Department. The workshop was followed by drafting and revision of the law enforcement portion of the SSDVTF Protocol.

Revisions of additional sections to follow. Pictured here are Officer Brown, Georgia Harris of the City of San Saba Dove Project, and Kathy Dixon of the District Attorney's Victim Services Division.

REMINDER

2008-02-05T14:06:00.000-06:00

Law Enforcement & Protocol workshop

February 6

1-3 pm

City Hall Council Chambers

San Saba, Texas

Criminal Justice System Response Training -- Free TCLOSE & CEUs

2008-02-02T11:47:00.001-06:00

The Texas Council on Family Violence and the Family Crisis Center of Bastrop will be hosting a FREE Criminal Justice System Response Training.

February 27, 2008
8:30 to 4:30 pm

6 hours TCLOSE and CEUs

FREE

Topics include: Texas law affecting victims of domestic violence, law enforcement strategies for effective prosecution, and immigration law and domestic violence.

See BT or GH for registration flyer or contact Debby Hall, Family Violence Specialist, Family Crisis Center, Bastrop, 512.321.7760 ext. 204.

Legal Advocacy Network (LAN)

2008-02-02T11:42:00.000-06:00

GH and BT were in attendance at the Texas Council on Family Violence LAN meeting held in Austin, Texas, February 1, 2008. The Agenda included sessions on:

-Documentation and Confidentiality
-LAN business meeting
-Protective Order Changes
-Working with Marginalized Communities: How can Legal Advocates work to expand access to legal services

Brownwood BIPP Program & Austin LAN

2008-01-28T17:19:00.000-06:00

Members, Allen Brown and Brenna Troncoso, of the SSDVTF were present at a community meeting to discuss implementation of Brownwood's BIPP program. The meeting was hosted by Family Services Center, Inc., of Brownwood, Texas, and facilitated by Al Dostal of Family Services Center. A good showing was made by local law enforcement and judiciary; there were also some social service providers present. A brief overview of the BIPP meeting will be given at our next task force meeting. In the meantime:

Highlights of discussion:

-Cost and duration of program
-BIPP curriculum & state guidelines
-Role for faith-based initiatives
-Role of drugs & alcohol
-Judges see increase in need for bi-lingual services

BT spoke with Dostal, who said he will mail a copy of the curriculum to us.

Task force members will also be present at TCFV's LAN meeting in Austin on February 1. Details to follow.

New Year - Events

2008-01-16T15:27:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year wishes to all!

We had an extremely successful January meeting, with at least 9 individuals in attendance and with the additional good news that Legal Aid of Northwest Texas will be joining our task force on a regular basis.

Highlights:

There will be a BIPP event at Family Services Center, Inc., in Brownwood on January 25, 2pm (325.646.5939 for information),
A law enforcement workshop, in San Saba, led by Officer Allen Brown of the San Saba Police Department, February 6, 1-3pm (contact the Dove Project for details, 325.372.4357),
Next SSDVTF meeting, February 13, 2008, noon-1:00pm.

The complete minutes of the January 9, 2008, meeting are listed below.

January 9, 2008 Minutes

2008-01-16T15:21:00.000-06:00

Minutes from San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

January 9, 2007

Ma & Pa’s Restaurant

11:30am – 1pm

In attendance at the meeting were: Tonnie Robbins with Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, San Angelo office; Brenna Troncoso, Political Asylum Project of Austin; Lora Llenado, Political Asylum Project of Austin; Shirley Herring, Central Texas Council of Governments; LA Brown, San Saba Police Department; Dee Vickery, Off the Beaten Path Ministries; Cathie Lehman, New Horizons; Melissa Switzer, Family Services Center of Brownwood; and Georgia Harris, City of San Saba, Dove Project.

The minutes from the December 12, 2007 meeting were read and B.T. motioned to approve the minutes and A.B. seconded. The status of action items from the previous meeting was as follows: 1. B.T. still needs to send Kathy Dixon with the D.A.’s office regarding the work of PAPA. 2. B.T. did develop a contact information sheet for taskforce members by way of a draft of a proposed brochure. 3. G.H. did get the notice of taskforce meeting in the San Saba News and a PSA was sent to the radio station. 4. G.H. and A.B. reported that since school was out they were unable to get anything started by way of a youth initiative regarding teens and violence due to the Christmas holidays. However, they will try to get with the superintendent as soon as possible G.H. would like to present information that the Texas Council on Family Violence has developed regarding dating violence – a special project for the month of February.

Law enforcement update was given by A.B. He would like to assist us in providing a training about how to work with law enforcement in a crisis situation. A date was set for Feb. 6, 2008, 1-3pm at the City Hall council chambers unless there is a conflict. He also wants to do a defense class for victims at some point.

