Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) welcomes Mr. Robert Rundio to the position of Interim Executive Director of the agency announced Sharon Stinard, President of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Rundio will fill the position until a new Executive Director search is conducted and candidate is employed.

Mr. Rundio recently retired after serving as Chief Executive Officer for the Superstition Mountain Mental Health Agency in Apache Junction for the past 7 years.  He brings a wealth of experience as an executive officer of non-profit organizations.  He also served as CEO of Valley Lutheran Hospital prior to merging with Banner Health Systems.  He has been active in local community and professional organizations and is past president of the Superstition Mountain Rotary Club.

The CAAFA Board of Directors and staff are very pleased that Mr. Rundio will provide a continuum of leadership for the agency during this period of transition. 

CAAFA was named an honoree of the prestigious Channel 12’s 12 Who Care Award for the month of December. Sharon Stinard, Board President appeared on Arizona Midday, a live television program, on Tuesday, December 4, 2007.  The issues of domestic violence were discussed as well as the community work of CAAFA.

In addition to the honor, a Public Service Announcement (PSA) was created by Channel 12 that is being broadcast in December.  Bedmart, a major locally owned bedding company, has selected CAAFA as a recipient of their time and effort in various ways such as fundraising and volunteerism.

What you don’t know about Domestic Violence Can Hurt You!

October is slated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

            Marsha never dreamed she could feel the cold floor against her cheek as her senses began to fade.  Her head ached from the blows. Love taps she used to call them in high school when she and Alan were Homecoming king and queen.  She could hear her little boy’s voice as he hovered over her.  “Did daddy hurt mommy?” he asked.

When Marsha awakened from a coma eight days later, the memory of what had happened came flooding back.  She knew this had to be the last time.  She and her children had to find safety from the terror they had been living for far too long.  She had dated Alan for 3 years in college and now 5 years into their marriage those “love taps” had turned into years of bruises and a broken arm. During those years, Marsha held fast to the dream that her love for him would help him get past his “angry young man” phase.  She was sure that he would become the man she knew in her heart he could be. She thought about where could she go?  Her family didn’t live near by and her two older children loved their schools.  Why should she have to leave the house?  She knew the answer. Home was not a safe place.  Court orders hadn’t protected her in the past.  The last time she had left for a motel for a few days Alan told her that “if she was stupid enough to try that again he would just burn down the house.” Where would she find the money to leave she wondered. When you are permitted to have just $5 dollars in your wallet that doesn’t go very far; the family income was under Alan’s tight control.  Oh yes, she did have the check book in her purse but Alan made it “painfully clear” that she wasn’t allowed to write any checks without his permission except when she paid the bills.  Marsha felt the bandage on her head and opened her eyes.  Sitting next to her bed was Alan and a bouquet of beautiful flowers he had brought displayed near by.  She wished that she was glad to see him. The nurse was asking her questions that she was afraid to answer.  She knew that finally she would have to tell the truth and ask for the help that she and her family so desperately needed; a safe place for her and her children.  Never again did she want to hear her little boy ask, “Did daddy hurt mommy?”

This scenario is all too real in our Arizona communities.  Statistics reveal that Domestic Violence knows no boundaries of economic level, gender, ethnicity or educational background.  When we hear about domestic violence, it is tempting to think:  “That hasn’t happened to anyone I know!” However, domestic violence is a serious social problem—and also a crime.  According to a national survey sponsored by Lifetime Television, we as a society are becoming more aware. Of respondents

96% of adults believe that verbal abuse can do just as much damage as physical abuse; and 79% think that children who grow up in violent homes will have violent adult relationships.

            What can we do?  We can be honest about naming abuse for what it is.  Help families move beyond denial and acknowledge the devastating impact of the abuse on all family members and avoid blaming the victim.  No one deserves to be beaten or abused.  The abuser is responsible for ending the violence. We can recognize that it is difficult for a battered woman to leave her abuser.  Economic factors; fear of retribution to herself, her children, or extended family members; physical exhaustion and psychological trauma all contribute to the reasons why women stay with an abusive partner.  The threat of death is real.  Women are more likely to be victims of homicide when they separate from their husbands than at any other time.

