December meeting - cancelled

November Events

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

The October meeting of the SSDVTF was a great success!

Thank you to all who attended.

additional photos of October meeting

October Meeting - Speaker

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

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

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

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

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

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

-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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Year Anniversary and Health Fair

Photos from 10 year Anniversary & Health Fair

Minutes of July meeting

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 10 Year 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

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

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

Save the Date - Dove Project 10 Year Anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SSDVTF & Capital Area Food Bank of Texas

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!

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

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

Read about the SSDVTF in the San Saba News & Star

Excellent article by Donna Webb, here.

Next Meeting

Tuesday

May 13, 2008

11:30, lunch

12-1, business meeting

VeeB's Restaurant, Hwy 16 North

San Saba, Texas

April Minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

SSDVTF - March meeting

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

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

Read more about the Criminal Justice System Response Training

here

Next Meeting

Next meeting March 12, 2008.

February 13th Meeting - Love is Not Abuse

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

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

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

Law Enforcement & Protocol workshop

February 6

1-3 pm

City Hall Council Chambers

San Saba, Texas

Criminal Justice System Response Training -- Free TCLOSE & CEUs

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)

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

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

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

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.