Melissa Switzer with Family Services Center stated that she is offering a domestic violence support group on Thursdays in Brownwood. She also encouraged those present to attend the inaugural kick off of the development of a batterer intervention program (BIPP) on Jan. 25 @ 2pm.

Dee Vickery of Off the Beaten Path Ministries stated that she has several outreach events scheduled for the month of January and in February (in Liberty Hill, Georgetown, and Waxahachie, among other places). She is also providing some drug and alcohol classes that is a Christian alternative program in her home.

Shirley Herring with CTCOG brought information about the Options Class that is being used effectively in Bell County. With Options the victim must attend a class in order to drop charges. Hopefully, with this in place, county attorneys and district attorneys will be more willing to prosecute dv cases and give protective orders. Shirley will send info to G.H., who distribute to other members of taskforce.

Tonnie Robbins with Legal Aid reported on a new program that has been implemented in San Saba County that pays a private attorney $40 an hour to represent victims of domestic violence in court. They have partnered with the Dove Project and currently have one attorney from Lampasas assisting us once a month. It is the goal to get more local attorneys involved in the assisted pro se programs and possibly develop a pro se clinic, maybe once a month.

B.T. with PAPA brought an article that was in the Austin American Statesman on philanthropy in Central Texas and will follow up on getting the SSDVTF featured, ASAP. Brochure development underway – those wanting to be listed should contact Brenna with their contact information, to make sure their agency gets listed on the brochure. Also, those agencies and individuals wanting to be listed on the blog (www.sansabadomesticviolencetaskforce.blogspot.com) should also contact Brenna Troncoso at PAPA. Anyone encountering an immigrant victim of domestic violence, should feel free to contact PAPA for assistance.

Next meeting: February 13, 2008, Ma & Pa Diner, San Saba, Texas, 11:30 – noon (lunch), meeting Noon – 1pm.

ACTION ITEMS:

ALL MEMBERS will write up 1-3 primary expectations for the task force, what they’d like to accomplish or see in the protocol.

ALL to update contact info with BT

AB and GH to contact superintendent to set up youth initiative, particularly something for the month of February for teen dating violence month.

SH to forward information to GH about the Options Program

MS to forward information about the BIPP Program

AB to prep training for February 6, 1-3 pm

BT to up-date flyer and send KD info on PAPA

NEXT MEETING: February 13, 2008, Ma & Pa Diner, San Saba, Texas, 11:30 – noon (lunch), meeting Noon – 1pm.

Very best wishes for the Holidays

2007-12-21T12:09:00.001-06:00

The SSDVTF would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank all of those who have given of their time to make San Saba's task force a success!

(Mark the date: Next task force meeting January 9, 2008.)

Task Force members present at Community Meeting

2007-12-19T18:59:00.001-06:00

Task Force members made a good showing at the San Saba Community Meeting held at the San Saba County Court House on December 18, 2007.

Task Force members present were:

-Allen Brown, San Saba Police Department
-Georgia Harris, Dove Project
-Cathie Lehman, New Horizons
-Brenna Troncoso, PAPA
-Dee Vickery, Off the Beaten Path Ministries

More evidence of the good work the Task Force is doing in San Saba.

Minutes from Dec. 12 Meeting

2007-12-17T14:44:00.000-06:00

Minutes from San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

December 12, 2007

Ma & Pa’s Restaurant

11:30am – 1pm

In attendance at the December meeting of the San Saba DV Taskforce were: Georgia Harris, City of San Saba, Dove Project; Dee Vickery, Off the Beaten Path Ministries; Officer Allen Brown, City of San Saba, Police Department; Brenna Troncoso, Political Asylum Project of Austin, and Kathy Dixon, Victim Coordinator for the District Attorney’s Office.

After introductions the minutes from the November 14, 2007 meeting were read and Allen Brown motioned to approve the minutes as read and Brenna Troncoso seconded. All were in favor.

Member agency updates were provided as follows:

K.D. gave an update on the assistant district attorney, Cheryl Nelson is over San Saba and Burnet County. She was pleased to report that Ms. Nelson is not accepting affidavits of non-prosecution in felony cases of domestic violence.

D.V. reported being able to speak in other counties about her desire to put in transitional housing for victims and receiving some support for that.

G.H. gave an update regarding the involvement of Legal Aide of Northwest Texas coming monthly to San Saba Dove Project to provide legal services and match victims of domestic violence with a private attorney. An attorney from Lampasas volunteered her services this past month and more local pro bono attorneys will be sought to assist with pro se divorces, etc. Legal Aid will also be attending our monthly task force meetings as they are coming on the day of our regularly scheduled meetings.