 When you know a woman is being abused there some ways you can help.  You can listen and believe her.  You can tell her that abuse is not her fault and not to be endured because she promised “to love, honor and cherish until death do us part”.  You can refer her to the closest domestic violence agency that can help her find safe shelter, legal assistance and counseling.

Sharon Stinard

CAAFA Board President

HELP IS JUST A CALL AWAY

To reach the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) serving northern Pinal County, call 480-982-0196 or 1-877-982-0196

To reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

The Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) is a local, non-profit agency that has been committed to creating communities free of domestic abuse since 1998.  CAAFA’s mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities affected by domestic abuse.  CAAFA’s target population is Northern Pinal County.

Press Release, For Immediate Release    

CAAFA BEGINS OFFERING LEGAL ADVOCACY SERVICES

March 30, 2007

Apache Junction, AZ-  The Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) is excited to announce the addition of Legal Advocacy to the range of services that it offers to victims of domestic violence in Northern Pinal County. CAAFA was awarded a STOP Grant from the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families, Division for Women, and this grant has provided funding for a full-time Legal Advocate. Leah Heathcoat has accepted this position and began offering services in February 2007. In addition to bringing with her a passion and enthusiasm for helping victims, Leah brings experience in the field of domestic violence as she was formerly CAAFA’s Safe Home Advocate.  

According to the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 2007 Legislative Report, the need for legal services in Northern Pinal County for victims of domestic violence continues to grow.  “Nearly every woman we serve requires some type of assistance in navigating through the legal system, whether it be understanding their rights as a victim, obtaining an Order of Protection and having it served, or dealing with divorce and custody issues,” stated Shannon Reyes, CAAFA’s Director of Services.  “Dealing with legal matters can be intimidating, so our goal at CAAFA is to provide victims with legal advocacy services that give them the knowledge and confidence they need to achieve their goals within the justice system,” added Ms. Heathcoat.

CAAFA’s Legal Advocacy Services can assist victims of domestic abuse with the following services:

·        Safety Planning;

·        Assistance with obtaining and filing Orders of Protection or Injunctions against Harassment;

·        Referrals to other legal services and resources;

·        Assistance with obtaining divorce and child custody forms;

·        Information and education about options and rights within all aspects of the legal system;

·        Accompaniment to court (for moral support).

Please note that a legal advocate does not give legal advice, provide legal representation in court or prepare legal documents. 

You can reach CAAFA’s Legal Advocacy Department by calling CAAFA’s outreach office at (480) 982-0205 or by emailing us at legaladvocacy@caafaaz.org.  In order to provide services to all of our communities, our Legal Advocacy Services will be available Mondays 1pm – 4pm in Florence, Tuesdays 1pm – 4:30pm in Queen Creek, and Wednesday through Friday in Apache Junction from 9am – 11am and 1pm – 4pm.  Please call us for additional information.

CAAFA is dedicated to empowering individuals, families and communities affected by domestic abuse. To achieve this, CAAFA utilizes four innovative approaches that include prevention, intervention, community collaboration, and perpetrator accountability. To learn more about domestic abuse and CAAFA, please visit our website www.caafaaz.org or call (480) 982-0205.

Press Release, For Immediate Release    

Contact:           Shannon Reyes, Director of Services

                        Community Alliance Against Family Abuse

                        (480) 982-0205

Eagle Scout’s Service Project Benefits Local Domestic Violence Agency

As part of his commitment to the community, Michael Oborn, a member of Eagle Scout Troop 840, which belongs to the Grand Canyon Council San Tan District, chose to benefit the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) with his service project.

Michael’s project included building one adult sized redwood picnic table with benches and three children sized tables with attached benches.  The project also included Michael, friends, and family faux painting two walls and painting murals on the other three walls in a conference room at CAAFA’s outreach office. “Michael, his mother Pamela Oborn, friend Tava Udall, and the others involved in the painting are wonderful artists.  It is great to have the conference room in which we work with women and children affected by domestic abuse be decorated in such a cheerful and inviting way, stated Shannon Reyes, CAAFA’s Director of Services.”

