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4.28.08 | Expanding a Violence-free Future: Youth violence prevention and education program to reach Yellowstone County
Featured Organization: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for Carbon County
The first interaction Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for Carbon County (DSVS) had with the Washington Foundation was through Philanthropy Northwest. The umbrella philanthropic networking organization for the region holds a regular meeting in Red Lodge, Montana where DSVS is headquartered. "Another grantor invited us to present to the group and that's how we came into contact with the Washington Foundation," said Allison Smith-Estelle, DSVS Executive Director.
DSVS works within Carbon County to "eliminate domestic and sexual violence through awareness and prevention activities, and to provide coordinated support and services to women, children, families and communities impacted by this violence." The organization conducts intensive prevention work in schools throughout Carbon County.
The Washington Foundation grant will allow DSVS to extend their work into neighboring Yellowstone County. "We've been asked to expand our program, but didn't have the funding or people power to do it before. This grant is the first major funding for the initiative in Yellowstone County," said Smith-Estelle. "Our hope is that other donors will come on board as well."
The Yellowstone County initiative doesn't officially kick off until this summer, but already area schools are already excited about the prospect. "We've gotten coverage in the Billings Gazette and people have been observing what we do," said Smith-Estelle.
One of DSVS' major prevention events concluded in mid-April, the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Summit. Carbon County students in grades 8-12 attended a daylong prevention education event. Activities are designed to challenge students' ideas about violence, gender and relationships. They are taught how to react if they witness violent behavior. Self-defense instruction and small group discussions are also part of the day. The summit provides a place for teenagers to learn about issues of violence and how these issues affect their personal relationships and their communities as a whole. The environment is one of openness where students can speak freely with one another.
Next year, the Washington Foundation grant will fund a summit for Yellowstone County. "We had people from Yellowstone County attend to see what we do," said Smith-Estelle.
As the organization looks forward to the expanded program, Smith-Estelle reflects on what the grant means in terms of improving the quality of life for youth in her region. "Violence is a major public health issue. It's an academic issue among young people. The statistics on health, school performance and self-esteem are staggering," said Smith-Estelle. "This grant is helping more teens grow up with the ability to navigate relationships without violence."