B.T. reported on the services of the PAPA program and gave an update on U-Visa regulations that assist immigrant victims of crime. Also discussed was the issue of human trafficking in central Texas and increasing rural outreach in this area of need.

A.B. reported a large drug bust that had just happened. He pointed out the link between this kind of crime and domestic violence.

Law Enforcement information/ concerns - A.B. wanted to make sure that during the holidays we had a plan for coverage by volunteers or staff for domestic violence related calls. G.H. assured him that there would be adequate coverage through her or her assistant and volunteers of the Dove Project. He also highlighted the need for bilingual volunteers.

A.B. wanted to emphasize his concern about victims of domestic violence, particularily where children are involved, dropping charges. He felt there needed to be some kind of deterrent to protect victims and their children from future harm. He didn’t know if Child Protective Services needed to be involved or perhaps even filing charges against the victim for failing to testify. He would like to see this topic considered at a possible future training as a secondary issue under protocols for dealing with cases involving domestic violence.

Member Recruitment: Student rep from school/survivors/volunteers – G.H. said she had sent an email to the superintendant of schools, Leann Glaze, to encourage a student rep to attend our taskforce meetings. It is the hope of the taskforce that a group of students will become involved in developing their own anti-domestic violence (dating violence/date rape, etc) initiative.

A.B. stated the need to get men involved as volunteers as well.

Community Planning Meeting – G.H. encouraged all those present to try to attend the Community Planning Meeting scheduled for Dec. 18 at the courthouse from 10:30 – 12 noon. This is an opportunity to be sure and get the issues we need put in writing for the sake of future funding through grants.

Items not covered due to lack of time were the developing a blog training at the library and an inaugural event plan. Discussion regarding this will be continued at the next taskforce meeting in 2008.

Items needing action before the next meeting are as follows:

1. B.T. will forward some information to the K.D. at the D.A.’s office regarding the work of PAPA.

2. B.T. will develop a contact information sheet for taskforce members and post to the domestic violence taskforce blog space.

3. G.H. will put the notice of next taskforce meeting in the San Saba News community calendar and contact the radio station for a psa.

4. G.H. and A.B. will spearhead a youth initiative within the school by contacting the superintendant. B.T. said that a trainer through various agencies in Austin that could assist with that.

NEXT SCHEDULED TASKFORCE MEETING – JANUARY 9, 2008 from 11:30 – 1:00pm at Ma & Pa’s Restaurant.

2007-12-17T14:38:00.001-06:00

December Meeting of the SSDVTF

2007-12-17T12:44:00.000-06:00

Though attendance was slightly lower due to the rain and cold weather, the December meeting of the SSDVTF was a success.

Minutes to be posted soon.

In attendance were from left to right, Georgia Harris (Dove Project, San Saba), Dee Vickery (Off the Beaten Path Ministries), Kathy Dixon (Victim Coordinator, District Attorney's Office, Thirty-Third Judicial District), Allen Brown (San Saba Police Department), and Brenna Troncoso (not shown, Political Asylum Project of Austin).

Next Meeting, 12.12.2007

2007-12-03T10:57:00.000-06:00

The next meeting of the San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force (SSDVTF) is Wednesday, December 12, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m., at Ma & Pa's Diner. We hope to see you all there. Agenda to be posted soon.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T11:50:00.000-06:00

A Happy Thanksgiving to all!

First organizational meeting a success

2007-11-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

The SSDVTF held its first organizational meeting yesterday, November 14, 2007, in San Saba, Texas at Ma & Pa's Dinner, 11:45-1 p.m.

The meeting was a success, and Georgia Harris will be emailing attendees a copy of the minutes (a copy can also be found below).

Representatives from the following agencies and community organizations were on hand:

-Dove Project, San Saba, Texas
-New Horizons, Brownwood, Texas
-Off the Beaten Path Ministries, San Saba, Texas
-Political Asylum Project of Austin, Austin, Texas
-San Saba Police Department, San Saba, Texas
-The Taylor Clinic, San Saba, Texas

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12, time and place TBA.

Thanks to all who attended!

BT
___________

Minutes from San Saba Domestic Violence Taskforce

November 14, 2007

Ma & Pa’s Restaurant

11:30am – 1pm

In attendance at the first meeting of the San Saba DV Taskforce were: Georgia Harris, City of San Saba, Dove Project; Dee Vickery, Off the Beaten Path Ministries; Teresa Moring and Cathie Lehman with New Horizons Families First STAR Program; Dr. Pennissi Taylor, Taylor Clinic; Officer Allen Brown, City of San Saba, Police Department; Brenna Troncoso, Political Asylum Project of Austin.

The agenda was presented as follows:

What is a domestic violence task force?

After discussion it was determined that the San Saba DV Task Force would best be described as “A multi-disciplinary initiative of agencies and individuals that work to end domestic violence in rural San Saba County.”