To complete the service project, Michael enlisted the help of his fellow scouts and leaders, the Priesthood of the Windrift Ward, and Gilbert Stake and the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints. 

In addition to the wonderful picnic tables used at CAAFA’s domestic violence shelter and painting in CAAFA’s outreach office, Michael collected items on CAAFA’s wish list and Tava Udall, who helped with the painting, enlisted the help of her Young Women’s Association to complete a service project that included blankets and pillow cases that were filled with toys and other items.

“We are very grateful for committed community members like Michael and his friends and family who do so much to give back to the community.  Their generosity, caring, and hard work is overwhelming and helps CAAFA continue to create communities free of domestic abuse,” stated Shannon Reyes, CAAFA’s Director of Services.

To access CAAFA’s services or to learn more about domestic violence, please call our crisis line at 480-982-0196 or toll-free at 1-877-982-0196 or visit our website at www.caafaaz.org.  If you are interested in CAAFA volunteer opportunities or would like to make a financial contribution, please call 480-982-0205. 

Apache Junction-  The Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA), a local non-profit organization committed to creating communities free of domestic abuse, would like to thank the community for its generous donations this holiday season. The community supported CAAFA in the form of monetary donations as well as donations of children’s toys, gift cards, and gift items for women living in CAAFA’s shelter.

Throughout the year, CAAFA creates a Wish List of items that help the organization support individuals, families and communities affected by domestic abuse. This year, CAAFA created a Holiday Wish List which included items such as back packs, school supplies, children’s board games, gift cards for food, gift baskets with lotion and body bath, and cleaning and office supplies. Many of the items on CAAFA’s Holiday Wish List were donated during the holiday season.

CAAFA’s Director of Community Partnerships, said, “The generosity of this community is truly amazing. We are very thankful for all of the donations that we received, and we appreciate that people thought of CAAFA. The holidays can be a very difficult time for people who are living in a shelter. The community’s generosity helped to brighten the holidays of the women and children residing in CAAFA’s Safe Home.”

As part of its commitment to improving our community, Florence Prison’s Restorative Justice Program donated over $11,000 to the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA).  The Restorative Justice Program, which focuses on inmate accountability and inmates giving back to the community, raised the money by holding pizza and ice cream sales in five (5) units during the month of December.  Over 2,000 inmates purchased pizza and ice cream raising a total of $11,020!  The proceeds were donated to CAAFA’s direct service programs, which include its shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

Florence Prison believes strongly in restorative justice and provides inmates with education, information, and activities that foster accountability and giving back to the community.  The inmates give back to the community monthly by donating proceeds from the sale of items to local non-profits. Prison staff members also facilitate a voluntary Impact of Crime on Victims (ICVC) class.  The class lasts 10 weeks and it provides education that raises awareness about crime and its impact on victims.

CAAFA was overwhelmed by and very grateful for the generous donation from Florence Prison and its inmates.  CAAFA’s Director of Services, Heidi Haeder-Heild stated, “It is extremely meaningful to us that inmates give back to the community by supporting local non-profit agencies.  The Department of Corrections has always been very supportive of CAAFA and we appreciate it immensely.  Funds from this donation will go directly to supporting and increasing the safety and self-sufficiency of women and children affected by domestic abuse who reside in CAAFA’s shelter.”

To learn more about domestic abuse and CAAFA, please visit our website www.caafaaz.org or call (480) 982-0205.

OfficeMax awarded the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) $5,000 to support the agency’s Youth Violence Prevention Program.  As a part of its commitment to the community, OfficeMax is proud to assist non-profit organizations in their endeavors to improve our community’s well-being through the OfficeMax Advancing Communities Through Service (ACTS) Giving Program. 

Components of CAAFA’s Youth Violence Prevention Program include abuse prevention training, parent/school community presentations, educational classroom presentations, psycho- educational groups, bullying prevention workshops, youth healthy relationship programs, and therapeutic arts-based activity programs.  Launched last year, approximately 2,000 high school students attending Florence, Superior, and Apache Junction High Schools participated in fun and engaging violence and healthy relationship presentations.  Pre and post-test results demonstrated an overall average 22% increase in knowledge with individual answer scores ranging from 8%-185% increases. 

“We are very appreciative of OfficeMax’s generosity and of the support we receive from George Parker, the Apache Junction OfficeMax store manager.  Support from socially responsible corporations like OfficeMax allows CAAFA to continue our efforts to create communities free of domestic abuse.  CAAFA’s Youth Violence Prevention Program had a very successful first year.  We are looking forward to enhancing and expanding the program”, stated Shannon Reyes, Programs Manager of CAAFA

OfficeMax is a leader in both business-to-business office product solutions and retail office products.  OfficeMax delivers an unparalleled customer experience -- in service, in product, in time savings, and in value -- through a relentless focus on its customers. The company provides office supplies and paper, technology products and solutions, and furniture to large, medium and small businesses and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 40,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, Internet and approximately 900 superstores.

George Parker, the store manager of the local Apache Junction OfficeMax store located at 2950 W. Apache Trail stated, “The associates and management team of OfficeMax #1170 in Apache Junction are thrilled that OfficeMax, Inc. has awarded this grant to CAAFA.  We have always supported CAAFA on a local level and this award is just the icing on the cake.  After a presentation last year during our United Way drive, our associates were moved to action because of the urgent needs as well as the great services CAAFA brings to our community.”

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union announced that the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) would receive $10,000 to support the agency’s Youth Violence Prevention Program.  As a part of its commitment to the community, Desert Schools is proud to assist non-profit organizations in their endeavors to improve our community’s well-being through the Desert Schools Community Giving Grant.  Past funding recipients also include the YMCA, Junior Achievement, Valle del Sol, Arizona Saves and others.

Components of CAAFA’s Youth Violence Prevention Program include abuse prevention training, parent/school community presentations, educational classroom presentations, psycho- educational groups, bullying prevention workshops, youth healthy relationship programs, and therapeutic arts-based activity programs.  Launched last year, approximately 2,000 high school students attending Florence, Superior, and Apache Junction High Schools participated in fun and engaging violence and healthy relationship presentations.  Pre and post-test results demonstrated an overall average 22% increase in knowledge with individual answer scores ranging from 8%-185% increases. 

“We appreciate the generosity of Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.  Their support will allow for CAAFA to continue our efforts of creating communities free of domestic abuse.  CAAFA’s Youth Violence Prevention Program had a very successful first year.  We are looking forward to enhancing and expanding the program”, stated Christy Moore, Executive Director of CAAFA

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is Arizona's largest credit union and a financial partner to over 325,000 members in Gila, Maricopa and Pinal Counties.  They are dedicated to providing outstanding member assistance through a full range of financial services, playing a positive role in the community as individuals and an organization, and supporting continuous education.  In Apache Junction, they offer an In-Store Branch located at the Apache Trail Frys on 185 W. Apache Trail.  

The Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA), a local non-profit organization committed to creating communities free of domestic violence, announces its partnership with Gabriel’s Angels, a non-profit provider of pet therapy services for children. Gabriel’s Angels’ mission is to deliver healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children, nurturing their ability to love and trust, thereby freeing them from the cycle of violence. This partnership with CAAFA will allow children who have been affected by domestic violence to receive pet therapy services while they are receiving services from CAAFA.

CAAFA’s Director of Community Partnerships, states that “CAAFA is thrilled to be working with Gabriel’s Angels. Pet therapy can be very comforting for people leaving abusive situations, and it can help them to feel more safe and loved. This is especially important when people’s lives have been impacted by violence.”

The pet therapy team that is joining CAAFA consists of dog handler, Debbie Zapusek, and her dog, Ladi. Ladi is a therapy dog who became certified after he was adopted by Ms. Zapusek from the Apache Junction Animal Care & Control. 