What will the DV taskforce do?

Promote activities in the areas of education, public awareness, and coordination of services.

Do we need one? We voted and all in attendance said, “Yes.”

Who need to be on this task force?

Police, Sheriff’s Dept., county attorney, victim services coordinator, district attorney’s office, family strengthening programs such as Families First STAR program, adult probation, juvenile probation, CPS, domestic violence programs, Adult Protective Services, school administrators, religious leaders, attorneys and legal service providers such as Legal Aid and Political Asylum Project of Austin, and other support service providers such as Family Services Center of Brownwood, TX Civil Rights Project, Texas Advocacy Project; Texas Council on Family Violence, and Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and any other person (student reps or survivors) or agency that might have an interest in supporting San Saba’s effort to end domestic violence.

How do get it going?

Establish an institutional framework through the following:

i. Meet the second Wednesday of every month

ii. Maintain contact via email

iii. Use the Task Force blog (www.sansabadomesticviolencetaskforce.blogspot.com)

iv. Phone calls and personal networking

What do we want to accomplish with a domestic violence task force?

Some of the subjects to be explored in future meetings will be:

Education and awareness in the schools to include:

i. dating violence/date rape

ii. bullying

iii. victimization of males and females

Law Enforcement Training dealing with:

i. Protocols for DV calls

ii. Literature for the officers to hand out at the scene regarding resources.

iii. Officer fatigue/frustration

Increase a support base for:

i. Survivors/victims (male & female)

ii. Batterers (male and female)

iii. Families needing a “cooling off” place for

1. their children – such as a couple hours of daycare

2. themselves

Guidelines of operation for the Task Force

Housing Issues for Victims and their families

NEXT MEETING – 2^ND WEDNESDAY – DEC. 12, 2007

LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED

New Task Force

2007-11-05T11:14:00.000-06:00

The Dove Project of San Saba, Texas, has partnered with the Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA) to establish a new domestic violence task force in San Saba county. In addition to increasing awareness and prevention of domestic violence, one of the primary goals of the task force will be to place San Saba at the forefront of educating the public and stemming domestic violence in rural Texas.

San Saba Domestic Violence Task Force (SSDVTF)

June Meeting

May Minutes

Save the Date - San Saba Health & Safety Fair

April Minutes, May to Follow

FYI

March Minutes

February Meeting & Minutes

Reminder - Next Meeting

Dove Project's Non-profit Status

January Meeting

Minutes November 2008

December meeting - cancelled

November Events

Reminder - Community Plan

Teen Dating Violence Task Force up and running!

SSDVTF Members to Attend Dallas Conference

IMPORTANT - Mark your calendars

2008 San Saba Pecan Bottom Run

San Saba County Health Fair

Barbara Pearce - October Speaker

additional photos of October meeting

October Meeting - Speaker

Domestic Violence: Myths and Misconceptions

Self-Defense Training

September Minutes

Reminder

San Saba featured in LegalFront

Member Up-dates

August meeting & photo

August 12, 2008 Minutes

REMINDER

How children exposed to domestic violence affect others

Article in San Saba News & Star

Next Meeting

Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary and Health Fair

10 Year Anniversary and Health Fair

Photos from 10 year Anniversary & Health Fair

Minutes of July meeting

Photos of July Meeting

Reminder - July Meeting - Tomorrow

Save the Date - Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary

June meeting - Adult Protective Services

REMINDER - NEXT MEETING

Central Texas Trade Days - SSDVTF Fundraiser

Save the Date - 5th Annual Human Trafficking Conference

Excellent article on why DV task forces are essential

Minutes from May meeting

The Cool Kids

SSDVTF & Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

T-shirts are in!

San Saba Sheriff's Department Honored

REMINDER - MEETING TOMORROW

Read about the SSDVTF in the San Saba News & Star

Next Meeting

April Minutes

Photos of April Meeting

Next meeting

TASK FORCE: Same Time, New Day, New Place

Trip to Abilene - Noah Project

More Photos of March Meeting

SSDVTF - March meeting

Minutes - March 12, 2008

Read more about the Criminal Justice System Response Training

Next Meeting

February 13th Meeting - Love is Not Abuse

February Meeting - Reminder

Law Enforcement Workshop & Protocol

REMINDER

Criminal Justice System Response Training -- Free TCLOSE & CEUs

Legal Advocacy Network (LAN)

Brownwood BIPP Program & Austin LAN

New Year - Events

January 9, 2008 Minutes

Very best wishes for the Holidays

Task Force members present at Community Meeting

Minutes from Dec. 12 Meeting

December Meeting of the SSDVTF

Next Meeting, 12.12.2007

Happy Thanksgiving