Gabriel's Angels has nearly 70 Certified Pet Therapy Teams that regularly visit crisis nurseries, domestic violence shelters, group homes and homeless shelters in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Each dog must undergo a certification process that involves training and testing, and each human volunteer must also be trained and pass the standard security screening required by state law. Registered Pet Therapy teams offer unconditional love, teach empathy, respect, trust and a host of other life skills that many children have not learned through traditional channels.

In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) has launched a “Silent Witness” campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to increase awareness of domestic abuse and to provide information about where women can find help if they are in an abusive relationship. The “Silent Witness” campaign involves the placement of 12 female silhouettes, each representing a woman who was killed in an incident of domestic abuse.

The female silhouettes list the following statistics about domestic abuse:

• Lost productivity and earning due to intimate partner violence accounts for almost $1.8 billion each year.
• Victims of domestic abuse lose nearly 8.0 million days of paid work each year - the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs and nearly 5.6 million days of household productivity.
• 5.3 million women are abused each year.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.
• Domestic abuse results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year.
• On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the US every day.
• As many as 324,000 women each year experience domestic abuse during their pregnancy.
• Growing up in an abusive environment makes men more likely to be abusive and women more likely to become victims.

The following organizations participated in CAAFA’s “Silent Witness” campaign by placing a silhouette in their business: Apache Junction Library, Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center, Basha’s in Apache Junction, Basha’s in Gold Canyon, Dorothy Nolan Senior Center in Florence, Florence Police Department, Florence Library, the Gold Canyon Golf Resort, the Gold Canyon Salon, Lake Realty in Apache Junction, and Lake Realty in Gold Canyon.  Consistent with National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the “Silent Witness” campaign ran from April 23^rd through April 29^th, 2006.

CAAFA, in partnership with Shelter Alliance, will realize funds for each cell phone contributed…from 50 cents (broken or extremely old) to $40 depending on the condition and style.  Shelter Alliance pays for the postage to ship the phones, does the paperwork, recycles the donated phones and sends the check directly to CAAFA.

On Saturday, March 11^th, 2006, the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) celebrated at its annual fundraiser, Disco Fever.  Over 300 community members enjoyed a catered dinner, danced to the 70’s sounds of “Wonder Boogie”, and raised more than $20,000 for individuals, families and communities affected by domestic abuse.

The festivities came to life at the Moose Lodge in Apache Junction, which was converted into a swank, nightclub atmosphere.  Guests enjoyed a savory menu that was served by community volunteers including Apache Junction Fire District personnel.  For dessert, attendees enjoyed a 4-foot, chocolate fountain and an ice cream sundae bar. 

Apache Junction High School Photography Club provided a photo booth for anyone wishing to memorialize the event, with proceeds benefiting their school.  Costume and dance contest winners were named, and numerous donated drawing items were won.  Guests placed bids on fabulous donated items in a spectacular silent auction valued at over $8,000, and had a chance to win a new 2006 CTS Cadillac.  CAAFA’s own Village People, including Apache Junction City Council Member Joe Severs, performed to the 70’s hit, “YMCA” which rounded out the evening.

The Gold Partner was Soundlighting F/X, and the Silver Partner was SRP.  Copper Supporters included Apache Greyhound Park and Arizona Office Technologies.  Corporate Friends of CAAFA included AHM Mortgage, Andrea and Denny Strieter; Grass, Coffey & Scharlau, CPA’s; McTeufel Inc.; Pinal County Sheriff’s Office; The RoomStore; Wells Fargo; Westcor – Superstition Springs Center.  Individual Friends of CAAFA included Christy Johnson and Mitchell Moore; Linda Richey; Lois and Keith Meyer; Richard and Joan Platt. 

The evening was dedicated to Jennifer, herself a victim and survivor of domestic abuse.  Just a few short years ago Jennifer’s life was turned upside down when her relationship became violent.  With two small children, Jennifer fled with nothing but the clothes on her back.  Now an advocate for safety, health and justice, Jennifer’s courage and strength provided inspiration and wisdom to all who attended.